How else can I advertise?

Question

I make jewellery and want to promote my website www.penny-dog.co.uk and drive in some sales. I have a blog, a Flickr account, two Etsy accounts (which could also use some sales too), an Indiepublic account, Google Adwords, submitted to search engines, I've flyered local shops and I'm at a loss at what else I can do apart from trying to get into Craft Fairs (which I don't seem to get responses from either). I find that using eBay for handmade goods is usually pointless and therefore haven't gone this route. I'm now wondering whether I should bother despite only being set-up as a business for 3 weeks as I have sold nothing on my website or Etsy or even at a local fete (though it was a tombola and cakes kind of fete rather than a craft fair to be fair). What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

I know it sounds simple.... but you need to understand your target market i.e. the people who are going to buy your products. I don't know the market for Jewellery but going on line doesn't seem to me to be the right place - It always seems to me that women want to touch and feel the jewelery before they buy (often on impulse).

I know it might sound like a bit of a nightmare but I would throughly recommend pulling togther a really simple survey then going out and asking 100 of the people you think ought to buy your products - Where do they shop for Jewelry, how much do they spend, how often do they buy on line, do they buy on impulse or not etc etc etc.... From this you will be able to figure out where is the best place for you to spend your time + get some good ideas for product lines.

Taking this approach might seem really long winded but it will save you time, money and heartache in the long run.

Another way to do it might be to cancel selling to buyers directly and go via shops.... Figure out the margin you want to make yourself and then sell the stock to shops at trade prices... Pick the shops based on the questionnaire results... That way you can go in and prove to the retailer that your stock will sell.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Have you tried online classified ads ? Usfreeads.com is one suggestion. There are many others. You can try online forums where women and mothers hang out. Don't spam though....

Write articles on your products or things related to your products. Try Squidoo & Ezinearticles. There are many more article sites to submit to.

My suggestion is : You have to identify your market first. Is the demand strong enough for your products online?  Sometimes we get caught up with what we're interested to sell rather than finding out what ready buyers are looking to buy....

Answer 3

Hi Penny,

How frustrating for you.  I too went to your web site.  You have really done a nice job with it.  I especially like the  piece you have displayed "treasure010" it is very beautiful.

It seems like you have promoted your jewelry well, maybe a little time is needed, for it to get rolling.  

The only suggestion I might have, would be for you to loan some of your jewelry to people in your target market.  Hopefully people will notice the pieces and whoever is wearing it can direct them to you or your website for sales.

You might also give the craft fair another try.  

One thing that people do at vendor shows, is give something away in a contest or drawing.  This gets people to your booth.  It gives them a relaxed chance to view your products, (no pressure).

You have put so much work into your jewelry, and used so much imagination, I really believe you will be successful, it might just take a little more time.  Hang in there, your work is beautiful.

Answer 4

If you don't know how to do it right, stay out of Google Adwords, because you'll loose money. Definitely, try eBay, at least their classified ad, it's only $10 for 30 days, and it will be seen by a HUGE amount of interested people. Try to list some items on auction, too, its not expensive, and you'll see real results for yourself. Do some research on how to write an effective ad.

Good luck

Answer 5

Hi there.

Had a quick look at your website and reckon it's a bit confusing.

Have a look at some well known retail websites and you'll see there's pretty much a standard layout they all adhere to. examples www.ebay.co.uk, www.amazon.co.uk, www.play.com, www.argos.co.uk

Company name at the top, index of categories down the left, promotions and special offers in main part of the page, search facility at the top and you're ready to start shopping straight away whether browsing or looking for something specific. It's nice and simple and everyones used to it.

would suggest changing your website and copying this format.

hope this helps.

Answer 6

maybe advertise it on other wbesites normall works

Answer 7

Hello Kerry!

Don't give up yet!  3 weeks is still very early days.  I've been running businesses for the last 10 years and none of it happens overnight.

One way of getting into fairs is to contact Oakleigh Fairs.  They run a lot of fairs around the UK and some draw in big visitor numbers.

Another thought is to contact your local Business Link and tap into their free help and advice on setting up in business.

I've looked at your site and think that you could probably put your prices up.  We know someone who makes similar jewellery and charges a lot more.  Some of your photographs could be a little sharper.  You've some lovely pieces and good ideas in what you're producing.

What about holding jewellery parties locally?  Plan some for the autumn so that people can do their Christmas shopping early.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Why is you name not associated with you business......?

It helps if you get your name out there everywhere, not just where "they" tell you it is ok too, and sell you the space.

Change your name here to associate it with your business.

Careful of spamming.  

Put your name here as wwpennydogcouk or something rather....some people like to buy from someone who at least is a real person.....and stands behind there work.

It takes what 4 weeks or something rather for the "spider" to crawl through your web site and your adds, make sure you do your research and put the most popular words or "hits" on your web site, adds etc.. it is good to make these words make sense but not always.

I also notice many people do not title there web site pages. myspace is free,yahoo geocities is free,angelfire etc.....

Only three weeks dang give yourself a chance...hopefully you are not telling people you are new? Don't lie just dont say anything, say something like "moved business to web" or something rather.... give clear instructions on payments and return policies...

Have fun with the game...it is a game.

Anyhoo my two cents worth, and its free :0)

Answer 9

try more locally

put it in the paper, sell something and then give something away with it...word of mouth is the best advertising you can do

sometimes people have to 'lose' a little money to make some

i went to the penny-dog site and looked...very nice jewelry, unfortunately, though, i don't wear jewelry

Answer 10

1] http://sellit-right.com

2] Directories.

3] Create blog add url allow comments too.

4] Put logo on company vehicles too.