Five ways to Get Better Exposure for Your Handmade Store or Blog

For some time our lives have revolved around making everything more mainstream, buying the same things, and conforming as much as possible. This trend has shifted in the past few years, with more emphasis falling on purchasing handmade, crafty items for our homes, apparel, and gifts. As this movement continues to grow, sellers are trying to find as many ways as possible to promote their crafts. Luckily the Internet and social media have made this easier than ever! If you’re looking for ways to gain more exposure, here are five different tactics you should be using:


1. Facebook
If you haven’t created a Facebook business page you are missing out. Facebook reaches billions of people every day and with the new Timeline layout the site has become even more business-friendly. It’s the perfect way to promote your business and have your friends and customers share their success with your handmade goods with their friends.

2. Craftsyble
Craftsyble is dedicated to anything and everything that has to do with crafting. By contacting the site owners you can inquire about being featured on their site; getting featured on popular sites like this is a great way to drive traffic to your own! Plus by browsing around the site you might be able to pick up on a few new tips for your business.

3. Pinterest
Pinterest has suddenly become a staple when it comes to crafty ideas and handmade goodies, so start pinning your crafts immediately. It’s incredible how quickly your crafts can get repinned and people get directed to your website; you’ll have new customers in no time by adding in a “pin it” button.

4. Host a giveaway or offer a promotion
You can maximize on this in one of two ways: you can either promote via your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, your blog, etc.) that you’re hosting a giveaway or offering a promotional code (think: buy one, get one, or a certain percentage off), or you can contact a popular blogger and offer to send one of your products for a review on their website and then include a promotional code or even an extra item that the blogger can giveaway to their readers.

5. Guest post
Following on the blogging theme, reach out to bloggers and see if they’ll allow you to guest post on their blog. At the end of the post you should be able to include a link back to your site, which will direct their readers over to your own website or blog.

Utilizing the Internet and social media is the best way to gain more exposure to your handmade craft store or blog, and there are a variety of different social media outlets that you can use. By using a combination of these sites regularly and networking with people in your niche you’ll be reeling in more traffic in no time.

Author Bio:
This is a guest post from Laura Backes, she enjoys writing about all kinds of subjects and also topics related to internet service in my area. You can reach her at: laurabackes8 @ gmail.com.

Show yourself some love Blog Giveaway!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Right in the center of the month of February everyone turns their thoughts to Valentine's Day! A day to think of those you love and show them appreciation. Well, I want to turn my attention to you and show you some appreciation. What better way to do that than to have a giveaway?!

Let's start with the Prize:
Anything in the Yarn Obsession Etsy Shop custom made just for you! Your choice of whatever you want, in the color of your choice made just for you!



How to enter:

No purchase is necessary to win. You just have to go to the Yarn Obsession Etsy Shop, take a look around, then come back and leave a comment about your favorite item in the shop. Your comment is your entry. Only one comment per person please, duplicate entries will be deleted, and if you want more entries, more ways to win are listed below.

Please leave your name and a way to reach you should you win (don't be anonymous!)

Additional Ways to Enter:
- Follow Yarn Obsession on Twitter and send a "DM" or @sedruola Tweet.

- "Like" our Facebook Yarn Obsession page and leave a message on the wall.

Bonus Entries:

- Blog about this contest and leave a link to your post in the comments
- Post on your facebook page about this contest and put a link to the Yarn Obsession page in your post and let your friends and family know to "like" the Yarn Obsession page and leave a comment letting us know where they heard about us

This giveaway starts today, Monday, February 14th and ends on Monday, February 21st at 9pm. The winner will be announced Tuesday, February 21st. Open worldwide.

Show yourself some love and enter for a chance to win!!!

Yarn Obsession + Soap Rehab = Yummy!

About a month or so ago I wanted to switch lotions for my son. He started developing dry patches on the backs of his arms and the lotion I was using wasn't helping. What I decided I needed was a lotion that had naturally emolient ingredients that wouldn't sit on the skin but absorb and help heal. I found Soap Rehab on Twitter. She replied to a quick post I had about needing new lotion. We decided the scent and went for it. I love the lotion! My son's patches do well when I'm consistent with the lotion so I'm working on making sure he's always well slathered.

When the package arrived there were two soaps with the lotion. A full sized soap in the scent I'd let Sara know I'd like to try and a small sample soap. They were both instant hits with me! I love yummy smelling stuff, especially if I know it's made with natural ingredients. The soaps are wonderfully scented and they last really well.

When 2009 came in, I took a look at my stash and found quite a bit of useful cotton yarn so I decided to make some wash cloths to sell in my Etsy shop. While on vacation, using the sample soap I'd gotten from Soap Rehab, a lightbulb went on and I thought how great it would be to partner with her. I sent her a message as soon as a few cloths were ready and waited. In less than 24-hours I got a favorable reply and, well here we are.

For a limited time, every time you purchase a set of my washcloths, you will receive a sample soap from Soap Rehab! I promise you'll be happy with the cloths and the soaps because they're both perfect for their uses. It's like getting an extra scoop of ice cream! Check out the new cloths in the "Bath Shop" section of my Etsy shop and select your favorite color cloths!

January Scarf Giveaway!

Win a FREE CUSTOM Chunky Scarf from my shop!
That's right! You read correctly. On January 12, 2009, I'll be giving away a FREE CUSTOM chunky scarf (a $70 value) to one lucky reader!

To be eligible, you need to go the top right hand corner of my blog and enter your name and email address.

The winner will be notified on January 12, 2009 via email, and have the opportunity to select their color of choice and have a scarf made especially for them. Winner announcement will be made on the blog on January 13th!

Monday Treasures

It's time to showcase the shops that I put in my treasury last week. I'm sure you'll see something here that can be used as a holiday gift!

Shop handmade!

Shacara
Replicca
Wild Woman Jewelry
Originals By Lynette
Crystalyn Kae
Amanda Sainsbury
Katrina Kaye
Tijusai
Rohmer
Heart and Dart
Sea Colour
Boutique Pink Designs
Arts Farm
Green Trike Press
Tlwoldc
Home Couture

These lovely shop owners thought my items were nice enough for their treasuries!

Meet Me in the Parlor at 8. . . Curated by Spongetta



Enjoy! Curated by Mehran

Monday Treasures

Yes, I was lucky enough to snag a treasury last week! I decided it needed to be a bit bright since it's been a bit gloomy in Boston lately and did everyone deliver! I posted a request for "first time" treasury appearances and got a few responses that turned out to be just perfect.

Do some handmade holiday shopping!!

yoyosheart
mufi
justmejewelry
designsbyred3of5
amicibelli
shinydesigns
cbpoole
clockrocks
bazant
kbshimmer
skychica
venbead
Elizaleigh
Ilovehellokitty
davaeva
hollyrose

Hot Flash Glass

So it's "Friendly Friday" again so you get to meet a new shop owner from Etsy. As I've been browsing thru Etsy, I am still in awe of the many amazing thing the shops have to offer. Hot Flash Glass is on my "hearted" list because her pieces are really cute. Read the brief interview then make sure to visit her shop. I'm sure she'd be happy to see you.

Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Maria and I live North of Boston with my husband and our two kids (dogs) Bruschi and Brandi. I work during the day as an Administrative Assistant. When I get home, I get in comfortable clothes and go straight to my studio to work with my glass.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I get very inspired by fusing the glass because it's so amazing when you're ready to open your kiln and see what you've created and of course as you're watching it fuse together through the little window. I've always been a crafty person keeping myself busy, but I am totally into fusing glass.

How do you promote your items?
I promote mostly through the Etsy forums, business cards, and work.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
Keep at it - and live your dream!

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Hopefully retired from my full-time job and able to put all my time and energy into my glass fusing business full-time.

What are some of your favorite things?
Going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, the colors black and purple.

What is your favorite quote?
Live life to the fullest

You can find Maria at her Etsy Shop

Yarn Obsession

For a few months now I've been introducing you to some fantastic shops every Friday. Through those profiles you've been able to learn a little about the artists/crafters and their products. However, I was thinking, I've never had the opportunity to "formally" introduce you to my shop, Yarn Obesssion, so please induldge me while I take my own interview questions and give you an opportunity to get to know me better.

Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Sedruola Maruska, but most people call me Sedie, I live in Massachusetts with my husband and son. Although we currently live with my parents, we're working hard to put everything into place for a house next year. By day I dress up as an Executive Assistant, but by night I'm a yarn obsessed maniac working hard not to drive her husband and son crazy.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?

The main inspiration I have to design and create my items is the love of the yarn. I can never get enough of the feel of the yarn as well as seeing each piece come to life with each stitch. The other thing that keeps me creative is knowing that one day I'll reach the goal of having my own shop, with my designs for sale and be free to spend more time with my son. There is nothing more inspiring than doing the best you can for your family through doing the best you can for your customers!

How do you promote your items?

I'm still new to the "promotion" arena, but I have this blog, and as much as is not too 'boring' or 'overwhelming' I use it to promote my items. I also use facebook as a place to inform people I know, and some I don't, of my latest designs or items available in my Etsy shop. I'm also on Twitter, where I 'tweet' about sales, new items or promotions as well as other things. I'm also on several social networking sites that I'm hoping to have work better for me as I learn more. Finaly, I tell most people I meet about what I do, although I could be better at that.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
I'd tell them to learn as much as they can and implement those things that speak to their personality and craft. Not everything will work for everyone, but if you're true to yourself and your craft, you'll do well every time!


How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I'm always evolving, but in the next 5-10 years, I will have my own boutique/yarn shop, which will allow me to be more of a master of my destiny. We'd love to have one more child and we'll be living the house of our dreams. My future is tied up in my family and my yarn, I couldn't be happier.

What are some of your favorite things?
I love spending time with friends and family, decorating, planning events, anything made with potatoes, yarnf and music.

What is your favorite quote?
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

All color, no color treasury

This lovely treasury was created by me last week. But as usual, I wanted to feature the shops here because, they are all in my favorites and deserve a mention. Please stop by their shops, I'm sure they'd be happy to see you!



Featured shops from left to right:

Irregular Expressions
mct43
Stacy Leigh
Spratters And Jayne
Scabby Robot
Soho Mode
Tracy Lacy Trinkets
Winding The Skein
Triz
Ixela
Dragonfly Photography
A Window Into Whimsy
Wearable By Design
Berniolie
Stonehouse Studio
Mithril Dreams

Treasury. . . showcase. . . enjoy

This beautiful treasury was curated by yours truly! I love the way the color works in this collection. Because I think treasuries tend to get buried, I want to list it here along with the wonderful shops you can visit. I've listed them in the way they appear from left to right on the treasury. Enjoy!!

http://lilypondsoaps.etsy.com
http://glamorosi.etsy.com
http://smilingsoul2.etsy.com
http://moonscreations.etsy.com
http://chickadeebeads.etsy.com
http://catnipstudiotoo.etsy.com
http://novelforms.etsy.com
http://mireasma.etsy.com
http://santiamdesigns.etsy.com
http://moonlitherbals.etsy.com
http://sisterssimplesoap.etsy.com
http://allysonhill.etsy.com
http://mymothersgarden.etsy.com
http://angeldncr82.etsy.com
http://thebeeknees.etsy.com
http://phydeaux.etsy.com

Goodie Bag Bookmarks

As I continue to develop my business and learn various ways of promoting myself I'm thankful for other artists that give me an opportunity to promote myself through their efforts. Every now and then I come across a request to send items to be put in a goodie bag for an event and think, if I could I would.

Well, I ordered these bookmarks, and I've crocheted a tassle to the end and I'm sending them out today to Just a Girl Creations who will be putting them into goodie bags! I'm pretty excited because it's another step in the direction I want to go and that makes me feel productive.

What do you think? Do you think the tassles came out ok? I think next time I will vary my motif, and use string yarn instead of the worsted yarn I used, but overall, this will be my promo item until I can think of something else. . . I have a few ideas, but I'll let them simmer for awhile.

I've been Profiled!

I want you to go check out Dancing Monkey Jewelry's blog because that is where you'll find my profile! It's my first time so I'm very excited to share. Don't forget to take a look at Dancing Monkey's Etsy Shop because she has some really great items. I'm sure you'll find something to love. . . I think I'll be doing a profile of her very soon, but until then, take a look at her blog and get to know her.

My first show!!

Tomorrow evening from 5-8 pm I will doing my first craft show in Jamaica Plain, MA! I am so excited. After going on last Saturday and seeing my Boston Handmade teammates doing their show I got very inspired and motivated to locate all the items I need for a great display! I found a table, and cloth, a box for buttons and other various items. Now, I just need to get there, set-up and go!

Come by and see us at the Jamaica Plain Center and show your support! My Etsy shop will be closed for the duration of the event, since all my pieces will be "on the road". The shop will open again, with whatever is left, after the show is over.

My mind is a buzzing with things that need to be done prior to the show. . . list, I need a list. . . .

Satin Doll Co.

Gaetana Parris is the owner of SatinDoll Co. and has generously donated a gift box made up of her handmade jewelry to our effort! I got to know a little more about our artisan in the past few weeks. I thought I'd introduce you to her as well.

Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Gaetana Parris, I'm a 24 year old Freelance Womenswear Fashion Designer turned small business owner. I currently live in South Florida after living my entire life in Brooklyn, New York.

I tried to start my own business in 2004 with a classmate from college but soon pulled out. I felt my business partner/ friend wasn't giving 100% of herself to the business. So after pulling out I sat down with my older sister to map my future business. I decided I would start with accessories, since I love accessories so much. That's how Satin Doll & Co. was born.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I'm currently designing and making my first collection which will be available in September on my official website/shop. Also, I'm a Freelance Fashion Designer by trade. However, taking freelance jobs has become secondary to running my company full-time.

What first drew you to become an artist/business owner?
Running a business is something that I've always wanted to do even as a child. I come from a long line of business owners which include my grandmother, my father, a number of uncles and great-uncles. As far as being an artist, I've been an artist from the time I came out of my mother's womb. I truly believe that I've been drawing
longer than I've been writing. As a child I remember always decorating the house with my drawings.

Please describe your creative process
When designing pieces or collections, I truly believe they design themselves. I can't really explain it, it's a natural feeling for me because it's something I just do. Maybe it's because I've been creating soon long. The process is easy, I lay everything out and from there whatever catches my eyes get's made. I love to use unusual beads, findings, fabrics, and components which I believe help to make my pieces what they are.

I've learned from years of designing that I work better at night. Maybe it's from the years when I was in design college and staying up late doing homework and projects. But that's when I get my best work.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists / business owners
My advice to any aspiring artist is always 'believe in yourself'. Internships are key as well as going to school/college to enhance your craft.

Great customer service is gold when owning and running your own business. If you have
great customer service and products you're sure to have return customers. Which will then led to word-of-mouth promotion which is FREE.

How do you promote your work?
Any way I can. Blogging, sales, deals, freebies, giveaways, donations, through my newsletter, on Myspace, on Facebook and any other social network or avenue I can get the word out. My own personal promoter is my father. Like any proud parent he brags and tells all his friends about my company and products, which in turn has given me a number of customers.

In ten years I'd like to be...
See my company growing. I hope to have a design studio with staff and a showroom to showcase my current collection to buyers. I also hope to own a number of boutiques that only carry my collections. Additionally, by then I'll hopefully get back into designing clothes and have my own 'ready-to-wear' line which will include sportswear, swimwear, loungewear and activewear.

You can find Gaetana at the following places:

Satin Doll & Co. Offical Website
Satin Doll & Co. Etsy Shop
Satin Doll & Co. Blog
Satin Doll & Co. Myspace Page

No Shipping Fees!

That's right, for the month of May I'm offering the opportunity to purchase items with no shipping fees attached! We're already half way through the month so hurry! I'm diligently working on new items so I would love to move some inventory.

Do you have a birthday, anniversary or "just because" occaision coming up? If so, I have the perfect thing, or you can custom order. Just go to my shop and click on the "custom order" button. I'm standing by!