Hope you are all enjoying this lovely weather we are having now in the UK. It seems that summer is finally here and judging by how quiet it`s been online, most of you are out making the most of it.
Me I am taking part in a Mentoring month that is a collaboration with Etsy and a few teams. In the British Crafters team not everyone is taking part although all did have the opportunity to do so. A lot of the time it comes down to time, commitments and being able to squeeze in even more extra work.
As I was made redundant last month I can utilize that time to do the Mentoring month and make the most of it to improve my shop. I intend to turn my crafting, that was more of a hobby that almost paid for itself, into a business that`s my full time job.
Actually it`s been a full time job since I started in blithe ignorance and then discovered that I knew so little, it`s just that the rest of my life has been squeezed into the time I have over. I do get up very early now, 5.00 - 5.30 a.m. The extra time so early is invaluable for promotional and listing work, updating shops etc.
An online business is, I think, harder work than a bricks and mortar one. Although never having run a business in the outside world I could of course be wrong. It just seems to me that it`s a constant struggle to get seen and found, to get your items to the forefront of anywhere and everywhere. If you don`t promote daily then you are likely to disappear from sight, at least until you become better known.
This is of course where back links come in. Finding sites that don`t charge you to add links and maybe have a page where you can add business details, pictures and links. The more you have, the bigger the online presence.
So you`ve guessed it, today I am adding some more site links for you to investigate and add yourself and your business to.
I`m going to start with Rebelmouse. This is a fast growing and very popular site, so very worthwhile to get yourself a presence on this one. You can add feeds from all the social media sites if you want to, but if your aim is to pull in views to your shop or shops then you are probably better to stop at twitter. Whichever feeds you add here it will fill your page. So if you add Pinterest and you often add lots of pins to your page, they will all appear on your Rebelmouse page, likewise Facebook, etc etc.
With mine I did what I often do, open a page, get bust and forget about it, then every so often remember it`s their and update it. Probably wiser to check all these sites regularly and update.
How about Google+? Quite a big one this and bearing in mind that it`s google, a very important one to have. Think google rankings here. The holy grail for all online businesses. Who doesn`t want their products on the first page or at least the first two?
I certainly do. I have a google+ personal page and now also a business page. The business page is a recent thing for me on Google+. I`m not sure how long they`ve had that going. It works pretty much like facebook in that you gain people, only this has circles. You can name them whatever you like to put people in to categories. Like acquaintances, Followers, Friends and Family. Quite handy this as it means you friend and family don`t have to get inundated with all your posts. You can choose who sees them each time. You can personalise the page and add your logo to your business page. To gain followers, you really need to add updates daily or at least a few times a week, like with facebook. There are also different features being added, like `hangouts` where like minded people can get together and chat. It is user friendly and quite easy to work out what to do, I managed.
Thay`s probably enough for today with those two biggies, they`ll take you some time to join and add everything.
Good luck with those.
I`ll just add these couple in case you get through those quickly and get bored.
www.lilyshop.com This a site to sell on as an addition to your other shop or shops. It`s fairly new and still building but worth a look and maybe adding a few items, after all what have you got to lose? You pay 5% commission to the site if you sell something but there are no listing fees and no other charges at the minute. Plus once you ad your item it stays there until sold or you remove it. There`s no time limit on the listings.
tophatter.com/ This one is an auction site, but unlike the big boys you don`t pay for listings, at least not at the minute, you just pay a fee if the item sells. The auctions are quick apparently. Might be worth a look, another option for you.
Okay, that really is it from me today.
If you enjoyed this blog and/or found it useful, please share to help others. Thank you.
I hope you`ll come back soon.
05/07/2013
Birds & Butterflies #Etsy
Yesterday started off beautifully sunny and then went downhill for a while. Later though, it became mostly sunny once more and warm too. I sat outside and ate an ice cream.
Sadly that was the limit of my interaction with the great outdoors.
I have been trying hard to get things done on my shop as part of the mentoring programme on Etsy. I was going along quite nicely when I came to a listing needing new photos and decided to do some for that and the next listing...............
Nearly four hours and a lot of photographs later, one aching back and a brain gone fuzzy, I stopped. I had spent the first half hour or so playing with the settings as per instructions on an Etsy `how to` blog.
It suggested altering the `EV` setting and `white balance` trying different combinations to see what worked best. I know it was sunny outside, but I discovered long ago that bright sunlight tends to wash the colour out in pics, or at the very least change them. As we don`t get that much good weather anyway, I wanted to try ways of getting decent pics indoors, hopefully without spending hours editing them.
I did get some decent pics, quite a few were no good once I got them on the computer and others were okay with editing, so it wasn`t time totally wasted.
I`m quite pleased because I achieved quite a lot and learnt a lot more.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!
I love to see the butterfly
as it gently flutters by.
It`s a sign of summer to me
knowing that it`s broken free,
fought it`s way out of the cocoon
and not a single moment too soon.
The caterpillar`s a thing of the past
the butterfly can live it`s life at last.
The birds come alive in spring,
so wonderful to hear them sing.
First so busy building their nest,
then feeding chicks without a rest.
Before you know it they learn to fly,
taking off into the big blue sky.
Now the parents, they are free
to do whatever they fancy
before it`s time to migrate
flying off before it`s too late.
Before the days lose their light
and we start to feel winters bite!!
Christine`s craft box. WideSkyPapercrafts.
Jamlincrow. Izzybeads.
Elloria`s Boutique. Jaysmonkey.
Whimsy Woo Designs. Pamelajonesartstudio.
Miss Bohemia. Adien Crafts.
Z Next Designs. Loutul.
Jinja Jewellery. Maxollieandme.
Imogen`s Imagination. Frou Frou Felt.
Hope you enjoyed today`s gorgeous display of butterfly and bird creations from the crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.
Sadly that was the limit of my interaction with the great outdoors.
I have been trying hard to get things done on my shop as part of the mentoring programme on Etsy. I was going along quite nicely when I came to a listing needing new photos and decided to do some for that and the next listing...............
Nearly four hours and a lot of photographs later, one aching back and a brain gone fuzzy, I stopped. I had spent the first half hour or so playing with the settings as per instructions on an Etsy `how to` blog.
It suggested altering the `EV` setting and `white balance` trying different combinations to see what worked best. I know it was sunny outside, but I discovered long ago that bright sunlight tends to wash the colour out in pics, or at the very least change them. As we don`t get that much good weather anyway, I wanted to try ways of getting decent pics indoors, hopefully without spending hours editing them.
I did get some decent pics, quite a few were no good once I got them on the computer and others were okay with editing, so it wasn`t time totally wasted.
I`m quite pleased because I achieved quite a lot and learnt a lot more.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!
I love to see the butterfly
as it gently flutters by.
It`s a sign of summer to me
knowing that it`s broken free,
fought it`s way out of the cocoon
and not a single moment too soon.
The caterpillar`s a thing of the past
the butterfly can live it`s life at last.
The birds come alive in spring,
so wonderful to hear them sing.
First so busy building their nest,
then feeding chicks without a rest.
Before you know it they learn to fly,
taking off into the big blue sky.
Now the parents, they are free
to do whatever they fancy
before it`s time to migrate
flying off before it`s too late.
Before the days lose their light
and we start to feel winters bite!!
Christine`s craft box. WideSkyPapercrafts.
Jamlincrow. Izzybeads.
Elloria`s Boutique. Jaysmonkey.
Whimsy Woo Designs. Pamelajonesartstudio.
Miss Bohemia. Adien Crafts.
Z Next Designs. Loutul.
Jinja Jewellery. Maxollieandme.
Imogen`s Imagination. Frou Frou Felt.
Hope you enjoyed today`s gorgeous display of butterfly and bird creations from the crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.
04/07/2013
Bee Happy #Etsy
I decided to have Bees today inspired the wonderful Bees in Lany`s shop, Izzy Beads, which is the British Crafters Shop of the Week.
Laney`s bio says:
My name is Laney and I am Izzybeads.
You can find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/izzybeadsbylaney and on my blog http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.co.uk/ come and say hi!
I make sculpture beads, beads to make you smile. I only make one of a kind, original designs that come from my imagination. I love dragons and fantasy, my dogs, cats (mogs) and chickens (chooks) and my beads have a distinct anthropomorphic style.
All my beads are made from glass and are annealled in my kiln.
Laney makes beautiful creations that are bound to make you smile and very likely sigh, they are amazing. Do have a look but I take no responsibility if you have the urge to splurge the cash.
I don`t think you need a reason or a person to buy them for, they are just soooo cute.
On a more serious note, Bees are dying and there are groups doing their utmost to force big companies to stop producing and using chemicals that are toxic not only to the bees but the environment in general. Please, if you see any of these petitions doing the rounds take a minute to sign them. A small thing that can make all the difference in the world.
A few people can make a difference but many joined together can change the world.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!
When you see black and yellow
does it make you feel mellow?
Or do you feel the buzz start
right through into your heart.
It always makes me think of honey
though you might think that is funny.
Those cute insects bumbling along
with a sense of direction so strong.
Travelling far in the nectar search
they always just seem to lurch
awkwardly from flower to flower
amazing to think they have so much power.
Sadly the bees are now dying out
because of big companies that have clout.
They ignore the evidence, go their own way
despite knowing what will happen one day.
Without bees where on earth will we be?
Maybe not on the earth anymore, you see!!
Izzybeads. Candan Imrak.
Home Studio. Designs By Caz.
Pixel Perfection Designs. WoodPigeon.
Blossoming Silver. BluebirdsGlass.
R.E.D. Ceramics. Carbonaro`s.
Simply Sweet Embroidery. The Pretty Paper Shop.
Danes & Divas. One Little Pug.
Shineon2. Sweetest Hue.
Hope you enjoyed today`s gorgeous swarm of bee creations from the crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.
Laney`s bio says:
My name is Laney and I am Izzybeads.
You can find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/izzybeadsbylaney and on my blog http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.co.uk/ come and say hi!
I make sculpture beads, beads to make you smile. I only make one of a kind, original designs that come from my imagination. I love dragons and fantasy, my dogs, cats (mogs) and chickens (chooks) and my beads have a distinct anthropomorphic style.
All my beads are made from glass and are annealled in my kiln.
Laney makes beautiful creations that are bound to make you smile and very likely sigh, they are amazing. Do have a look but I take no responsibility if you have the urge to splurge the cash.
I don`t think you need a reason or a person to buy them for, they are just soooo cute.
On a more serious note, Bees are dying and there are groups doing their utmost to force big companies to stop producing and using chemicals that are toxic not only to the bees but the environment in general. Please, if you see any of these petitions doing the rounds take a minute to sign them. A small thing that can make all the difference in the world.
A few people can make a difference but many joined together can change the world.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!
When you see black and yellow
does it make you feel mellow?
Or do you feel the buzz start
right through into your heart.
It always makes me think of honey
though you might think that is funny.
Those cute insects bumbling along
with a sense of direction so strong.
Travelling far in the nectar search
they always just seem to lurch
awkwardly from flower to flower
amazing to think they have so much power.
Sadly the bees are now dying out
because of big companies that have clout.
They ignore the evidence, go their own way
despite knowing what will happen one day.
Without bees where on earth will we be?
Maybe not on the earth anymore, you see!!
Izzybeads. Candan Imrak.
Home Studio. Designs By Caz.
Pixel Perfection Designs. WoodPigeon.
Blossoming Silver. BluebirdsGlass.
R.E.D. Ceramics. Carbonaro`s.
Simply Sweet Embroidery. The Pretty Paper Shop.
Danes & Divas. One Little Pug.
Shineon2. Sweetest Hue.
Hope you enjoyed today`s gorgeous swarm of bee creations from the crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.
03/07/2013
Power and Passion #Etsy
With a title like that it could only be ...... Ta Da....... PURPLE!! Well we haven`t had it for a while, must be at least a couple of weeks or so. Just kidding, it`s been longer than that. Though to be fair I am a purple addict.
In that though I am not alone. I know many who have a passion for purple and it`s on the rise.
This blog is for Denise, the Craftyfolk team`s Shop of the Week.
Denise`s bio says:
I am a Mum to 1 energetic almost 4 1/2 year old boy who loves to watch me knit. I love to craft and sew, and hope you like my creations as much as I do! I won't make anything I don't like, and have lots of ideas to show you. Thanks for looking in my shop! I take custom orders, please do contact me.
Denise has a wonderful variety of creations in her shop and it is well worthwhile to have a browse. You never know, yuou could find that perfect for someone special.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!
Purple is quite a passion
for a colour always in fashion.
Every shade from dark to light
is such a wondrous sight.
Whether more reddy or rich and royal
for a lady of leisure or those who toil.
For purple lovers it`s a big fave
and something that they constantly rave
about cos it makes them feel like royalty,
no wonder they always have such loyalty.
It`s brilliant in every season
as if we really need a reason
to indulge this great love of ours
that seems to give us special powers.
A colour to make you feel invincible
when it`s worn as the principle
colour on any occasion, day or night
you`ll always be a wondrous sight!!
Looking Glass Designs. Creations By Janet.
Gothic Creations. Shoogly Beads.
Crafty Munchkins. New Leaf Journals.
K-nine Couture. Loutul.
MakeUpDorkCosmetics. Whimsy Woo Designs.
Creative Treasures. Victorian Baubles.
Sealy MacWheely. Pat`s Paraphenalia.
Coleraine Creations. SpinningStreak.
Hope you enjoyed today`s powerfully passionate display of purple creations from the crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.
In that though I am not alone. I know many who have a passion for purple and it`s on the rise.
This blog is for Denise, the Craftyfolk team`s Shop of the Week.
Denise`s bio says:
I am a Mum to 1 energetic almost 4 1/2 year old boy who loves to watch me knit. I love to craft and sew, and hope you like my creations as much as I do! I won't make anything I don't like, and have lots of ideas to show you. Thanks for looking in my shop! I take custom orders, please do contact me.
Denise has a wonderful variety of creations in her shop and it is well worthwhile to have a browse. You never know, yuou could find that perfect for someone special.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!
Purple is quite a passion
for a colour always in fashion.
Every shade from dark to light
is such a wondrous sight.
Whether more reddy or rich and royal
for a lady of leisure or those who toil.
For purple lovers it`s a big fave
and something that they constantly rave
about cos it makes them feel like royalty,
no wonder they always have such loyalty.
It`s brilliant in every season
as if we really need a reason
to indulge this great love of ours
that seems to give us special powers.
A colour to make you feel invincible
when it`s worn as the principle
colour on any occasion, day or night
you`ll always be a wondrous sight!!
Looking Glass Designs. Creations By Janet.
Gothic Creations. Shoogly Beads.
Crafty Munchkins. New Leaf Journals.
K-nine Couture. Loutul.
MakeUpDorkCosmetics. Whimsy Woo Designs.
Creative Treasures. Victorian Baubles.
Sealy MacWheely. Pat`s Paraphenalia.
Coleraine Creations. SpinningStreak.
Hope you enjoyed today`s powerfully passionate display of purple creations from the crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.
02/07/2013
Grey is Great #Etsy
Yesterday started well and went downhill from there. I really thought it was going to be a nice warm sunny day, no such luck.
Instead the sky turned greyer and gradually the temperature dropped with the chill wind and that was it, summer gone. One day was all we had..... well so far. We may yet get a few more.
Kind of getting off the subject here.... as usual. Anyway, it was the grey skies that inspired this blog. Mainly because I wanted to see something that was grey and really nice, as opposed to grey and depressing like the clouds.
This week I am hoping to get lots done on the shops and website. With a clear week ahead I should hopefully get at least some of it done.
I am also taking part in the Etsy/team mentoring programme this month, so part of that time will be improving one shop through that.
We have been partnered up and have to plan what we do. My partner is Joe of Jamlincrow. Yesterday, we decided, to start with a shop critique and go from there. I must say that my task was quite easy because his shop looks good. However, Joe`s was a lot harder with my higgeldy piggledy wares.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!
What do we have here today
like the sky it`s grey, grey, grey.
Endless grey up on high
just makes me want to sigh.
But these fabulous creations
are more a cause for celebrations.
Grey comes in so many shades
it`s popularity never fades.
Just so easy to mix and match
accessories or decide to hatch
a whole new look just like that
from your shoes to your hat.
Always stylish and very smart
it`s many shades always have heart.
For every occasion it will be right
making you look a wonderful sight.
Forget the sky being so grey
and celebrate summer with me today!!
Gurumiorama2. Cutie Butts Boutique.
Vanijja. Crush Cosmetics.
Envelope Guest Books. The Bold Banana.
The Pine Nuts. Busy Beez and Chickadeez.
Eastern Home Decor. Cutest Little Thing.
Purple Peony Couture. Overlap Sewing Studio.
Molipop. Joyneckwear.
Hope you enjoyed today`s beautiful display of grey creations from the crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.
Instead the sky turned greyer and gradually the temperature dropped with the chill wind and that was it, summer gone. One day was all we had..... well so far. We may yet get a few more.
Kind of getting off the subject here.... as usual. Anyway, it was the grey skies that inspired this blog. Mainly because I wanted to see something that was grey and really nice, as opposed to grey and depressing like the clouds.
This week I am hoping to get lots done on the shops and website. With a clear week ahead I should hopefully get at least some of it done.
I am also taking part in the Etsy/team mentoring programme this month, so part of that time will be improving one shop through that.
We have been partnered up and have to plan what we do. My partner is Joe of Jamlincrow. Yesterday, we decided, to start with a shop critique and go from there. I must say that my task was quite easy because his shop looks good. However, Joe`s was a lot harder with my higgeldy piggledy wares.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!
What do we have here today
like the sky it`s grey, grey, grey.
Endless grey up on high
just makes me want to sigh.
But these fabulous creations
are more a cause for celebrations.
Grey comes in so many shades
it`s popularity never fades.
Just so easy to mix and match
accessories or decide to hatch
a whole new look just like that
from your shoes to your hat.
Always stylish and very smart
it`s many shades always have heart.
For every occasion it will be right
making you look a wonderful sight.
Forget the sky being so grey
and celebrate summer with me today!!
Gurumiorama2. Cutie Butts Boutique.
Vanijja. Crush Cosmetics.
Envelope Guest Books. The Bold Banana.
The Pine Nuts. Busy Beez and Chickadeez.
Eastern Home Decor. Cutest Little Thing.
Purple Peony Couture. Overlap Sewing Studio.
Molipop. Joyneckwear.
Hope you enjoyed today`s beautiful display of grey creations from the crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.
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