I don't get particularly worried about most of the changes that etsy brings out (especially now that I'm focusing on my own website), although I have to admit that a lot of them make me do this:
However, the changes that have just been made to the profile pages really do have potential to impact negatively on sellers in my opinion. Profile pages now feature all of your favourites and treasuries in a way that does not distinguish them clearly from your own products, and they are featured quite prominently.
I can see how this is a great idea for buyer-only accounts because it should help to promote sellers. It is also probably a very clever move for the site as a whole, as it might increase the chance of buyers spotting something they like from a different shop and they'll make a purchase. Not so great if you bring in your own traffic and lose buyers because they click away to other shops featured in your profile!
MagicJelly made some great points in an etsy forum thread- if this is part of the move towards etsy becoming more of a 'social' site, why couldn't seller profiles feature blog integration, press appearances, CVs or artist statements and links to our twitter and facebook profiles?
I've made all of my favourites and treasuries private and I guess that's the end of me making treasuries. The fact that these new changes weren't made optional just explodes my brain a little bit ( ...perhaps due in part to previous episodes of *headdesk*-ing).
What are your thoughts? Love? Hate? Indifferent?
I'm not so hot on the profile changes, either. I have always used favorites as a way to bookmark resources for suppliers as I like to get them from other Etsy sellers if I can. I think it just makes my profile look junkie. I'm moving my business model more towards wholesale and less towards Etsy over the next six months anyway, which was a decision I had already made. Etsy is a great place to showcase and try out new lines but is also getting expensive since your listings are getting buried so fast.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know they had done anything until I saw this post and just had a look... but I like it.
ReplyDeleteI don't make treasuries and I don't buy supplies from etsy so perhaps that's why?!
I could easily see what the shop sold and what they liked from other stores... I didn't get muddled on that part but then I am an Etsian, don't know what outsiders would think... Hopefully they would "get it".
hummm, food for thought. Before I had my favorites hidden because I didn't want folks who have gotten that far into my shop to click away...now they can click away, I'm afraid I jumped on the band wagon way to soon, I think I would like the option of what is displayed on my profile page. Thanks for thinking of all these reasons, off to find that forum thread......
ReplyDeleteKim
1022seashellave.etsy.com
Thank you for this post - I was unaware that there had been any changes until I read your blog!
ReplyDeleteAnd I do wish Etsy would consult us sellers a little more, and work on fixing some of the real problems that both buyers and sellers have with the site, instead of faffing about with cosmetic changes and increasing opportunities for buyers to leave my shop as soon as they've dropped by...
I'd really much rather they put more effort into improving overall Google exposure, because unless my views and sales start picking up again I'm going to have to seriously rethink my commitment to Etsy :)
Anyway, I took a look at my profile and decided I didn't like the changes, so I've hidden all my favorites (and my purchases too) and have deleted almost all my treasuries. Which presumably defeats the reason Etsy made those changes in the first place? But at least it improves "my" profile page, though I don't understand why Etsy felt the need to add my favorites and my treasuries there in the first place!
I like the way it looks as a buyer. It's always fun to see what others have favorited, and I've found some great shops that way. However, as a seller, I'm not crazy about leading people away from my shop once they have finally found me.
ReplyDeleteMy main objection here is: no choice for the owner of the profile!
ReplyDeleteWhat I did: deleted all my Ts and hearted 12 items from my other shops here.
I am not happy with the profile changes either. In fact I am really disappointed with most of the recent changes etsy has made (anonymous feedback, shortening the announcement etc). It seems like they are not thinking things through properly and are not listening to seller concerns.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing that I am working on a big cartel store so I don't have to rely on them in the future.
I have to agree with those who don't like the new profile changes. I have made my favorites private now, too.
ReplyDeleteIt gets harder and harder to remain an etsy cheerleader these days. I, too, am working on my own website. I'll see what kind of traffic is generated by holiday craft show referrals.
For those of you who want a place for your wholesale line sheets check out trunkt --here's a link to one of my lines there: http://creativebeadz.trunkt.com/linesheets/910
Once I made my favorites and purchase private, the bio looks fabulous! All you see is my shop, bio and info.
ReplyDeleteI think the only think that might irritate would be the way it cuts off the bio.
I'm going to continue to take deep breaths and wait until the storm passes to see what's left in its wake :)
I'm adopting a "wait and see" approach. I don't really like the way it looks, but I really don't want to make my favorites private--I like for people to know when I heart them! I never look at other sellers' profiles, so I'm wondering how many other people don't either, and just how much the change is REALLY going to affect us.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that really gripes me is the cutting off of the bio. With a big block of my stuff and a big block of my favorites on the right side, there's plenty of room for the whole bio (if it's relatively short like mine) or at least MORE of the bio (if it's a novel). When I click on the "read more" and my whole bio pops up, it still doesn't take up all the space to the bottom of the pictures of my favorites on the right.
I would have to agree with some earlier commenters that Etsy seems to roll out all these "bells and whistles" without fully contemplating the ramifications. Sigh.