If you’re selling on Etsy, you’re not just in the handmade or artisanal business, you’re also in the business of swaying clients.
Easy to say but tricky to implement?
Not really.
Etsy provides you with a solid framework for swaying clients into buying from you over and over again. That is… if you know what you’re doing.
Here’s how to become intentional in your relationship with your customers and, more importantly, how to keep them happy and excited about your products. Let’s go!
1. Offer More Than Expected: Free Samples Or Small Gifts
Everybody loves free stuff, so why not take advantage of this humanly fact and surprise your clients with a small sample inside their order? Receiving more than they expected will establish a greater connection with your shop and products. Not to mention, you’ll be very likely to receive over-the-moon feedback when review time rolls along.
Another way to set this idea in motion is to list various batches of samples so that clients can test what they’re buying before going for the full-size products. This strategy works particularly well for those of you who sell cosmetics: perfume samples, soap samples etc.
2. Top-Notch Customer Service
This one can’t be highlighted enough: timely replies, frequent shipping days and transparent processing times are key not just for drawing in new clients, but also for delighting those you already have.
A consistent part of a stellar customer service is also represented by your shop policies. Fill them in as completely and clearly as you can – they’ll save you lots of headaches in the long run.
3. Be Where Your Clients Are
I
t’s important to stay in touch with present and future customers in the places they spend most of their time in: social media.
There’s no denying the ever-growing power of social media nowadays, so you MUST get in on the fun if you haven’t already. Because of their visual nature, most Etsy businesses will find Instagram and Facebook the most suitable platforms to reach out and connect with fellow sellers and customers alike.
A word of caution, though? Don’t just hop on social media to promote your products. Instead, insert bits from behind the scenes here and there in your feed. Or why not, show your followers what inspires you and keeps you going. Stay on their radar and they’ll do the same in return.
4. Express Your Gratitude
A simple way of showing your customers exactly how important they are to you is to include custom thank you notes in their orders. A small card, however simple, shows dedication and appreciation. Customers love to feel… loved! Plus, they’ll feel reassured that spending their hard-earned money in your shop was the right decision.
If you want to keep the relationship going online, consider including your social media links on the card. This way, you’ll encourage your customers to stay in touch in the digital space. Keep in mind this though: only include those profiles that are active and constantly updated.
5. Be Open For Custom Orders
People love buying and having items that are unique or at least personalized. And who could blame them? There’s something very special about owning a one-of-a-kind product. So, if the types of products you’re selling allow it, why not open up for custom orders?
You can make this as easy (simple monograms) or as elaborate (bespoke orders) as you want. Finally, offer the option in the listing of your original product or, why not, as a completely separate listing. The choice is yours.
Good luck!