“Ugh, I don’t know what to post!”
If you’ve ever said that when it comes to social media, you’re not alone!
Many Etsy sellers use social media as a way to promote their Etsy shop. It’s a great way to connect with your followers, share behind the scenes of what it’s like to run your shop and build brand awareness.
But I’m sure there are times when you’re not sure what to post or feel uninspired.
So if you feel like you need some inspiration when it comes to posting to social media as an Etsy seller and maker, here are some tips of what to post and not post when it comes to social media.
Show your product in use
Followers love these types of photos. Showing your product out in the “wild” is a great way to tell the story of your product and visually help your customer be able to envision your product in their life. Lifestyle photos are super popular on social media so get creative!
Show your product packaging
Whether it’s a box full of orders ready to be dropped off at the post office or you’re showing off your new product labels that just came in, showing off your packaging helps show your followers (and potential customers) what they can expect when purchasing from you. They love seeing what personal touches you put on your packaging. Learn why photographing your packaging can make you stand out as an online seller.
Showing your work in progress (WIP)
There’s nothing like seeing the evolution of art being made. This type of content was super popular during 2020 when many of us were sheltering in place at home. Makers and artists began live-streaming videos or sharing video clips of themselves creating as we watched from our screens at home. While you don’t have to shoot video (video is really engaging and fun), you can take photos showing the progress of how you create your work. It gives your followers insight into how you create.
And if you’re an Etsy seller who sells vintage products or craft supplies, you can always give a sneak peek into what products you just got in and what will be in your shop soon.
Show your workspace
Whether it’s your dining room table or a studio space you’re renting, showing your followers where you create can help them visualize where you are when you’re working on your products. How do you organize your materials and supplies? What's it like to run an online handmade business? Give them a sneak peek into your world!
Share a photo of you
I know a lot of makers can get uncomfortable about being on the other side of the camera, but showing your face once in a while can remind people that you're the person behind the business. You're not a robot running a small business, but an actual person. So get in front of the camera once in a while and show them the person they're support every time they share your content and buy from your business.
Don’t make your feed look like your Etsy shop
While it’s fine to post product photos here and there, why make your social media feed look like your Etsy shop? If your followers want to scroll through your Etsy shop, they’ll go to your Etsy shop, not your social media feed. Social media is an outlet to show more of who you are, your business, etc. Don’t bore your followers with basic boring product photos. Share with them other content like how you got started in your business, what inspires you, what are some of your other hobbies, etc. Show them you're more than your products.
Don’t post blurry, out of focus, poorly lit photos of your product
Whether you’re taking photos for your listings or social media, don’t post bad photos of your product. Imagine a new restaurant taking poorly lit, blurry photos of their dishes and posting them online. Do photos of dark, blurry food photos get your tummy rumbling? Probably not. The same goes for physical products. When you’re selling products online, do your best to take sharp, clear well-lit photos of your product. If you’re struggling with lighting, click here to learn how to better light your handmade products.
Don’t post only when you’re having a sale, listing a new product, etc.
If you’re having a sale, vending at a local market, listing a new product, then by all means share it on social media! But don’t update your feed only when you’re selling something. Mostly people don’t like following or engaging with content that’s always saying, “Hey I’m having a sale. Hey I just listed something new. Hey I’m vending at this market next weekend. Hey here’s another new product in the shop.” Salesy content is fine once in a while, but it gets old real fast and can turn off your followers. Make sure you’re balancing your sales posts with other content that adds value.
So the next time you go to post to social media and you’re looking for some help, try some of these tips out! Social media is a great way to share more of your story as a handmade seller and help your followers to get to know you more on a personal level.
What's 1 thing you're going to do next time you post on social media? Leave a comment below!