Ever since I opened my shop end of last year I've been thinking a lot about where to advertise, for how much and when. Especially now that my tax consultant has put the pressure on and in no uncertain terms told me I absolutely must increase my sales.
I've advertised twice on the craft cult site. Each time traffic to my shop increased dramatically and resulted in shop hearts, item hearts and a sale on each occasion. I went for the carousel ad at the top of the site as opposed to the sidebar, because it's far too crowded on there, and I feel only a few people will actually take the time to scroll down to see all the ads and click on them. Most visitors are probably Etsy shop owners who check out their stats and/or treasuries. But the eye is drawn to the moving ads at the top anyway.
I've joined Total Art Soul. Members have the opportunity to upload photos of their items to the gallery. TAS jury selects members to be featured on their blog. TAS is very active on twitter and frequently tweets about members' products. Another good way of getting the word out plus it doesn't cost me a thing!
I'm currently drafting my story for the Art Saves series on a site called Crescendoh by Jenny Doh. Featured stories get linked to the respective shops. Jenny is associated with the "big guns" in the crafting business: Heather Bailey, Amy Tangerine, Serena Thompson etc. Getting picked for the feature will bring lots and lots of views and hopefully sales. Fingers crossed.
I started sending out my newsletter to my lovely subscribers. Most are already familiar with my shop, but I'm hoping it will get passed along to friends and acquaintances ;-)
What else do I do? I pass out business cards at every opportunity. I've created flyers and I've asked overseas friends to print out and distribute them. What else do I need to do? Increase my facebook fan page activity!
Another thing I'm considering is offering bag-making classes at the local educational center. I stand a good chance of getting into their program for next year, which means more local people will get to know me and my products.
I've also started interacting more with German blogs. Something I neglected when I started blogging in 2008. Doesn't hurt to exchange links. And last, but not least, I might run a teeny ad in a quarterly magazine called Romance ~ it's a local magazine filled with romantic interiors, clothing, decoration, vintage, shabby chic...I think my sleepwear would fit in well :)
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I think advertising/marketing is a hard one for a lot of us! I never know which ones to spend the most time on, which ones are worth paying for, etc.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm right there with ya!
It sounds like you're doing a lot of good work though :)
Advertising and promotion are huge! I've had a lot of success advertising on a couple of blogs, but you have to be careful not to do it too much because it can turn into a money pit. I've learned that hard way that it's not always worth it.
ReplyDeleteI don't really advertise anywhere because I don't really know where to start. You have lots of great ideas and I hope more people keep finding your great items!
ReplyDeleteThese are good ideas! This side of the business is what I struggle with most!
ReplyDeleteThis is the tough part of business, in my opinion. I am not a big fan of large blogs with sidebar spots because frequently they are too cluttered. I think it is great that you are drafting your article for Doh's site--fairy dust out to you!
ReplyDeleteI have wondered if you interacted with other German sellers. I have noticed lately that when I look for certain items they are from European sellers--what a great group to be affiliated with.
And thanks for the comment on my blog. I have heard about the e.coli outbreak and I hope you stay well. It is so frustrating to think you are being healthy only to find out that the food is making you gravely ill. Stay safe, my friend.
Wow Duni, that's a LOT! Sounds like you're really trying very hard to get your name out and get involved! It's not an easy feat. Good for you and I wish you much future success!!!
ReplyDeleteHello Duni! If I may share, in the Philippines the most common online networking tools entrepreneurs use is Multiply.com and the Facebook Fan Page. Some marketing and business agencies also commission reputable bloggers to review and blog about new products.
ReplyDeleteIncreasing sales is a never ending quest for all businesses. Even though you have the right marketing and advertising scheme to capture your target market, at the end of the day, sales remain to be the name of the game. But I love your idea of sharing your talent to your local community. Who knows the noble work of teaching may open up more opportunities and even a another career for you.
Hello Duni! If I may share, in the Philippines the most common online networking tools entrepreneurs use is Multiply.com and the Facebook Fan Page. Some marketing and business agencies also commission reputable bloggers to review and blog about new products.
ReplyDeleteIncreasing sales is a never ending quest for all businesses. Even though you have the right marketing and advertising scheme to capture your target market, at the end of the day, sales remain to be the name of the game. But I love your idea of sharing your talent to your local community. Who knows the noble work of teaching may open up more opportunities and even a another career for you.
Well Duni
ReplyDeleteyou can advertise in The netherlands
;)
You can always try it !!!
Your products are fantastic
I wish you all the luck you need :)
Hugs from us all
cuddle for Sammy =^.^=
enjoy your week-end
(its raining here now :(
Kareltje, Betsie & Anya
Well it sounds like you've got all the bases covered short of sending Sammy out with a sign around his neck.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly sounds like you are doing a great job of getting your name out there!! I wish you much success with all that work, Duni. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, a neverending story. Think of advertising a lot but I guess one has just make a try and learn, make another try and learn ...
ReplyDeleteYou have some great ideas and I wish you all the best. You do beautiful work! :)
ReplyDeleteIts tough out there! I find that my local business is the best, and doing local shows and markets in my community and in the big city near I live get me the best exposure, and the most repeat customers.
ReplyDelete