Rabu, 29 April 2009
Four Team Treasuries!
We have FOUR new Team Treasuries to show off today!! Please click and comment before they expire!!
Come One, Come All! The Mother's Day Gift Guide
Finding a gift for your mother can be tricky! Avoiding the same old thing while finding something unusual and just right for YOUR mother that still fits your budget...well, let's just say we all spend a lot of time looking! So the Etsy Twitter Team decided to help out this year by making some wonderful, one of a kind suggestions for mom.
Pull up a latte and visit the shops below for some very special gifts- it could be the easiest (and best) Mother's Day present you ever gave, and wouldn't that be nice?
SumikoShop
BlackBird72
GinaMStudios
Pull up a latte and visit the shops below for some very special gifts- it could be the easiest (and best) Mother's Day present you ever gave, and wouldn't that be nice?
SumikoShop
BlackBird72
GinaMStudios
Minggu, 26 April 2009
Shop of the Week: Tamara Garvey
A sense of humor is something we all could use more of these days and this week’s Shop of the Week delivers! Tamara Garvey, of TamaraGarvey.etsy.com, has some really cute and beautiful illustrations. Her style is quirky and fun! For example, the drawing pictured above, "Burglars and Russian Nesting Dolls", actually made me laugh out loud.
“I draw fun, whimsical, pen-and-ink scenes, usually involving at least one animal and/or tree, as these are my favorite things to study and draw! I sell them as prints in different sizes, including ACEOs, as well as note card sets.
I'm really inspired by the classic pen-and-ink artists Edward Gorey and Aubrey Beardsley. My drawings are made with care in my cute home studio, usually with my dog snoozing on the floor nearby. I'm saving up for a large-format printer of my own so that I can have complete control over my prints (that sounds diabolical! mua ha ha), but in the meantime I have them done at a print shop nearby that does an awesome job. My prints have great color and are printed on nice quality card stock.
My drawings are inspired by my walk to work through Savannah, Georgia's squares, magazines, other artists/crafters on Etsy, color combinations of a stranger's outfit, tattoos, particularly cute dogs at the dog park...anything really!”
“I draw fun, whimsical, pen-and-ink scenes, usually involving at least one animal and/or tree, as these are my favorite things to study and draw! I sell them as prints in different sizes, including ACEOs, as well as note card sets.
I'm really inspired by the classic pen-and-ink artists Edward Gorey and Aubrey Beardsley. My drawings are made with care in my cute home studio, usually with my dog snoozing on the floor nearby. I'm saving up for a large-format printer of my own so that I can have complete control over my prints (that sounds diabolical! mua ha ha), but in the meantime I have them done at a print shop nearby that does an awesome job. My prints have great color and are printed on nice quality card stock.
My drawings are inspired by my walk to work through Savannah, Georgia's squares, magazines, other artists/crafters on Etsy, color combinations of a stranger's outfit, tattoos, particularly cute dogs at the dog park...anything really!”
Tamara has a degree in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design and a B.S. in Biology from Mary Washington College. Her biology background comes through in her piece titled “Enchantment under the Sea” – it’s like looking into a microscope and seeing all sorts of neat little creatures swimming around in the pond water.
When asked about her Twittering: “It took me a while to get used to Twitter, but now I am really into it! I try hard to maintain a mix of promotional (whether self- or other-) tweets with replies or random thoughts, to keep a personal touch to things. I love keeping in touch with my Etsy team members, seeing what they're creating, and what's new with them. I have made some great connections with other artists and crafters especially. One girl in particular, a freelance illustrator, has pretty much become my mentor as I develop my own illustration career! I think it is amazing that a new site can have such an effect.”
She ships everywhere and all her illustrations are shipped wrapped in a waterproof cellophane sleeve, sandwiched between pieces of thick, non-bending cardboard.
Follow her on her blog and on Twitter!
When asked about her Twittering: “It took me a while to get used to Twitter, but now I am really into it! I try hard to maintain a mix of promotional (whether self- or other-) tweets with replies or random thoughts, to keep a personal touch to things. I love keeping in touch with my Etsy team members, seeing what they're creating, and what's new with them. I have made some great connections with other artists and crafters especially. One girl in particular, a freelance illustrator, has pretty much become my mentor as I develop my own illustration career! I think it is amazing that a new site can have such an effect.”
She ships everywhere and all her illustrations are shipped wrapped in a waterproof cellophane sleeve, sandwiched between pieces of thick, non-bending cardboard.
Follow her on her blog and on Twitter!
Special for the Week: Put “EtsyTwitter” into the “Messages for the Seller” box and await a revised invoice with a 15% discount off any of her items! (If you forget, just send her a convo.)
| tamaragarvey.etsy.com |
Sabtu, 25 April 2009
Kamis, 23 April 2009
It's Etsy Day!
Today is officially unofficially* a day to celebrate all that is Etsy.com. What is Etsy? It’s the best place on earth to find all things handmade. Art, woodworking, jewelry, ceramics… you name it, they have it for sale. Over two million people use Etsy everyday! Etsy has grown exponentially in the last few years. Exposure from The Martha Stewart Show and other traditional and online media has made Etsy’s numbers explode.
So how does Etsy work? Artists open their own shops with their own shop names. Shops can carry all handmade items, vintage items, craft supplies, or a mixture of all three. The individual artist runs his or her own shop. When you buy an item, you are paying the artist directly. It’s like a big craft show that you can go to anytime!
Many ways exist to interact with the artists and shops on the site.
Shop by Categories: Etsy is divided up into many categories such as jewelry, bath & body, knitting, paper goods, housewares, clothing, ceramics, weddings, glass, and many more. Subcategories are listed within the main categories to help you narrow down your search such as “necklace” under jewelry and “teapots” under ceramics.
Shop Local: If you are a fan of shopping local you can do that, too, on Etsy! Just type in your location and up pops shops listed for your region. If you are sending a gift to another place, you can also use this feature to shop local for your gift’s destination.
Shop by Color: The color interface on this part is really neat. You can get very specific shades of any color you want. Click on a color bubble and you’ll see listings tagged with that color. Shopping for someone who collects blue bowls? This feature will help you find just the right color.
Pounce: This feature lets you discover undiscovered shops that have had few sales or peruse through shops that recently had a sale. Just keep clicking “Pounce” and more items come up. It’s kind of addicting watching all this beautiful artwork pop up!
Treasuries: The Treasury feature is one of my personal favorites. Etsy users can curate a mini exhibit of items. Many are created with a theme like a specific color or style. Random selections of Treasuries eventually reach the front page of Etsy. Getting a treasury can be difficult but worth the wait.
Custom: Formerly known as “Alchemy”, the Custom section lets you place a request for a custom item. This can be anything you dream up! Maybe your sister loves angels and you want to have an angel painting created just for her. This is the place to ask for it. Artists will place bids on your request, and you get to choose who will make your item.
The Storque: This is Etsy’s blog. Find all kinds of articles here about Etsy shops, technical issues, and the handmade movement. Really worth a read as you will discover new shops and really good information about running a shop or buying handmade, vintage, or supply items.
Showcases and Gift Guides: Artists can purchase advertising spots in the Showcase. Etsy creates Gift Guides for holidays, for certain people, or for items like “A Cozy Home” and “Spring”.
Virtual Labs: This is where Etsy holds live workshops and classes. Etsy teams can hold meetings and trunk shows here. I love the Labs. I have learned so much from attending workshops.
Forums and Chat: Here is where you can pose site help questions, business topics, or look for sales and promotions. Etsy also has chat rooms.
So get on over to Etsy, sign up, and support handmade art and hardworking artists! Tell them InMyHeadStudios sent you! (Seriously – there is a referral box to fill in when you join. I could win something!)
Here is a sampling of shops that belong to the Etsy Twitter Team:
So how does Etsy work? Artists open their own shops with their own shop names. Shops can carry all handmade items, vintage items, craft supplies, or a mixture of all three. The individual artist runs his or her own shop. When you buy an item, you are paying the artist directly. It’s like a big craft show that you can go to anytime!
Many ways exist to interact with the artists and shops on the site.
Shop by Categories: Etsy is divided up into many categories such as jewelry, bath & body, knitting, paper goods, housewares, clothing, ceramics, weddings, glass, and many more. Subcategories are listed within the main categories to help you narrow down your search such as “necklace” under jewelry and “teapots” under ceramics.
Shop Local: If you are a fan of shopping local you can do that, too, on Etsy! Just type in your location and up pops shops listed for your region. If you are sending a gift to another place, you can also use this feature to shop local for your gift’s destination.
Shop by Color: The color interface on this part is really neat. You can get very specific shades of any color you want. Click on a color bubble and you’ll see listings tagged with that color. Shopping for someone who collects blue bowls? This feature will help you find just the right color.
Pounce: This feature lets you discover undiscovered shops that have had few sales or peruse through shops that recently had a sale. Just keep clicking “Pounce” and more items come up. It’s kind of addicting watching all this beautiful artwork pop up!
Treasuries: The Treasury feature is one of my personal favorites. Etsy users can curate a mini exhibit of items. Many are created with a theme like a specific color or style. Random selections of Treasuries eventually reach the front page of Etsy. Getting a treasury can be difficult but worth the wait.
Custom: Formerly known as “Alchemy”, the Custom section lets you place a request for a custom item. This can be anything you dream up! Maybe your sister loves angels and you want to have an angel painting created just for her. This is the place to ask for it. Artists will place bids on your request, and you get to choose who will make your item.
The Storque: This is Etsy’s blog. Find all kinds of articles here about Etsy shops, technical issues, and the handmade movement. Really worth a read as you will discover new shops and really good information about running a shop or buying handmade, vintage, or supply items.
Showcases and Gift Guides: Artists can purchase advertising spots in the Showcase. Etsy creates Gift Guides for holidays, for certain people, or for items like “A Cozy Home” and “Spring”.
Virtual Labs: This is where Etsy holds live workshops and classes. Etsy teams can hold meetings and trunk shows here. I love the Labs. I have learned so much from attending workshops.
Forums and Chat: Here is where you can pose site help questions, business topics, or look for sales and promotions. Etsy also has chat rooms.
So get on over to Etsy, sign up, and support handmade art and hardworking artists! Tell them InMyHeadStudios sent you! (Seriously – there is a referral box to fill in when you join. I could win something!)
Here is a sampling of shops that belong to the Etsy Twitter Team:
| Etsy Buy Handmade MindyG |
| Etsy Buy Handmade southpawstudios |
| Etsy Buy Handmade Jenco13 |
| Etsy Buy Handmade inmyheadstudios |
| Etsy Buy Handmade sandists |
| Etsy Buy Handmade waysideviolet |
| Etsy Buy Handmade blackbird72 |
| Etsy Buy Handmade AquarianBath |
| Etsy Buy Handmade misseskwittys |
| Etsy Buy Handmade ArtWhims |
| Etsy Buy Handmade FirebirdHouse |
* The Fine Print: This promotion is being sponsored by independent Etsy shop owners, not Etsy.com. But Etsy is excited about it!!
Selasa, 21 April 2009
Backlinks - New Blog Feature
Backlinks have now been enabled on the Etsy Twitter Team (ETT) Blog, making it easier and faster to share articles, news about the Shop of the Week, ETT Treasuries and more, on your own blog.
What are backlinks? They are posts on a person’s blog which contain a link to an original post or article on another blog. They work much the same way that Re-Tweeting does, sharing the original article with your readers. The more backlinks to a blog, the higher it will rise in the search rankings, the more viewers and followers it will get, and ultimately, the more exposure it will generate for the team and all of its member shops.
So creating a backlink to a post on the ETT blog is a great way to help everyone on the team, get your participation credits for the month, and solve the “what am I going to post on my blog today?” dilemma all at the same time!
First, scroll down to the end of the blog post, and next to word “Comments”, you will see “Links to This Post”.
Click on"Links to This Post" and then on "Create a Link", and it will pop up a screen with the link code and generate a new Blogger blog post with the original link in it.
This window is the same as if you had clicked "New Post" from your Blogger dashboard. You can add more writing to it before posting. Then click publish and you are done!
If you have more than one blog, you will see a drop-down list in the upper right hand corner that allows you to select which blog to use.
For non-Blogger blogs, the link code provided will allow you to backlink to the original post.
The backlink will only be logged if you use this process and not if you just make a link to the team blog from your blog. Having the links logged this way helps our search results. In addition, when you create a backlink, your link shows up on the team blog at the end of the post you linked to. So it's more advertising for your blog!
Please use this new feature, as it will help get more views to our team blog! Try it! You might like it! Thanks!
What are backlinks? They are posts on a person’s blog which contain a link to an original post or article on another blog. They work much the same way that Re-Tweeting does, sharing the original article with your readers. The more backlinks to a blog, the higher it will rise in the search rankings, the more viewers and followers it will get, and ultimately, the more exposure it will generate for the team and all of its member shops.
So creating a backlink to a post on the ETT blog is a great way to help everyone on the team, get your participation credits for the month, and solve the “what am I going to post on my blog today?” dilemma all at the same time!
First, scroll down to the end of the blog post, and next to word “Comments”, you will see “Links to This Post”.
Click on"Links to This Post" and then on "Create a Link", and it will pop up a screen with the link code and generate a new Blogger blog post with the original link in it.
This window is the same as if you had clicked "New Post" from your Blogger dashboard. You can add more writing to it before posting. Then click publish and you are done!
If you have more than one blog, you will see a drop-down list in the upper right hand corner that allows you to select which blog to use.
For non-Blogger blogs, the link code provided will allow you to backlink to the original post.
The backlink will only be logged if you use this process and not if you just make a link to the team blog from your blog. Having the links logged this way helps our search results. In addition, when you create a backlink, your link shows up on the team blog at the end of the post you linked to. So it's more advertising for your blog!
Please use this new feature, as it will help get more views to our team blog! Try it! You might like it! Thanks!
Senin, 20 April 2009
Team Treasury
Created by HuayruroPeru.etsy.com. Click and comment before it expires on April 22nd. Commenting and clicking on each item moves the treasury up the rankings - maybe to the front page!
Minggu, 19 April 2009
Shop of the Week: Rhodes Annals Designs
This week’s shop has extermely lovely handmade items. Claire Elizabeth Annals (her maiden name was Rhodes), of RhodesAnnalsDesigns.etsy.com, sells bags, hats, crochet purses, knitted scarves and cowls. She also sells some of her sister’s jewelry and vintage patterns.
“Each item is 'lovingly' handmade, by that I mean that I enjoy making them and like to imagine how they will be used by their new owner. When I made the wisp scarf, I couldn't shake the feeling that it should be used as a light shawl at a wedding. I am always on the look out for new ideas, and if I wouldn't use an item, it doesn't go into my shop. I use the best materials I can source, and I am always on the look out for unusual yarn and fabric patterns.”
Her family inspires her to create. “There have been many things over the past where one or another member of my family has said 'you could sell that'. The hats came from my mum giving me a metre of fleece fabric one day as my son had outgrown his hat and she, rightly, reckoned I could make one myself. The 'hug a hottie' came from a special request from my sister for a knitted hot water bottle cover. The flower hair clips came from a childhood memory of hair grips and bun covers that my mum used to crochet for me when I was a little girl, and the pouches came from a necessity to be able to find things in my voluminous handbag (which I made because I couldn't find anything big enough in the shops).”
Rhodes Annals Designs is located in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK, and ships internationally. She is more than happy to make custom items just for you.
About her Twitter habits: “I like to engage in conversation with others over Twitter - I do a fair amount of link posting but hope that I balance that out with friendly banter and sometimes even advice. I know personally that I am more likely to purchase from someone that I felt I had 'bonded' with on Twitter or in the Etsy forums - and I have purchased many, many items that way. I love the immediacy of Twitter - you can post a link to your latest item and then sit and watch the view count mount up. I think that there are lots of very courteous people on Twitter who click on every link and I am thankful to them.”
You can read about her projects on her blog at Claire's Stitching Adventures. Find her on Twitter @RhodesAnnals. Become a fan of her Facebook page.
Special for the Week: Put “Twitter Rocks” into the “Messages for the Seller” box and await a revised invoice with a 10% discount off the item price.
“Each item is 'lovingly' handmade, by that I mean that I enjoy making them and like to imagine how they will be used by their new owner. When I made the wisp scarf, I couldn't shake the feeling that it should be used as a light shawl at a wedding. I am always on the look out for new ideas, and if I wouldn't use an item, it doesn't go into my shop. I use the best materials I can source, and I am always on the look out for unusual yarn and fabric patterns.”
Her family inspires her to create. “There have been many things over the past where one or another member of my family has said 'you could sell that'. The hats came from my mum giving me a metre of fleece fabric one day as my son had outgrown his hat and she, rightly, reckoned I could make one myself. The 'hug a hottie' came from a special request from my sister for a knitted hot water bottle cover. The flower hair clips came from a childhood memory of hair grips and bun covers that my mum used to crochet for me when I was a little girl, and the pouches came from a necessity to be able to find things in my voluminous handbag (which I made because I couldn't find anything big enough in the shops).”
Rhodes Annals Designs is located in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK, and ships internationally. She is more than happy to make custom items just for you.
About her Twitter habits: “I like to engage in conversation with others over Twitter - I do a fair amount of link posting but hope that I balance that out with friendly banter and sometimes even advice. I know personally that I am more likely to purchase from someone that I felt I had 'bonded' with on Twitter or in the Etsy forums - and I have purchased many, many items that way. I love the immediacy of Twitter - you can post a link to your latest item and then sit and watch the view count mount up. I think that there are lots of very courteous people on Twitter who click on every link and I am thankful to them.”
You can read about her projects on her blog at Claire's Stitching Adventures. Find her on Twitter @RhodesAnnals. Become a fan of her Facebook page.
Special for the Week: Put “Twitter Rocks” into the “Messages for the Seller” box and await a revised invoice with a 10% discount off the item price.
| Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade RhodesAnnalsDesigns.etsy.com |
Jumat, 17 April 2009
We're on flickr!!
Our team now has a flickr group*! Check us out!
1. Cable Coffee Cup Cozy - Moss Green, 2. Beegirl Pendant, 3. decal.wroughtiron.monsoonseas, 4. letterpress branches in blue, 5. Triangulate, 6. Butterfly Shawl - 196 - Toasted Almond - front, 7. Ancient Life Necklace, 8. Tangerine Dreamsicle Bath Salts, 9. for my darling, 10. Flower Art, 11. blue pouch, 12. Deer Pink Brooch, 13. Fabric Buttons, 14. Soap, 15. Shaylee Necklace, 16. Le Fleur Altered Domino Pendant
* The flickr group is for Etsy Twitter Team Members only. Non-team members are not allowed to post pictures to the pool. Thanks. *
________________
Kamis, 16 April 2009
Shop Talk Friday: Ready, Set, Market!
A recent Shop Talk Friday reviewed Project Wonderful, but there are other ways to promote your shop and work to the public online.
Online Advertising Options
Google’s AdWords is an advertising program where you create ads that appear when people search Google, and you can set spending limits, such as a daily budget of five dollars and a maximum cost of ten cents for each click on your ad. Google provides keyword traffic/cost estimates, keyword guidelines for choosing effective keywords, and you only pay per click, and not per display.
The companion to this program, Google AdSense, is for websites which would like to display advertisements, and it can also be a good option for entrepreneurs who would like to also generate revenue.
Yahoo Search Marketing is a program that is very similar to Google’s, allowing you to set your limits, pay per click only, etc. To give you an idea, 2.3 BILLION searches occur on Yahoo every month. Yahoo also provides support, ad testing, keyword guidelines, and more.
Magpie - Here you pay per view, but this is also set up on a similar keyword model. You can target fairly specifically here, and click-through rates tend to be much higher than with traditional banner ads.
Non-Traditional Sources for Promotion
Flickr - Don’t sell off of this photo site, use it to show. Show off new work, work-in-progress, or sold items to give people a feel for your product line. This is a great, easy way to build a network of interested people. Tweet about your postings.
My Etsy Book – This is super easy and can be shared via Facebook, Twitter, and other sites. Like a virtual portfolio or mini, only far more detailed, this is a great widget and you can customize it. You don’t have to use their templates, and can upload pictures, or use plain background colors, as well as move and remove elements.
Forums - Most forums have a promotional thread where you can promote your work, website, shop, or latest coupon or sale. A good one to try is the Crafting and Business Help Community, which is a new forum, but already full of great information and resources. ETT has our own private board there as well.
Handmade Pledge - This is one way to access a huge number of handmade and Etsy lovers, many of whom have provided a link/URL or email address. Use this list for networking and for connecting with others who love what you love.
RSS Feeds - This is a GREAT way to provide customers who are interested with your new products/blog posts/website and shop updates, and more. First, find your feed - usually you will find a small button at the top of your webpage on your tool bar that looks like a small, square orange box. If you click on that, it will take you to a link that looks like this one from my shop:
http://www.etsy.com/rss_shop.php?user_id=6174558
Copy the link, then go to www.widgetbox.com (use the basic, free package) and create a widget that will allow people to sign up to receive your RSS feeds when you update your shop. It’s easy, you don’t have to worry about being labeled as spam, and people can choose to be updated.
Additional Stores - places like Artfire, 1000 Markets, Ebay, and personal websites all provide additional promotional opportunities to promote yourself and your work, for a minimal cost.
The one important thing to remember when using any of these opportunities, or any that you find through your own research is to have specific goals in mind that are achievable and targeted to what you want to accomplish. Sometimes that will be generating traffic for a sale or special promotion, sometimes it will be increasing awareness of your shop, and other times it will be to introduce a new product.
Resources:
Programmable Web is an excellent resource for widgets, etc, with links and details.Handmade Marketing is an excellent and extensive source of great, usable resources, ideas, and links.
Homework for this week: Spend some time on handmademarketing.org investigating opportunities, or if you don’t think you are ready for that, sit down with paper and a pen and come up with three objectives (goals) for your shop. Make sure they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and have a Timeframe) so that you can determine when and how to meet them, and then begin looking into ways to make those happen.
Next Week’s Shop Talk Friday will be covering wholesaling, so stay tuned!
~ Kristen
Rabu, 15 April 2009
Team Treasury
Treasury created by HuayruroPeru.etsy.com Click and comment before it expires on April 18th!!
Clicking on each item and leaving a comment on the treasury moves us up the rankings!
Clicking on each item and leaving a comment on the treasury moves us up the rankings!
Team Treasury
Treasury created SumikoShop.etsy.com. Click and comment before it expires on April 17th!! The more clicks and comments we get, the higher up the rankings we go. Please put those mouses to work with the clicks!
Selasa, 14 April 2009
Minggu, 12 April 2009
Shop of the Week: L'élephant Rose
Sherisa Vassel, of L'élephantRose.etsy.com creates jewelry and hair accessories for women to feel gorgeous in. Filled with a rich palette of color, her shop has many unique items. Her earring designs bring out the curves of a woman’s face and cheekbones.
Sherisa herself is a rich palette of interests and histories: Temple University Alumni; lover of color, music, laughter, nature, warmth, her man; writer; jewelry and accessories designer; mother of a duckling; and daydreamer extraordinaire.
Sherisa herself is a rich palette of interests and histories: Temple University Alumni; lover of color, music, laughter, nature, warmth, her man; writer; jewelry and accessories designer; mother of a duckling; and daydreamer extraordinaire.
“Major life influences: stories from my childhood, French, my wild imagination. I'm heavily influenced by the past. And very intrigued by what lays ahead in the future. I try to find a point to balance in between it all.
One thing I think is paramount is that I take great care in attention to detail when making anything. It is a blessing to be able to follow a dream through and I attempt to pass that blessing on through my work. I care deeply about what I make.
L'élephant Rose is for the bold woman. Those not afraid to exude confidence. The woman who understands that they define their sensuality. We are effortlessly cool. Dare to be bold! Adorn yourself accordingly.”
I encourage you to accept her challenge to see yourself as bold, confident, and sensual. Maybe some new jewelry would help! I know this cute little shop that’s just the place.
Free shipping on any US domestic orders and 50% off international shipping on orders placed this week. Use code “ETT” in message to seller to redeem.
| Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade lelephantrose.etsy.com |
All photos © Sherisa Vassel/L'élephantRose
Sabtu, 11 April 2009
Jumat, 10 April 2009
Shop Talk Friday: Branding
The concept of branding is actually very simple, and it can be a powerful tool for the handmade entrepreneur. When you create a brand, you are using design to create a unified picture for the customer of a way of life, an idea, value, or feeling that you wish to relate to your products.
Victoria’s Secret is a good example of branding - everything from their packaging to their signature colors, signs, ads, and stores reflect a cohesive idea that resonates with their customers.
Another example of this is Starbucks’ emphasis on the coffee house atmosphere - the idea of a European-style, relaxed environment where people could come, drink excellent coffee, and relax is integral to the image they want to create in their customers’ minds. That initial concept formed the foundation for their brand, and they built upon it with colors - peaceful, darker greens, beiges, wood and earth tones, signage that was recognizable but lower-key (no neon), and so on.
There are three things you need to know to create a brand for yourself:
- Your target audience and your competition
- The visual identity that you want to create - product, packaging, logos, promotional items and ads
- How your products and services are/will be delivered to your customer (quality, reliability, uniqueness, price, speed, etc.)
Think about what makes your product unique. We’ve covered this part in past Shop Talk articles, but if you need some help, ask friends, coworkers, family, teammates for some help in this area. I will also be recommending some links and books at the end.
What makes your product different from the competition?
Think about who you are talking to (potential customers) and what you want to tell them. How you do this is your visual identity.
A well-designed product is the most important part of the branding idea. You can have all of the other components in place, but without a good product that people connect with, you won’t be successful in the long run.
Now, let’s boil this down to the practical:
You can design everything you need (banners, business cards, promotional postcards, etc) with simple tools like Gimp, Picasa, Microsoft Publisher, and other software, or you can research online printers like Vista Print who can provide templates, or work from your own designs. It may cost you time, but it doesn’t need to cost you a lot of money, and it pays for itself in the long run.
The goal of branding is to create a recognizable look for your items that set them apart from the parade of things people see on a daily basis. It takes creativity (the Chick-Fil-A cows, for example), consistency (Budweiser’s Clydesdale horses appear in every holiday ad they create) and a cohesive idea of what you would like people to think about when they see your products (every Old Navy store emphasizes relaxed style).
So your homework over the next two weeks is to gather together your current business cards, your shop banner, website colors and signage, promotions, ads, packaging. Do they look cohesive? If yes, do you like the look? If not, what changes can you make? Experiment with various looks, colors, and type styles to see what you like, and what appeals. Ask yourself what kind of “look” your design has - does it fit your product and the people you are trying to sell to?
Some additional resources for practical application:
D.I.Y – Design It Yourself , Edited by Ellen Lupton. Covers everything from basic design, to business cards, branding, packaging, and more. A very helpful beginners’ resource.
The Creative Entrepreneur- DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real by Lisa Sonora Beam.
The Etsy Storque also has articles on branding, packaging, and more that can be very helpful.
~ Kristen
Team Co-Leader
FirebirdHouse.etsy.com
What makes your product different from the competition?
Think about who you are talking to (potential customers) and what you want to tell them. How you do this is your visual identity.
A well-designed product is the most important part of the branding idea. You can have all of the other components in place, but without a good product that people connect with, you won’t be successful in the long run.
Now, let’s boil this down to the practical:
You can design everything you need (banners, business cards, promotional postcards, etc) with simple tools like Gimp, Picasa, Microsoft Publisher, and other software, or you can research online printers like Vista Print who can provide templates, or work from your own designs. It may cost you time, but it doesn’t need to cost you a lot of money, and it pays for itself in the long run.
The goal of branding is to create a recognizable look for your items that set them apart from the parade of things people see on a daily basis. It takes creativity (the Chick-Fil-A cows, for example), consistency (Budweiser’s Clydesdale horses appear in every holiday ad they create) and a cohesive idea of what you would like people to think about when they see your products (every Old Navy store emphasizes relaxed style).
So your homework over the next two weeks is to gather together your current business cards, your shop banner, website colors and signage, promotions, ads, packaging. Do they look cohesive? If yes, do you like the look? If not, what changes can you make? Experiment with various looks, colors, and type styles to see what you like, and what appeals. Ask yourself what kind of “look” your design has - does it fit your product and the people you are trying to sell to?
Some additional resources for practical application:
D.I.Y – Design It Yourself , Edited by Ellen Lupton. Covers everything from basic design, to business cards, branding, packaging, and more. A very helpful beginners’ resource.
The Creative Entrepreneur- DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real by Lisa Sonora Beam.
The Etsy Storque also has articles on branding, packaging, and more that can be very helpful.
~ Kristen
Team Co-Leader
FirebirdHouse.etsy.com
Kamis, 09 April 2009
Plaincraft: “The Best Handmade Items Picked By You!”
Looking for a venue where you can gain free exposure for your handmade wares? Want impartial feedback for your creations? Plaincaft is a website where you can have both!Plaincraft’s concept is simple. You may submit up to three handmade items to their website per day. Each submission includes a photo and link to the item for sale (i.e. on Etsy). Visitors to Plaincraft then rate your submissions from 1 to 20. The current Top 10 items remain on Plaincraft’s front page along with the five latest submissions.
Plaincraft is also on Twitter and has over 1400 followers. When you submit an item, @plaincraft sends a tweet asking followers to rate it. It also sends a tweet when a new Top 10 is selected and for each item in the Top 10.
Although the popularity of Plaincraft is growing fast and the competition is stiff, it is possible to get into the Top 10. I have personally had many items in the Top 10 and a few of my items have been rated number one. My Pretty Petals bracelet is currently in the Top 10 and has been since I submitted it over a week ago [as of this posting].
Here are some tips for ensuring the highest possible rating and exposure:
- If free exposure is most important to you, submit examples of your finest work. I don’t submit an item unless I believe it will be rated highly.
- You can be the first to rate your item. If you feel it’s worth a score of 20, why not give it a 20? I don’t always rate my own items, but you should follow your conscience.
- Send tweets with a link to your submission on Plaincraft asking your followers to rate it. Make sure to include the #estytwitter tag so your team will see it. Post on Facebook, Google groups, etc. as well. Do it as often as you feel comfortable, but don’t spam or tell people how high to rate it!
- Make sure to include your shop name in the title of your submission. For example, when I submitted my latest item, I titled it “Pretty Petals Bracelet – joslinjewels.etsy.com”.
There are only a couple limitations to keep in mind:
- Submissions must be approved if you don’t have a Plaincraft account.
- To prevent the same items from remaining perpetually in the Top 10, submissions expire after two weeks.
- Plaincraft only allows links from Etsy, iCraft, Dawanda, 1000 Markets, Winkelf, Folksy, Shop Handmade, Misi, Madeitmyself, Handmade Fuzion, as well as any independent artist websites.
Sheridan Joslin
joslinjewels.etsy.com
http://twitter.com/joslinjewels
Photos © Joslin Jewels/Sheridan Joslin
Team Treasuries
Click and comment on this lovely Team Treasury by HuayruroPeru.etsy.com before it expires on April 10th!!
Minggu, 05 April 2009
Shop of the Week: Curious Mess
I, for one, would not call Starla Petersen’s Etsy shop, CuriousMess.etsy.com, a mess at all. It’s a shop filled with curiously wonderful items! And the item photography is delicious to boot.
“When I first opened my shop, I was only making the wood paintings. But as things have progressed, I've begun to work my love of fabric into it as well, with the newest items being fabric bowls and fabric brooches/pendants. I love fun and whimsical.”
And it shows in her work. Her fabric bowls are stunning in their design and detail. You can really see the fine craftsmanship in her new line of embroidered brooches, too.
“Everything you see in my shop, I truly enjoyed making. It makes me so happy to be able to express myself creatively, and I hope that comes through in my artwork. I want my work to make people smile.”
“When I first opened my shop, I was only making the wood paintings. But as things have progressed, I've begun to work my love of fabric into it as well, with the newest items being fabric bowls and fabric brooches/pendants. I love fun and whimsical.”
And it shows in her work. Her fabric bowls are stunning in their design and detail. You can really see the fine craftsmanship in her new line of embroidered brooches, too.
“Everything you see in my shop, I truly enjoyed making. It makes me so happy to be able to express myself creatively, and I hope that comes through in my artwork. I want my work to make people smile.”
What inspires her to create? “The whole entire process inspires me. From start to finish... sketching out ideas... playing around with fabric... picking colors. My absolute favorite part of it all is that first spark of a new idea or design. I get giddy. Unfortunately, my ideas usually come to me as I'm lying in bed about to doze off. It's very hard to get to sleep once I've got a new idea bouncing around in my head.”
When asked about her Twitter habits: “I like to make sure I keep my Twittering fresh. I want people to see not only the shop updates and the things I create, but get a good glimpse of my personality as well. You want to be memorable in a good way. Reply to what others are saying. Make connections. Yes, I just added a new bowl to the shop. But I also LOVE 80's movies!”
Free shipping worldwide April 6th - 12th. Just mention “EtsyTwitter” in your message to seller and shipping will be refunded.
When asked about her Twitter habits: “I like to make sure I keep my Twittering fresh. I want people to see not only the shop updates and the things I create, but get a good glimpse of my personality as well. You want to be memorable in a good way. Reply to what others are saying. Make connections. Yes, I just added a new bowl to the shop. But I also LOVE 80's movies!”
Free shipping worldwide April 6th - 12th. Just mention “EtsyTwitter” in your message to seller and shipping will be refunded.
| Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade curiousmess.etsy.com |
All photos © Curious Mess/Starla Peterson
Sabtu, 04 April 2009
New Team Participation Policies
Being part of a team means working together for a common goal. This means that you actually have to do something in order to reach that goal.
So I am implementing new Team Participation Policies effective immediately.
In order to participate in our team promotions and events you must be considered an Active Member. This includes all shops that are currently signed up for future spots as Shop of the Week.
In order to be considered an Active Member, you must do ONE of the following:
• Twitter about something team related at least 4 times per month. You must use the team hashtag #etsytwitter or I will not see your tweet. Of course I strongly encourage you to tweet about the team much more frequently than this as well.
• Blog about the Team at least once per month. If you can, please blog about each Shop of the Week as well as write up promotional posts about other team members.
• Create an Etsy Twitter Team Treasury
Additionally, I expect you to check in every month during our monthly roll calls in the Etsy Forum. This simply involves a quick hello in our thread as well as a quick tweet about the shop above you in the thread. This takes about 2 minutes to do. Checking in is mandatory to be considered an Active Member.
April's Check In thread can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6104094. Please check in if you have not already done so.
Failure to do these things will be grounds for one warning. If you do not do these things within one month after your warning, you will be asked to leave the team. If you receive more than three warnings during one year, you will be asked to leave the team. If you are signed up for a Shop of the Week spot in the future, you will forfeit your week if you are asked to leave the team.
I’m not asking for much of your time at all. Tweeting something takes less than five minutes. A blog post can take up less than 30 minutes. If you have time to work on and promote your Etsy shop and use Twitter, you have time to promote the Etsy Twitter Team.
Please, as always, feel free to email me with any questions or comments you have about this new policy.
Thank you!
Vickie
Etsy Twitter Team Leader
etsytwitterteam[at]gmail.com
P.S. We are not currently taking new memberships right now. Keep your eye on the blog for the next few months to see when we open up again. Thanks.
Team Treasuries
Click and comment before they expire on April 6th!
This one expires on April 7th! Click and comment!! It is by curiousmess
This one expires on April 7th! Click and comment!! It is by curiousmess
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