It’s that time of the year. We’re all getting less sleep, more stress, and unfortunately reaching for that immediate sugar high of a good Ghiradelli chocolate fix too many times.
So, if you are overwhelmed and a little stressed, read on to get some tips on How to Survive Holiday Small Business Stress.
1. Don’t take on too much.
I know you want to start on the marketing band wagon and want to blog more, start a Facebook page, open a Twitter account, or even start a new website. Stop. Be realistic.
If you are really busy and finding yourself yelling at the dog more often, then Don't. Do. It. Starting something now will only get your full plate fuller. It will only add to your ‘oh, I didn’t get to that yet’ list. Why do it? You will end playing catch up with yourself. And really, who wants to make this business to be too much like work and not play?
Practical Hint 1:
Prioritize what is important for your business. If you are selling stuff online, having stuff in your online shop is the most important thing. So instead of tapping your fingers for an hour trying to come up with a clever blog, or struggling on how to use Twitter (does anyone really know?), start uploading pictures and list stuff you have laying around. I explained why this is the most important thing to can do to actively market your shop in my previous marketing post .
2. Do what you are supposed to be doing.
I know getting more sales every hour is exciting and all. But really, do what you are supposed to be doing. Tweeting a hundred times a day is probably not garnering you extra points with your virtual followers. Changing tags and titles will get you more views and possibly some sales, but... what are you supposed to be doing? If you own an online shop selling goods, take care of your existing clients.
Get that present mailed for your client today. Send that e-mail you’re supposed to be responding to. Order those supplies you need to finish that project with. Getting your items mailed out with plenty of time to spare will not only make you feel like you’re ahead of the curve, but will probably get you some extra bonus points in the feedback department. Great feedback is always helpful when things start to slow down and a potential client is trying to decide to go with Shop B or yours.
Practical Hint 2:
If you really can’t get packages out when you said you will (like someone I know who forgot to change their announcement before a huge Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale) ... then by all means, communicate. Send a note to your clients and let them know exactly what is going. If you ran out of supplies for a custom order, let them know that as well. Most people are very understanding. Worse case, they cancel their order, you lose a sale, then you can console yourself with some spiked eggnog. Trust me, after a glass or two, you’ll forget all about the fail. Plus, if you are drowning in packages, you’ll feel better when you do get your other orders out in time.
3. Do make things easier on yourself.
I know we all have that Type A personality thing going on. Otherwise, you would not be reading a blog learning about how to do your small business better. You’d be on You Tube catching up on the latest viral video craze.
So, instead of hand stamping personal thank you notes for each and everyone of your clients, or wrapping each box with glossy wrapping paper which does not want to cooperate. Simplify! Use your printer. Write thank you notes on the receipts you mail out. Use a simple ribbon and some tissue to wrap your boxes. Use a web based mailing system. Do something less complicated.
Yes, make things simpler for yourself. I know packaging can be important, but getting your orders out in time and in good shape is probably more important than “pretty” at this point. If have not prepared ahead of time for complicated packaging, the time to start is not when you are too busy too cook dinner for your family, or even run to the grocery store to buy your dog some food.
Practical Hint 3:
If you have not already done so, stock up on business cards, care instructions cards, marketing postcards, mailing supplies et all. Actually, I have one word for you, outsource. Oh and when you're on that shipping page and they're asking you if you want the stuff sent priority service or even express mail? Click yes.
Trust me, now is not the time to question whether it is worth the savings. Now is the time to be wishing you had a time machine or a small flying aircraft so you can pick up the darn things yourself. But if UPS is willing to go to your house and drop off things at your doorstep within a day or 2 for $20? Then yes, it will be money well spent.
Moral of the Story or Lesson of the Day
Prioritize what’s important for your online shop. Have stuff to sell. Take care of your existing clients. Streamline and outsource where you can. When the dust settles, then, you can start all that other stuff which happily distracts you along the way.
If you enjoyed this post, share it to your virtual planet by tweeting, on Facebook, blog or e-mail.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
3 Tips To Freshen Up Your Etsy Shop (or How to be Found Again)
If you just realized that you have clicked your refresh page button for your Etsy shop for the 10th time within the last hour, it is time to do something slightly more productive to get your online shop found again. Here are
3 Tips to Help Freshen Up Your Etsy Shop and Be Found Again
1. Add new items.
I know it has been said a million times. But really, add new items. If you are not selling, it is even more imperative to add new items in order to be found. Need to be convinced?
Scenario A
Someone is following your shop via Twitter, blogging, Facebook or just on Etsy in general. Think of this someone as your secret-admirer, internet-stalker type but in a good way. Then, you add something new to your shop. Now, this secret admirer will probably check out your new widget. Since they already like your stuff, they will most likely post it on their internet planet. In turn, their internet planet finds your shop. So now, you have connected with people who have not seen your stuff before.
Scenario B
Some Etsian is bored and is killing time by scrolling through the “Promote Your New Listings Here” threads which dot the Etsy Team worlds. (Yeah, you know you’ve done that once or twice). So now, you have something to add to those threads. Then, instead of someone else’s shop getting discovered by other bored Etsians, they are clicking on your link and checking your stuff out! Not to mention that your link creates a new relevant backlink to your shop which as we have discussed before is always a good thing.
3 Tips to Help Freshen Up Your Etsy Shop and Be Found Again
1. Add new items.
I know it has been said a million times. But really, add new items. If you are not selling, it is even more imperative to add new items in order to be found. Need to be convinced?
Scenario A
Someone is following your shop via Twitter, blogging, Facebook or just on Etsy in general. Think of this someone as your secret-admirer, internet-stalker type but in a good way. Then, you add something new to your shop. Now, this secret admirer will probably check out your new widget. Since they already like your stuff, they will most likely post it on their internet planet. In turn, their internet planet finds your shop. So now, you have connected with people who have not seen your stuff before.
Scenario B
Some Etsian is bored and is killing time by scrolling through the “Promote Your New Listings Here” threads which dot the Etsy Team worlds. (Yeah, you know you’ve done that once or twice). So now, you have something to add to those threads. Then, instead of someone else’s shop getting discovered by other bored Etsians, they are clicking on your link and checking your stuff out! Not to mention that your link creates a new relevant backlink to your shop which as we have discussed before is always a good thing.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Rejection Story #2: A Marketing Lesson
I am not an Etsy rock star and my shop is not one of those that rocketed out of the gate when I started. In the past few months, however, I have been getting orders and sales consistently in my online shop. Apparently, slow and steady can at times, win the race. I found out that my natural inclination of burying myself in my art and avoiding self promotion is not a good way to sell successfully online. Who would have known?
Rejection Story #2: How being rejected found me the courage to self-promote (Part 1).
Self promotion is as a natural to most artist types as it is for Hollywood celebrities to have the propensity to stay married. Of course, as generalities go, there are always exceptions: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson come to mind. Unfortunately, I am not an exception in the self promotion arena. I am one of those artist types who think self promotion is a four letter word.
The great irony is I began selling my handmade jewelry at local festivals. By virtue of showing up, it is a non stop buffet of self promotion. There, I had to set up a tent, lay out my lovingly made jewelry, and basically try to self promote. It was a lot like trying to sell my soul and watching it getting rejected over and over again. Not very pretty.
Fortunately, I am married to a natural self or otherwise promoter: he is a professional business marketing guru. So at the local festivals, we found a great system - he would promote and sell my handmade jewelry whilst I pretended I was anywhere else but there. Quite literally, I would sit at the back of the tent and wire wrap and do consults for custom work; he would greet everyone who walked by and hand out my business cards. For me, it was perfect. My husband was in his element doing what he did well and I could ignore that whole self promotion - selling part of the business. Best of all, my soul was not being rejected.
Rejection Story #2: How being rejected found me the courage to self-promote (Part 1).
Self promotion is as a natural to most artist types as it is for Hollywood celebrities to have the propensity to stay married. Of course, as generalities go, there are always exceptions: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson come to mind. Unfortunately, I am not an exception in the self promotion arena. I am one of those artist types who think self promotion is a four letter word.
The great irony is I began selling my handmade jewelry at local festivals. By virtue of showing up, it is a non stop buffet of self promotion. There, I had to set up a tent, lay out my lovingly made jewelry, and basically try to self promote. It was a lot like trying to sell my soul and watching it getting rejected over and over again. Not very pretty.
Fortunately, I am married to a natural self or otherwise promoter: he is a professional business marketing guru. So at the local festivals, we found a great system - he would promote and sell my handmade jewelry whilst I pretended I was anywhere else but there. Quite literally, I would sit at the back of the tent and wire wrap and do consults for custom work; he would greet everyone who walked by and hand out my business cards. For me, it was perfect. My husband was in his element doing what he did well and I could ignore that whole self promotion - selling part of the business. Best of all, my soul was not being rejected.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
What IS a Swarovski Crystal?
If you ask me, I say very pretty, blingy, shiny little things. That is what they are to me.However, if you tend to be of the more scientific persuasion, then my “know -it-all” geologist husband’s answer may be better suited for you. Essentially he said, “It's a crystal created from naturally occurring materials, fired at extremely high temperatures to fuse it organically at the atomic level, and cooled slowly to create the perfect prism structure which are inherent to crystals.” My best synopsis and interpretation of his “blah, blah, blah.”
Of course, being a sometimes cynical and know it all wife, I researched what my husband told me, just to be sure. So, here is what I did find on Swarovski.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Plagiarism: Controversy, Calling out and Someone Finally Made Me Mad Enough to Yell Uncle!
From the Etsy Forums, another copier is discovered. This time, the perpetrator is not copying a design. We’ll stay away from that controversy. Copyrights or trademarks on a design is very difficult to prove. Even the recent Urban Outfitters scandal is replete with “who copied who” accusations.
I am talking about blatant and obvious plagiarism.
Plagiarism which does violate U.S. copyright laws. Copyright laws that our government support and enforce. But what happens when the plagiarist is from a company overseas? Is it okay for another sovereign country's corporation to copy another’s stuff? Does U.S. copyright law have no effect pass our own borders?
A company based overseas has been systematically stealing photographs and product descriptions from Etsy businesses. I found this out through an Etsy Forum post. The plagiarist company website, based in China, copied photos and descriptions from several handmade artists’ work with the intention of selling the items themselves.
Huh? I know, it does not make any sense to me either.
I am talking about blatant and obvious plagiarism.
Plagiarism which does violate U.S. copyright laws. Copyright laws that our government support and enforce. But what happens when the plagiarist is from a company overseas? Is it okay for another sovereign country's corporation to copy another’s stuff? Does U.S. copyright law have no effect pass our own borders?
A company based overseas has been systematically stealing photographs and product descriptions from Etsy businesses. I found this out through an Etsy Forum post. The plagiarist company website, based in China, copied photos and descriptions from several handmade artists’ work with the intention of selling the items themselves.
Huh? I know, it does not make any sense to me either.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Rejection: A Great Motivator
Three stories of how being rejected made my online jewelry shop a much better shop.
Prologue
Recently, I have achieved some success in my online jewelry shop on Etsy. Knowing I am in an extremely competitive category and realizing that dumb luck just doesn’t cut it online, I decided to take the time and analyze why and how I feel like I am finally getting some traction online. What did I do to get here?
It occurred to me that it all started with rejection. I was rejected by three different entities. Unknowns. People whom I have never met and will probably never know, rejected my shop in one way or another. What I realized about myself and rejection were golden.
Rejection is never easy to take. It could be a boyfriend who says no, a co-worker who won’t lunch with you, a boss who passed you over for a promotion, or a potential client who walks away. What I have learned is this: it is not who rejected you or even why they rejected you that is important.
What is important is HOW you handle the rejection.
Rejection Story #1: How rejection made me mad and want to get even.
After working very hard on my online jewelry shop last year, I thought I was ready. My photos were attractive, my descriptions not only convinced but inspired, and my handmade jewelry line made me proud. I had developed my designs, techniques and honed my skills for seven years. Yes, I thought, I was ready.
Ready for what? You ask.
Prologue
Recently, I have achieved some success in my online jewelry shop on Etsy. Knowing I am in an extremely competitive category and realizing that dumb luck just doesn’t cut it online, I decided to take the time and analyze why and how I feel like I am finally getting some traction online. What did I do to get here?
It occurred to me that it all started with rejection. I was rejected by three different entities. Unknowns. People whom I have never met and will probably never know, rejected my shop in one way or another. What I realized about myself and rejection were golden.
Rejection is never easy to take. It could be a boyfriend who says no, a co-worker who won’t lunch with you, a boss who passed you over for a promotion, or a potential client who walks away. What I have learned is this: it is not who rejected you or even why they rejected you that is important.
What is important is HOW you handle the rejection.
Rejection Story #1: How rejection made me mad and want to get even.
After working very hard on my online jewelry shop last year, I thought I was ready. My photos were attractive, my descriptions not only convinced but inspired, and my handmade jewelry line made me proud. I had developed my designs, techniques and honed my skills for seven years. Yes, I thought, I was ready.
Ready for what? You ask.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Ode To My Mom
My mom taught me how
to talk
to walk
to sing
to dance
to cook
to play nice
to worship
to be fun
to be who i am
to have a sense of humor - always
she claims not to be creative
but she encouraged me to draw
spent for my art supplies
got me an art tutor
supports all my artistic endeavors
encouraged me to become an architect
always loved all my creations
is my biggest cheerleader
to this day, she
loves all my jewelry creations
is my biggest fan on facebook
is my best art benefactor
and
since she is an amazing entrepreneur herself, she
gave me my mind for business
my entrepreneurial spirit
my tendency to march to a different drummer
and my love for independence
in all reality, practically speaking, none of us would be here without our moms.
So, for my mom...
thank you
for birthing me
for caring for me
for loving me for who i am and who i am going to be
for being there for me always
and for being my biggest inspiration.
i love you.
to talk
to walk
to sing
to dance
to cook
to play nice
to worship
to be fun
to be who i am
to have a sense of humor - always
she claims not to be creative
but she encouraged me to draw
spent for my art supplies
got me an art tutor
supports all my artistic endeavors
encouraged me to become an architect
always loved all my creations
is my biggest cheerleader
to this day, she
loves all my jewelry creations
is my biggest fan on facebook
is my best art benefactor
and
since she is an amazing entrepreneur herself, she
gave me my mind for business
my entrepreneurial spirit
my tendency to march to a different drummer
and my love for independence
in all reality, practically speaking, none of us would be here without our moms.
So, for my mom...
thank you
for birthing me
for caring for me
for loving me for who i am and who i am going to be
for being there for me always
and for being my biggest inspiration.
i love you.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A Tale of Two Shops: Shop Two, Lesson Two
I started this series in December 2010 which I called “Everything I Know I Learned From the Etsy Forums “. As part of the series, I wanted to share two Etsy shops who inspired me and helped me - an Etsy ‘newbie’- find my way.
Here is the Prologue: from Everything I Know .... A Tale of Two Shops
and Part 1: A Tale of Two Shops: Shop One, Lesson One
A Tale of Two Shops: Shop Two, Lesson Two
Knotworkshop.
“I’m a professional hooker.”
Those were the four little words which evoked such a huge emotional response from me that for the first time ever, I initiated a conversation (online) with a complete and total stranger.
This was the way Knotworkshop introduced herself in her Etsy Profile Page when I clicked to read about this very intriguing Etsy shop owner. I was thinking, "wow, this woman is nuts! But wow, she’s got real ... guts.”
I have always been a little timid to truly express myself so boldly in front of strangers. My husband could tell you that with him, I am a completely different creature. I am always funny, much more self confident and highly irreverent. To most of the rest of the world, I am much more POLITE.
I suppose you could blame it on years of practicing politics by being a middle child. Then, followed by being in a profession where I have to get many heads to agree in order to get something built. However, there is something about being able to say what you really think and to just express yourself no matter what, that truly attracts and intrigues me.
Knotworkshop’s forum posts were what drew me to her shop. It was her personality that made me want to know her and support her business. It was her non stop, laugh out loud, funny comments and sense of humor that entertained me and made me take notice. It was her very own unique voice which made me "click".
To me, Knotworkshop was like a Vegas ad - uncensored, all the time. But still, I could tell that what she wrote was what was out of heart and mind. She didn’t manipulate her Etsy Forum personality: she wasn’t a pleaser, and she did not hold back either. She had a strong voice and personality, and either you took it or you left it. She was just being, well quite frankly, herself.
Here is the Prologue: from Everything I Know .... A Tale of Two Shops
and Part 1: A Tale of Two Shops: Shop One, Lesson One
A Tale of Two Shops: Shop Two, Lesson Two
Knotworkshop.
“I’m a professional hooker.”
Those were the four little words which evoked such a huge emotional response from me that for the first time ever, I initiated a conversation (online) with a complete and total stranger.
I have always been a little timid to truly express myself so boldly in front of strangers. My husband could tell you that with him, I am a completely different creature. I am always funny, much more self confident and highly irreverent. To most of the rest of the world, I am much more POLITE.
I suppose you could blame it on years of practicing politics by being a middle child. Then, followed by being in a profession where I have to get many heads to agree in order to get something built. However, there is something about being able to say what you really think and to just express yourself no matter what, that truly attracts and intrigues me.
Knotworkshop’s forum posts were what drew me to her shop. It was her personality that made me want to know her and support her business. It was her non stop, laugh out loud, funny comments and sense of humor that entertained me and made me take notice. It was her very own unique voice which made me "click".To me, Knotworkshop was like a Vegas ad - uncensored, all the time. But still, I could tell that what she wrote was what was out of heart and mind. She didn’t manipulate her Etsy Forum personality: she wasn’t a pleaser, and she did not hold back either. She had a strong voice and personality, and either you took it or you left it. She was just being, well quite frankly, herself.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Heartsy Exposure: Is It Worth It?
Have you crunched your Heartsy numbers?
An offer which can be too good to be true can be just that. Featured Heartsy shops have said that their views have increased enormously on the day of their feature. But for the practical minded, we ask, will you be making any profit from the Heartsy feature? Or is the Heartsy deal a loss leader but what you get in advertising will be enough for your time. If you don’t crunch your shop's real numbers, there is actual money that will be need to be spent at the end of your Heartsy feature which may end up coming out of your own pocket.
Here is an example:
Your Heartsy Deal is $18 for $45 = 60%
Average Sale Price for Items Sold in Your Shop is $40 (the current Etsy average)
Heartsy Deals You Commit To Sell is 50 Vouchers
Calculations for Example Above:
Pay Out by Heartsy
A. $18.00 x 50 vouchers = $900.00
Paypal Fees for being paid by Heartsy
B. $26.40 (A x 2.9% +.30 = B)
Items Shown Sold on Etsy (if no one buys over the voucher amount)
C. $45.00 x 50 vouchers = $2,250.00
An offer which can be too good to be true can be just that. Featured Heartsy shops have said that their views have increased enormously on the day of their feature. But for the practical minded, we ask, will you be making any profit from the Heartsy feature? Or is the Heartsy deal a loss leader but what you get in advertising will be enough for your time. If you don’t crunch your shop's real numbers, there is actual money that will be need to be spent at the end of your Heartsy feature which may end up coming out of your own pocket.
Here is an example:
Your Heartsy Deal is $18 for $45 = 60%
Average Sale Price for Items Sold in Your Shop is $40 (the current Etsy average)
Heartsy Deals You Commit To Sell is 50 Vouchers
Calculations for Example Above:
Pay Out by Heartsy
A. $18.00 x 50 vouchers = $900.00
Paypal Fees for being paid by Heartsy
B. $26.40 (A x 2.9% +.30 = B)
Items Shown Sold on Etsy (if no one buys over the voucher amount)
C. $45.00 x 50 vouchers = $2,250.00
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
How to Download your Etsy Listings onto a Spreadsheet
This has been asked a lot lately and I thought I would come up with some simple instructions. No pictures though, sorry. It's fairly straight forward. I wanted to be able to keep track of all my items and this is a good way to download your entire shop onto a .csv file. What's a .csv file? It is a simplified MS Excel file (similar to a .txt file for MS Word documents). If you have MS excel, you can easily open the .csv file and save it as an MS Excel file.
How to Download your Etsy Listings onto a Spreadsheet
Go to Etsy and log in.
Go to “Your Account” (top right of screen)
This will take you to your Etsy dashboard where you can change all your settings, upload listings, etc.
Go to “Shop Settings” (on the left side gray area of the screen)
Click on “Options” (below it)
This will take you to a screen with four tabs.
How to Download your Etsy Listings onto a Spreadsheet
Go to Etsy and log in.
Go to “Your Account” (top right of screen)
This will take you to your Etsy dashboard where you can change all your settings, upload listings, etc.
Go to “Shop Settings” (on the left side gray area of the screen)
Click on “Options” (below it)
This will take you to a screen with four tabs.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fine Heart First Ever Give-AWAY
We are having a give-away! To celebrate our 200 Facebook Fan Milestone, we are giving away TWO $25 gift certificates to two lucky winners. Fine Heart Gift Certificates can be redeemed in person or online. I will e-mail the winner the gift certificate, or snail mail a hard copy. There are several ways to enter so read on!
How to Enter
Required Entry 1. Go to Fine Heart on Etsy and choose your favorite piece of jewelry. Then, comment on this blog post and state which one it is or link to it. Fine Print: You must leave your name and your e-mail address or Etsy shop name or website so that I can contact you if you win!
More Chances to Win
Each entry below will count as one entry (plus the mandatory one above). Maximum of 4 entries per person. Each of your entries will be assigned a number and shuffled through random.org. The more entries you have, the more chances of winning!
Required Entry 1. Go to Fine Heart on Etsy and choose your favorite piece of jewelry. Then, comment on this blog post and state which one it is or link to it. Fine Print: You must leave your name and your e-mail address or Etsy shop name or website so that I can contact you if you win!
More Chances to Win
Each entry below will count as one entry (plus the mandatory one above). Maximum of 4 entries per person. Each of your entries will be assigned a number and shuffled through random.org. The more entries you have, the more chances of winning!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Intermission: In Honor of Mardi Gras Next Week
We are interrupting this regularly scheduled program for a short commercial break.
A short PSA (Public Service Announcement).
This year, Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, March 8th. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday". Why a "fat" Tuesday? It is the last day of Carnival season and being the last day, it is made to be the most indulgent party day of all. Of course, this is the day right before "Ash Wednesday" which is the beginning of Lent Season. The season where traditionally some people practice giving up items they love, like, or lust after. So, in honor of Mardi Gras next week, here's a few Etsy shops for you to peruse and enjoy!
Sources:
'Mardi Gras Inspiration' by fineheart
eclectic mardi gras
 Peacock Fringe HAMMOCK ... $95.00 |  STUNNING PURPLE FLOWER ... $45.00 |  The Whirl Ring NEW COLO... $15.00 |  Muse leather mask in te... $39.00 |
 Script Initial Favor Co... $66.00 |  Original Painting the ... $35.00 |  Vintage style One shoul... $225.00 |  Aquamarine and amethyst... $440.00 |
 Kiwi Garden Soap Handma... $5.50 |  Waft ... Purple Cocktai... $42.50 |  Sparkly balls mardi gra... $15.00 |  Picture Frame-Mardi Gra... $35.00 |
 Mask-Handmade Masquerad... $48.00 |  Fleur de Lis Heart Stac... $55.00 |  Purple Gem Garden Garla... $20.00 |  Reserved listing for km... $ |
Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Selling In Person: Home Party Edition Part 1
If you are just starting out with your online shop, one of the things that you need to do is get your products in front of people - in real life. If you have a brick and mortar shop (B & M) then that’s a good place for you to show off your stuff. But what if you’re like me, I work from home, I make my things at home, and I don’t have a store front in the non virtual sense.
Well, one solution which has presented itself are doing home product parties.
What is a home product party?
So I am sure you have heard of "tupperware parties". Basically, there is a home product sales rep and then there is the hostess of the party. The hostess of the party invites all her friends and neighbors over to her home for an afternoon. The sales rep talks about the new things that the company has to offer. Then, the invited guests shop and buy storage things and kitchen gadgets. One party I attended, the sales rep held a “contest” in the beginning of her presentation. Immediately, the party participants became rivals and competitors. Guess what that did to the sales? Yup, it went through the roof! Women love to “friendly compete” and “friendly win”. If they lost out on the pretend competition, then they made up for it and “won” by buying more goods than the other women.
Lesson 1: Tupperware has a lot more to offer than just storage people.
Similarly, you can create this service for your online shop or company. You can contact your biggest fans and clients, ask them if they would be willing to host a product party for your company, and provide them with an incentive for saying yes.
Well, one solution which has presented itself are doing home product parties.
What is a home product party?
So I am sure you have heard of "tupperware parties". Basically, there is a home product sales rep and then there is the hostess of the party. The hostess of the party invites all her friends and neighbors over to her home for an afternoon. The sales rep talks about the new things that the company has to offer. Then, the invited guests shop and buy storage things and kitchen gadgets. One party I attended, the sales rep held a “contest” in the beginning of her presentation. Immediately, the party participants became rivals and competitors. Guess what that did to the sales? Yup, it went through the roof! Women love to “friendly compete” and “friendly win”. If they lost out on the pretend competition, then they made up for it and “won” by buying more goods than the other women.
Lesson 1: Tupperware has a lot more to offer than just storage people.
Similarly, you can create this service for your online shop or company. You can contact your biggest fans and clients, ask them if they would be willing to host a product party for your company, and provide them with an incentive for saying yes.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
SEO Made Easy: The Importance of Being Earnestly Linked
When I started my online shop on Etsy, little did I know that I would also start a little online empire. For years, I owned a website which chugged along happily on a small railroad track in the middle of Siberia. Nevertheless, it got some people where they needed to go.
Then, I learned that in order to own a successful online shop, I would have to promote actively online. Thus my journey began and, I started to develop my little online empire. I joined Facebook, opened a fan page, I flickered, I followed blogs, and I even started my own blog (actually two, but I won’t bore you with the details).
“Why?” you ask. (A question I ask myself every day). Actually the answer is quite simple. I created my online empire so that I could create good links back to my online shop.
Then, I learned that in order to own a successful online shop, I would have to promote actively online. Thus my journey began and, I started to develop my little online empire. I joined Facebook, opened a fan page, I flickered, I followed blogs, and I even started my own blog (actually two, but I won’t bore you with the details).
“Why?” you ask. (A question I ask myself every day). Actually the answer is quite simple. I created my online empire so that I could create good links back to my online shop.
For those of you out there who think that the only reason you are blogging, facebooking, and twittering is so that you can create followers who will worship you and then buy your wares, I have news for you. That is only part of the reason you are doing what you are doing. The other reason is called back links.
Definition
What is a back link? It is a link to your website via a back door, not the front door. If entering your online shop via the front door is by someone typing your “www.shopname.etsy.com” or “www. yourownempire.com” on Google; then, entering your online shop via the back door is by someone clicking on a link from someplace else on the web to get inside your online shop. A back link.
Why do you need back links?
You need them to impress Goggle and get better SEO (search engine optimization for those of you who fell asleep during the first three lectures) for your website. Imagine Google as the new nerdy kid in school. He does not know anyone, and even the geek squad won’t let him sit at their lunch table. He is easily impressed with whom he perceives as the cool and popular kids. He wants to be friends with them. How does he figure out who the cool kids are?
Definition
What is a back link? It is a link to your website via a back door, not the front door. If entering your online shop via the front door is by someone typing your “www.shopname.etsy.com” or “www. yourownempire.com” on Google; then, entering your online shop via the back door is by someone clicking on a link from someplace else on the web to get inside your online shop. A back link.
Why do you need back links?
You need them to impress Goggle and get better SEO (search engine optimization for those of you who fell asleep during the first three lectures) for your website. Imagine Google as the new nerdy kid in school. He does not know anyone, and even the geek squad won’t let him sit at their lunch table. He is easily impressed with whom he perceives as the cool and popular kids. He wants to be friends with them. How does he figure out who the cool kids are?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
SEO Made Easy Part 3: Strategic Placement Of Your Keyword Phrase
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
I am sure that you have seen the forum posts which seem to come weekly from newbies.
OP (opening post): “How’s everyone's shop doing? Sales are sloooow for me.”
S1 (seller 1): “Slow here. But this month is always slow. Waiting for next month.”
S2 (seller 2): “Mine is GREAAAT!” Sounds like that tiger on the cereal box.
OP: “Really? I thought maybe there was a huge black out and no one can get online.”
S1: “Nah, it’s slow this time of year. Well, you’re here.” There’s always one in the bunch.
S2: Has disappeared. Just when OP and S1 were going to ask S2 “what’s your secret?”
Seller 2 checked their e-mail and found more orders waiting for them to fill. So they left the forums to get actual work done. They have figured out how to optimize their SEO by using an effective keyword phrase and properly placing it in their Etsy shop.
The Point.
Your effective keyword phrase needs to be placed in your Etsy Shop clearly and strategically. Clearly so that Google knows exactly what your keyword phrase is and strategically so that Google can easily find your keyword phrase.
Clarity.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone for an hour and never really understood what they were trying to say? What did you do? You walked away backwards and made sure they were not following you.
Your keyword phrase placement is like delivering a good thesis presentation. State what your intention is, state it again in the middle, and in conclusion, state the thesis again just in case people really did fall asleep in the middle of your Pulitzer prize winning speech. Repeating a point clarifies your point to your audience. Google is your limited attention span audience.
I am sure that you have seen the forum posts which seem to come weekly from newbies.
OP (opening post): “How’s everyone's shop doing? Sales are sloooow for me.”
S1 (seller 1): “Slow here. But this month is always slow. Waiting for next month.”
S2 (seller 2): “Mine is GREAAAT!” Sounds like that tiger on the cereal box.
OP: “Really? I thought maybe there was a huge black out and no one can get online.”
S1: “Nah, it’s slow this time of year. Well, you’re here.” There’s always one in the bunch.
S2: Has disappeared. Just when OP and S1 were going to ask S2 “what’s your secret?”
Seller 2 checked their e-mail and found more orders waiting for them to fill. So they left the forums to get actual work done. They have figured out how to optimize their SEO by using an effective keyword phrase and properly placing it in their Etsy shop.
The Point.
Your effective keyword phrase needs to be placed in your Etsy Shop clearly and strategically. Clearly so that Google knows exactly what your keyword phrase is and strategically so that Google can easily find your keyword phrase.
Clarity.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone for an hour and never really understood what they were trying to say? What did you do? You walked away backwards and made sure they were not following you.
Your keyword phrase placement is like delivering a good thesis presentation. State what your intention is, state it again in the middle, and in conclusion, state the thesis again just in case people really did fall asleep in the middle of your Pulitzer prize winning speech. Repeating a point clarifies your point to your audience. Google is your limited attention span audience.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
SEO Made Easy Part 2: Choosing an Effective Keyword Phrase
Since a keyword phrase is so critical to better SEO, I feel compelled to explain the steps of how to choose one first. Then, I will tell you briefly where it goes. If you missed part one, really, you should go back and read it.
SEO Made Easy Part 2
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
A Scenario.
You opened a new online shop. Your carefully crafted items are displayed showing off your newly honed product photography skills and amazing descriptive writing which even the seeing impaired can easily visualize. You have all your virtual ducks in a row: banner, announcement, profile, and policies all filled. You wait for customers to come rushing in, but all is quiet in the online front. Your views are low and your shop is like an ice cream store... in the dead of winter ... in Alaska ... during a blizzard. In disbelief, you keep refreshing your screen to see if new views have come in. Nope. Nada. So, you wander into the Forums and ask “is this website broken?”
Effectiveness Counts.
Using an effective keyword phrase means the difference between getting views from Google on your listings versus getting no views at all. What makes up an effective keyword phrase?
An effective keyword phrase includes:
1. general shop category (i.e. art, handmade)
2. specific item category (i.e. paintings, purses)
3. a unique selling point (i.e. textured, fabric)
Since presumably you have a good grip on 1 (where you are selling), and 2 (what you are selling), then number 3 will be our focus.
SEO Made Easy Part 2
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
A Scenario.
You opened a new online shop. Your carefully crafted items are displayed showing off your newly honed product photography skills and amazing descriptive writing which even the seeing impaired can easily visualize. You have all your virtual ducks in a row: banner, announcement, profile, and policies all filled. You wait for customers to come rushing in, but all is quiet in the online front. Your views are low and your shop is like an ice cream store... in the dead of winter ... in Alaska ... during a blizzard. In disbelief, you keep refreshing your screen to see if new views have come in. Nope. Nada. So, you wander into the Forums and ask “is this website broken?”
Effectiveness Counts.
Using an effective keyword phrase means the difference between getting views from Google on your listings versus getting no views at all. What makes up an effective keyword phrase?
An effective keyword phrase includes:
1. general shop category (i.e. art, handmade)
2. specific item category (i.e. paintings, purses)
3. a unique selling point (i.e. textured, fabric)
Since presumably you have a good grip on 1 (where you are selling), and 2 (what you are selling), then number 3 will be our focus.
Friday, January 21, 2011
SEO Made Easy Part 1: Get Your Online Shop Found
There is no EASY way to explain SEO. But if I can keep the chunks bite size, we may all be able to digest the myriad of tips and suggestions to a few chewable pieces.
SEO Made Easy Part 1
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
The Definition.
S.E.O. When I first heard the term, I was like “es - what - ti - oh” ? Then, I found out it was an acronym for “Search Engine Optimization.” Um, that’s nice, but what does it REALLY mean?
It means: how to make better (optimize) the way Google (a search engine) finds a web address online.
The Why.
Why is this important to you (and by you, I mean me), Ms. Online Shopkeeper?
Scenario 1: Imagine your potential customers searching on Google. Your shop comes up on the results as the number 5 link on Page 1. They click on links 1 through 4 on Page 1. They are frustrated since they are looking for something handmade. Links 1 to 4 are all commercially made wares. Then they click on link number 5. Well since you sell handmade wares, viola! The customers find you. They buy from your shop. They become big fans and lifelong clients.
Scenario 2: Imagine you are the last link on Page 3000. Yeah, it just does not have the same warm and fuzzy ending.
It’s all about being found first. The easier Google locates your shop and puts it on a page closer to number 1, the better for your shop’s visibility. Better shop visibility translates to more views for your merchandise. More views usually results in more sales. And, we all want more sales since we are selling stuff.
Lesson 1. Better SEO equals more sales.
SEO Made Easy Part 1
A tutorial in layman’s terms about getting your online shop found.
The Definition.
S.E.O. When I first heard the term, I was like “es - what - ti - oh” ? Then, I found out it was an acronym for “Search Engine Optimization.” Um, that’s nice, but what does it REALLY mean?
It means: how to make better (optimize) the way Google (a search engine) finds a web address online.
The Why.
Why is this important to you (and by you, I mean me), Ms. Online Shopkeeper?
Scenario 1: Imagine your potential customers searching on Google. Your shop comes up on the results as the number 5 link on Page 1. They click on links 1 through 4 on Page 1. They are frustrated since they are looking for something handmade. Links 1 to 4 are all commercially made wares. Then they click on link number 5. Well since you sell handmade wares, viola! The customers find you. They buy from your shop. They become big fans and lifelong clients.
Scenario 2: Imagine you are the last link on Page 3000. Yeah, it just does not have the same warm and fuzzy ending.
It’s all about being found first. The easier Google locates your shop and puts it on a page closer to number 1, the better for your shop’s visibility. Better shop visibility translates to more views for your merchandise. More views usually results in more sales. And, we all want more sales since we are selling stuff.
Lesson 1. Better SEO equals more sales.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Seven Basic Musts For Your Online Shop
Selling online is all about trust. You know you’ve thought about it. We are all basically buying from and selling to complete and total strangers. If you don’t get a warm and fuzzy of trust and happiness from an online shop you’re browsing, will you click and buy? Or click to go buh-bye?
So, how do you communicate that you are a trust worthy online shop? Is there a secret formula to this? Well, there is. Maybe it’s not a big secret, but what I have found is that people generally like to buy from shops whom they perceive to be organized. Whoa. What? Organized?
Yes, organized. Here's a real life example. Walk into a brick and mortar shop. Start browsing around. If you are not greeted, it’s minus 1 point. If there are no prices on the merchandise, another point lost. If the merchandise is not displayed ‘shabby chic random,’ but more like 'college dorm messy,' you will tend to walk away. Organization counts. Being greeted, having prices on items, and arranging the store to be pretty communicates being an organized shop.
Here's an imaginary phone call example.
You (happy): Hi, I was wondering when my widget will arrive?
Seller (confused): Widget? What? Huh? When?
You (now cautious): Um, I bought it last Monday online.
Seller: Oh, yeah (no he doesn’t). I guess I have to find my laptop under this big mess.
You (suspicious): Um, when should I expect it?
Seller (nervous): When I find it, I’ll mail it right away.
Yeah, not pretty.
Having an organized looking shop builds trust and building trust gets you sales. So, how do you communicate that you have it together (at least virtually) and that you are an organized online shop? Glad you asked.
So, how do you communicate that you are a trust worthy online shop? Is there a secret formula to this? Well, there is. Maybe it’s not a big secret, but what I have found is that people generally like to buy from shops whom they perceive to be organized. Whoa. What? Organized?
Yes, organized. Here's a real life example. Walk into a brick and mortar shop. Start browsing around. If you are not greeted, it’s minus 1 point. If there are no prices on the merchandise, another point lost. If the merchandise is not displayed ‘shabby chic random,’ but more like 'college dorm messy,' you will tend to walk away. Organization counts. Being greeted, having prices on items, and arranging the store to be pretty communicates being an organized shop.
Here's an imaginary phone call example.
You (happy): Hi, I was wondering when my widget will arrive?
Seller (confused): Widget? What? Huh? When?
You (now cautious): Um, I bought it last Monday online.
Seller: Oh, yeah (no he doesn’t). I guess I have to find my laptop under this big mess.
You (suspicious): Um, when should I expect it?
Seller (nervous): When I find it, I’ll mail it right away.
Yeah, not pretty.
Having an organized looking shop builds trust and building trust gets you sales. So, how do you communicate that you have it together (at least virtually) and that you are an organized online shop? Glad you asked.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Five Basic Lessons of Marketing (Or, How To Win Some)
I could go on about search engine optimization, or how to take better pictures, or go into the whole philosophy of Winnie the Pooh, but this is easier, more basic, and I believe more necessary.
Five Basic Lessons of Marketing (Or, How To Win Some)
1. You are not what you sell. I don’t care if you literally put your own blood on there (yeah, don’t ask), but it is not you. It is your stuff. You are selling stuff. Not you.
With that in mind, remember, not even Elvis or the Beatles had 100% of the market share when they were at their hottest. So, get over yourself.
Your new mantra: "Not everyone is going to love my stuff." I repeat, get over yourself. Realize that some (read: many) people will walk away and not even look at you. Do not take it personally.
This is business and it just is. No deep philosophy. No “it’s okay, it’s not you, it’s them.” It just is.
So, look up, smile, you need to get busy. Your new goal is to find the people that will love your stuff and keep them coming back.
2. Set your goal: “Find the people that will love my stuff.” This is a fancy term used in professional circles as business development, marketing and the like.
Now, how to do that? There is a key. This is very important and it will take some work on your part. You need to figure out what types of people will like your stuff. Who is your audience?
Some Easy and Obvious Samples.
Selling earrings? People with ears.
Selling signs that hang on doors? People with doors.
Selling sugary baked goods? People who eat sweets and who are not diabetic.
Selling life coach techniques? People who live life.
When you figure out who your audience is, you need to get answers to the following questions. What type of things do they like to do? Where do they live? Where do they hang out? How can I get there? Meet them? Know them? You need to spend the time to figure this out or you will not know where to go next.
Once, you answered the questions above. Then, start hanging out at those places. Find their common interests. Find their goals. Figure out their problems and offer them solutions. Investigate this. Once you find them, then, you can tell them about your stuff. Be yourself, or at least be really really nice.
Five Basic Lessons of Marketing (Or, How To Win Some)
1. You are not what you sell. I don’t care if you literally put your own blood on there (yeah, don’t ask), but it is not you. It is your stuff. You are selling stuff. Not you.
With that in mind, remember, not even Elvis or the Beatles had 100% of the market share when they were at their hottest. So, get over yourself.
Your new mantra: "Not everyone is going to love my stuff." I repeat, get over yourself. Realize that some (read: many) people will walk away and not even look at you. Do not take it personally.
This is business and it just is. No deep philosophy. No “it’s okay, it’s not you, it’s them.” It just is.
So, look up, smile, you need to get busy. Your new goal is to find the people that will love your stuff and keep them coming back.
2. Set your goal: “Find the people that will love my stuff.” This is a fancy term used in professional circles as business development, marketing and the like.
Now, how to do that? There is a key. This is very important and it will take some work on your part. You need to figure out what types of people will like your stuff. Who is your audience?
Some Easy and Obvious Samples.
Selling earrings? People with ears.
Selling signs that hang on doors? People with doors.
Selling sugary baked goods? People who eat sweets and who are not diabetic.
Selling life coach techniques? People who live life.
When you figure out who your audience is, you need to get answers to the following questions. What type of things do they like to do? Where do they live? Where do they hang out? How can I get there? Meet them? Know them? You need to spend the time to figure this out or you will not know where to go next.
Once, you answered the questions above. Then, start hanging out at those places. Find their common interests. Find their goals. Figure out their problems and offer them solutions. Investigate this. Once you find them, then, you can tell them about your stuff. Be yourself, or at least be really really nice.
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