A new article has been posted at handmadenews.org. Hope you will check it out and tell your fellow craft friends about it as well!!
http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=738
Showing posts with label free advertising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free advertising. Show all posts
5.08.2009
4.13.2009
Leaving Your Mark on Various On-Line Sites
I've noticed through Google Analytics that lately, several hits to my Etsy store have come from the Relay for Life website. Your probably wondering why, so let me explain a little.
I donate a portion of my sales to the American Cancer Society. I don't really advertise that I do this, I just quietly give back. I decided to do this when I started my business because cancer has affected too many in my family and also too many friends and I felt it was important to give back, much like I give to my church. I've been blessed and I pass it on. While it's not a lot, it is something and every little bit helps towards finding a cure for this terrible disease.
I've participated in Relay for Life, been a team captain and more for the past few years as well. I posted probably two years ago on the Relay for Life site about creating a Cancer Awareness bracelet that our team was selling to help raise funds. And since that time, I still get hits from that post to my website and now on my Etsy store. I had no clue that sharing that idea would lead to exposure for my site. That certainly wasn't my intent when I posted the idea on that site!
Posting to various websites, leaving blog comments, etc., can lead to more exposure for your business. While I thought my personal post on this forum board was just sharing a fundraising idea for our Relay team, its turned out to be a lead for my store and I still get several requests from people wanting to purchase these bracelets or have special orders of these bracelets in certain cancer awareness colors.
Keep in mind when you are posting blog comments, responding on message/forum boards, using the forums section on Etsy or any other type of on-line media outlet, you are leaving your mark and therefore, you are probably going to be driving traffic to your store.
Make sure that when you do this, your posts are relevant, pleasant, and make the reader maybe want to find out more about you and you store as well. Don't ever leave rude comments or post something negative about a competitor on these types of posts either. That just makes your business look bad.
Next time you go to post, give it a couple of minutes of time and put some thought in to you. You never know what it might lead to! :-)
Until next time...Blessings! ~ Dawn
I donate a portion of my sales to the American Cancer Society. I don't really advertise that I do this, I just quietly give back. I decided to do this when I started my business because cancer has affected too many in my family and also too many friends and I felt it was important to give back, much like I give to my church. I've been blessed and I pass it on. While it's not a lot, it is something and every little bit helps towards finding a cure for this terrible disease.
I've participated in Relay for Life, been a team captain and more for the past few years as well. I posted probably two years ago on the Relay for Life site about creating a Cancer Awareness bracelet that our team was selling to help raise funds. And since that time, I still get hits from that post to my website and now on my Etsy store. I had no clue that sharing that idea would lead to exposure for my site. That certainly wasn't my intent when I posted the idea on that site!
Posting to various websites, leaving blog comments, etc., can lead to more exposure for your business. While I thought my personal post on this forum board was just sharing a fundraising idea for our Relay team, its turned out to be a lead for my store and I still get several requests from people wanting to purchase these bracelets or have special orders of these bracelets in certain cancer awareness colors.
Keep in mind when you are posting blog comments, responding on message/forum boards, using the forums section on Etsy or any other type of on-line media outlet, you are leaving your mark and therefore, you are probably going to be driving traffic to your store.
Make sure that when you do this, your posts are relevant, pleasant, and make the reader maybe want to find out more about you and you store as well. Don't ever leave rude comments or post something negative about a competitor on these types of posts either. That just makes your business look bad.
Next time you go to post, give it a couple of minutes of time and put some thought in to you. You never know what it might lead to! :-)
Until next time...Blessings! ~ Dawn
3.25.2009
Is your Signature Line Set-Up?
It is one of the easiest things we can do to send out a "free" advertisement for our business, but I bet there are many out there who don't use this easy to use function on their email! How many of you currently have your "signature" line set-up so that every time you send out an email, your name and business name and website appear at the bottom of those notes?
If you don't have this feature set-up on your email, I want you to stop reading this blog and go set it up! You are missing out on a great opportunity to share your business with your family, friends, co-workers and more!
Have you ever forwarded an email, whether it be something funny, serious or thoughtful? Ever notice how those continue to just be forwarded with most of the content from each email still there? Think how many times your "signature" could be seen if you do this.
Now, I'm not encouraging you all to go out and start forwarding everything that comes in to your email box just so you can get this information out there! We all know how we feel about too much of this type of stuff. :-) But, in the event that you do pass something "good" along to your email list, make sure your signature is on there in case someone you sent it to gets the urge to forward it!!
My signature line is rather simple and I will admit that I change it from time to time to keep it interesting and different and to pique interest! Here is my current signature line...
Dawn Rhodes, Owner
SHADES
Stylish-Trendy-Affordable Jewelry
http://shadesjewelry.etsy.com
The Joyful Bride
Making Wedding Planning a Joyful Experience!
http://thejoyfulbride.etsy.com
That's my current signature line that goes out on every email that I send out...whether it be personal or professional...it goes out! Now I encourage all of you to go and make sure that your signature lines are set-up and actively going out on all your emails...you never know whose reading or shopping!!
Until next time....Blessings! ~ Dawn
PS...yes, I did take on another business venture with "The Joyful Bride." :-) I handle all the marketing/advertising and day-to-day operations for this new business. Great, new product. I also have a wedding coordinator background and do that work some with my "day" job! We have a new blog for that business as well http://thejoyfulbride.blogspot.com. Thanks for checking it out!
If you don't have this feature set-up on your email, I want you to stop reading this blog and go set it up! You are missing out on a great opportunity to share your business with your family, friends, co-workers and more!
Have you ever forwarded an email, whether it be something funny, serious or thoughtful? Ever notice how those continue to just be forwarded with most of the content from each email still there? Think how many times your "signature" could be seen if you do this.
Now, I'm not encouraging you all to go out and start forwarding everything that comes in to your email box just so you can get this information out there! We all know how we feel about too much of this type of stuff. :-) But, in the event that you do pass something "good" along to your email list, make sure your signature is on there in case someone you sent it to gets the urge to forward it!!
My signature line is rather simple and I will admit that I change it from time to time to keep it interesting and different and to pique interest! Here is my current signature line...
Dawn Rhodes, Owner
SHADES
Stylish-Trendy-Affordable Jewelry
http://shadesjewelry.etsy.com
The Joyful Bride
Making Wedding Planning a Joyful Experience!
http://thejoyfulbride.etsy.com
That's my current signature line that goes out on every email that I send out...whether it be personal or professional...it goes out! Now I encourage all of you to go and make sure that your signature lines are set-up and actively going out on all your emails...you never know whose reading or shopping!!
Until next time....Blessings! ~ Dawn
PS...yes, I did take on another business venture with "The Joyful Bride." :-) I handle all the marketing/advertising and day-to-day operations for this new business. Great, new product. I also have a wedding coordinator background and do that work some with my "day" job! We have a new blog for that business as well http://thejoyfulbride.blogspot.com. Thanks for checking it out!
3.11.2009
I did it...I joined Facebook! Free Marketing!
I took the plunge and joined Facebook last week. I hadn't joined before now for several reasons, but after getting 8 invites to join from friends and family in one week, I said that's it, and joined.
I'm not addicted to it like my 19 & 15 year old nephews are, but it is interesting and I have reconnected with lots of friends and family from all over the country so that has been cool!
What's also been neat is that I added a link to my Etsy store and my Etsy mini is also on my box page and since adding these, I've noticed on my analytics that I've received several clicks to my store from my facebook link! So I have added yet another fairly easy marketing tool for my business by having this page. :-) Not bad!
While I can't say I've gained a sale from it yet, I have however exposed my shop to all of my friends on there (90+ as of today) and given my store another audience to promote to. Many of these people were unaware that I did jewelry or even had a store. Much like a mailing list, this keeps your name and products in front of your family and friends and whenever they are looking for jewelry or a gift, they will hopefully remember me and check out the store!
You can also set up a business page on Facebook, but I haven't explored that option yet. Right now, I'm content with what I have on there and don't want to get too bogged down with more and more things to keep up with. :-)
So if you haven't joined, consider it! And if you have, make sure you have your store mini or website link on your site! It's free promotion and that is always good!
Until next time....Blessings! ~ Dawn
PS...you can add me as a friend on Facebook if you want....there is a link to my profile on the left hand side of this blog! :-)
2.23.2009
We Never Know When An Opportunity Will Happen
I wanted to share this story even though I've talked to you before about the importance of always being ready to wear or market your work and have those business cards available as well!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over the years I've made jewelry for my mom and my sisters to wear. They are some of the best advertising I can ask for and they carry my cards as well. My oldest sister was wearing one of my creations the other day in her office. I told her that I should take that piece back from her because I could probably sell it and we had a good laugh about it.
Later that day a client stopped in and my sister said she noticed her starring at her necklace. The client asked her about her necklace and complimented her on it and she told her about me. She told her that she wanted to talk to me because she wanted to see about adding my jewelry to her store. My sister gave me her email address and we've chatted and it looks like my jewelry will be added to her store soon.
That same evening my sister stopped at a gas station out of town after going to dinner and she was still wearing the necklace. The lady working the counter commented on the necklace and told her she loved it. My sister told her who created it and she gave her my website and the lady said she'd be getting in touch with me. And she did!
So with one piece of jewelry, I've gained another retail location and a sale.
Are you always wearing your products (if you can) or sharing your work with others? If not, you should be! This is some of the best marketing and advertising that money can buy you! A little time invested in materials and creating the item is all you are out. But what it could gain in return is going to be more than worth it.
I encourage you to always be ready with your merchandise and also your business cards. Opportunities can happen when we least expect it!
I wanted to share this with you all as a friendly reminder to always be prepared and always market/advertise whenever you can! I've talked about this with you all before. Be bold and talk about your work. And find others who will talk and share your work as well.
Until next time--Blessings! ~ Dawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over the years I've made jewelry for my mom and my sisters to wear. They are some of the best advertising I can ask for and they carry my cards as well. My oldest sister was wearing one of my creations the other day in her office. I told her that I should take that piece back from her because I could probably sell it and we had a good laugh about it.
Later that day a client stopped in and my sister said she noticed her starring at her necklace. The client asked her about her necklace and complimented her on it and she told her about me. She told her that she wanted to talk to me because she wanted to see about adding my jewelry to her store. My sister gave me her email address and we've chatted and it looks like my jewelry will be added to her store soon.
That same evening my sister stopped at a gas station out of town after going to dinner and she was still wearing the necklace. The lady working the counter commented on the necklace and told her she loved it. My sister told her who created it and she gave her my website and the lady said she'd be getting in touch with me. And she did!
So with one piece of jewelry, I've gained another retail location and a sale.
Are you always wearing your products (if you can) or sharing your work with others? If not, you should be! This is some of the best marketing and advertising that money can buy you! A little time invested in materials and creating the item is all you are out. But what it could gain in return is going to be more than worth it.
I encourage you to always be ready with your merchandise and also your business cards. Opportunities can happen when we least expect it!
I wanted to share this with you all as a friendly reminder to always be prepared and always market/advertise whenever you can! I've talked about this with you all before. Be bold and talk about your work. And find others who will talk and share your work as well.
Until next time--Blessings! ~ Dawn
1.13.2009
The Press Release Worked!!
I posted last week about doing a press release to your local paper about your business. As a part of that post I shared my press release with you. I emailed that press release the next day, along with my photo to my local paper.
On Sunday, much to my surprise, since business articles are usually in on Tuesdays, my press release was published. I knew they would publish it but I didn't think it would make it in on Sunday, which is the biggest day for the paper!! That was definitely an extra perk!
The article has done the trick. I've been contacted by a couple of local retail locations on carrying my designs in their stores and with the help of Googly Analytics now on my Etsy site, my views have been unbelieveable! ;-) I've also received a couple of emails about custom orders as well.
The increased exposure this article produced has been great. Writing the press release took a little less than 30 minutes and it cost me nothing!! And its given me sales, increased traffic to my store and two retail locations wanting to work with me on adding my jewelry to their stores.
So...are you going to take a few minutes and write your press release now?? I hope so. You never know what might happen from it!
Blessings, Dawn
PS...if you do write your press release, let me know what kind of response you get from it!!
On Sunday, much to my surprise, since business articles are usually in on Tuesdays, my press release was published. I knew they would publish it but I didn't think it would make it in on Sunday, which is the biggest day for the paper!! That was definitely an extra perk!
The article has done the trick. I've been contacted by a couple of local retail locations on carrying my designs in their stores and with the help of Googly Analytics now on my Etsy site, my views have been unbelieveable! ;-) I've also received a couple of emails about custom orders as well.
The increased exposure this article produced has been great. Writing the press release took a little less than 30 minutes and it cost me nothing!! And its given me sales, increased traffic to my store and two retail locations wanting to work with me on adding my jewelry to their stores.
So...are you going to take a few minutes and write your press release now?? I hope so. You never know what might happen from it!
Blessings, Dawn
PS...if you do write your press release, let me know what kind of response you get from it!!
1.08.2009
Press Releases - Free Advertising!!
I've had my jewelry business for almost 6 years and my on-line etsy store is about to have its 1st anniversary in a few weeks. A very good repeat customer came to me not long ago and said "why haven't you ever done a press release or had a story done on your business in the local paper?" I replied, "I'm not sure why I haven't done a press release, guess I haven't taken the time!" To which she replied, "well if you don't do it soon, I will either do the press release for you or I'll contact the paper about your business!" I promised her that I would take care of a press release soon. ;-)
Now that the holiday rush is behind me, I guess I need to accomplish that task and let my local community know that I have my on-line store and that I've also got some of my work in a retail location now as well. (I did promise my best customer I would get this done---I can't disappoint her!)
When I worked for my sister and managed her business, we did press releases quite often when she would be published in resume writing books or when we added new services, etc. Why did we do this? It was FREE to put this info in our local paper, it was a great way to let people know about our business, and did I mention it was FREE??!!
Why didn't I think about doing it for my own business before now? I'm not sure to be honest with you. Since several of you emailed me and asked me about this subject (and since I'd promised my best customer I would do this for myself as well) I thought this would be the best time to write about this subject for you all and to write my own press release at the same time!
And, now that I think about it, I'm actually going to get to do two different press releases over the next few weeks. I will do one to announce that my on-line store is now available and then I will wait about 6-8 weeks and will do another one to announce that my jewelry is now available exclusively at a new retail location in town. That will be two free articles in two months!!
When putting together your press release remember to keep it simple. If you write too much it might not get read or it could be edited by the paper and important information you need to be in the article could be left out! Remeber who, what, when, where and why and that's it! Don't forget to include a picture with your press release. A nice headshot is usually best to submit with your press release.
I've posted one of my press releases below for you to read and to hopefully help you write yours!! Good luck and let me know how it goes and the response you get and I will do the same. Be sure to check back on the blog for updates! (I promise I will be emailing this to the newspaper tomorrow morning Linda H.!) :-)
January 9, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - New Local Jewelry Business Now Available On-Line!
Dawn Rhodes, owner and jewelry designer, is pleased to announce that she has opened SHADES, a custom beaded jewelry and gift store that is available online at www.shadesjewelry.etsy.com. Etsy is a website that hosts on-line stores that are for those who create handmade goods of all kinds from designers and crafters all around the world.
SHADES specializes in creating one of a kind pieces of beaded jewelry that uses semi-precious stones, metals and more. She creates jewelry in a variety of styles that can be worn for every day, weddings, to show your support for your favorite sports team and more. Since opening the on-line store, SHADES has sent orders all across the U.S., Canada and to several countries around the world.
Dawn is a member of Ohio Beaders, Self-Representing Jewelry Artists and is a graduate of the School of Jewelry Design at Ashworth University in Norcross, GA. She can be reached at www.shadesjewelry.etsy.com, shadesjewelry@aol.com or by phone at 740.590.8974.
Now that the holiday rush is behind me, I guess I need to accomplish that task and let my local community know that I have my on-line store and that I've also got some of my work in a retail location now as well. (I did promise my best customer I would get this done---I can't disappoint her!)
When I worked for my sister and managed her business, we did press releases quite often when she would be published in resume writing books or when we added new services, etc. Why did we do this? It was FREE to put this info in our local paper, it was a great way to let people know about our business, and did I mention it was FREE??!!
Why didn't I think about doing it for my own business before now? I'm not sure to be honest with you. Since several of you emailed me and asked me about this subject (and since I'd promised my best customer I would do this for myself as well) I thought this would be the best time to write about this subject for you all and to write my own press release at the same time!
And, now that I think about it, I'm actually going to get to do two different press releases over the next few weeks. I will do one to announce that my on-line store is now available and then I will wait about 6-8 weeks and will do another one to announce that my jewelry is now available exclusively at a new retail location in town. That will be two free articles in two months!!
When putting together your press release remember to keep it simple. If you write too much it might not get read or it could be edited by the paper and important information you need to be in the article could be left out! Remeber who, what, when, where and why and that's it! Don't forget to include a picture with your press release. A nice headshot is usually best to submit with your press release.
I've posted one of my press releases below for you to read and to hopefully help you write yours!! Good luck and let me know how it goes and the response you get and I will do the same. Be sure to check back on the blog for updates! (I promise I will be emailing this to the newspaper tomorrow morning Linda H.!) :-)
January 9, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - New Local Jewelry Business Now Available On-Line!
Dawn Rhodes, owner and jewelry designer, is pleased to announce that she has opened SHADES, a custom beaded jewelry and gift store that is available online at www.shadesjewelry.etsy.com. Etsy is a website that hosts on-line stores that are for those who create handmade goods of all kinds from designers and crafters all around the world.
SHADES specializes in creating one of a kind pieces of beaded jewelry that uses semi-precious stones, metals and more. She creates jewelry in a variety of styles that can be worn for every day, weddings, to show your support for your favorite sports team and more. Since opening the on-line store, SHADES has sent orders all across the U.S., Canada and to several countries around the world.
Dawn is a member of Ohio Beaders, Self-Representing Jewelry Artists and is a graduate of the School of Jewelry Design at Ashworth University in Norcross, GA. She can be reached at www.shadesjewelry.etsy.com, shadesjewelry@aol.com or by phone at 740.590.8974.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)