baby bib by SewnNatural
In this post, I questioned the power of social commerce to help artisans connect with our buyers. I wondered if this move was visionary or vastly stupid. Since then I've received several conversations from buyers that have moved me to take a stand. I now think that Etsy’s move towards social commerce is brilliant.
My first evidence was in my notes to seller from a buyer:
"Oh my, I nearly swooned! I came to Etsy looking a piece of sea glass when this delicious tidbit popped up on the opening page. I love it when I find exactly what I wasn't looking for. I have the perfect spot ready and waiting for this little beauty!"
photo by Raceytay
Exactly what I wasn’t looking for is precisely what most artists make! So this looked promising. Images that fit a person’s taste, but don’t exactly match what they are intentionally searching for, result in sales.
Next, I received a message from someone who added me to their Circle, so what I heart shows up in their Activity Feed. The message thanked me profusely for hearting something that she purchased instantly upon sight. It was a perfect gift for her husband.
Only a few days later, it happened to me. I saw something in my Activity Feed and had to have it! Sold. It was exactly what I wasn’t looking for. And I’ve been thinking that perhaps art is that which pulls us like a gravitational force, commanding our attention. How perfect that we find art in capricious and nonlinear ways.
Custom message fork by monkeysalwayslook
Have you bought or sold things online via treasuries, the Activity Feed, TumblR, Pinterest, etc? Are you encountering more buyers who discover your work without using a conventional search?
editorial by Lee Wolfe
10 comments:
Great post Lee... I too just purchased some campfire soap that immediately intrigued me after someone hearted it in my activity feed. I check my activity feed about 20 times a day just to see what everybody is doing! ~Renee
This is great post Lee. I can't say for sure if someone bought because of circles but i do feel more activity and hearts from buyers then was before, and when i list a new item i can feel the buzz
Been out all day and just saw this post. I like the activity feed. I feel like it really isn't about socializing, but products, as they are highlighted there, not conversations between people. Which is great! I too have found those "must have" pieces through my feed.
I love the activity feed! I find such wonderful treasures in there! I really enjoy the randomness of what people are hearting.
interesting post! I also love to watch the activity from my circle. Like Jen said, the focus is on the products, no conversation between people..great tool!
i'm a fan of the circles and activity features ~ it's fun to see a bit of what goes on :)
Great article Lee!! I must say, I was a late bloomer on the activity feed (circles) but I am growing to love it. I also, like that it is about the products, the art... our personal style and not just another facebook.
oh, yes and I have noticed more activity / sales in my shop :)
I'm writing this from Paris Lee, very interesting post! I don't know about mine but I know many first time buyers bought mine lately and been hearted by no feedback account lots too:)
Fantastic post Lee,
thanks so much!!
I now use the activity feed to browse several times a day. It is a fun way to find new shops.
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