No Brainer for Getting More Attention on Etsy: Monthly Merchandising Desk

Contributed by Melissa Kojima --- Artist in LA LA Land

Okay, like I've said before, sometimes, I'm a little slow to the draw.  I've not won any races for that, but I do get to the finish line anyway.  So I'm sharing more helpful tidbits that I've found.   And if you haven't found them yet either, you may find them good info too.

So here it is:  MONTHLY MERCHANDISING DESK on ETSY!  How's this suppose to help you?  Well, a lot of people make treasuries (including me) based on what's hot, trendy or seasonal and the merchandising desk gives you a lot of ideas for exactly that each and every month.  It's not asking you to make your shop over, but if you add some of those TAG & KEY WORDS that are appropriate to your shop and items, you'll get found easier by me who is making treasuries and others who are searching Etsy for seasonal items.  It has helped me to get found more, and to find you easier.  Unfortunately, I may not have found you yet, but these monthly ideas may help.

Read them at the 1st of every month.  Incorporate them into your shop and items!  Good luck and I hope we meet again soon----or for the first time!

In Case You Didn't Know: How To Get Your Treasury Onto Your Blogs

Contributed by Melissa Kojima --- Artist in LA LA Land

Yeah, sometimes I'm a bit slow.  So in case I'm not the only one, I thought I'd share this great FREE tool to help you share treasuries that you've made or that you're featured in. It's on Craft Cult.  You just add your username and find either all the treasuries you've made or the treasuries you've been featured in. You can make a widget with it, grab the code and share it on your blogs or other websites.  It's so easy that I'm  glad I finally found it.  It also has many other useful tools to help you with your Esty shop.  Check it out if you haven't already.  You'll be seeing me use it more on this blog.

How To Relax During Holiday Rush

Aquamarine & Lapis Lazuli Sterling Silver Stacking Rings. Rings & Photo by Emily Wiser

Worried and frazzled during Etsy's holiday rush? Here are some tips to help you relax and enjoy the ride. 1) Make a work schedule and stick to it. It will stop you from worrying about what comes next. 2) Keep an online calendar of important events. Need to reorder boxes regularly? You can schedule your reminders on Google's online calendar, and have it email reminders. 3) Take a break. Get a massage. Walk around the block. Drink some Tension Tamer Tea by Celestial Seasonings. 4) Exercise. It's been proven to help you with stress. And you'll get to use different muscles from the ones you normally use for crafting. 5) Make your friends and family help you. Sure, they can't help you make your items. They don't know how to knit or sew, but they can run packages to the post office, cook you dinner, and help clean up your studio.