Marketing Your Crafts on the Internet
With all the interest and competition for selling wholesale, it is critical for professional crafters and producers to have a presence on the world wild web! Sadly, with the economic climate in the state it is in, more and more gift shops are closing their doors. Producers are challenged at a much great level to market their products. As a new or small producer, it is important to find a way to have an edge over your competition. Marketing on the internet is one way to achieve this goal.
Believe it or not, it is MORE important for smaller companies to have a website than ever before. Why is that, you say! The web is one of the few playing fields where any size company can compete on equal terms. The web does not discriminate based on size, location, ethnic background, educational level or age. (I just read an article about a thirteen year old that is generating a six-figure income from his website!!) Your web presence can be as big and glamorous or as small and conservative as you want! With consumers and store buyers on the look-out for unique products, it is a perfect venue for professional crafters and producers.
Wholesale websites and marketing are different from retail sites and marketing. In order to lay a good foundation for internet marketing, we will be looking at both sides of the issue and the different tactics for each. Currently, I have both wholesale and retail websites and can share with you the tricks I have learned for both. Also, I will be sharing different ‘experts’ on the subject who can help you get started with different types of sites.
Over the next few weeks, we will be covering some of the following topics related to marketing crafts online, such as free web listing for crafters, blogs, websites, and the importance of social networking. If this sounds like Greek to you, or if you are just interested in another view point of the same, make sure to check back frequently!
And, as usually, please feel free to comment with what has or has not worked for you. The internet is constantly changing and evolving, and we can all learn what new tricks have worked for you in your business!
Sandy,
I’m looking forward to your input on these topics, especially more in-depth on social networking. Also, the Working With Sales Reps and Sales Call Prep was tremendously helpful.
Thank you so much for sharing all of this information with us.
Best Wishes,
Beth
Thanks Beth, I am happy to hear my posts were helpful. I will make sure to spend some extra time on the social networking section!