How to Make an Etsy Treasury for the Front Page

Not everyone who makes an Etsy Treasury cares about it hitting the frontpage. They're creating for the joy of creating. But let's admit it; there's a part in all of us that wants to rise to the ranks of those well-known names (yaelfran or KarmaRox) who consistently have their treasuries featured on Etsy's front page. It's a sign that we know what we're talking about as artists. This guide will help you get there.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notepad
• Pencil or Pen
• An Etsy Account

1. Decide on a Theme: Your theme can be a color, a story, a holiday, or something more abstract. For example, "Pink and Green", "Hansel & Gretel", or "Silk Swans" would all be solid themes to start with. Jot down the theme you decide on and keep going.

2. 
   Elements of a Featured Etsy Treasury

   Go Window Shopping: The Etsy Treasury is not intended for self-promotion. If you include anything of your own, don't include more than one thing. As for other artists, each artist you "shop" from should also be included only once. Concentrate on new sellers or items with lower page views, and get a range of both prices and a variety of product types. Finally, make sure that the items both represent your theme well with clear photographs and that the sellers of those items have good feedback. Write down the Listing ID for each item on your list under the theme idea.

3. Head to Poster Sketch: The Poster Sketch Tool (http://www.etsy.com/poster_sketch.php) is like a preview of your treasury idea. You've chosen a great theme and stunning products to support the theme, now your job is to make sure that it looks beautiful on the screen. Enter the Listing ID in each box, click OK, and preview the look of your treasury. Move items around so that they tell a story, support each other better, or just plain make the preview look nicer.

4. Name Your Treasury: Before you continue, make sure you have a name for your treasury that will capture attention. It should, technically, hint at what your treasury contains but the big thing is simply getting views. Jot down the name on your ever-growing list and you're ready to wrap this up.

5. 
   The Etsy Treasury Screen

   Grab a List: Enter the Treasury after signing in to Etsy. Look in the upper left of the screen to see how many lists are currently in the Treasury. If the number is less than 222, you can scroll down to the bottom of your page and type in the title for your treasury list. If it is more than 222, you won't be able to add your Treasury yet. Look at when the soonest expiration is happening, and try to grab a spot before anyone else does.

6. Add Your List: When you get a spot, you'll already know what to do. The Treasury List window works just like the Poster Sketch Tool did - except that when you publish it, everyone else gets to view your great curator prowess.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide "alternates". When a treasury is promoted to the front page, it includes four hidden alternate items. If one of the items you've picked for your treasury sells out, an alternate takes its place.
• Focus on your theme, and tie it together with colors for a treasury that just looks stunning.
• Be patient. Just getting a beautiful Treasury together is a major step - but being able to get the space for it can be time-consuming. Everyone wants a Treasury, and you'll have to grab a spot the second one opens.
• Make sure all the items you pick are handmade, or categorized clearly as vintage or supplies.
• Represent each artist (including yourself) only once in a treasury.
• If you include your own work in your treasury, and your treasury makes it to the front page, be warned that your item may be removed from the list because it is not intended for self-promotion.

Resources

• Etsy Poster Sketch Tool
• Etsy Treasury List Tutorial