Crafty Business Tips: Even Small Blogs Can Offer Advertising
Aug. 31 10
So you’re thinking about allowing people to advertise on your blog?
What a great idea. There are a lot of misconceptions out there about blog advertising. In fact, some people will tell you that you have to get up to a certain amount of subscribers or a certain amount of page views before you can even think about offering advertising on your blog. But that is simply not true. It doesn’t really matter how many blog readers you have, you just have to make the advertising cost proportional to the amount of traffic you receive.
I’ve seen small blogs offer advertising for as low as $5-15 a month. And while that may not even put gas in your car, it is certainly a start. So, here’s what I suggest: check out other blogs and find out their rates and stats and kind of compare that info to your own so you have a general idea of what your starting point should be. *I am not suggesting that you waste bloggers time by pretending your are interested in advertising just to get their info. So what am I suggesting? Do your homework and research other blogs. Many bloggers actually supply their advertising rates some where on their site, so start with those.
Now, if you don’t feel comfortable offering paid advertising based on your numbers or some other reasoning, you still have options.
For example, you could decide to go the free route instead. Offer free weekly or monthly blog advertising to quality shops and sites that suit the style of your specific blog. This option has the potential to really get people to rally around your blog, because you would be offering a free service to small business owners. And let’s face it, most small business owners would jump at the chance for an opportunity like this.
And to ensure that you get something out of the deal as well, ask that shop selected for free ads add a link to your blog from their blog or etsy shop. This could be via a post about your blog with a link or just a simple addition to their blogroll. Its up to you- you make the rules. The benefit to this option is twofold. It will bring you incoming links, and (hopefully) will also bring more people to your blog and in time begin building up your audience, so that you can offer paid advertising in the future if you wish.
Do you have any tips for blog advertising to share with newbies? Leave your tips in the comments.
*image c/o Laura Evans
Recession Proof your Business
Aug. 18 10
Counting change to make ends meet? Want to make more money? Yep, sure do. But how do you do it? Well, that’s the part that gets most of us stuck. Really the answer is pretty simple: multiple revenue streams. Makes sense right? If you have a regular 9-5 job and its not bringing home as much bacon as you’d like, than you’d probably consider getting a second part-time job wouldn’t you?
Well, bring a self-employed entrepreneur brings about the same set of circumstances. If the project that is making you money isn’t cutting it on its own, than you may want to consider adding additional revenue streams. This idea is nothing new. In fact, its been recommended over and over again by top bloggers. Why? Because it works. And believe me, its not as complicated as it seems. If you have an online shop and a moderately popular blog you are already on your way.
Here are a few ideas… Start selling advertisements on your blog if you haven’t already, and try getting involved with some affiliates as well. That’s two revenue streams right there and that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. Think about seeking wholesale orders for products you typically sell in your Etsy shop. Or create other products to sell online (ebooks, ecourses, etc). Use your expertise to teach an online or in-person course. Pick up some freelance writing jobs. The list goes on and on.
Here are a few articles on the subject…
-Darren Rowse from ProBlogger makes a six figure salary and brings in income from more than ten different revenue sources each month.
-Tara Swiger wrote a guest post for Megan of Crafting and MBA on this very topic of creating multiple revenue streams. Its a must read.
-Twelve Ideas for creating multiple income streams from Freelance Switch.
-Check out the amazon book list
Have an additional tips to share on the subject? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Image via Fashion Fangs
Tips for Selling the Handmade Way
Aug. 17 10
One of my favorite things to talk about here on the blog is small business. Unfortunately, I don’t give as many tips or write as many advice columns as I would like to. BUT fortunately there are plenty of other people out there who write about small business on a daily basis. Like Bonnie Forkner for example, who you may already know from her popular craft blog, Going Home to Roost, or perhaps from her three adorable Etsy shops. Bonnie has just launched a wonderful e-book and e-course that is sure to satisfy your need for a crafty business fix. Here’s the info…
New Seller in Need of some Guidance? GHTR just launched a new e-course, Selling the Handmade Way. It’s for beginner/intermediate sellers of handmade goods to learn more about their indie biz and how to make a name for themselves. The class will start on September 6th and will last 7 weeks. The class will cover everything from product photography to website SEO.
Click here to view more details about Selling the Handmade Way.
Just looking for some free advice? Bonnie has also compiled a free e-book called Best of the Shop Help Series. It’s chalk full of the best tips from Going Home to Roost’s weekly biz articles over the past year, and free for anyone to download. So, head on over and check it out.
Breaking Down the Workhorse
Aug. 5 10
Usually I am the one giving advice around here. But today, I thought I turn the tables and ask you all for some advice instead.
Here’s the deal… The last couple of weeks, I have been feeling completely overwhelmed. After having several conversations with Jeff about my work schedule, I have come to the conclusion that I am working too much. This may sound like an exaggeration, but truly, Monday-Friday and most weekends from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep (unless I am not home for some reason- gym, out to dinner, running errands), I am working on something for the blog or site. Or doing work for someone else’s blog, or answering questions for an interview, or starting a side-project to bring in more income, or (well, you get the point)… And I am finally realizing its not the way to go.
Don’t get me wrong, I am immensely grateful for everything I have. And feel super lucky that I have enough success in my business to actually be this busy.
But a girl’s gotta take a break every once in a while, right?
I thought I was doing the right thing. I mean, I want my business to continue to grow, and I’d really like to be able to take down some of those to-do post its I have up on my computer right now. But not at the expense of any chance at a sliver of personal time. So, I am asking you…
What are your tips and tricks for balancing your business and your personal life?
Why Biting your Tongue is Good for your Business
Jul. 28 10
I know most of the things we read about bringing success to our business includes being forthcoming with ideas, thoughts, etc. And then implementing said ideas, thoughts, etc whenever possible. And that is true. BUT that’s not what I want to talk about today.
Today, I want to talk about how to handle those less-than-satisfied customers that you may have from time to time. While they may be rare (hopefully they are), they can also be a deciding factor in making or breaking your business. How is that possible? People who are unsatisfied with a product or service spread the information like wildfire. Why? Because they are mad, and they want other people to know about it. Simple as that.
So, how can you turn a negative customer experience in to a good one? With excellent customer service of course. But remember I said you should bite your tongue, right? What I mean by that is, think before you speak. Often times, if you receive an email from a dissatisfied customer, chances are your initial reaction is a bit defensive. “But I spent three hours making _________. How could they say it is of poor quality? They don’t know what they are talking about.” Or however else you may rationalize these things when they come up. You don’t want to say that to your customer, no matter how irrelevant you feel their claim may be.
This is what I would recommend. Take some time to compose yourself. Its hard not to take things personal when something goes wrong. That’s why our natural reaction is to get defensive. Don’t. Take a few minutes before writing a response. And once a draft has been written, press SAVE not SEND. Walk away and come back to it later. Make any necessary changes and remove anything that could be labeled as snarky.
Basically, you want your response to be as short and as pleasant as possible, while addressing all of the customer’s concerns. Remember, you don’t want people blabbing to their friends about how much you and your products suck. And if you say something rude, in writing no less, it will come back to bite you in the ass. Guaranteed. So, if you are at fault say so. If a customer wants to return an item, refer them to your shop policies, and give them an answer as to whether or not the return will be allowed. Same goes for a refund.
And lastly, make a kind gesture. Some people will agree with me on this one and some won’t. But I personally believe its important to extend a hand to anyone who is unhappy with your products or services (within reason). Try offering a discount off their next purchase; a partial refund; or even free additional merchandise if you feel inclined.
Bottom line. Make your customers happy, even after they have had a “bad experience”, and they will always come back. And that means success for your business.
Have you ever had to bite your tongue around a customer?
*image c/o TaraLynn
Spending Money to Make Money for your Business
Jul. 27 10
I am sure you’ve heard this phrase before: You’ve got to spend money to make money. And it might even be annoying for some of you to hear, but I have to say, in a lot of instances this phrase is absolutely true, when it comes to your business. Let me explain just a few instances…
Maybe you want to get your new collection or shop noticed online. You might choose to buy an advertisement on a like-minded blog to help spread the word and start getting that brand recognition. Well, that’s going to cost you, but the hope is that you’ll get something back in return…potential customers, sales, etc.
Or perhaps you are spending a lot of time prepping items and making sure they are up to your standards in terms of quality. This is time you COULD be using to actually make finished goods. The more items you have to sell, the more potential for sales, right? Well, you’ll have to weigh out the pros and cons of this one on your own. But, spending more money on higher quality or pre-made materials might be a great option for you. Because, in the end, it might save you enough time to make the couple extra dollars worth it. That’s exactly what artist Jessica Gonacha (whose name is now Jessica Swift) did when she made the switch from sanding and prepping all her wood panels herself to buying them pre-made and ready to paint on. Read her story here.
What are some ways you spend money to make money with your crafty business?
image credit: 20 Dollars
Weekend Links: crafty business edition
Jul. 23 10
Since we’ve been discussing crafty business tips and advice here a lot more lately, I thought I’d make a special weekend links this time. Featuring only crafty business articles from around the web. I read a lot of these kinds of posts over the weekend, when I have free time, and I thought you might too…
-Three rules for setting prices on your products (with a conscience).
-A BIG crafty reading round-up with lots of great biz tip articles.
-Need a website, but don’t have the money to pay someone else. Build it yourself in one weekend with this Website in a Weekend article.
-A great podcast for marketing your craft online.
-Three tips for promoting your work to galleries (found thanks to Megan).
-Thinking of hiring a helping hand? Eight tips for choosing and working with an intern.
That’s it for this week. Enjoy your weekend everyone! See you Monday.
*image credit: house & garden found on pinterest via decor8
