I was in an online forum for designers the other day. They were talking about how difficult it has been to stand out (even with really good products) on online marketplaces where it’s become saturated with so much competition. And these were experienced designers saying this.
Some of the design specific marketplaces (like Creative Market, Design Cuts, etc.) generally have strong preferences for quality products with equally good presentation images. In fact, many a talented designer got their shop application denied at first. I also got denied the first time I applied to Creative Market because my presentation images weren’t up to par. I went back to the drawing board and spent months working my butt off to better my skills. The second time I applied, I was accepted.
Online marketplaces wanting to keep a higher level of quality content is understandable. However, not all of them are always adhering to their own guidelines. For example, when your product is featured on an online marketplace, it generally brings more sales your way. Yet I have seen some really good products go unnoticed because the marketplace opted to feature a product that wasn’t as good, but fit more with the current trend. I understand that too, but only to a point.
I have seen some really good products go unnoticed because the marketplace opted to feature a product that wasn’t as good, but fit more with the current trend. I understand that too, but only to a point.
I’m not trying to judge anyone’s work but I do know the difference between a well thought out, put together product from one that looks like it crawled right out of Etsy. Now I’ve got nothing against Etsy (I sell there too) but we can all relate to scrolling through tons of pages until we find what we’re looking for because the site is so flooded. As a new shop owner myself, I want to remind a few other new shop owners that it’s not necessary for them to throw up every product they ever made on the first day. Make sure it meets the marketplace standards first.
I say this because I’m not just a seller, I’m also a consumer. The whole point of design specific marketplaces is that you go there when you want design content that’s unique. The only way we can maintain that is by making sure we curate products that fit the expected quality. We’re sharing the space with some highly talented designers, many who inspire me to be better myself – and are important in keeping the marketplace on top of its game in terms of quality content.
In my own experience, it can generally take me a few weeks just to launch a new product. Why? Because I am now spending equal amounts of time on the presentation of a product as I am actually creating it. I want to do better and better each time. I’m appreciative to even have a shop on Creative Market and I try hard to adhere to their marketplace standards. I love when they feature newer shops, as it can bring a good designer out of the shadows. That hasn’t happened to me yet, but regardless I am selling products – not enough to retire just yet (lol) – but I’m doing OK for only having it a few months.
On the flip side, while I may be new to selling content online I have been in the field long enough to know how it works. People have tastes and that’s part of life. Sometimes you fit in to those tastes, sometimes you don’t. As long as you are creating GOOD products there IS an audience for you – you just have to find a way to get noticed and you shouldn’t rely on any online marketplace to do it for you. Basically, you have to be your own best marketeer.
As long as you are creating GOOD products there IS an audience for you – you just have to find a way to get noticed and you can’t rely on any online marketplace to do it for you. Basically, you have to be your own best marketeer.
So how do we do that?
For one, staying aware of current trends is important as it allows you to gain insight on what consumers want and more importantly, what’s just beyond. This way you’re not stuck in what everyone else is doing, trying to fit in. Instead, you’re thinking ahead… allowing your creative juices to flow. Find a way to make a product that stays true to your style yet meets a need. If it’s good, then it’s good and they’ll be no denying it.
Secondly, keep correspondence with your customers, thank them for good reviews. Let them know you appreciate their loyalty and business. If someone likes your product, they’ll come back for more. It’s not just about getting new customers, it’s also about keeping the ones you have. Thirdly, be active in the marketplace’s community. Creative Market is pretty good at helping sellers stay up-to-date on what’s trending (or possibly going to trend). You can get good insight from other designers in the marketplace as many of them offer advice.
Outside of the marketplace you should also take advantage of Instagram or Facebook ads. Whenever I introduce a new product, I always promote it on Instagram. It also brings some traffic to the online marketplaces I’m selling on. The marketplace is helping me sell, so I am happy to give a shout out back to them. It’s relatively cheap and it keeps my name out there.
That’s the whole point. Marketing yourself means putting yourself out there. Advertising is a good way to do that but remember, it’s about repetition. It may take months before it sticks with people, so don’t give up. The same goes for any online marketplace, just keep creating good products and consumers will come to you. In time, you’ll reap the rewards.
Have a similar experience? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
