Etsy sellers need to think dynamically about how to make
their Etsy Squares stand out from the pack.
In essence, you need to brand your Etsy Squares, so the buyer knows it is your Etsy shop and your Etsy item just by glancing quickly at the square.
And when we say brand, we don't mean to just put big words "My Shop Name Here" in your square, but to visually brand your images. Make them work for you 110%.
Our steps will hopefully help you accomplish this goal.
If you want to research this more, you can probably search for ways to maximize your Etsy 'thumbnail.' We like saying "Etsy Squares" though, so we are going with that. ;-)
Listing Separates and Accessories
Back on September 2nd Rachel Nicole asked:
Loving this so far! But I do have a question...
What would you suggest we do for pants pictures?
You said too far away isn't good, but how else do you show the pants?
I mean, you could post a picture of the doll face with a bit of shirt,
I mean, you could post a picture of the doll face with a bit of shirt,
but then the pants won't show, and people won't know it's a listing for the pants?
Any advice?
xo, rn
www.rachelnicoleblog.com
Any advice?
xo, rn
www.rachelnicoleblog.com
Alisha echoed this comment the next day:
I was going to ask the same question about the pants. I'm glad that you will be doing a post on separates. I have loved reading these posts so far and I am looking forward to reading more.
~Alisha L. :)
~Alisha L. :)
So What Do We Do?
We Start with a Blurred-Out Background
Etsy Squares for Separates and Accessories look best with a blurred-out background, which we have discussed previously in several steps, including Step #2:
Dawn commented on that post with some advice, which hopefully she doesn't mind me repeating here for y'alls: "If I might...I just thought I'd add a little tip for those trying to take that next step towards the type of photography you are suggesting. This is sort of an “in between” step to going from AUTO to full MANUAL which can be very scary and daunting.
To get that "blurry" look with your camera/lens as opposed to doing it in post processing, try changing your camera setting from AUTO to APERTURE PRIORITY and then experiment. By "going down" in your AP (aperture priority) number, you will create a "shallow depth of field" which translated into novice language, means; a blurry background and foreground.
So, for example; an aperture of f2.5 is going to produce a photo that has a very blurry background and foreground and only a very small area around your focus point will be clearly in focus. If you set your aperture on f13, most likely everything in your foreground and background will ALL be in focus.
Take a couple hours to experiment…that’s the beauty of digital photography is that you can practice, practice, practice and not have to wait for the roll of film to come back, lol. One word of caution when shooting at a very low, aka “wide-open” aperture is…you have to be careful to put your focus point on the exact place you want to have tack-sharp or else you’ll not get the results you desire. Hope this helps someone!"
Check out Dawn's daughter's Etsy Shop:
We mentioned this blurred-out background technique
quickly in Step #6, pointing out the photography style of
She provides some good examples of Separates Listings:
As we said in the last Step, we'd show the doll's face in tops listings, such as for tees, tanks, hoodies, jackets, dresses, as well as for hats, scarves, jewelry.
You don't have to show the whole face, but a little bit more than a chin.
Here are more examples of her beautifully photographed Etsy Squares:
Experiment with your camera settings to achieve these types of images.
And when you are brave enough, try to manually focus.
It is easier to get that blurred-out background when you photograph outdoors,
as you can see in Mon Chat's pics.
But you can also accomplish this indoors.
Here are some great Etsy Squares for Ball-Jointed Doll Clothing:
Even though these listings are not for American Girl dolls, you can tell how professionally photographed these items are and note the blurred-out backgrounds.
So now we can start a run-down of things to keep in mind
when photographing and listing Separates:
1) Try to get at least one great shot of your separate/accessory
with a blurred-out background.
But don't just stop at one, take a bunch of pictures!
2) Always, always, always, always have your item with/on an American Girl doll in your Square (unless it is for another doll brand, of course).
3) When photographing your item try taking both up-close and full item shots.
For example, we like these really, really close-up shots,
they are so pretty and tempting!
From Woodland Pines:
Janie Jumps has also done some beautiful Squares with close-ups:
And Closet 4 Chloe is also a master at the close-up Square:
As well as Camelot's Treasures:
Here are some great full-item pictures:
For BFC Ink Doll, but a great example of an eye-catching Square for a top:
4) When photographing shoes, always make sure that the
Square shows them on the doll.
We understand with shoes why we don't see the doll's face,
but we do need to see how they fit on the doll's feet.
If the Square does not show the shoes on an American Girl doll's feeties/legs, we don't click on the Square. We may "Favorite" the item, but we don't click through to the listing.
Some good examples of shoe Squares:
5) When photographing a doll purse or bag try to incorporate at least
the doll's hand into the Square.
Some American Girl Doll examples:
Some Ball-Jointed Doll examples:
6) With smaller accessories,
always keep in mind the following question:
How do I convey with my photograph that
this product is for an American Girl Doll?
Always show us the doll in some way:
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let us know!!!
_________________
Up next we'll start critiquing specific shops' Squares by request!
These posts will help both the shopkeeper and you!
We have had a couple requests to "critique someone's squares" --
so we will offer this service to you completely free.
But it does mean we'll post about it on here, haha.
That way our advice can help as many people as possible.
Even the shy peeps who don't ask us to critique their squares. ;-)
So if you want your squares critiqued,
comment below or email us at nora.demington@gmail.com.
When we are able to, we'll post about your squares and our advice and examples on how to improve them.
(We'll be starting this process next.)
We have several more steps for how to Brand Your Etsy Squares to help you learn more about what types of squares we tend to click on and how to make them yourself.
We'll be working these into the Squares Critiques.
So Stay Tuned!!!
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