10 Tips when Using eCrater.com

eCrater.com is a free web store host and marketplace. You can list unlimited items for sale indefinitely and never pay a penny. However there are some things to keep in mind when getting started with eCrater.

1: Pictures
Every listing can have up to 10 pictures, use them to show off your products.

2: Thumbnails
Main item image should be square or nearly so. eCrater crops all product images into squares when it processes the thumbnail images that are displayed next to each item search result.

3: RSS Feeds
At the bottom of every category or search result page is an RSS feed button. You can use these feeds to display your latest items on a blog, squidoo page, website, etc.

4: eCrater Widgets
eCrater just launched new widgets that display randomly selected items from your shop. You can use these widgets on any website that allows javascript. To find the widgets, log into your account and find the widget link in the menu. You can then choose from 6 different sizes and shapes for your widget.

5: Analytics
eCrater has very barebones stats built into your account management but it allows you to take advantage of the power of Google Analytics. Sign in (or sign up) for google analytics and create a site profile for your store, Google will then generate a piece of javascript. Find the account number it will usually be in the format "UA-xxxxxx-x" and copy that into the box in your account for analytics. You know have excellent stat tracking for your store.

6: Titles
You get 100 characters for every item's title. Use that to give searchers as much information about your product as you can in a short space.

7: Google Attributes
eCrater automatically submits all products to Google Shopping. You can add Google Attributes to your item listings to give google added information that it uses in it's search. These include brand, color, size, etc. A fully list of attributes and how to format them can be found in your account under the link that says Promote My Store.

8: Color Templates
eCrater gives you a choice between 7 different color schemes for yout store. Choose one that compliments your products, for example baby products would probably do well choosing one of the pastel themes.

9: Forums
Use the eCrater Community Forums, it's a very friendly, helpful place with lots of tips and advice for sellers and helpful people willing to answer your questions if you are stuck.

10: Fill in your FAQ
eCrater lets you write your own FAQ. Make sure you include important information here for your customers like shipping and payment policies. Customers feel more comfortable with a business that lays all it's policies out clearly beforehand.

I hope these tips help you improve you eCrater store or if you've never used eCrater maybe you'll give it a try.