This post will go over a few things you can do to maximize the value of your knitted craft listings so that you can maximize your earning potential.
Take Quality Photos of Your Crafted Knitted Items
When searching listings on marketplaces by Etsy, many potential customers will scroll through and click on those that are visually appealing. Taking a picture that stand out among your competition will increase the likelihood that your product will be viewed (and potentially purchased).
Here are a few things you can try to take better photos:
1. Camera
Use a quality camera that allows you to take clear images with depth. Even if you can’t use a professional photographer, pictures taken from a good camera will be clearer overall.
2. Angles
Try different angles. Move around your knitted object and take images from every angle. Stand on a chair to get an overhead angle or kneel down to get a lower angle. Adjust the item occasionally. As you practice, you will find what works better than other photos and gradually become a better photographer over time.
3. Model
Use a model if possible. If your knitwear is wearable, people enjoy seeing it on a person. It allows them to visualize how the item will look on themselves.
4. Tutorials
Watch YouTube tutorials for ideas on how to take better pictures. There are many fantastic YouTube channels that you can watch for free. Check out the following content creators:
- Art of Photography
- Jessica Kobeissi
- FStoppers
- Mango Street
- Jamie Windsor
- Thomas Heaton
5. Check Out What Others Are Doing
Look at what other influencers or knit sellers are doing to market their items. Take note of the quality of their images, how their products are described, and the popularity that surrounds them. You may be able to pick up a tip or two on how to market your own brand.
6. Learn Basic Editing Skills
Use apps or photo editing software to edit the images to make them stand out a little bit more. Many are intuitive, but you can also find great tutorials online.
Describe the Knitted Item and Its Style
If you are selling knitted hats, describe the style of hat you have created. Is it a fedora? Is it an earflap hat (which many of my friends call snowboarder hats)? People who are looking for a specific style are likely to type it in to narrow their searches to that style. The only way Etsy or any other marketplace will know that your hat is of that style is if you type it in your listing.
Make sure to mention any unique designs on your hat as well. Did you use bobbles or cables? Did you emulate a design from a character, such as this Cthulhu hat? If you were searching listings for your hat, what would you type in to describe it?
Also, include the color and the size of the item. Use a sizing chart (or link to one) if necessary. That way, people will know before they complete their purchase if the item will work for them. Use descriptive words throughout your listing.
What Will the Item Be Used For?
Write out how your knitted item will be used. Paint an image for your customers so that they automatically visualize it and will be more likely to purchase it. If there are special uses or multiple uses, list those so that they will show up for unique searches.
Explain What Yarn and Notions You Used on Your Craft for Sale
Detail the yarn you used. If you don’t want to use the brand name, explain what fibers it is made out of and include percentages. This is especially true if you used sustainable yarns. Many people who are willing to spend a little extra for their items will do so if it is handcrafted out of sustainable materials.
Include washing instructions so that the purchaser is informed. Not everyone knows how to properly wash and dry items made from 100% wool.
Include what motions used with your item. This includes anything you used for filling or lining the knitted craft. Detail the type of buttons or handles used and where they were sourced.
What Pattern Did You Use?
While this isn’t always necessary, you can link to the pattern that inspired your item. If you designed the knitting pattern and sell it elsewhere, it may be a good idea to link to it. Some knitters will browse listings for ideas on things they want to knit and seeing your pattern listed may generate you a different, more passive sale.
If you are interested in learning how to design and sell patterns, there are several knitwear design books that have been written with you in mind.
Answer Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few extra things you should add to your listing that are based on frequently asked questions:
- Is your home pet-free and smoke-free?
- Is the item already created or will it be knitted after it is purchased?
- Are customizations okay? What types of customizations?
- Do you wholesale?
- Can you make knitted items in different sizes? Which sizes?
- When will the item be shipped? How will it be shipped?
Answering these questions in the listing will help minimize the queries you get through email, which will save you substantial amounts of time.
