Free and Easy Way to Promote Your Etsy Shop

One of my friends recently opened her own Etsy shop, BowsByBache. I gave her a few tips I've learned along the way. My own shop opened in January of 2009.

One big tip for spreading the word is quick, easy and free.

Set up an automatic tag-line or signature-line for your outgoing email messages. It should say something like: My Etsy Shop (and then put your link).

These automatic lines will go on every piece of outgoing email you write. It doesn't matter if you are forwarding a batch of adorable baby (or pet) photos. It doesn't matter if you are re-sending a bunch of clever cartoons that you just received. It doesn't matter if the only thing your outgoing message says is, "Yep, I'll be there."

That final line on all of that outgoing mail will mention your shop and how to find it.

Now, do not expect immediate wealth. I have had my signature line on all my emails for several years, but not everyone clicks on that line right away. I've had friends tell me that they kept meaning to check it out, finally did just that, and love my shop.

The main thing is that you do not necessarily need zillions of hits, but you do need some steady buyers. You can't get buyers unless they know you have that shop and how to find it.

So, right now, go add that automatic line to your emails.

One more thing - Be sure to copy-and-paste the URL. Too many folks make a very common typo when inserting their Etsy address - they type "Esty" instead of "Etsy." Very common, but very deadly for your business. If someone goes to a bad link, chances are that they will not bother to do a search to find the right one. Help them out - get it right when you paste it into your signature line.