ArtYah ~Vs~ Aftcra

Looking forward to opening a new shop, Paper Nirvana, at ArtYah. Been looking at another handmades venue, Aftcra, for a couple of years now, but it does not have a community forum. ArtYah has one at G+. This is a great feature that I always appreciate.  It's one of the reasons that I like Bonanza.com​ so much.

Aftcra has a feature to fav and wishlist products, and ArtYah allows watching a product. Neither offer faving/connecting to shops though. Etsy and Artfire still offer this fast-disappearing venue feature.

Searching For Norma's Shop: First I typed in Norma's and another shop, Natural something, came up. Then I searched Normas and this came up: http://www.artyah.com/Browse?FullTextQuery=normas. From there I went to her shop.

I like that shop policies at ArtYah open in a popup window. One thing I don't like is that from the product page it seems a little difficult to find the shop/gallery name to click on to see all of a shop's products (unless I'm missing something). From product page I don't see the shop banner/avatar anywhere. Instead, there is a colored tab beside the "Listing Details" tab.

Visitors are used to seeing at least the shop avatar on each product page. Makes it easy to click to go to shop home, and it's an obvious reminder of which shop you are browsing. This is an important branding feature. Also, the shop name on the tab is all run in together AND in lowercase, such as with Norma's gallery, normasbathandbody's Gallery. When I went to review Norma's feedback, there was no link on the page to return to her shop home. I had to use the browser back arrow. These little annoyances won't stop me from opening shop though. I DO need to send them as suggestions to admin.

***Note***
Don't forget that all products listed at Aftcra must be priced at $10 or higher. This venue inspires developing product packs versus single-product listings; especially for paper-crafted handmades.

LTC

No Shop Headers At Scott's Marketplace :(

I know the product is the most important thing, but my shop banner is a major part of my brand. If I'm going to invest time to list, I want my banner in place.The main thing that I don't like about Scott's is that they do not offer the feature of adding a shop banner/header. Sellers are allowed a small shop avatar with the shop name text beside it. It's really small; only enough room for a couple of initials or one simple motif. I wrote and asked about a header, and they said maybe in the future they will offer that feature.

I like the simple layout, abundant white space, good search feature and ease in visiting other shops. No stats though, that I can see, but I don't have a membership so can't see an admin panel.  Saving the link for future possibilities. Michelle T. from admin was quick to get back with me when I asked my question. Great first impression, Scott's!

Here's one nice shop, Ross Creations in Burlington, NC. Nice bookmarks and other personal accessories. Finally, a shop with an avatar! I must have looked at at least 6 shops before I found one that is taking advantage of this promotion opportunity. So many with the ugly, well not really ugly, but you know what I mean, stock avatar.

LTC

 

Estrina: New Selling Venue Requires Euro Pricing

This new handmades selling venue, Estrina.com, reminds me somewhat of Ezebee. On the marketplace page you see mostly products from overseas, with prices in euros (EUR). Unlike Ezebee's set up though, Estrina, based out of Barcelona, Spain, requires that all text be in English, but all prices must be in euros. The euro is the 2nd most traded currency in the world, after the U.S. dollar.

LTC

Great Tips On Handmades Selling Success By Jess

From Jess' Create & Thrive Blog

This is the best post about tips on increasing sales and growing your handmade business that I've ever read. Jess Van Den is a  jewelry artisan who lives with her husband in the Brisbane, Australia area. Along with subjects like creating something that people actually want to buy, why you should make items that can easily be reproduced, and the importance of developing a mailing list, she talks about how vital is it to register your own domain name.

Some of her tips, like having beautiful photos, we hear over and over (and hearing it again is never too much either!). Overall, her post is a pleasant refreshing of the subject of growing sales. You should read it.

10 Things you MUST Do to Have a Successful Online Craft Business

Her shop is called Epheriell. Watch this fascinating, short video on how she makes her silver cloud earrings.

Jess says, "I believe in handmade. I believe in the power and the goodness of the micro-economy. I buy handmade and vintage wherever I can. I believe that the more of us who succeed, the better our world and our lives will be."

MARKETING On The Internet:What's Your Problem?

What will it take for your Internet marketing program to pay off?

Been struggling with your Internet marketing process? Confused about all of the options, resources, business social sites and SEO advisers that are available? Maybe it would be helpful for you to back up and seriously evaluate your feelings about utilizing the Internet to generate income and extend your reach. Read what Quora members have to share about What is the biggest problem that small businesses are facing regarding marketing on the Internet? 

There are so many sage comments at this Quora page that can help give you insight into the possible sources of your problems with savvy Internet marketing. Here are a few:  

"4. They have not clearly identified what makes their small business truly unique from the goliaths or local competition that offer similar products/services. This lack of differentiation decreases the effectiveness and power of their marketing communications, because they look like everybody else."

"So the important question to ask is What specific objective does the small business owner have in mind as he or she envisions an Internet solution? Many are convinced that Internet marketing (or social media) can make a big difference in their business, but they're just not sure how. "

 

"4) Understanding that just because the tools are (usually) free, and (usually) easy to use, that using them *effectively* isn't as easy.  A hammer is cheap and easy to swing, but it's not for screwing in screws is it?"  

LTC

MARKETING: TheFind Merges With Facebook

TheFind Has Ceased Operations In Favor Of Integrating With Facebook

Followed a link to TheFind and found that the website has ceased operations because key members of its team are joining Facebook. There is supposed to be some sort of integration into the FB ads service. Read more about it here: TheFind Merging With Facebook.

LTC

MARKETING: Free 21-Day Traffic-Building Workshop

Alison Wood's 21-Day Traffic Building Challenge

Alison Wood, at Cartwheels Across The Sky, is hosting a free 21-day workshop to help build website traffic. "Consistency is key when it comes to marketing your business, so if you can take just one small step every day it will really help build your visitor numbers," says Alison. On each of the 21 days she will send you a combo text/video email, which will help you to complete one step that day. It sounds exciting, and it's FREE!

LTC

MARKETING: Am I A Spammer?

Leo Notenboom, computer technology specialist

Ever wondered if your email marketing method can be considered as spamming? Leo Notenboom gives valuable insight into whether it is or not. He also shares suggestions on how to market through email. I found the article to be clear and helpful.

Am I Sending Spam by Leo Notenboom

Leo has been a computer technology specialist and software engineer since 1979. He has a lot of credentials, including having worked for Microsoft for 18 years. He publishes his Ask Leo! newsletter each week. He says it is "where you can find more answers tips and tricks to make your technology “just work”!" He is currently offering a free ebook on helping speed up your computer if you sign up. You don't have to do that, though, to benefit from the wealth of help at his website.

LTC

PUBLISHING: Kizoa's Nostalgic New Slideshow Template

Kizoa slideshow: Sepia - Once upon a time... - Slideshow

Kizoa, the free video maker, slideshow creator and collage builder, has a new template called Sepia. It's really nice in that it is reminiscent of viewing old family movies on a reel-to-reel. As a free service, I like Kizoa more than Animoto, because it offers a longer video length with the free account. I don't know what their max free length is, but the slideshow that I created was close to a minute. Animoto's is about 30 secs. 

There's a lot you can share within the free time length, so don't discount this resource. Using a free service is also an excellent way to learn video clips and slideshows creation. While you can use your Windows Movie Maker, Youtube Video Creator or other software, sites like Kizoa offer large popular music clips libraries and attractive themed templates. Step-by-step directions and video tutorials make it possible for anyone to learn the technology.

Upgrade your skills and start marketing your work with video clips and slideshows. Wouldn't the Kizoa Sepia template look fabulous for a wedding layout? It's so romantic and nostalgic!

publishing

Ensure That Your Handmade Products Lead To You

Ensure that potential customers can find you by applying identifying/contact info onto every piece of work that you produce. 

If you like to add variety and jazziness to your work, like I do, merchandise tags can be made out of any old thing. Within the junk mail that you get everyday are potential creative tags. Though there is a lot to be said about ordering coordinated business tags, labels and seals, I am an eclectic type of person. I like showing a different tag on each of my items. I make them from greeting cards, scrap paper, recycled artwork and other salvaged items. Here are the fronts and backs of some of my recent creative tags:

Handmade product tag: made from tissue box design cut out.

 

Merchandise tag made from a salvaged drawing.

Handmade product tag: a salvaged paper star.

Handmade merchandise tag made from a greeting card cut out.

 While tags are a fun identifying addition to your work, they are made to be removed. How do you add a non-removable identification to your work? Some other ways that I do are:

• print out a sheet on which I've added various sized web addresses and emails, and my logo too
• cut out one to adhere to the back of every piece of artwork and crafted items that I produce
• if the craftwork is very small, I print some type of info with an ultra-fine permanent marker
• try to place it in an inconspicuous place, corner, bottom, side
• it's similar to an artist signature, but on the back
• depending on the size and shape of the product, the identity tag can be just the web address, just the email, or both
• on larger wall art pieces my identity tag includes both and my logo as well
• always seal over it, with Mod Podge, gel medium or PVC glue, so it will remain.

For some items, of course, I simply can't find a way to do it, and don't worry about that. With an ultrafine Sharpie though, there are few times when I can't. Below is the back of one of my wall art pieces. You can be formal or creative on how your apply our identifying tags. Thought you might like seeing the backs of two of my mixed media pieces.



On cards and tags I always try to apply a strip of info along the bottom or up the side, or I write the info, as tiny as I can. I even try to take time to add identifying info on items that I think may be thrown away; ephemera like product tags that I attach to my work. If thrown away, someone else may find it, like it and contact me. Yes! Even about a product tag. She may want to know where I got it, and I can say I made it, would you like me to make you some? Sales can come from any direction. I try to think of creative ways to open the window of opportunity.

I committed to this idea long ago when I was often disappointed to find myself at home with a favorite item, and had no idea who created it. No identifying info on the back or bottom. If I wanted to learn more about the person and maybe order more from him/her, the opportunity was forever lost to me.

Anything that you provide on your product may one day convert to several sales. If you could have seen me searching and examining the products that I have over the years, for some minute scrap of identifying info, you would understand how important this is. It has involved anything from a papercrafted pieces to sculpture; things that I've bought in department stores, discount stores and thrift stores. Some of my fav items are from thrift stores, flea markets and other little out of the way places, to where the artwork or crafted items of some creative person ended up.

So, don't forget your identifying info, if you can at all add it. It does take extra time, but it's work it because wherever my product ends up, I'll be with it :) Don't rely on customers to hold on to packing and shipping info. If your product should end up at a church bizarre, that info would not follow it anyway.

PayPal Button: Making Your Own

When you make a PayPal Button for use on the images of individual items, it's easy to edit it if you change anything, like the price.

Once you edit your saved button, you don't need to re-copy and re-paste the code onto your product image.  The edited info will show when the customer clicks on your Buy Now button.

Don't forget to laugh today.