There are many places to sell your items out there on the web, etsy, artfire. All of them offer different things, what you need to decide is which one. This can be hard it's taken me a good few weeks to decide on what I'm doing. If you don't want to be part of someone else's website you can always make your own or pay to have one made that you just add your pictures and designs too. The problem with creating tour own website is hosting it as I have found.
At the end of the day you need to decide on what is best for your business, will the website promote your items so you get enough sales? Can you modify your shop to suit you and customers? Does it cost you to put items on the site? Do they take comission on the items you sell? Do you have the time to maintain your own website? Do you have the money to have it hosted? There are lots of options out there for you to consider and it is your business your deciding for.
Friday 16 September 2011
Friday 9 September 2011
Inspiration is all around
Inspiration can occur at any point in time, because of this it is a good idea to carry a small note book with you so you can note anything that comes to you. It's a good idea to make sure you can read your notes at a later date. Keeping a camera close to hand is another good idea, just in case you discover something that inspires a completely new line of items.
I've set up a clothes line made of ribbon to peg up any interesting things I might find that inspire me. I also have a scrap book full of magazine cuttings which I love to flick through. Every time I do I see something new, become inspired to make something new.
Hope this helps
I've set up a clothes line made of ribbon to peg up any interesting things I might find that inspire me. I also have a scrap book full of magazine cuttings which I love to flick through. Every time I do I see something new, become inspired to make something new.
Hope this helps
Make even better connections with QR codes
By Terence Eden
June 07 2011
Why do you hand your Business Card out?
You do it because you want to connect with people, and you want to make it easy for a potential client or employer to find you, should they want to work with you.
Business Cards are great for making staying in contact easy. How can you make it even easier? By putting a QR code onto your cards!
So what are QR Codes?
QR Codes are two dimensional barcodes which can quickly and easily be scanned by most camera phones. They're free to create and really easy to use. You can find out what's available for your phone at GetReader.
How can having QR Codes help my business?
QR Codes can contain many different types of data - URL, phone number, SMS, and vCard. You can make your QR code work in a variety of ways, including pointing people directly to your blog or website, allowing them to send you an instant SMS, call your phone or upload their details to your address book. So if you meet a potential client, employer or employee, you've got a really quick and easy way to direct them to all your information without having to make them type anything into their phone.
How can I make one?
There are several free sites you can use to create your QR Codes. I like QRStuff, but you can also use Google Charts for QR Codes if you want dynamic, highly customised codes.
Finally, if you want to generate QR codes on your own site, there are several free resources. I use Swetake's QRCode v0.50.
Great! What else do I need to know?
- Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your QR codes.
- Use black ink on a white background to ensure the code is readable.
- Ensure there is some whitespace around the code.
- If you resize the QR codes, don't use any interpolation.
- QR Codes can have variable error-correction. Unless your codes are likely to get dirty, you can set this to "low".
- If you're pointing people to a URL, make sure it's mobile friendly.
- Make sure your phone numbers are in International Format (eg +44 for the UK or +1 for the US).
- Be creative! QR Codes are appearing on everything from advertising posters to urban graffiti - make sure yours stand out.
Terence Eden is a mobile communications and QR whizz. Have a look at his website for more detailed information on making QR Codes, and visit our blog on our favourite customer QR code cards for some inspiration.
June 07 2011
Why do you hand your Business Card out?
You do it because you want to connect with people, and you want to make it easy for a potential client or employer to find you, should they want to work with you.
Business Cards are great for making staying in contact easy. How can you make it even easier? By putting a QR code onto your cards!
So what are QR Codes?
QR Codes are two dimensional barcodes which can quickly and easily be scanned by most camera phones. They're free to create and really easy to use. You can find out what's available for your phone at GetReader.
How can having QR Codes help my business?
QR Codes can contain many different types of data - URL, phone number, SMS, and vCard. You can make your QR code work in a variety of ways, including pointing people directly to your blog or website, allowing them to send you an instant SMS, call your phone or upload their details to your address book. So if you meet a potential client, employer or employee, you've got a really quick and easy way to direct them to all your information without having to make them type anything into their phone.
How can I make one?
There are several free sites you can use to create your QR Codes. I like QRStuff, but you can also use Google Charts for QR Codes if you want dynamic, highly customised codes.
Finally, if you want to generate QR codes on your own site, there are several free resources. I use Swetake's QRCode v0.50.
Great! What else do I need to know?
- Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your QR codes.
- Use black ink on a white background to ensure the code is readable.
- Ensure there is some whitespace around the code.
- If you resize the QR codes, don't use any interpolation.
- QR Codes can have variable error-correction. Unless your codes are likely to get dirty, you can set this to "low".
- If you're pointing people to a URL, make sure it's mobile friendly.
- Make sure your phone numbers are in International Format (eg +44 for the UK or +1 for the US).
- Be creative! QR Codes are appearing on everything from advertising posters to urban graffiti - make sure yours stand out.
Terence Eden is a mobile communications and QR whizz. Have a look at his website for more detailed information on making QR Codes, and visit our blog on our favourite customer QR code cards for some inspiration.
Want buzz for your online store? Enter the blogosphere
By Shopify
May 12 2011
When starting an online store the thought of garnering media attention seems daunting. But traditional print publication is slowly diminishing, while the relevance of the blogosphere continues to grow. Our advice? Get in with the bloggers!
Here's our top 5 tips on how to get started.
1. Get blogging!
The best way to figure out how to interact with a blogger is to be a blogger. If you go through the process of finding something you care enough to write about every day, setting up the blog, writing the content, building the traffic, managing the comments, reading the other blogs and building the relationships with the other bloggers, then you will understand the perspective of the blogger, and how to approach them.
2. Read the blogs that you want to target.
This sounds obvious, but many people don't take this crucial step. Be familiar with their subject matter, and find out who they are. Bloggers reveal a great deal of information about themselves, and it will be obvious if you haven’t taken the time to learn about them. If you have, your chances of building a relationship are much higher.
3. Forget the press release.
Bloggers who get a lot of traffic receive these every day. They're usually generic, with no link between the content of the press release and their subject matter. Bloggers will ignore it at best, and openly mock it at worst, which can be damaging. Instead of sending the press release in an email, contact the blogger directly. Tell them what you do, why you want to work with them, and provide contact information for you if they have any questions.
4. Bloggers are not ad space
Magazines and newspapers are formal ways to inform consumers. Blogs are different: they are both the conduit and the consumer, which means it doesn't always work out the same as taking out a traditional ad would. If the blogger writes about you, you can't control the message. So think about what it is you want to achieve: if you just want eyeballs on your link and you want the message strictly controlled, would you be better off buying ad-space on that blog?
5. No such thing as a free lunch
In a lot of cases, bloggers aren't being paid, they are writing out of passion. If you ask them to write about your product to help drive traffic to your site, you're asking for free advertising - basically, a favour. So what can you do for them in return? Discount coupons? Free samples? Backlinks? Access to you or someone you're connected to who can give the blogger an exclusive interview or open a door somewhere?
Shopify helps you set up an online store to sell your products, customise your storefront, accept payment and more - without the hassle of running a physical store.
May 12 2011
When starting an online store the thought of garnering media attention seems daunting. But traditional print publication is slowly diminishing, while the relevance of the blogosphere continues to grow. Our advice? Get in with the bloggers!
Here's our top 5 tips on how to get started.
1. Get blogging!
The best way to figure out how to interact with a blogger is to be a blogger. If you go through the process of finding something you care enough to write about every day, setting up the blog, writing the content, building the traffic, managing the comments, reading the other blogs and building the relationships with the other bloggers, then you will understand the perspective of the blogger, and how to approach them.
2. Read the blogs that you want to target.
This sounds obvious, but many people don't take this crucial step. Be familiar with their subject matter, and find out who they are. Bloggers reveal a great deal of information about themselves, and it will be obvious if you haven’t taken the time to learn about them. If you have, your chances of building a relationship are much higher.
3. Forget the press release.
Bloggers who get a lot of traffic receive these every day. They're usually generic, with no link between the content of the press release and their subject matter. Bloggers will ignore it at best, and openly mock it at worst, which can be damaging. Instead of sending the press release in an email, contact the blogger directly. Tell them what you do, why you want to work with them, and provide contact information for you if they have any questions.
4. Bloggers are not ad space
Magazines and newspapers are formal ways to inform consumers. Blogs are different: they are both the conduit and the consumer, which means it doesn't always work out the same as taking out a traditional ad would. If the blogger writes about you, you can't control the message. So think about what it is you want to achieve: if you just want eyeballs on your link and you want the message strictly controlled, would you be better off buying ad-space on that blog?
5. No such thing as a free lunch
In a lot of cases, bloggers aren't being paid, they are writing out of passion. If you ask them to write about your product to help drive traffic to your site, you're asking for free advertising - basically, a favour. So what can you do for them in return? Discount coupons? Free samples? Backlinks? Access to you or someone you're connected to who can give the blogger an exclusive interview or open a door somewhere?
Shopify helps you set up an online store to sell your products, customise your storefront, accept payment and more - without the hassle of running a physical store.
Online marketing tips for small businesses
By Google
May 12 2011
Did you know that 94% of consumers research products online before buying? Or that 3 out of 5 people use search as their go-to shopping resource?*
The fact is, in order to compete in today's digital world, businesses must be online to reach their customers. Moving towards marketing yourself online can be daunting, but don't worry – there's no wrong place to start! Here are Google's top 5 tips for taking the online leap.
1. Set your goals
Start by choosing one or two objectives. For example, do you want to drive visitors to your website, generate more foot traffic to your store or restaurant, or gather emails for a newsletter?
Be as specific as you can about your goal. Putting numbers and targets to your goals will help you stay focused (and feel great after you meet or even beat those targets!).
2. Get to know your customers
Talking to your customers can be the best research you'll ever do. Learning how they found you, or what they think about your website, can help you understand what you can improve your marketing techniques.
Putting a survey on your website or using social media sites to connect with your prospective or current customers are ways to get a feel for what types of people may be looking for your product or service.
3. Check out the competition
Ask yourself this question - how are your competitors reaching customers online?
- Do they have a website, social media profile, or online yellowbook listing?
- How are they marketing to customers - search advertising, group buying programs or post online videos?
Research can help you think about how to differentiate yourself from the crowd. No two businesses are the same, so don't feel that you need to copy what others do online, but do use it as a benchmark while your create your own strategy.
4. Don't be scared for your strategy to fail
Taking time to think through your plan before you begin can dramatically improve your results. Create a budget, find tactics that work within your budget and commit a certain amount of time to your goals.
Many successful online marketers take a "test and refine" approach, which is just a fancy way to say, don't be scared to fail and learn. The best thing about online marketing is that nothing is printed and hard to change. For example, you can alter the text of an online ad almost instantly if it isn't performing well. With online marketing, experimenting is key.
5. Track your progress
Online marketing makes it easy to measure program performance, so learn how to track and understand your results. Most online marketing programs, such as search or social media advertising, provides you with analytics or measurements of your ad campaign. Read the results, then revise which programs you spend money on depending on performance.
Once you've set the goals to create a website, list your business online or start placing ads, your business is on the fast track to reach more customers. As with anything, practice and persistence will lead to online marketing success. And remember, it isn't how fast you get online, but getting there that counts.
Ria Tobaccowala is a member of Google's Small Business Marketing Team. You can use Google to grow your business, plus, learn how to create a thriving online community!
*Source: 2010 Compete Online Shopper Intelligence Study
May 12 2011
Did you know that 94% of consumers research products online before buying? Or that 3 out of 5 people use search as their go-to shopping resource?*
The fact is, in order to compete in today's digital world, businesses must be online to reach their customers. Moving towards marketing yourself online can be daunting, but don't worry – there's no wrong place to start! Here are Google's top 5 tips for taking the online leap.
1. Set your goals
Start by choosing one or two objectives. For example, do you want to drive visitors to your website, generate more foot traffic to your store or restaurant, or gather emails for a newsletter?
Be as specific as you can about your goal. Putting numbers and targets to your goals will help you stay focused (and feel great after you meet or even beat those targets!).
2. Get to know your customers
Talking to your customers can be the best research you'll ever do. Learning how they found you, or what they think about your website, can help you understand what you can improve your marketing techniques.
Putting a survey on your website or using social media sites to connect with your prospective or current customers are ways to get a feel for what types of people may be looking for your product or service.
3. Check out the competition
Ask yourself this question - how are your competitors reaching customers online?
- Do they have a website, social media profile, or online yellowbook listing?
- How are they marketing to customers - search advertising, group buying programs or post online videos?
Research can help you think about how to differentiate yourself from the crowd. No two businesses are the same, so don't feel that you need to copy what others do online, but do use it as a benchmark while your create your own strategy.
4. Don't be scared for your strategy to fail
Taking time to think through your plan before you begin can dramatically improve your results. Create a budget, find tactics that work within your budget and commit a certain amount of time to your goals.
Many successful online marketers take a "test and refine" approach, which is just a fancy way to say, don't be scared to fail and learn. The best thing about online marketing is that nothing is printed and hard to change. For example, you can alter the text of an online ad almost instantly if it isn't performing well. With online marketing, experimenting is key.
5. Track your progress
Online marketing makes it easy to measure program performance, so learn how to track and understand your results. Most online marketing programs, such as search or social media advertising, provides you with analytics or measurements of your ad campaign. Read the results, then revise which programs you spend money on depending on performance.
Once you've set the goals to create a website, list your business online or start placing ads, your business is on the fast track to reach more customers. As with anything, practice and persistence will lead to online marketing success. And remember, it isn't how fast you get online, but getting there that counts.
Ria Tobaccowala is a member of Google's Small Business Marketing Team. You can use Google to grow your business, plus, learn how to create a thriving online community!
*Source: 2010 Compete Online Shopper Intelligence Study
Thursday 8 September 2011
Learn to crochet
It is said that those who can't knit can crochet and those who can't crochet can knit. I do know that there are people who can do both. Sadly I am one of the ones who can't knit but can crochet. The book that taught me how to do this was a book called learn to crochet. It has illustration on what you should be doing with your fingers and text along with pictures of what the stitch should look like. The book also has 17 projects to do. Another handy feature is a hook conversion chart and crochet terminology for the UK and the US along with all the abbreviations.
This is a UK book.
ISBN:1-904485-32-4
A book to get you started: The handmade marketplace
Whilst browsing waterstones I came across this book in the crafting section. I've found it useful.
It begins with Part 1: Getting to know yourself and your business. This part covers all you need to know about branding, pricing, setting goals. All you need to get started.
Part 2: Spreading the word - and images, is all about marketing, blogging, advertising and the crafting community. What you need to keep going.
Part 3: Getting down to selling, covers craft fairs, selling online and in shops as well as other options available to you.
It has advise from all sorts of designers and craft authors. It really is a good place to start and it has helped people start selling crafts. It doesn't matter if you just want to make money off a hobby or start up a full time crafting business this covers it all.
ISBN:978-1-60342-477-6
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