The following are questions that you might ask your critique partner to check out:
Start at the beginning: Your Introduction page
The first thing that anyone sees upon entering your store is your Banner - ask how your banner might be improved.
Check your Introduction Title - that is the first line located in the upper left side next to your banner. - Does it contain words that a Google search would pick up? Does it tell the viewer what you have to offer?
Your Shop Announcement - ask how it might be improved. Does it also have key words in the opening portion that Google might pick up? Is it a welcoming statement? Does it give a good overview of what you are offering? If you are having a sale, is that included here? Is it possibly too long? Short? Does it make the buyer want to see more?
Your Featured Photos - Do you have 4 items featured? Would something else be better served by being one of your features? This is your very own "Mini Showcase".
Your Shop Arrangement - How does it look in gallery form? Do the pictures need to be rearranged?
Your Sections - Does each section title reflect clearly what is in there? Do the section titles contain words that Google will pick up? Are there any sections with no contents?
Your Photos - Someone is always going to get you on this one so just grit your teeth and listen. Are they too dark, are they fuzzy, are they interesting, are there 5 different photos for each item? We all struggle with our photos and even though we think they might be just perfect there just might be a better idea from your critique partner.
Here's a link to help:
How to Take Feature-Friendly Photos:
http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/shop-makeover-series-feature-friendly-photos-3222/
Your Item Descriptions - Does the item title contain descriptive words that Google will catch? Does the description accurately explain the item? Does it give enough description? Including dimensions in cm for countries outside the US? Is the description too long? Too short?
Here is a link to a forum post that is excellent to refer to when doing your item descriptions: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6236215
Your Item Tags - Yes, the dreaded tags! Do they accurately describe your item so that every search in the universe can pick you out? Are you using all 14 TAGS on every item? Each tag is an opportunity for someone to find you on Etsy.
Your Profile - Do you allow the reader an insight as to who runs the shop? Do they know why you make your items? Do they know how you create what your offer? Do they realize that you truly know what you are doing in your shop? Did you make them want to look further?
Your Policies - Are you clear about what you will and will not do? Are you firm but kind in your demeanor? Can there be exceptions to the policy? Did you cover custom orders? Is your shipping policy clear?
Is your head spinning yet? Yes there are a lot of questions but this is your store and you are proud of what you offer. Why not be proud of the way in which you offer it?
Use this guideline to provide a critique for your critique partner, just remember word it kindly, be respectful, and show some humor - it takes the sting out of being criticized no matter how kindly the words are presented.
When you are the one doing the critique for someone else - try to offer a suggestion about what needs improvement. It shows that you aren't being harsh but that you are being caring.
When you are recieving a critique don't take the criticism personally. Yes, it's your hard work that is being discussed but you are getting a different person's perspective. It just might be the perspective of the buyers who didn't buy from you - and now you might know why.
