Promoting your wares….

Last week, one of my ads came out in a magazine. This is not the first time I have had ads run in print or online, but it is still exciting! Even if I did have to pay for it! LOL Honestly though, I haven’t seen much evidence that these ads are resulting in sales. Which brings me to a question for all of you…I don’t know if anyone is reading this, but how do you promote your wares? Have you found anything that is really successful in creating sales? You know what I’ve always wondered…how do people get their stuff featured in magazines without paying for the ad? Like for example in a style section, how do you get your jewelry on the models? …or do you pay for that too? How do you make get celebrities to wear your stuff? …and how do you get your stuff in the movies and on television?

You know, the funny thing is I’m not an idoit when it comes to business and marketing…at least not a total idiot — lol–the fact is, I graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a minor in marketing…..so, why is promoting myself so hard?????????????

Have any of you tried advertising through blogs like Stylebakery or IndieShopping.com??? Both of these have a “Designer on the Rise” seasonal section, and some other advertising options, like direct emails and a few others. Here’s a link to one of them….

Another thing I’m curious about is: has blogging been a successful tool in promoting yourself? How about joining forums? How about joining online directories? …or joining Etsy teams, or other guilds? Did you know that there are over 250 Etsy Teams??? How cool, crafters coming together to help promote themselves and educate the public on what goes in to their work. One of my favorite is the WireArtisansGuild. They also have a blog on Blogger….

They sure do have some talented members! If you are ever in need of a special piece…you are sure to find one there! Here are a few of my favorites:

by julidadesigns

 

by lilithu

 

by jennlyn54

 

by SuzyQJewelry

 

Anyway….that’s all folks! Just a day of pondering my options! LOL

-xoxo

 

Gotta love it….

What a wonderful site, Etsy….gotta love it! I’m sure most of you have heard of it…but if you haven’t, you have to check it out! Etsy is a site where you can find anything and everything hamdmade. Plus, supplies and vintage items. Etsy provides a “shop” for any crafter or artist who wants to sell their wares.

Anyway, there are so many great crafters and artists on Etsy. Talking about talent…you are sure to find it there!

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

by cottonbirddesigns

I just love these birds. I haven’t bought one yet…but I might just have to!

  

by 1ofmykind

I also love Jody McGill’s jewelry! She makes the most beautiful pieces…easy to see why her pieces are worn by the stars!

  

by tinymeat 

 …and how cute is this….the combination of 2 of my favorites, tinymeat and Emily Martin of theblackapple. Tinymeat has the cutest wallets, card cases, passport cases, checkbook covers, and ipod cases……and they are really affordable! Most range in price from $10-$16. They have joined forces with some of Etsy’s other crafters and started a product line called “The Artist Series.” 

So, these are just a few…I’ll share more later!

Oh yeah, I stumbled across this quote…kinda funny! 

We’re not lost. We’re locationally challenged.
John M. Ford

 

So, that’s all for now!

-XOXO