"Your Favorite" Post and Vote Winners - Izzy's Place & Dragonfly Arts Pottery

"Your Favorite" Post & Vote Winner #1!
Izzy's Place

Pink Roses Puffy Round Glass Tile Pendant Necklace

Pink Roses Puffy Round Glass Tile Pendant Necklace

This beautiful altered art puffy heart pendant is made from a 1” x 1" glass tile. This pendant features an Aanraku Silver Plated bail and it arrives to you on a 24 inch ball chain which can be shortened easily. Graphics are printed out on photo paper to maintain that crisp, clear look of the picture and to capture the colors. Sent in a pretty organza bag.

Be sure to visit Izzy's Place Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook

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"Your Favorite" Post & Vote Winner #2!
Dragonfly Arts Pottery

"Spongette" Stoneware Kitchen Sponge Holder

Wheel thrown stoneware pottery.

The Spongette keeps your kitchen sponges up off the sink top and out of the basin! No more sponge in the garbage disposal! :)

The air holes allow air flow to dry your sponge quicker and reduces bacterial growth, keeping your sponge fresh longer!

Dishwasher safe -- when your Spongette gets mucky, simply pop it into the dishwasher and it's brand new again! :)

Also makes a great business card holder!

Be sure to visit Dragonfly Arts Pottery Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook

Delicious Delights Video Creation

Watch our

"Delicious Delights & More"

Video Creation

"Yellow" Pinterest Challenge Winner

Craft Cafe "Yellow" Challenge Pinboard by  Denese Woodard (Dee's Silk Creations)

Building Your Handmade Online Empire {A Five Part Series} Tip #2

Welcome to my five tip series to help get the web on your side, a little bit at a time.  Each month I will provide a new tip to get you inspired!

My last Tip #2, "Harness The Power Of Stats" gave you a crash course in approaching stats for your various websites, social networks and shops. I hope you cracked open a few stats pages and got excited about the wealth of information there. Did you find my article helpful? If you missed it, please be sure to read it here!

 If you missed the first tip, be sure to read it here!

Tip #2. Harness The Power Of Stats

Once you have tried creating some new online places such as a Facebook or Twitter account, a Pinterest page or maybe a YouTube Channel, it is time to determine what is working, and try to figure out why! The power of stats will make your online presence drive traffic and sales to your shop!

This article is not a detailed course in specific stat applications, but rather a crash course in recognizing the importance of watching your stats (even if only once a month!), and a resource guide to get you started and keep you learning about what stats can do for you.  So..let's get started!

WHAT ARE STATS? Stats are collections of data that provide information about activity on the web. You can find stats almost anywhere you create an account, including Craft Cafe, Etsy, Big Cartel, Facebook, Twitter, and of course, the great Google Analytics, which allows you to see your website traffic in lots of great visual ways. 

Start Simple: Ask these three questions, and look for the answers in your stats:

1. Where is my traffic coming from? (search engines? referrals? links from your facebook posts? outside links?)

Here is a sample of my website stats that shows where my traffic came from during a 7 day period last month.

2. What do people click on? (most popular pages, posts, items in your shops)

3. Are those clicks turning into sales? (example: if you get 1000 clicks to your necklace and earring set, but no sales...you might reconsider your pricing, or see if you need to make a more alluring or informative description)

QUICK TIP: Look in your "admin", your "dashboard" or "shop tools" for stats. Click around and get familiar with what each account looks like!

From the simplest numbers (how many clicked your link, visited your site) to complex and visual information sliced and diced (so you can see exactly how people reacted to your link, post, sale, campaign), stats enlighten what goes on after you post a listing, a sale announcement and so on. Don’t ignore stats! Look around at all the different places where you have stats available. Do you see any trends? Do you see anything unexpected? 

Facebook Shares, Likes, Comments

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK: Stats give you information about WHAT people react to, and as you observe your stats, you might begin to see trends that tell you which things you posted that brought customers, fans and sales to your shops, pages and accounts.

The screen grab of my facebook post illustrates a very simple version of stats you can see right on your facebook page. Every time you post, facebook shows you how many people saw the post (lower left corner of the image), how many likes, comments and shares. Note the posts that get a great reaction and keep up the good work!

Something to think about: You might see that nobody clicks when you simply post a link to your listing, but when you talked about a new technique you used to create your product (and yes, add your link to it in your shop), you got a lot of clicks and a couple of new fans. That example is actually one I learned about in my stats. When I first created my Facebook fan page for M Design Boutique, I used to post links to my items for sale in my shop. I got very few clicks on those posts. When I began posting about orders I was making or new ideas I was looking for feedback about...I got a lot more clicks, more comments, questions and that lead to more sales.

What makes you interesting? Think about each post as a potential conversation, and when you get a click...you’re being a good conversationalist. Handmade small business owners are interesting. What makes you interesting? Think about that every time you post. This works to attract bloggers and fans who might decide to share what you posted! That is the definition of viral activity! Be so interesting that everybody wants to share what you have to say. It all links back to your page!

Think like a customer: As a customer, I am more likely to click and see your link if you tell me something I didn’t know before. I am more likely to find you interesting and want to know more. I am more likely to become your customer because you’re not selling to me, you’re inviting me to learn more about something I’m interested in. You are an expert! Be interesting! It sounds a little touchy-feely, but it works. Just watch your stats to see it working!

What to watch for: Spikes in traffic can indicate that somebody on the internet has linked into your shop or page! That is exciting! 

                                                                                                                     

READER CONTRIBUTION: Carrie Foster of Frawgz Dezignz submitted this example of her Craft Cafe Stats page, which shows the direct correlation between her facebook fan page posts and the traffic into her Craft Cafe shop.

 "I check every day. I know the days I post new items on groups or my fan page, the days I even post at all on my fan page with a link to my shop, my stats go up. The occasions I'm featured somewhere, my stats go up." -- Carrie Foster, Frawgz Dezignz

                                                                                                                      

Etsy Stats from M Design Boutique on Etsy

Here is an example from my Etsy shop stats. Last June there was a major spike in traffic to one of my listings. I was in the midst of my busiest season for filling orders, so I didn't look till later to see why. I ended up figuring out that a VERY beloved website "Regretsy" listed one of my products in a post they made. Look at that traffic! Without looking at stats, I would never have known why so many clicks happened all at once. Especially since I don't promote my Etsy shop on my social network sites.  

Notice also that I get a good amount of clicks coming from other places where my products are showing up in search queries. I'll talk about it in another post, but well-written KEY WORDS, TITLES and DESCRIPTIONS all help with those rankings and click-throughs.

This is a good time to stop, breath and go brave those stats. You're armed with some basics...and before you know it you'll be excited every week or day or month...to go see what your stats have to offer you.

Thanks for taking the time to read! Watch next month for Tip #3: Ask Yourself The Hard Questions

Please do leave comments and questions here! I will be sure to respond to everyone. I know that many of you are experts. I welcome your input, as I am speaking only from my experience. What works for one works for many. Increase the expertise! Add your advice to the discussion!

Thanks!
Melissa Machowski
Owner, Designer, Maker at Spoiled Cowgirl by MDB, M Design Boutique, MDB Weddings and Events and Spoiled Cowgirl by MDB at Craft Cafe

Why listen to my advice? I believe in getting perspectives from all over the place. I have learned from other people succeeding at what I am trying to do. I’ve tried a lot, read a lot, failed a lot, and ultimately found some real success at running an online handmade business. My lessons learned can be yours too...at least, I hope so! ----> next tip coming in one month! Follow Craft Cafe and Spoiled Cowgirl to get the announcement!

Jewelry Artisans Video Creation

See our latest video creation

"Craft Cafe Jewelry Artisans"

So many wonderful jewelry artsians!

Find what tickles your fancy at CraftCafe.co

"Yellow" Feature Favorite Post & Vote Winner - Dollipop Cosmetics

"Yellow" Post & Vote Winner!
Dollipop Cosmetics

Happy 5g Pigmented Mineral Eye Shadow Jar with Sifter

Our mineral eye shadows are super pigmented and go on smooth for all day wearability.
Most are packed full of sparkle and shimmer!
We don't use any yucky synthetic fillers like talc! Our recipes are all our own, no repacking!
5 gram pots come filled to the brim with pigment, no half-full jars here.
They also come with sifters for easy dispensing.

 Happy is a beautiful bright sunshine yellow with lots of shimmer.

A little goes a long way with this color.

 Dollipop Cosmetics does not test on animals! Happy is part of our Permanent Line!

Be sure to visit Dollipop Cosmetics Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook 

Easter in the Cafe Video Creation

Have you seen our

"Easter in the Cafe" 

Video Creation?

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Me and the Boy

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Meet Tanya and Val from Me and the Boy

♥ Please tell us about yourself: 
I'm the mom of a great son. We love to craft and create with whatever we can get our hands on! My company started when I couldn't always afford play therapy for my autistic son....than slowly, I was able to afford for my husband to take an extra day off work. Family is my everything.
Our bath and body line is almost all Vegan friendly and every single item contains no paraben, silicone or phthalate.
All our candles and tart melts are made of non GMO soy wax

♥ How long have you been in business?
Just a little over 2 years

♥ Please describe your business:
We offer a bit of everything. Our tagline is accessorize yourself and your home. We offer candles, bath and body, nail polish, jewelry and more.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Everyday life inspires me. My family...and being able to not only offer my products to those that appreciate and love handmade but also shop handmade myself. It's awesome knowing that someone loves what I do!

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
 I provide free samples in virtually every order I ship. Based on an order I try to find something in my stash of samples that I think you would love or would work well with what you already have picked. Also word of mouth is HUGE....and it's advertising I can't buy!

♥ What do you love most about your business?
The freedom to do as I please.....and working in a tank top and shorts everyday is nice too! Plus I love when my son helps.....it teaches him a lot of life lessons.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
 It's simple.....I don't pay a thing when I sell! I pay a small fee yearly to sell.....and have amazing support from owners of the site that are also handmade lovers and makers! I can even offer my items a bit less as I don't have to pay seller fees


♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
BE PATIENT.....don't expect much the first year....believe that you are full of passion and greatness and just when you decide to quit....give it your all....it will pay off.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
We are slowly working into the Canadian retail market and hope to have a better percentage of our products in the retail market by then.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes, please use code: BLOGLOVE for 20% off an your entire order at my Craft Cafe Shop.
{Expires 4.30.13}

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Tanya and Val for all their love and support.

Be sure to visit Me and The Boy soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter

"Purple" Pinterest Challenge Winner

Craft Cafe "Purple" Challenge Pinboard by Briar Rose

"Easter/Spring" Feature Favorite - Post & Vote Winner - Faerieland Fragrances

"Easter/Spring" Post & Vote Winner!

Faerieland Fragrances

JELLY BEAN JUBILEE Faerie Frosting Body Soufflé Lotion

Scent: JELLY BEAN JUBILEE

Whimsically yummy and fun! Smells super sweet & fruity, just like opening a bag of jelly bean candies! 
Yummmmm! 
(✿◠‿◠)

My Faerie Frosting Super Fruit Body Soufflé Lotion is my personal favorite lotion that I carry. Fluffy, light, and blended with an array of nourishing ingredient such as: 

~Sweet Almond Oil
~Aloe Vera Leaf Juice
~Noni Fruit Extract
~Goji Fruit Extract
~Mangosteen Fruit Extract
~Acai Fruit Extract
~Pro-Vitamin B5 
~Vitamin E 
~Aloe Vera 
~Silk Amino Acids

It has an inherent shimmer to it, and it feels silky, wonderful, and moisturizing on your skin. 

Be sure to visit Faerieland Fragrances Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest 

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Cornish Dragon

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Meet Victoria Tierney from Cornish Dragon

♥ Please tell us about yourself: 
I have always loved making things since I was little and it influenced my first Job, as I'm a qualified as a Florist. Even though I don't work with flowers anymore the skills I learned have helped with my making and crafting.

♥ How long have you been in business?
Since January 2009

♥ Please describe your business:
Something for everyone, from gifts, jewelry, lampwork beads and not forgetting the Elves.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Living in by the Atlantic Ocean here in Cornwall,  is just my biggest source of inspiration the ever changing sea, moors and nature. Also living an hour away from places like Tintagel and Boscastle the myths and legends of South West, England are a rich source of inspiration

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
When I started I didn't really market much, good customer service gave me a lot of "word of mouth" publicity. Now I use most of the social media like facebook, twitter, etc.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Just making things that people love and enjoy.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Craft Cafe has no listing fees, which is great as listing regularly is not as expensive.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Make what you love and enjoy crafting. It can also be lonely at times so join a forum of like minded crafters they can hep and support you with problem plus have some fun and laughter, I have made some great friends since starting out through some forums.

♥ Lastly, where do you see your business in 5 years?
Still making and crating new things and just enjoying it.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Victoria for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Cornish Dragon soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

Top Free Tools for Running Your Handmade Business

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tychay makes it rain with the money he saved from free styling, yo. 

Running a handmade business can be tough, especially when trying to keep your business profitable while maintaining competitive pricing. There is an old saying  that “you have to spend money to make money” but it is almost impossible to dedicate that extra $10 a month to start an email newsletter, let alone a few thousand on the latest version of Photoshop. Luckily there are a few tools out there to help the bootstrapping small business owner, and best of all: they are FREE!

Gimp
This open source alternative to Photoshop is much more powerful than the more budget friendly Adobe Lightbox or Photoshop Elements. Edit and adjust your product photographs, create marketing material and more.

OpenOffice
Open office, or even Google’s Drive products (drive.google.com) offer a great, free alternative to the world dominated by Window’s Office. Spreadsheets, presentations, databases and more are all at your fingertips for free. Plus both products have a wide option of templates available for creating with them, just like Windows.

Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is a must for any important office documents and files. There are many options available, and with a little research, you can find one that best fits your workflow and needs. A good article on the options can be found here. 

Google Keywords
Keyword research is not only a good way to determine how to word your titles and tags, but is critical when deciding if there is even a need out there for the product you are considering to sell. Google keyword tool can give you great insight into what people are searching the internet for and with what terms they are using in their search (is it a baby hat or a bonnet?)

Mailchimp
Most email newsletter service providers have a 30 day free trial, but Mailchimp alone has a free trial...forever! Well, as long as your list is smaller than 2000 subscribers anyway. Free or not, their customer service is top notch and their new drag and drop layout tool is awesome! Plus they are connect to tons of other applications out there courtesy of their api-loving tech crew. And it’s the chimp. And he is based out of Atlanta (swoon). What’s not to love?

Bloggity Blog Blog
Hosting, domain names, DNS setup, FTP, security...oh my. If the idea of a self served blog leaves your head spinning or your pocketbook burning, then a free blog on a host server may be your answer. The battle of the blogs: Wordpress.com versus Blogger.com? With all the restrictions Wordpress.com puts on editing the limited number of themes of their free service, one is almost tempted to say “Go with blogger”. But then, what’s this? Out of nowhere comes...Tumblr! Tumblr is a great option for free blog services, because not only can you edit their themes, but the built in sharing functionality of their community means that your blog works for you instead of just being another piece of your company that you have to market to get people to.

HootSuite
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare, Google+. Linkedin. Tumblr, YouTube, Flickr, Mixi, MailChimp, SocialFlow, InboxQ, Constant Contact...um, why are you sitting there? You have social networks and they all need updating...RIGHT NOW! GO!!! Luckily Hootsuite makes it easy to update your networks all from one central location, saving hours a month on logging in and logging out of every. single. one.

Bliss Control
While we are on the subject of social networks, you still have hours of work ahead of you if you want to update your profile avatars or cover/header images to feature your weekly special, or to add your new blog url to your profiles, or to change that typo in your boilerplate. Yeah. That would have sucked until Bliss Control came along and made THAT possible from one central location as well, too.

So there you have it, a few of the must know about web apps to help you save some money on running your business so that you can spend it on more important things...like a much needed trip to the tea shop.  

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Craft Cafe would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Shell Bufton for this amazing guest blogger post!!

Craft Cafe Bath & Body Boutique Video Creation

View our 

"Craft Cafe Bath & Body Boutique" 

Video Creation

See More Fun Videos at our You Tube Channel 

https://www.youtube.com/user/CraftCafeLove

"Purple" Feature Favorite Post & Vote Winner - Paint It Pretty

"Purple" Post & Vote Winner!
Paint It Pretty

Tote Bag With Two- Toned Purple Flowers

This is a OOAK hand painted natural rope handle tote bag with two-toned purple flowers.
The centers of the flowers are embellished with hand sewn beads.
Bright green leaves highlight the lovely flowers. This bag would make a great accessory with any casual outfit.
It's a great piece that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
It's also a durable, roomy bag that would be great for carrying just about anything.

Be sure to visit Paint It Pretty Today!

Craft Cafe / Facebook 

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Bent Tree Crafts

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Meet Bridgett Howard from Bent Tree Crafts

♥ Please tell us about yourself: 
I worked in the corporate world for my entire career, in the technology industry, and I have a degree in computer science.  Once I had my two sons, I decided to be a stay at home mom to be with them.  I was looking for a fun hobby, and I have always been a crafty person so I decided to take a jewelry making class and I was hooked.  I love making bracelets and that is what I mostly sell in my shop.  I also love photography, taking pictures of the beautiful scenery we have here in Colorado, and of course pictures of my two wonderful sons and husband.

♥ How long have you been in business?
 3.5 years

♥ Please describe your business:
In my shop you will find mostly casual, bohemian style jewelry.  Mostly bracelets because that is what I love making and wearing.  My jewelry is perfect for everyday wear; for moms on the go, like me, that want to add a little bit of fun to their jeans and t-shirts!

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
The colors in Nature.  I am an earthy and simple kind of girl so I love using natural colors and materials with some brightness every now and then.  Bohemian, and beach items also inspire me; I would have been the ultimate hippie if I grew up in the 60s and 70s.  Also, living in Colorado and having 4 seasons makes for great inspiration, especially late spring and fall.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
Social Media has been the best marketing tool for me.  Being an online-based business, using social media sites, really is the key method to get your name out there.  I find that Facebook is one of the best marketing tools I have used so far.
I don’t really have a budget for marketing so taking advantage of free sites on the internet like blogging and sharing things on Facebook and Pinterest are great too!
I also believe having crisp, clear photos that show the details and colors of your items are important.  When purchasing something online, since you can’t pick it up and touch it or try it on, you really need to see the item at different angles and in different lighting.  Words can describe a product, but a good quality, detailed photo can make all the difference.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
 I like the fact that making jewelry is my hobby and I love doing it so it does not feel like work to me, its fun.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
First off, I was impressed at the pricing for selling on Craft Café it is very reasonable.   Secondly, I have been even more impressed with the management of Craft Café and how they truly support their sellers and try to help the shops promote their business through social media, and through contests and such.  You just don’t find companies that have such great customer service very often, so when I find one, I like to stick with them.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Do something you love that way it does not feel like work.  I have gotten discouraged in the past and almost given up, but I keep going and making jewelry.  It takes a while to get established online, to get your name out there, so don’t give up.  Not everyone will like what you make and that is ok as long as you like what you do and you are happy with it.  Just be confident in yourself and your abilities and that is all you need to be successful.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I don’t plan on trying to make it big as a jewelry designer.  I just do it for fun, and to pay for my hobby.  I would like to participate in a few craft fairs in the next few years.  A few goals I have for myself, in the next 5 years, are to learn more about working with leather and possibly taking some metal working classes.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Sure!  Use code: CCBLOG during checkout at my Craft Cafe Shop and receive 20% off your purchase!  {Expires 4/30/13}

♥ ***PLEASE NOTE: Craft Cafe is experiencing cart issues at this time. If you would like to order from Bridgett, please message her directly from her shop with your order and she will be happy to send you an invoice. {Don't forget to mention the coupon code}

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Bridgett for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Bent Tree Crafts soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Pinterest / Wanelo

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Skinny Dip Soaps

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Meet Amber Wilkins from Skinny Dip Soaps 

♥ Please tell us about yourself: 
Hi there! My name is Amber and I'm a work from home mom of 4 amazing kiddos. 2 are in school and 2 are home with me during the day.  My kids are the reason I started making soap in the first place :)  I get most of my business work done late at night when everyone is sleeping and early in the morning after I take the 2 older kids to school.

♥ How long have you been in business?
I started making handmade soap in 2003 for my family and started selling it locally. I started my Etsy shop in March, 2011 and the Craft Cafe shop in July, 2012.

♥ Please describe your business:
You can find a variety of bath, body and home fragrances goodies in my shop.  Handcrafted soaps, scrubs, lip balms, whipped cream soaps, soy blend melts, candles and lots more.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
My family. I strive to make great products that are gentle enough for all of them to use.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
Facebook and coupon codes.  Interact with your fans and keep your page or group active. Also, put a coupon code out there. It is a great way to get new people to try your products.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Being able to do what I love.  I feel so blessed that I get to stay at home with my babies and work from home.  I am doing what makes me happy and I'm loving it!

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
When I heard about CC I jumped on it!  I get more profit because I am not having to pay a fee for listing the item or a fee when the item sells.  I made back the yearly fee within my first few sales on CC. I also love how Traci puts so much time into promoting the artisans.  You don't see that with a lot of the big online shops out there.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Research, research, research, test and repeat.  Take pride in the product that you have created, don't sell yourself short.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I would love to be making products full time and hire a helper.  I also hope to have my products in a few more shops here locally.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes! Please use code: "ccblog" for 15% off your entire purchase at my Craft Cafe Shop.{Expires March 31, 2013}

♥ ***PLEASE NOTE: Craft Cafe is experiencing cart issues at this time. If you would like to order from Amber, please message her directly from her shop with your order and she will be happy to send you an invoice.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Amber for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Skinny Dip Soaps soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook

Promote Yourself With Confidence

HI HO there!  This is Krissy from PiixlWix Candle Company, and I am thrilled that Craft Cafe invited me back to write another blog post!
As an owner of 2 small businesses, PiixlWix Candle Company and as a hair color specialist/make up artist, I have had to promote myself unabashedly for about a decade.  Now, that is not to say I was always comfortable with it, but in order for my businesses to thrive (and for me to eat) I had to tell people what it is that I do.
And that is what we are talking about today.  How do you let EVERYONE know about your fabulous Craft Cafe shop and feel good about it?  How do you tell people that you do not even know that you make the most beautiful things, that are so close to your heart, things that you have poured your soul into and you feel like are your babies? AND that you sell these precious items, and they will think they are awesome too if they take the time to look at them?  AND to do this in a way that you don't feel like a snake oil salesman?
Here are some tips on  doing just that.  Here we go!

1. Create a script for your business.
Plan out what you want other people to know about what you do.  Write it out.  Rehearse it.  Make it your second language.   Practice on your adoring family or long suffering dog.  That way, when you are going about your day, it can come up naturally in conversation. And you can tell them with confidence. Trust me, the more you rehearse the more it will come up.

2. Everyone you meet is a potential customer, yet no one wants to be sold to.
And you are not going to do that.  YOU are not selling anything.  Yes, you have items for sale, but it is really the process of creating the things you make that you love.  Talking about where they can find your glorious things, like your Craft Cafe shop, simply is how you let them know where to find you.  And that leads us to number 3....

3. ALWAYS have a business card (or 12) with you.
When you are talking about your creative business, the best way to close a conversation is with asking if they would like your business card.  It is so weird how having something tangible, like your card, validates your conversation.  It makes it seem official, but it puts the sales ball in their court.  And it takes that pressure off of you personally.  The card holds all the information to your business that they need and you don't have to sell them anything.  WHEW!

4. NEVER, and I mean EVER, take rejection personally.
WOW!  Wayyyyyy easier said than done. Ask yourself, "What does rejection mean to me?" Does it mean not getting a sale?  Does it mean not getting a wholesale account? Or not getting any likes on your Facebook post?  Does it mean that no one seems to need or want what you are offering?  You are the only one that can weigh the value of your craft.  And you are the only one that can soothe your bruised artistic soul.  Find out how you do that best and it will empower you to move on.  Fear of rejection is one of the biggest hurdles you will have to jump in learning to promote yourself and the best way to figure out how is to simply JUMP.  JUMP!

5. Give yourself permission to share what you love.
Passion for creating!! That thing that drives you to late nights in your studio, your extra bedroom or your kitchen table (you wish you could eat on) will help you in all areas of self promotion.  As artists, crafters, and creators, we may have a hard time letting other people into our world.  After all, what we are making has a little bit of our souls in it.  That can be difficult to share, but allowing others to enjoy your items too will enrich your life as an artist.  As will allowing your self to just talk about it! So, start with this blog post.  Tell me in the comments what you are in love with creating!

Thank you again to Craft Cafe and to all you creative rock stars out there for reading my post!
I hope this helps with self promotion and if you have any questions feel free to ask away.  And don't forget to tell me what you love in the comments below!

Blog On :)
Krissy

"Pastel" Feature Favorite Post & Vote Winner - Quilted Keepsake Ornaments

"Pastel" Post & Vote Winner!
Quilted Keepsake Ornaments

Butterfly Quilted Ornament - Pastel Daisies Accented In Aqua Blue

This quilted ornament is adorned in pastel daisies with a solid aqua blue accent. It is sweetly embellished with tiny silk flowers that are attached with corsage pins, white ribbon for hanging and an organza butterfly. 

All ornaments come in a white gift box for storing or gift giving.

Ornament Size: 2.5" in diameter

Be sure to visit Quilted Keepsake Ornaments Today!

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