Disappearing Act

My life got a bit out of control crazy for a few weeks. My family and I got into a car accident leaving a fundraiser for our kids’ school. (SO not nice, karma…that’s just not nice at all! Lol) We are all okay and feel very thankful we walked away from it. The kids have never been in an accident so there was a lot of talks and cuddles and comforting going on and then of course, dealing with the insurance and all that…blah, blah, blah….and of course in the midst of all this, my shop was never busier! Grrr…so life came down to doing what I absolutely HAD to do and putting all other stuff on hold. Unfortunately my blog became one of the “on hold” things. Thank you for understanding…AGAIN.

Now back to business!

Back to my “You can DO this!” feature….we left off on I was putting together some marketing materials for Tina for my first marketing suggestion for her shop.
One of my first ideas is to market her house shaped air fresheners to real estate agents. Either for gifts for clients or for themselves. It is a unique gift and the house shape makes it “personalized”. I wrote a letter for her to send to real estate agencies (printed on her letterhead I designed for her….every. single. thing. should have your brand!) and designed her a flyer to send also. Here is the picture of the flyer…


Here is a copy of the letter.




Now the first thing with the letter is to point out how your product will benefit them. A busy real estate broker will not get past the first paragraph if he/she does not see the point in the letter. In Tina’s case, I pointed out that as a business owner, they know how important the “little” things are. I introduced the hook, immediately. This should ensure they will keep reading!

I also told Tina that ideally, bringing this letter and flyer into real estate offices and shaking hands personally with the broker is the best way to market. However, not everyone is comfortable doing that, so my next suggestion is to mail the letter and flyer. This is not a bad way to do it..just getting out and talking to people and meeting people is always the best way to go, if that is your personality or if you know someone who is super personable, see if they’d like to help!

This was my first marketing idea for her and I am excited for her to do it and see what kind of results it brings her.

But remember…maybe not every idea will result in five hundred sales. Marketing is all about slow and steady and building. You are getting your name out there and introducing you and your product to people! So while you may not see immediate, huge results, trust that you ARE making progress! Having said that…. it IS important to keep an eye on your shop traffic and views. You want to make sure people are getting your marketing and at least looking! If they aren’t even looking, then you know you are on the wrong track with whatever marketing it is you put out. Remember marketing is not a science and sometimes ideas just don’t work…but it is all a learning experience and you will find the right formula for YOUR shop!

You can DO this! First things first.....

One of the first things I suggested Tina to do for her shop, Heartful Expression, was create a logo and then once she had that, a banner. I helped design her logo and she did her banner from there. It looks good! Go take a look and compare it to the picture from the previous post.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartfulexpression

Doesn't it look much more put together now? I love it!

The best part of this, is now she has her “look”….her “brand”. This is huge, huge, huge, HUGE! Even if you are a one man shop, or solopreneur, you absolutely MUST have a logo and “look” that is distinctly your business before you begin putting yourself out there.

Why, you ask?

This the mantra I repeat over and over and OVER to the shops I help or give critiques to…

If you look like a business, you will feel like a business and once you start feeling like a business, you will start acting like one and once you start acting like one…well then, people will start treating you like one!!!

I mean really? Who’s going to take you seriously if YOU don’t? And not having a “look” or “brand”, gives the appearance of you not caring or at the very least, not being invested in your business.

Now your first argument will be….”But I can’t afford it…”. You can’t afford not to! This is one of the most important things that so many one man shops blow off. Because of the internet, you now CAN start a business with relative ease. But it doesn’t mean you SHOULD take the “easy” way out and just do it half-assed. (Forgive me…I’m blunt.) If you do, half-assed results is what you’re going to get! Take your business seriously…you should invest as much into it as you would a brick and mortar business because regardless of where your storefront is, the fact remains, it’s still a storefront and one that you want people to want to shop at!

I’m going to post links to a couple of articles that talk about the importance of having a logo and branding yourself in a straight to the point voice and not a bunch of marketing mumbo jumbo that is next to impossible for someone who doesn't have a marketing degree to understand. (Which, for the record, I don't have. 15 years involved in the real estate industry is my "degree.")

http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing/branding-logos/3580-1.html

http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing/branding-logos/3579-1.html

Next up for Tina is going to be some marketing ideas, ways for her to get her name out there and get some traffic to her now fantastically branded shop!

Big Plans!

HI guys!

So obviously…well, I hope it’s obvious!..you noticed I didn’t post my Write to Sell feature last week or this week. I’ve decided to scale back on that feature. At this point, there are enough before and afters to give you a really good variety of examples to help you out. I think I will continue to do it, because it’s always good to have new ones but I’m just going to do it on a monthly basis. Now if any of you need help, don’t forget to always feel free to ask! I don’t mind taking a minute or two to look over one of your descriptions and help you “fine tune” it.

Now on to the big plans, part of this post....even though this feature will be gone, I do have something else planned. In its place, I am doing something called "You Can DO This!". My ultimate, end goal is to help shops on Etsy or even off Etsy become more successful. I want to help “one man shops” or “solopreneurs” , as they are sometimes called, organize their business, get their shop looking good and then give them some good marketing ideas to help them get going. So many of my clients talk about my personality…that my excitement motivates THEM. It’s such a compliment and for a long time now, it’s made me realize that if I can bring that kind of excitement to people and their shops, it’s absolutely contagious and it will make them want to GET UP RIGHT THIS SECOND AND WORK ON THEIR SHOP!!!! LOL And that’s how I want to make people feel!!! And sometimes that is EXACTLY what people need…that strong cheerleader with really great but simple ideas!! And THAT is exactly what I want to be!!!

So keeping this end goal in mind, ever since I started this blog, I have wanted to do something like this. I wanted to find a shop that had a good idea but was just starting out…not many sales, not much inventory, etc.,and help the seller build it. I offer so much marketing stuff and I have been looking for an opportunity to “prove” that if you apply yourself, it really will work!

Now another thing I needed was someone that was truly on board….someone that would take my direction and be completely open minded and willing to try what I suggest and follow through....I have found that shop!!!

Heartful Expressions.
Here is a peak of her shop, right after I asked her if she’d be willing to be my “guinea pig, so to speak.



She wholeheartedly agreed and is VERY enthusiastic about this.

Now this first couple of weeks will be spent getting her shop ready. Right now we are working on her logo and her branding, which is HUGELY important and no shop should start marketing before they have their branding in check. She is working on building her inventory. I also gave her a marketing idea and I am working on the details of that, for her. But the idea is something we won’t roll out until her shop looks good.

Here’s what she’s doing…
•Building good inventory (At least 20-25 items)
•Policies and profile well written. Same for descriptions and shop announcement
•Banner, featuring her logo and her brand or “look”.
And last but not least, working on her product photos.
:-)

These are her first steps.….and these steps will make sure her shop is ready for people to “walk in” and buy from!

I hope you are guys are excited about this feature! I really want to show you that with some concentrated and focused effort and some help, YOU can make your shop a success, too!

Write to Sell

Good Morning!

I wanted to let you guys know that sometimes this feature might be posted later in the day. I used to be east coast time and now I'm Alaska time and there is a four hour time difference. So sometimes I might not get this up until later in the day/night. I just wanted to give you guys a head's up. :-)

This week it’s Heartfulexpressions!

Below is a link to the listing I am writing for and the description she has now.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/57201472/aroma-ornament-air-freshner-pink-fleur?ref=v1_other_1
Aroma Ornaments are custom made air fresheners perfect for your car, bathroom, laundry room, hanging near your trash can or any place you would like a gentle fragrance!The scent last 2 weeks to 2 months depending on exposure to climate conditions. All our aroma ornaments are made with high quality fragrance oil.

Whenever you are ready to change out scents in your car, place your used aroma ornament in a lingerie or sock drawer to gently refreshen items in your drawer or hang on your Christmas Tree!

Aroma Ornament measures 4" and is scented with Pink Grapefruit. This is just like cutting into a big juicy pink grapefruit! It has a fresh clean, sweet n tangy uplifting aroma.

Each Aroma Ornament is packaged and heat sealed to ensure freshness of the scent until you are ready to use it.

THESE MAKE GREAT GIFTS! ASK ME ABOUT AN AROMA ORNAMENT FUNDRAISER-EARN 50% OF EACH SALE!

Caution: Do not set these on wood, plastic or painted surfaces as the fragrance oil used can leave stains and damage surfaces.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

All items will be shipped within 24 hours after payment clears. I usually can ship an item the same day if purchased before noon.

Suggested Changes
Finally an air freshener that is as pretty as it smells! If you’re bored of your plain old air freshener, this is perfect for you! This custom made air freshener is shaped in a classic Fleur-de-lis design. More than just an air freshener, it can be décor, too!

The aroma will last for 2 weeks to 2 months depending on exposure to climate conditions.

When you are ready to change it out, you can still get plenty of use out of your air freshener by placing it in a lingerie or sock drawer to gently refresh items in your drawer.
Details:
•Gentle, fresh, clean, sweet n tangy grapefruit fragrance.
•Made with high quality fragrance oils.
•Put what the air freshener is actually made of, here.
•Air freshener is 4”
•Do NOT set air freshener on wood, plastic or painted surfaces as the fragrance oil used can leave stains and damage surfaces.

Shipping Information
All of my air fresheners are heat sealed when packaged to ensure freshness until you are ready to use it.
I ship within 24 hours after payment clears. If order is placed before noon, I can almost always ship same day.

Refund Information
Put your refund policy here or link to your refund policy.

Other Information
These make fantastic gifts! Ask me about an aroma ornament fundraiser. Earn 50% of each sale!

If a fruity smell or fleur-de-lis isn't your favorite combination, check out my olive blossum air freshener, here!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/57229068/aroma-ornament-car-air-freshener-olive

Don’t forget to subscribe to my shop so you never miss a new listing!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/heartfulexpression/rss

Tweet This!
This is not your ordinary air freshener!
Air freshener in fun shapes!
Don’t just make your room smell good, it can look good too!

Thanks for reading guys and as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
And I'd love if you passed the word around to other sellers you may know that could use help with description writing! Tell them about this feature and remind them to volunteer!! Thanks so much!!

It's listed!

Hi ladies!

I just wanted to show you what I decided to go with. :-)

Thanks for your input!! I truly appreciate it! As a thank you, if any of you would like to give this a shot and buy this listing, I will give you a discount. I went ahead and decided to list it for $40, which includes a product flyer design, writing the sales letter and the details of the marketing idea. For you guys, I will do it for $30. Just email me and let me know and I will set up a custom listing for you!

So here's what the listing description is....I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Valentine's Day Marketing Promotion Advertising

The holidays are over and you may be kicking back, relaxing after the rush…BREAK TIME IS OVER, FOLKS! :-)

Valentine’s day is right around the corner and if you want to take advantage of this holiday, NOW is the time to begin!

If what you sell would be a great gift for a woman, right now is the perfect time to start planning your marketing/advertising campaign for Valentine’s day and this listing will help you do, just that!

Think about who is buying gifts on Valentine’s Day, that might need some help picking a gift. Men! We know this, now let's use that our AND their advantage and market to them!

With this listing, I will show you exactly how to market to men and get them to buy from you and to KEEP buying from you for all the other occasions throughout the year! Think Mother’s Day, birthdays, Christmas, etc!

For this idea all you will need is a fantastic and convincing sales letter and a product flyer design.

This listing includes
•Content of the sales letter
•Flyer design
•Teaching you a fantastic way to market to men

Don't let this holiday pass you by. This ia a great time to get those sales back up after the typical new year retail slow down! Don't just sit and let that happen, you have the power to change it! Start now!

If you’re committed to being a success and are looking for ways to market yourself be sure to check out my other marketing listings!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ataglancegraphics?section_id=6423527

There it is!
Thanks again!
:-)

Valentine's Marketing idea...help!!!

Hello, my most awesome blog readers! I need some help trying to decide something.
I have a marketing idea that I want to “sell”. It’s one of my better ones that is fairly simple and super inexpensive to actually put to action and could really generate some great sales.

So here is the idea…you all are getting the idea for “free”. But if you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you’ve probably already heard it. I’m pretty sure I’ve posted this idea to my blog. Well, if you haven’t…here you go! lol

If you have a product that is a good gift idea for women, I suggest you market to men dominated businesses for Valentine’s Day. Businesses like mechanics, construction offices, auto parts stores, etc. See where I’m going?

Now, to do this, you need a letter to the manger/owner, asking if it is okay to leave your flyer/catalog/brochure around the office for the guys to check out. And this letter needs to be convincing, so they help promote you. You also need the flyer/brochure/catalog designed.

Now here is where I’m on the fence. I want to “sell” this. The idea, the letter and the flyer. In the item description, do I put what the idea is and then basically sell the letter and the flyer….or do I just say it’s a kick ass marketing idea that you will LOVE and will generate new customers? I’m thinking the fee is going to be around $35-$40.

Would you feel ripped off if I did the second option, you bought it, and this was the idea that I sold you?

Would you even take a chance buying it if you didn’t know what the idea was?

Would you see this listing, LOVE the idea and take it and do it, without purchasing anything?

So give me some feedback, help me decided what to do. I’d really like to get this listing up this weekend so I can jump on the Valentine’s day holiday.
Thanks guys, you rock!!!!

And don’t forget!! I can and will write that letter and design the flyer for YOU if you decide you want to give this idea a shot!! There will be a different fee for you… Once I decide on a fee for this listing, I’ll figure out the fee for you guys and I’ll post the coupon code here. So if you're new to this blog and you happpened to catch this post...follow me or subscribe so you don't miss the coupon code!

So spill....give me your opinions on this!

Write to Sell

I'm a little early for this week's post. Now there's a switch! LOL
GO ME!!!!

My life has been so hectic and crazy so I am working on staying ahead of schedule instead of constantly playing catch up! :-) So far, so good...but we'll see how long it lasts. *sigh* LOL!!!

And I have a really cool marketing idea that I want to share with you guys later this week. I'm a little on the fence with it and I need your input to help me decide how to offer this in my Etsy shop. So keep your eyes open for that post.

Now for this week's Write to Sell.

I've chosen InaKnits.

Below is a link to the listing and what she has now.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54716467/scarf-women-men-merino-wool-white-black"

I love how this scarf has turned out. Black tweed chenille softens nicely its contrast with slightly off-white supermerino wool. The scarf has a very soft, almost cashmere like hand and is a pleasure to feel on the skin.

It is long enough to tie different ways, no matter what you preferences are.
If you wear it long, it will have a tendency to slightly roll into a tube, if you wear ir shorter it will lie flat.

The color combination and patterm make the scarf almost unisex.

Length 82" without fringe.
Fringe length 5.5".
Width 8".
I offer shipping, delivery confirmation and insurance for this item free of charge to the buyers in USA.
I am sure you will love it!

Suggested Changes
If your style is sophisticated with a hint of fun, this scarf is absolutely perfect for you! The elegant hounds tooth pattern is softened with a bit of fringe on the bottom. This scarf is long enough to be worn in a classic, stylish knot or hung loose for a more casual look. You simply can’t go wrong with this versatile scarf. Not to mention the pattern makes this suitable for a man or a woman!

Details:
•Scarf is made with black tweed chenille and off-white supermerino wool.
•Super soft, almost cashmere texture…an absolute dream against your skin
•Worn long the scarf has a tendency to slightly roll into a tube
•Scarf is 82” without the fringe. Fringe is 5.5”. Width is 8”.

Care Instructions:
Care instructions is always good to include with clothing. There is nothing worse than being surprised by the fact that something is dry clean only. I suggest putting care instructions so there are no surprises.

Turnaround time and shipping information
Put the anticipated time until you ship, here, along with your shipping information. This could also be in your policies section and you would just put the link to your policies section here, instead.

Thanks so much for looking!

If you are looking for something a little more casual? Look here!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/57378814/scarf-hat-men-women-handknit-set-winter"

Don’t forget to subscribe to my shop so you never miss a new listing!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/inaknits/rss

Tweet This!
Sophisticated, elegant with a hint of fun, this scarf is for you!
Dressed up or dressed down, a perfect versatile accessory!
So luxuriously soft, you’ll forget all about the harsh cold winter!

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts and don't forget to keep watching for my marketing idea. I REALLY would love your input!!! :-)