Work in progress

My goal for this year is to really try and get my Etsy shop going. (You can visit it here.)

I feel like I’ve done so much already, yet I’ve barely even scratched the surface of things to do. I feel a bit overwhelmed, but in a good way since this is something I really want to work.

I have some items listed. Not enough to really draw a lot of traffic. But I’ve started it, and that is what is really important to me right now. I am adding items as I make them. I have quite a few new items that I’m currently working on. I’m trying to streamline my process and make different items that I think will both sell and ship well. Oh, and that don’t also cost a fortune in time and supplies to make. I’m not going to post any preview pictures here quite yet, although I do have some posted on Instagram. Part of my problem with this step also is that I work a full time job and have a family and all the responsibilities that go along with those, so time becomes an issue. Occasionally, when I do have time, I’m just exhausted and want to sit on my couch and do nothing at all. It’s tricky to break things up into small steps and do a little bit here and there.

I also have started this blog. This has and will continue to be a learning experience. I’m not the most tech-savvy girl in the world, but I’m determined to figure this out myself. I’ve got the online support, signed up for the WordPress blogging classes and the forums. So far, I’ve had only minor frustrations. Nothing crazy, because, again, this is something I want. I’ve never really been much of a writer, so I’m trying to commit myself to two posts a week, usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays. I really want to talk about my paintings and inspirations and whatever else I may bring in to the mix.

I want to drive traffic from Pinterest and Instagram here, to this blog, and to my shop on Etsy. I have to figure out how I can someday sell on my own website, but that is far off in the future. There is so much information out there about marketing and driving traffic that I’m just not really sure where to start.

Do I need more blog posts before I pay for advertising? Do I start with Facebook and advertise there? Do I need more items listed before I send people to Etsy? Where do I start? There is so much to learn.