The wonderful (and interesting) world of Etsy: Part 2

You'll remember from my last posting that Etsy have a long list of things that you they suggest you do to make your shop successful.  I found this list quite daunting at first but have decided to attack it in a logical manner and just work through it.
     My banner (you will notice) now has a description of what I will be selling above and below the title.  (Cool, huh?  ... Go on, admit it, you're impressed!).  However it does not include any pictures of pieces I'm selling which is a further recommendation.  In all honesty, I am rebelling.  I like the picture.  I want to keep it.  I think it is distinctive and gives a feel for what my world is like.  One day, my straw hat may be the equivalent of Tilda's lovely dolls or Tif's bunny rabbit with a croche'ed cape.  So, for the moment it is staying.  
   
Next, is the photos of your products.  Having put my one piece of Mytton on the site, I have found out that the pictures are all wrong.  Yes, they show the picture very clearly.  Yes, they show the detail.  However, they do not tick all the boxes for a good set of pictures if you want something to sell.  Out comes the camera, and off I disappear with my tureen to be a bit creative.

Hint #1  Experiment ... Play with backgrounds and angles.

I think its worked well.  I thought that their idea of messing about with a background would detract from the plate but, actually this piece of tapestry works really well (about to be used for infinity scarves and put on Etsy!) bringing out the very traditional style of the piece.  I think the gold placemat works well too, showing the gilding detail beautifully.

Hint #2 Keep product in context
    Thoroughly enjoyed playing around with this idea ...

Hint #3 Answer questions
    This is the detail.  I've tried to show as much of the intricate painting on the side of the piece.  I've kept the original shot showing the ceramic mark on the bottom.

All in all, I'm really chuffed with this.  I think the new photos certainly show the piece in a lovely way. 

    The lesson learned is that Etsy's advice is worth listening too (obviously!) and there is a lot on there showing the way.  However, I also think that we shouldn't be too obsessed with it.  Slowly, slowly, catchee monkey :) and I will try to have a successful site that is still very much "My Ditsy World".

Right, the light is going and I'd like to try and get a couple more pieces of vintage ceramics onto Etsy.  Armed with my new techniques, I'm looking forward to this!