Ryan
Monday, August 29, 2011
New Article Coming...
I've started a new article regarding using Joomla to bolster sales on Etsy, but it'll be fairly in depth, so it might take a few days. I'll have it up soon. Promise.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Automating Your SEO Efforts On Etsy
Hi, everybody. Ryan (Lesley's husband) here. I'm a computer systems integrator in "real life". As we started to build up Whimsy Bag's web presence, it occurred to us we needed to build an automated system to avoid creating a proverbial "monster", admin-wise. When you look at getting all your social media to sync up and carry a similar message, it can appear really daunting, maybe even impossible.
I'm writing to detail how we're set up behind the scenes, to explain how we get our message across to so many social media outlets. Whimsy Bags on Esty (http://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsybags) is only 3 months old, but we're sporting 45,000 page views so far, so I think we're doing alright.
In order to execute SEO (Search Engine Optimization), it's a known fact that your "footprint" determines how many links back to your site you create. Driving users to where you make sales requires performing well on search engine indexes. While there are many ways to game the system (SENuke, I'm looking at you), what we wanted to do was more organic in nature. We needed to build a credible, solid set of links reaching back to our sales page on Etsy. What we ended up with was a string of websites using automation, cronjobs and CMS extensions, all connected and communicating. Each new posting on Etsy resulted in a Tweet, a Facebook post and a new article identical to the Etsy posting on our CMS.
Let's begin with the chain of sites we run, and how the data travels:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsybags feeds...
http://www.whimsybags.com feeds...
http://twitter.com/#!/WhimsyBags feeds...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsy-Bags/254794347874520
Four different websites, based on four different architectures. Let's talk about each.
Etsy (http://www.etsy.com)...
We needed to get our products out of Etsy's website. Having our content only reside there was not an option. A million registered users sounds like a lot, but compared to Amazon's 650 million users, it's not that impressive. So, what's the answer?
Simple: RSS.
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/rss)
RSS (originally RDF Site Summary, often dubbed Really Simple Syndication) is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works, such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format. An RSS document (which is called a "feed", "web feed", or "channel") includes full or summarized text, plus metadata such as publishing dates and authorship.
Unfortunately, Etsy has very limited RSS capabilities, in the sense that they don't advertise how to pull individual RSS/XML feeds with any sort of granularity.
Dreading the duplication effort required to run four sites, I started investigating how Etsy's RSS responded to queries. I couldn't find anything that described how to query Etsy and obtain RSS responses by section, which resulted in many hours of frustration.
After more than a few attempts, I found that you could call for an RSS by section like this:
www.etsy.com/shop/sitename/rss?section_id=number_of_your_section
Select one of your sections from your shop (and this is a random example):
www.etsy.com/shop/SewnNatural?section_id=5786794
...and edit the following query, looking something like this...
www.etsy.com/shop/SewnNatural/rss?section_id=5786794
Depending on your browser, you'll need to open a blank tab to view the XML. Otherwise (in some instances) you'll just be redirected to the section you're requesting an RSS feed of.
Once you have your RSS feeds for your shop sections, you can import your items as articles into a Content Management System. I prefer Joomla, but all of them import RSS in one way or another.
Which brings us to Whimsy Bags (http://www.WhimsyBags.com)...
I used FeedGator (http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/news-production/automatic-articles/13573) to import Etsy items to my site. I also redirect all articles to the original Etsy page automatically. This way I use Etsy to do all sales.
Finally, I set up a cronjob to make sure the RSS feeds were pulled into our Joomla site on a regular basis.
FeedGator now publishes each new item from Etsy as a new article on WhimsyBags.com.
On to Twitter (http://www.twitter.com)...
In order to get our articles from Joomla to Twitter, we had to figure out which Joomla Extension worked best. There are literally thousands of extensions to download, but a more than a few of them are "commercial", meaning you need to pay for them.
I played around with quite a few of the "non-commercial" (see: free) ones. I settled on
the "Sharable Plugin" (http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/social-web/republish/17477), configured it for our Twitter handle (@whimsybags), and saw each article send off a tweet.
Note: Sharable Plugin for Joomla only allows tweeting of new articles. If you have a lot of content in your site prior to deploying this plugin, simply unpublish and republish all your articles. You will see all of your articles queued up within the Sharable Job Control Panel.
Finally, we arrive at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsy-Bags/254794347874520, the Whimsy Bags company Facebook page...
When you create your new FB company page, you have the option to connect Twitter to Facebook. Select "Edit Page" from your company home page, and select the Twitter application. Follow the instructions, and you will soon be receiving the tweets from Twitter.
I think we'll have to blog, tweet and FB post every so often, if for no other reason than to make it appear we aren't as automated as we are. Still, it's nice to know that we don't have to manually update four different sites.
Contact us if you have any questions about the process. We're eager to hear feedback about any of our sites!
Cheers,
Ryan
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Vintage Fairy Land 15x15 Canvas Tote with Shoulder Strap or Hand Strap - other sizes available
This is a great "Fairy Land" image transferred onto a high-quality 15x15 inch canvas tote with 4 inch gusset and 26 inch shoulder strap or hand strap (note preference in transaction details).
I can also apply the design to a 13x13 inch cotton twill bag with hand strap for $8, a 10x16 muslin pouch with drawstring top for $8. These sizes make great goody bags or gift bags, as well as small shopping or library totes. Want it personalized? No problem -- just $1.00 per bag! Maybe one for your party guests or bridal party with their name on it?
If you prefer a larger tote option for a more overnight or beach bag style, I can offer this design on a 14x18 inch canvas tote with 4 inch gusset, zippered top, and a 26 inch shoulder strap for $12.00.
See my other listings for examples of what the bags look like! Please convo me with special requests for bag styles, multiple bag orders or font color/styles with names.
Thank you!
Fantastic Vintage Bicycle Image on 15x15 Canvas Tote with Shoulder Strap - other sizes available
This is great vintage bicycle illustration which will be transferred onto a high-quality 15x15 inch canvas tote with 4 inch gusset and 26 inch shoulder strap or hand strap (note preference in transaction details).
I can also apply the design to a 13x13 inch cotton twill bag with hand strap for $8, a 10x16 muslin pouch with drawstring top for $8. These sizes make great goody bags or gift bags, as well as small shopping or library totes. Want it personalized? No problem -- just $1.00 per bag! Maybe one for your party guests or bridal party with their name on it?
If you prefer a larger tote option for a more overnight or beach bag style, I can offer this design on a 14x18 inch canvas tote with 4 inch gusset, zippered top, and a 26 inch shoulder strap for $12.00.
See my other listings for examples of what the bags look like! Please convo me with special requests for bag styles, multiple bag orders or font color/styles with names.
Thank you!
Great Vintage Carp illustration transferred onto 15x15 Canvas Tote -- other bag sizes available
This tote features a fun vintage carp illustration from an old book, transferred onto a conveniently sized 15x15 high-quality canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat-bottom gusset. The image is professionally heat transferred to the bag, and will wear well wash after wash.
If you prefer a different size or style of bag, I can also offer this image on a 13x13 cotton twill tote with hand strap and 3 inch gusset for $8.00, a 16x16 muslin drawstring pouch for $7, or a roomy 14x18 zippered top canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat bottom gusset for $12.00.
If you would like the item personalized with a name, it is an additional $1.00. Please convo me for a custom listing for personalization, so I can do a proof for you.
Please convo me for any bulk orders or special requests.
Thank you!
Authentic "Poach" Canvas Bag with zipper top and shoulder strap - available in other sizes and colors
Would you like your own, authentic "Poach" bag zip top canvas bag 14x18 with a 4 inch gusset and 26 inch shoulder strap? Image applied via professional heat transfer.
I can also offer this design on a 15x15 canvas tote bag with shoulder strap or hand strap and 4 inch gusset for $10, or a 13x13 inch cotton twill bag with 3 inch gusset and hand strap for $8. The larger make great travel or beach bags! The small size is great for gift bags, party favors, goody bags, etc.
Personalization is available for $1.00 extra per bag.
Please convo me with special requests and bulk orders and I will make a custom listing for you!
Authentic P&G Canvas Bag with zipper top and shoulder strap - available in other sizes and colors
Would you like your own, authentic "P&G" bag (Pretentious and Gaudy? : ) ; zip top canvas bag14x18 with a 4 inch gusset and 26 inch shoulder strap? Image applied via professional heat transfer.
I can also offer this design on a 15x15 canvas tote bag with shoulder strap or hand strap and 4 inch gusset for $10, or a 13x13 inch cotton twill bag with 3 inch gusset and hand strap for $8. The larger make great travel or beach bags! The small size is great for gift bags, party favors, goody bags, etc.
Personalization is available for $1.00 extra per bag.
Please convo me with special requests and bulk orders and I will make a custom listing for you!
Alice in Wonderland White Rabbit with Watch illustration transferred onto 15x15 Canvas Tote -- other bag sizes available
This tote features an original Alice in Wonderland illustration of the white rabbit with his coat and watch, transferred onto a conveniently sized 15x15 high-quality canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat-bottom gusset. The image is professionally heat transferred to the bag, and will wear well wash after wash.
If you prefer a different size or style of bag, I can also offer this image on a 13x13 cotton twill tote with hand strap and 3 inch gusset for $8.00, a 16x16 muslin drawstring pouch for $7, or a roomy 14x18 zippered top canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat bottom gusset for $12.00.
If you would like the item personalized with a name, it is an additional $1.00. Please convo me for a custom listing for personalization, so I can do a proof for you.
Please convo me for any bulk orders or special requests.
Thank you!
Beautiful Vintage Sailboat illustration on Canvas Bag with zipper top and shoulder strap - available in other sizes and colors
This is a great tote featuring a vintage sailboat illustration on a zip top canvas bag14x18 with a 4 inch gusset and 26 inch shoulder strap. Image applied via professional heat transfer.
I can also offer this design on a 15x15 canvas tote bag with shoulder strap or hand strap and 4 inch gusset for $10, or a 13x13 inch cotton twill bag with 3 inch gusset and hand strap for $8. The larger make great travel or beach bags! The small size is great for gift bags, party favors, goody bags, etc.
Personalization is available for $1.00 extra per bag.
This particular image is from one of my favorite Etsy stores, Graphique! Be sure to check them out, and if you'd like one of their images applied to one of my bags or a pillow slip, I will get the image for you for free!
Please convo me with special requests and bulk orders and I will make a custom listing for you!
Authentic DNKY Canvas Bag with zipper top and shoulder strap - available in other sizes and colors
Would you like your own, authentic "DNKY" bag (This makes you an Ass) : ) ; zip top canvas bag14x18 with a 4 inch gusset and 26 inch shoulder strap? Image applied via professional heat transfer.
I can also offer this design on a 15x15 canvas tote bag with shoulder strap or hand strap and 4 inch gusset for $10, or a 13x13 inch cotton twill bag with 3 inch gusset and hand strap for $8. The larger make great travel or beach bags! The small size is great for gift bags, party favors, goody bags, etc.
Personalization is available for $1.00 extra per bag.
Please convo me with special requests and bulk orders and I will make a custom listing for you!
Fun "My Other Bag Is CHANEL" Canvas tote with zipper top and shoulder strap - available in other sizes and colors
Here is a very fun "My other bag is CHANEL" zip top canvas bag 14x18 with a 4 inch gusset and 26 inch shoulder strap. Image applied via professional heat transfer.
I can also offer this design on a 15x15 canvas tote bag with shoulder strap or hand strap and 4 inch gusset for $10, or a 13x13 inch cotton twill bag with 3 inch gusset and hand strap for $8. The larger make great travel or beach bags! The small size is great for gift bags, party favors, goody bags, etc.
Personalization is available for $1.00 extra per bag.
Please convo me with special requests and bulk orders and I will make a custom listing for you!
Authentic VT Canvas Bag with zipper top and shoulder strap - available in other sizes and colors
Would you like your own, authentic "VT" bag (Very Tacky? : ) ; zip top canvas bag14x18 with a 4 inch gusset and 26 inch shoulder strap? Image applied via professional heat transfer.
I can also offer this design on a 15x15 canvas tote bag with shoulder strap or hand strap and 4 inch gusset for $10, or a 13x13 inch cotton twill bag with 3 inch gusset and hand strap for $8. The larger make great travel or beach bags! The small size is great for gift bags, party favors, goody bags, etc.
Personalization is available for $1.00 extra per bag.
Please convo me with special requests and bulk orders and I will make a custom listing for you!
Vintage Toad or Frog Illustration transferred onto 14x18 inch zip top Canvas Tote -- other bag sizes available
This tote features a great vintage toad or frog illustration transferred onto a roomy, zippered-top canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat-bottom gusset. The image is professionally heat transferred to the bag, and will wear well wash after wash.
If you prefer a different size or style of bag, I can also offer this image on a 13x13 cotton twill tote with hand strap and 3 inch gusset for $8.00, a 10x16 muslin drawstring pouch for $8, or a conveniently sized 15x15 inch canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat bottom gusset for $10.00.
Please convo me for any bulk orders or special requests.
Thank you!
Vintage Otter Illustration transferred onto 14x18 inch zip top Canvas Tote -- other bag sizes available
This tote features a beautiful vintage otter illustration transferred onto a roomy, zippered-top canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat-bottom gusset. The image is professionally heat transferred to the bag, and will wear well wash after wash.
If you prefer a different size or style of bag, I can also offer this image on a 13x13 cotton twill tote with hand strap and 3 inch gusset for $8.00, a 10x16 muslin drawstring pouch for $8, or a conveniently sized 15x15 inch canvas tote bag with 24 inch shoulder strap and 4 inch flat bottom gusset for $10.00.
Please convo me for any bulk orders or special requests.
Thank you!
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