Your Online Presence Part 2a

One of my latest additions


Ok, so i literally have hardly any time, as tomorrow I am moving to NYC! I've started packing, but still have a lot to get done, so just thought I'd drop a few notes..

I've titled this post as 2a because I wanted to fill you in on two really helpful sites (more will come!) that I've think are quite useful.

First Up - The Handmade Jewelry Club

Showcase your work or submit an interview http://www.handmade-jewelry-club.com/2010/03/show-off-your-work.html

Or advertise http://www.handmade-jewelry-club.com/2010/03/show-off-your-work.html

And secondly - Cr8tivity

http://cr8tivity.com/  This cool site allows you to get lots of add-ons and helpers for your Etsy shop. As well as, advertise!

Ok, that's all for now.. See you soon :)

NYC 08 old meets modern

Along the crowded streets

Your Online Presence Part 1

I am slowly learning that your presence online also has much to do with how many 'hits' or 'views' your shop will get. Therefore, it is important to get yourself 'out there' so to speak. What I mean by this is, the more you try to promote in different types of ways, the more viewers you will have - thus creating more sales!

So here are a few ways to get yourself 'out there':

Your Etsy Presence

Join a Team

First of all, are you on Etsy?? If so, GREAT! Etsy has SO many different ways to get involved, promote, and even give back..

For instance, there are Teams with so many different themes. There is definitely bound to be at least one that will be a good fit.. Recently, I was able to join Etsy Expats - a team devoted to expatriates from all over the world. (Being such a traveller myself, and having lived in Guyana, South America and also the Czech Republic.. this is a really good fit for me.) Are you an expat and want to join our team?

Here's the link:

http://www.etsy.com/teams/6612/etsy-expats

Not an expat, but think it would be cool to join a team:

http://www.etsy.com/teams Browse through the tons of teams.. of course, most teams do have a few requirements, so expect to share a bit about yourself and possibly answer a few questions.

Create a Treasury

Treasuries are little galleries of items that you get to put together according to color scheme, theme, team, etc. Such a cool way to show your creativity. For me, it's also a bit of a stress release where I can just escape for a few minutes and get engrossed in creating something beautiful. Still not sure what I'm talking about?

Have a look:

Winter Blues.. Treasury

Forums

Yes, the forums are an excellent way to get and give input. All broken down neatly into various topics from announcements, business, site help, etc. http://www.etsy.com/forums_main.php

Virtual Labs

Ok, the last thing.. which is something I think is very cool - the virtual labs. Here you can join a 'classroom' and chat with others about different topics.. You can get a wealth of information here for just sparing a few minutes of your time. http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

Well, these are just a few ways to 'get out there' on Etsy. What did I miss?? Feel free to comment.. pleassse :)

My day is seriously calling, so next on the agenda - ways to promote outside of Etsy.

Hezky den! (czech for Have a good day :))

The First Sale

The First Sale

I just had my very first sale on Etsy. It may not seem like a huge deal, but when I saw the email confirming that receipt, it gave me that extra little push to really try and get more sales.

Locally
It is good to try and push sales locally - whether it be hanging fliers in laundromats or small ads in the newspaper. Offering your goods at local shops .. especially if it's a touristy area is a smart way also.
Internet
Getting exposure online is also important - I'm learning. Here is a great link from Etsy explaining the ins and outs of internet exposure:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6586654#post_box

Well, those are my insights for the night. Happy creating!
Sladke sny! (czech for 'sweet dreams')

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64672512/icicle-drop-earrings

"Just Do It!"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52401576/long-aqua-golden-chandelier-earrings

That is what my ex-co-worker, Lucia, kept telling me for ages. I told her how much I loved designing and making jewelry. I would say, 'yeah, yeah, I want to sell it someday.' When I left my job in Nyack, NY, I gave her  a pair of earrings I had made. Again, she told me the same thing, "Annie, you should sell these!"

Fast forward 2 months later, I am in Pennsylvania. An old school friend joins Etsy.com and starts selling these adorable, flower headbands for little girls. www.etsy.com/shop/prettylittleposies It was just the little push I needed to start exploring what it would take to set up a little online shop.

ETSY.COM

Etsy.com is a very awesome site for people who are:

A. looking to buy cool, artsy, handmade things or one-of-a-kind gifts.

B. looking to sell your own sweet creations.

It does take a bit of time to set up shop and become familiar with how it works, but once you do, it is super easy. It's super cheap to list your items. Just 20 cents a month for each item.

If you are looking to buy or are browsing, it has tons of different search options. These really come in handy.

Well, don't let me keep you .. check it out yourself! www.etsy.com

THE PURPOSE

So, I hope you will not only enjoy my postings, but also find them useful. I will try and share any tips about jewelry and accessory designing, my blunders (so you can learn from my mishaps :) good links, or anything else I feel the world just HAS to know. ;)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50796844/turquoise-amber-glass-bead-dangle