Better Business Bureau [Feedback & Advice]

[Dyrrhonian Isles]

It's unique. There's not a lot of FanT object storefronts that have ever been done on NS. I like the use of a separate catalog thread.

It's very, very, very sparse. Thin on images, branding, formatting, and text content. A lot of work to do on all those areas.

That's all I will say for now, unless, and until, you would like more clarification on specific issues.

I want feedback regarding the prices, and the items themselves. Are there any issues, even in a FanT context? Yes, I am also talking about the mundane item prices.

Consider in-universe supply and demand. For example, the fireproof wood appears to be cheaper than RL fire-resistant wood. Could you keep up with satisfying a multiverse's worth of demand for that item at that price point?

This is a general pointer since it looks like you got it factored in. Afterwards, it's a matter of trial and error, making price adjustments as necessary.

[Neu Engollon]

It's unique. There's not a lot of FanT object storefronts that have ever been done on NS. I like the use of a separate catalog thread.

It's very, very, very sparse. Thin on images, branding, formatting, and text content. A lot of work to do on all those areas.

That's all I will say for now, unless, and until, you would like more clarification on specific issues.

I want feedback regarding the prices, and the items themselves. Are there any issues, even in a FanT context? Yes, I am also talking about the mundane item prices.

Probably should have been clear on that. In my vast experience with fantasy items, I will say that you should charge five buttons and a witches tooth for everything.

[Arzastan]

Sorry,how can I exchange my currency for NSD?

[7 Trees]

Sorry,how can I exchange my currency for NSD?

Generally, your exchange rate is your choice, one USD is normally considered to be equal to one NSD. Like 1 euro for me is (currently) 1.09 NSD, you could also use an economy calculator, like this one, but I'm not sure about its accuracy and plus some of your nations policies might not be canon.

[Heldervin]

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=548195

This is my airport storefront, for the Ansium Global Airport. I would like feedback and advice.

[7 Trees]

https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=548195

This is my airport storefront, for the Ansium Global Airport. I would like feedback and advice.

Firstly, it's missing a gate index, most airport storefronts have indexes for the gates and who it's leased out to. Something like this could do, or add images and don't forget to link the storefront of the airlines (if possible).

Gate 1-2: Aspen Link

---

Gate 3: FlyWay

Secondly, the about us part is a bit lacking, when I say that I mean it doesn't have much content. To add to it you could say "We're home to the world famous Friederich Burger Company." and "We service millions, and with 98% customer satisfaction millions are left satisfied." Okay, these sentences might not be the best, but you get the idea.
Now for the optional add in/s, pictures, they add so much to a storefront, they showcase the airport to the audience. The two main photos I would include (feel free to add more, three, five, just not extremely excessive) are a photo of the facade of the airport and one of the airport lounges. Like these:

I use AI to generate mine, try to pick out good looking images if you also use AI, as it is nowhere near perfect.
Lastly, we have the other optional add in, an amenities tab/s, tell the reader about your amenities, your lounge, your shops, etc. You can have a separate one for each. You could even make one for Friederich Burger Company.
Now onto some things I really love, the layout and formatting are modern and sleek, you have a story for each terminal, and the logo just feels right. Anyways, remember that it's your storefront and your choice.

[Relmont]

I'm curious as to how one would go about creating a successful post. One thing that worries me is all the beautifully made entries with unique art. Is it essentially required to have good, unique art for a listing in order for that listing to become successful? Any other advice on creating a good, unique and long-lasting forum entry would be much appreciated. Many thanks!

[Greater Marine]

https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=548195

This is my airport storefront, for the Ansium Global Airport. I would like feedback and advice.

It seems a good start. you've clearly though of the features you have, and you have a good logo. I also like that you've considered the airport's history, too, and I think you're on the right track. I like what I see -, especially the very professional formatting - but to get it into the top tier of airport storefronts, here's my advice:

An sobriquet/nickname is a nice idea. My airport under the title, in smaller text says "Your Gateway to Greater Marine" as one, for example - for this I'd use something vaguely linked to access, movement, commerce or the idea of a "gateway" or "door"

What I may suggest is you pad out the about us bit. Furthermore, you might want to talk a bit about operations of the airport - such as stating it is home to your flag carrier, or the busiest airport in the country, or has over 1200 daily flights. These kind of statistics, and indeed statistics as a whole, give it a credible, businesslike tone, and could really work given what I've already seen about your airport. Also, when doing marketing of facilities,talk in as much detail as possible. Don't just state stand out features - describe with words such as "airy" "bright" "iconic", etcetera instead. Use images, but do so judiciously. Ideally go for ones larger than 1600 pixels wide as on a normal laptop or tablet, they always display full-width, creating a uniform and professional aesthetic. Split these off from the rest of the text using either the [ hr] dividers, or boxes.

Also, I'd supplement the special requests feature with options some of the usual services an airport could provide - lounge access, maintenance, refuelling, and ideally require flight applicants to give a flight number, such as (using my own airline as an example) "UAT flight 9"

[Greater Marine]

I'm curious as to how one would go about creating a successful post. One thing that worries me is all the beautifully made entries with unique art. Is it essentially required to have good, unique art for a listing in order for that listing to become successful? Any other advice on creating a good, unique and long-lasting forum entry would be much appreciated. Many thanks!

Unique art isn't necessary.

The main thing any post, whether as an introduction or a product, needs is a good writeup. This should be persuasive and descriptive, focusing on the best features of your product/service/company. These can be hard, but really make a difference. Use descriptive language and a sprinkling of statistics/specifications where possible, and for products such as machinery, create a table or list of technical specifications using the list/point function.

• As shown here

As for formatting, there's no hard and fast rule. It helps to have all images the same width - so either pick ones of the same width, or use ones so large they'll always display full-size (i.e 1800px wide). Unique art and images isn't always necessary, however for products, an image can be helpful, as could the company logo, integrated into the opening post's top half. Good logs can be hard to design - so as a rule, go for simple. Simple is modern, simple is elegant, and crucially, easier to design. Corporate colours are a good idea - pick maybe 2 or 3 colours, and key logos and graphics to them where possible.

Always make titles bold and possibly underlined, and use the [size=][/size] tag to make them large, ideally size = 200-300 for main titles, and size = 200-120 for less important headings. Split these off from the rest of the text using [ hr] dividers. Whilst text can be left aligned, headers and titles should ideally be centre-aligned. If you have long specifications/writeups, use spoilers to hide them. Also, incorporate different sections of your storefront into different posts, as this can simplify navigation, and also make it easier to edit details as you aren't just looking at a wall of text.

[Relmont]

I'm curious as to how one would go about creating a successful post. One thing that worries me is all the beautifully made entries with unique art. Is it essentially required to have good, unique art for a listing in order for that listing to become successful? Any other advice on creating a good, unique and long-lasting forum entry would be much appreciated. Many thanks!

Unique art isn't necessary.

The main thing any post, whether as an introduction or a product, needs is a good writeup. This should be persuasive and descriptive, focusing on the best features of your product/service/company. These can be hard, but really make a difference. Use descriptive language and a sprinkling of statistics/specifications where possible, and for products such as machinery, create a table or list of technical specifications using the list/point function.

• As shown here

As for formatting, there's no hard and fast rule. It helps to have all images the same width - so either pick ones of the same width, or use ones so large they'll always display full-size (i.e 1800px wide). Unique art and images isn't always necessary, however for products, an image can be helpful, as could the company logo, integrated into the opening post's top half. Good logs can be hard to design - so as a rule, go for simple. Simple is modern, simple is elegant, and crucially, easier to design. Corporate colours are a good idea - pick maybe 2 or 3 colours, and key logos and graphics to them where possible.

Always make titles bold and possibly underlined, and use the [size=][/size] tag to make them large, ideally size = 200-300 for main titles, and size = 200-120 for less important headings. Split these off from the rest of the text using [ hr] dividers. Whilst text can be left aligned, headers and titles should ideally be centre-aligned. If you have long specifications/writeups, use spoilers to hide them. Also, incorporate different sections of your storefront into different posts, as this can simplify navigation, and also make it easier to edit details as you aren't just looking at a wall of text.

Thank you, this helps a lot. I've been reading through the tips and guides provided by the BBB, and I'm starting small with Factbook and Dispatch entries and the like, so as to get practice. I was curious as well, one guide I read (apologies for not having it, I don't remember how exactly I got it) spoke a bit about classification for vehicles, such as Navy Hull Classifications. It spoke about how having classifications is near necessary, and I agree. However, I was curious if I should try and conform my products listed to those pre-existing classifications or if I could just create my own. As an example, one my listed products was the "MTS5," or Mobile Turret System MK.5. Would it seem improper to use those custom classifications? Many thanks!

[Neu Engollon]

Thank you, this helps a lot. I've been reading through the tips and guides provided by the BBB, and I'm starting small with Factbook and Dispatch entries and the like, so as to get practice. I was curious as well, one guide I read (apologies for not having it, I don't remember how exactly I got it) spoke a bit about classification for vehicles, such as Navy Hull Classifications. It spoke about how having classifications is near necessary, and I agree. However, I was curious if I should try and conform my products listed to those pre-existing classifications or if I could just create my own. As an example, one my listed products was the "MTS5," or Mobile Turret System MK.5. Would it seem improper to use those custom classifications? Many thanks!

No, in fact quite the opposite of improper. I would heavily recommend that you do use your own classification system and not copy a RL or anyone else' system.

1. It's unique to you. That's part of standing out from the pack of the hundreds...thousands?...of military themed storefronts on NS.

2. You can't be blanket accused of just ripping off any RL or NS manufacturer, even if you did tweak the stats of an existing product to make it more unique. Still, come up with your own stats/product descriptions, also. Don't plagiarize.

3. Branding. Get your name out there. Everyone can do a M-blah blah or T-whatever and it's going to sound similar to something else. If you have an IC reason for doing that, fine, go with it, but if there's no backstory/worldbuilding reason you can come up with for your gear closely copying an existing product line, then it's really better to NOT do that. I know someone who RPs as a former Soviet republic, in that case, having AK- such and such rifle does make sense in their instance. Otherwise, it really should be avoided.

[Relmont]

No, in fact quite the opposite of improper. I would heavily recommend that you do use your own classification system and not copy a RL or anyone else' system.

1. It's unique to you. That's part of standing out from the pack of the hundreds...thousands?...of military themed storefronts on NS.

2. You can't be blanket accused of just ripping off any RL or NS manufacturer, even if you did tweak the stats of an existing product to make it more unique. Still, come up with your own stats/product descriptions, also. Don't plagiarize.

3. Branding. Get your name out there. Everyone can do a M-blah blah or T-whatever and it's going to sound similar to something else. If you have an IC reason for doing that, fine, go with it, but if there's no backstory/worldbuilding reason you can come up with for your gear closely copying an existing product line, then it's really better to NOT do that. I know someone who RPs as a former Soviet republic, in that case, having AK- such and such rifle does make sense in their instance. Otherwise, it really should be avoided.

This is very helpful, thank you. A few more questions (apologies for dragging this out). As to your point on "getting my name out there," how would you recommend I go about drumming up business for myself? Does attention just come from having a high-quality storefront and nothing more, or should I be "advertising" or some form of it?

As for your point on everything beginning to sound the same, I wholeheartedly agree and I am trying my best to avoid that pitfall. My naming system is quite similar, most everything being spelt roughly the same, such as most units starting with "M" or "S" followed by a few other letters. These names do mean things, as they act as abbreviations for what they function as (ie, Mobile Turret System MK.5 abbreviating to MTS5) Would you recommend I change up the name scheme a little bit, or would this not become stale quick? Many thanks!

[7 Trees]

No, in fact quite the opposite of improper. I would heavily recommend that you do use your own classification system and not copy a RL or anyone else' system.

1. It's unique to you. That's part of standing out from the pack of the hundreds...thousands?...of military themed storefronts on NS.

2. You can't be blanket accused of just ripping off any RL or NS manufacturer, even if you did tweak the stats of an existing product to make it more unique. Still, come up with your own stats/product descriptions, also. Don't plagiarize.

3. Branding. Get your name out there. Everyone can do a M-blah blah or T-whatever and it's going to sound similar to something else. If you have an IC reason for doing that, fine, go with it, but if there's no backstory/worldbuilding reason you can come up with for your gear closely copying an existing product line, then it's really better to NOT do that. I know someone who RPs as a former Soviet republic, in that case, having AK- such and such rifle does make sense in their instance. Otherwise, it really should be avoided.

This is very helpful, thank you. A few more questions (apologies for dragging this out). As to your point on "getting my name out there," how would you recommend I go about drumming up business for myself? Does attention just come from having a high-quality storefront and nothing more, or should I be "advertising" or some form of it?

As for your point on everything beginning to sound the same, I wholeheartedly agree and I am trying my best to avoid that pitfall. My naming system is quite similar, most everything being spelt roughly the same, such as most units starting with "M" or "S" followed by a few other letters. These names do mean things, as they act as abbreviations for what they function as (ie, Mobile Turret System MK.5 abbreviating to MTS5) Would you recommend I change up the name scheme a little bit, or would this not become stale quick? Many thanks!

I hope Neu Engollon doesn't mind if I reply to half of this.
Probably the best way to drum up business is to create a good storefront and the to 'bump' it, when 'bumping' please restrain from just posting 'bump', make it an ad or a news post or something that is more interesting than posting 'bump'. For military storefronts (I don't have my own but have bought from a few), I would suggest adding a description and specification list about each item, you can also add stats about the product (like sales, users etc.). I always prefer buying from military storefronts that have pictures of the products, it makes you feel like you know what you're buying.
I'll let Neu Engollon answer the rest.

EDIT: Restrict bumping to when the storefront has come off the first page of GE&T, and preferably don't bump every day.

[Relmont]

This is very helpful, thank you. A few more questions (apologies for dragging this out). As to your point on "getting my name out there," how would you recommend I go about drumming up business for myself? Does attention just come from having a high-quality storefront and nothing more, or should I be "advertising" or some form of it?

As for your point on everything beginning to sound the same, I wholeheartedly agree and I am trying my best to avoid that pitfall. My naming system is quite similar, most everything being spelt roughly the same, such as most units starting with "M" or "S" followed by a few other letters. These names do mean things, as they act as abbreviations for what they function as (ie, Mobile Turret System MK.5 abbreviating to MTS5) Would you recommend I change up the name scheme a little bit, or would this not become stale quick? Many thanks!

I hope Neu Engollon doesn't mind if I reply to half of this.
Probably the best way to drum up business is to create a good storefront and the to 'bump' it, when 'bumping' please restrain from just posting 'bump', make it an ad or a news post or something that is more interesting than posting 'bump'. For military storefronts (I don't have my own but have bought from a few), I would suggest adding a description and specification list about each item, you can also add stats about the product (like sales, users etc.). I always prefer buying from military storefronts that have pictures of the products, it makes you feel like you know what you're buying.
I'll let Neu Engollon answer the rest.

EDIT: Restrict bumping to when the storefront has come off the first page of GE&T, and preferably don't bump every day.

Thank you- Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! First time I'll be posting on the GE&T, so I'd best do it right.

I enjoy the idea of bumping via advertisements. Perhaps not only could I advertise my own products, but maybe set up deals with other GE&T listings to advertise their products. A quick statement, I've unfortunately not got the artistic skill to create images for my listings, and can't afford to commission the art either. On top of that, the designs or unique to myself, so I couldn't just go and look up "tank blueprints" or the sort.

[7 Trees]

I hope Neu Engollon doesn't mind if I reply to half of this.
Probably the best way to drum up business is to create a good storefront and the to 'bump' it, when 'bumping' please restrain from just posting 'bump', make it an ad or a news post or something that is more interesting than posting 'bump'. For military storefronts (I don't have my own but have bought from a few), I would suggest adding a description and specification list about each item, you can also add stats about the product (like sales, users etc.). I always prefer buying from military storefronts that have pictures of the products, it makes you feel like you know what you're buying.
I'll let Neu Engollon answer the rest.

EDIT: Restrict bumping to when the storefront has come off the first page of GE&T, and preferably don't bump every day.

Thank you- Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! First time I'll be posting on the GE&T, so I'd best do it right.

I enjoy the idea of bumping via advertisements. Perhaps not only could I advertise my own products, but maybe set up deals with other GE&T listings to advertise their products. A quick statement, I've unfortunately not got the artistic skill to create images for my listings, and can't afford to commission the art either. On top of that, the designs or unique to myself, so I couldn't just go and look up "tank blueprints" or the sort.

When I say an ad, I mean a picture of an ad that you post to your thread. A FlyWay ad goes in the FlyWay thread, a Gehrig ad goes in the Gehrig thread. Normally you don't advertise others in your thread, of course there are partnerships etc., but rather using ads to bump a thread. I believe there's a military equipment designer somewhere in the forums, don't quote me on that, and don't worry about paying for it. You could use AI I guess, but that might look wrong.
I should also add some example storefronts that I like: Etoile Arcture's Consortia and The Technocratic Syndicalists's SDI

[Neu Engollon]

This is very helpful, thank you. A few more questions (apologies for dragging this out). As to your point on "getting my name out there," how would you recommend I go about drumming up business for myself? Does attention just come from having a high-quality storefront and nothing more, or should I be "advertising" or some form of it?

As for your point on everything beginning to sound the same, I wholeheartedly agree and I am trying my best to avoid that pitfall. My naming system is quite similar, most everything being spelt roughly the same, such as most units starting with "M" or "S" followed by a few other letters. These names do mean things, as they act as abbreviations for what they function as (ie, Mobile Turret System MK.5 abbreviating to MTS5) Would you recommend I change up the name scheme a little bit, or would this not become stale quick? Many thanks!

Well, making the jump to when you actually already have the storefront in hand, the best is promotion for sure. But I think your question is more how to do that promotion? Yes, quality would be the best advertisement, along with uniqueness. Remember, the most popular storefront on NS GE&T by a wide margin is military suppliers/arms manufacturers. You have to stand out from ALL the other ones out there. Unique products. Great art. I think you mentioned you're not that confident in creating images. That's limiting, I won't lie. The next best thing is an elaborate write up with a lot of detail, but... Not just a wall of text. Not quantity, but quality in writing. Succinct and descriptive.

BB Code can also help a long way with that. Formatting can really fill in the gaps where lack of images might fail you. I'm talking from experience on that. My image creation game is definitely lacking. Sometimes, you can find players on NS that will work on images for you for free, because they get enjoyment out of just creating stuff.

Also, and maybe most importantly, you need customers to RP your wares once they purchase them. If that isn't happening, you have to just roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. Assuming we are talking military equipment, and I think we are, that means getting involved in either a conflict RP, or some sort of military sales expo. The latter comes about rarely, which leaves the former. Join a peacekeeping force. Your nation's troops equipped with the top gear manufactured by the top arms supplier in your country, hyperlinking products mentioned back to your storefront.

Yes, I agree, don't make 'bump' posts with no substance to them. Desperation is never appealing. Also, yes, don't do ad bumps every day. Have patience and hone your craft, and they will come. Turn that energy into working on more products, and when you get that urge to bump your thread, instead, try to TG or message someone on NS, preferably someone you know, to chat up your storefront. Get ideas from them, plant ideas with them about the appeal of your products. Come up with ways to work with other NS GE&Ters, doing joint products or tie-ins. Look to see if your recent customers are in a war RP in the forums, and politely suggest (via TG, don't butt into a thread uninvited) that they include your gear they purchased in their load out/deployment.

Naming system - It's not crucial to be super unique, but it could help. Do what feels right to you. Does your nation use English as its official language? Is there a different language or conlang in there? That could really make a difference by giving everything an alternate designation in the native official tongue.

Ultimately, good luck. Again, you have to rise above a huge pack on a very well traveled road when it comes to military storefronts on NS. Which is why you should create for yourself, because you enjoy the process, and not to get noticed. That, and hopefully you'll make some connections with some cool people in the process.

[Relmont]

Well, making the jump to when you actually already have the storefront in hand, the best is promotion for sure. But I think your question is more how to do that promotion? Yes, quality would be the best advertisement, along with uniqueness. Remember, the most popular storefront on NS GE&T by a wide margin is military suppliers/arms manufacturers. You have to stand out from ALL the other ones out there. Unique products. Great art. I think you mentioned you're not that confident in creating images. That's limiting, I won't lie. The next best thing is an elaborate write up with a lot of detail, but... Not just a wall of text. Not quantity, but quality in writing. Succinct and descriptive.

BB Code can also help a long way with that. Formatting can really fill in the gaps where lack of images might fail you. I'm talking from experience on that. My image creation game is definitely lacking. Sometimes, you can find players on NS that will work on images for you for free, because they get enjoyment out of just creating stuff.

Also, and maybe most importantly, you need customers to RP your wares once they purchase them. If that isn't happening, you have to just roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. Assuming we are talking military equipment, and I think we are, that means getting involved in either a conflict RP, or some sort of military sales expo. The latter comes about rarely, which leaves the former. Join a peacekeeping force. Your nation's troops equipped with the top gear manufactured by the top arms supplier in your country, hyperlinking products mentioned back to your storefront.

Yes, I agree, don't make 'bump' posts with no substance to them. Desperation is never appealing. Also, yes, don't do ad bumps every day. Have patience and hone your craft, and they will come. Turn that energy into working on more products, and when you get that urge to bump your thread, instead, try to TG or message someone on NS, preferably someone you know, to chat up your storefront. Get ideas from them, plant ideas with them about the appeal of your products. Come up with ways to work with other NS GE&Ters, doing joint products or tie-ins. Look to see if your recent customers are in a war RP in the forums, and politely suggest (via TG, don't butt into a thread uninvited) that they include your gear they purchased in their load out/deployment.

Naming system - It's not crucial to be super unique, but it could help. Do what feels right to you. Does your nation use English as its official language? Is there a different language or conlang in there? That could really make a difference by giving everything an alternate designation in the native official tongue.

Ultimately, good luck. Again, you have to rise above a huge pack on a very well traveled road when it comes to military storefronts on NS. Which is why you should create for yourself, because you enjoy the process, and not to get noticed. That, and hopefully you'll make some connections with some cool people in the process.

I really do have to commend you for helping me this far, I'm sure it's no easy task helping a newcomer with this kind of stuff. I truly thank you for all your help.

A quick question about the art. I did say that I'm not too great with making art, yes, though I am perusing a few tutorials and the like and practicing as much as I can. I would ask if you know any good art creation software I could try. I've heard a lot of good things about GIMP, though it looks rather complex to learn; and I use Paint.net normally, though it is limiting as an art software. Would you suggest any others, if any at all?

[Neu Engollon]

I really do have to commend you for helping me this far, I'm sure it's no easy task helping a newcomer with this kind of stuff. I truly thank you for all your help.

A quick question about the art. I did say that I'm not too great with making art, yes, though I am perusing a few tutorials and the like and practicing as much as I can. I would ask if you know any good art creation software I could try. I've heard a lot of good things about GIMP, though it looks rather complex to learn; and I use Paint.net normally, though it is limiting as an art software. Would you suggest any others, if any at all?

I’m actually glad that my advice is helping you. I’m not always the most eloquent and sometimes redundant, so it’s nice to hear that.

I would suggest that you join the GE&T Discord and once there, head to the #making storefronts channel. Not all the GE&T vet players monitor this thread, but I know they will help you if you ask your questions there. I’m not the best source on image creation, honestly.

Also, there's this thread. Not quite the same, but parallel. They might have some ideas for you and worth searching for good suggestions for programs to use.

[Lisander]

I really do have to commend you for helping me this far, I'm sure it's no easy task helping a newcomer with this kind of stuff. I truly thank you for all your help.

A quick question about the art. I did say that I'm not too great with making art, yes, though I am perusing a few tutorials and the like and practicing as much as I can. I would ask if you know any good art creation software I could try. I've heard a lot of good things about GIMP, though it looks rather complex to learn; and I use Paint.net normally, though it is limiting as an art software. Would you suggest any others, if any at all?

Not directly asked to me, but I think I can offer my input, since I'm a heavy user on the graphics sector:

Unless you want to do heavy image editing, I suggest you to go vector-based instead of using raster images. A vector software like Inkscape will give you the advantage to have that "seamless, not blurred nor grainy at all" look at logos and interfaces. With Inkscape you can open any .SVG file, that is the vector standard for logos in the internet these days. You can find plenty of vector logos and images searching at Google Images by adding filetype:svg right after your query in the search bar (like: "Pizza Logo filetype:svg"). This tutorial covers for how to make an interface using Inkscape, and you can use it, allied with good BBcode practices, to have a good-looking storefront.

[Relmont]

I really do have to commend you for helping me this far, I'm sure it's no easy task helping a newcomer with this kind of stuff. I truly thank you for all your help.

A quick question about the art. I did say that I'm not too great with making art, yes, though I am perusing a few tutorials and the like and practicing as much as I can. I would ask if you know any good art creation software I could try. I've heard a lot of good things about GIMP, though it looks rather complex to learn; and I use Paint.net normally, though it is limiting as an art software. Would you suggest any others, if any at all?

Not directly asked to me, but I think I can offer my input, since I'm a heavy user on the graphics sector:

Unless you want to do heavy image editing, I suggest you to go vector-based instead of using raster images. A vector software like Inkscape will give you the advantage to have that "seamless, not blurred nor grainy at all" look at logos and interfaces. With Inkscape you can open any .SVG file, that is the vector standard for logos in the internet these days. You can find plenty of vector logos and images searching at Google Images by adding filetype:svg right after your query in the search bar (like: "Pizza Logo filetype:svg"). This tutorial covers for how to make an interface using Inkscape, and you can use it, allied with good BBcode practices, to have a good-looking storefront.

Thank you a lot, I'll be sure to look into that! And always feel free to add your input, any and all advice is appreciated.

[The Eggkraine]

Here in The Eggkraine, private enterprise is considered evil

[Fishelle]

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=547587
Why does my storefront get no customers?

[Neu Engollon]

https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=547587
Why does my storefront get no customers?

Because you're selling wood and fruit with no product descriptions, no slick formatting, no images, and everything is just basic. Have you looked at the effort others put into their storefronts? Like the really successful ones?

So, obviously wood and fruit don't really lend themselves to elaborate descriptions, but that could be the fun part is that you describe them anyway with some humor. The fact that you're also riffing on a popular game franchise and not even going into what makes them 'Minecraftian' without images or descriptions is really kind of...odd.
You have no company background story.
The fact that your whole storefront fits into one post with plenty of room to spare says it all right there. You should close that off, reserve at least 4 posts, and fill them with the content I just mentioned. Temporarily close your storefront, then do some research, both across the web and here on NS to see how other storefronts that appeal to you are structured.

Lastly, really successful storefront creators don't post 'bump' posts. If you need to get attention to your thread and keep it on the first page, post a fake advert, company news, or customer testimonials, whether they're real customers or not. Make them up.

Sounds harsh, but I think you can do better and GE&T demands higher standards, especially when the products themselves are kind of lackluster. This is a chance to really be creative and you're missing out, but you still can put in all the changes and transform your thread with time and effort.

EDIT: Now I remember you. This isn't your first attempt at a storefront and this one is even more scaled back. It's like you're regressing. That or you're trolling GE&T. Plenty of people have given you advice, but you just don't seem open to it.

[Fishelle]

https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=547587
Why does my storefront get no customers?

Because you're selling wood and fruit with no product descriptions, no slick formatting, no images, and everything is just basic. Have you looked at the effort others put into their storefronts? Like the really successful ones?

So, obviously wood and fruit don't really lend themselves to elaborate descriptions, but that could be the fun part is that you describe them anyway with some humor. The fact that you're also riffing on a popular game franchise and not even going into what makes them 'Minecraftian' without images or descriptions is really kind of...odd.
You have no company background story.
The fact that your whole storefront fits into one post with plenty of room to spare says it all right there. You should close that off, reserve at least 4 posts, and fill them with the content I just mentioned. Temporarily close your storefront, then do some research, both across the web and here on NS to see how other storefronts that appeal to you are structured.

Lastly, really successful storefront creators don't post 'bump' posts. If you need to get attention to your thread and keep it on the first page, post a fake advert, company news, or customer testimonials, whether they're real customers or not. Make them up.

Sounds harsh, but I think you can do better and GE&T demands higher standards, especially when the products themselves are kind of lackluster. This is a chance to really be creative and you're missing out, but you still can put in all the changes and transform your thread with time and effort.

EDIT: Now I remember you. This isn't your first attempt at a storefront and this one is even more scaled back. It's like you're regressing. That or you're trolling GE&T. Plenty of people have given you advice, but you just don't seem open to it.

I'm rather new to GE&T and labeling me as a troll doesn't help anything. However, I will still take your advice. Unfortunately, reserving posts doesn't work because I get the "you cannot make another post so soon after your last" error.
Also, I think YOU are the troll here, as that you blatantly disregard that the first storefront I made is the one you just replied to. Stop saying I'm "Regressing".
Third of all, see the catalog, it has the actual products.
The fact that you turned from a legitimate advice-giver to a troll that can't read a catalog beats me.

[Aquitayne]

https://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=547587
Why does my storefront get no customers?

I agree with much of what Neu Engollon said above, the storefront needs some (even basic) graphics, a company history or background, and better formatting for the products you're selling. That being said, I think the biggest issue is that there isn't really a market for what you're trying to sell on NS. Not trying to discourage you from giving it a go - but much like business in the real world, you need to know your demographic and target accordingly. I'm not sure there's a whole lot of people looking for Minecraft-esque items on here.

As a suggestion, you may could rebrand the storefront as some sort of global organic food supply company providing fresh fruits and vegetables to clients all over the multiverse. With some graphics, a decent company background, and some solid info on how you want to enter new markets (countries), that could definitely be a winner. I don't think I've ever seen anyone do that on NS but it could be interesting!

Also, you link to your catalogue in the storefront, but don't have a link in the catalogue to get back to your storefront. Make sure to add that so people can easily and quickly go back and forth.