This weeks instalment of my Etsy experiment has a few interesting findings. I launched my new collection last week and learned so much in the process. I carried on with my tweeting, posting in the forums, listing and renewing. But I'm missing something.
My stats on GA are showing a steady decline in visits to my shop even although I'm not doing much different to my first 2 weeks of the experiment. My % has dropped down to 45% visitor rate!!! So I'm taking a step back to look at the whole picture. Who, what, where, when?
Who - who is my target market?
What- what are my potential customers look for from me?
Where- where are they, where do they shop, where can I reach them?
When - when are my potential customers looking for a purchase from me?
This has given me so much to think about just with these 4 questions. I have decided to carry on with the experiment, baring in mind it is summer holiday time and with the realisation that I am going to work 100 times harder at bring new customers to my Etsy, from outside other sources.
I currently have my work in 4 shops/ boutiques, but I think now is the time to boost that up a little maybe to 6 before Christmas. I am going to start planning now for some "Girls Night" parties for the festive shopping season. I am going to research contacting blogs to see if they will feature me, (I read a Storque article about this but can't seem to find it, will keep looking!) I am going to commit to 3 blog posts a week, me, work, life and just as importantly I'm going to stop by and visit all my followers and friends.
So my round up this week is yet again more reaserching, I found Seth Godin's blog again and am going to re read his words of wisdom.
My question of the day is : How can I bring potential customers to my shop?
(When I have some clear answers on this I'll let you know!)
UPDATE: One way to do this is to have kind fellow bloggers and Etsy sellers like Katydiddys, who so kindly used my "Etsy Experiment" in her July Ezine! Head over to her blog and say hi, she is a lady full of creativity and great business advice. Thank you KD!
10 comments:
My goodness what a lot of questions! Let me know if I can help re getting your work into shops.
L x
Your baubles are fabulous! Maybe it's just the economy playing a part. And it's summer and so many people are away!
Yeah, I ran into that through her tweet! I was so proud to see my friend!:)
Keep up the hard work... it's sure to pay off!
Sylvia
Hi Laura, I have just found your blog via Laura's Katydidy's newsletter. I am hooked on your experiment am going to implement some of your techniques and mostly look forward to hearing how this experiment develops, for you in the weeks to come. Thanks for the information.
Kylie
oh, if I only knew the answers!
*margarida
I think you are on the right track. Figuring out your target market is the most important thing you can do for business. It's easier to think about your target market as one person. Create an entire identity & life for her and then you will be able to figure out how to get to her. Does she have children? If yes, advertise on blogs focused on moms. That kind of thing. Email me if you want to brainstorm a bit more.
Wow, if you're struggling and still getting lots of attention from your experiement (how I would you), then I may well be doomed. I didn't figure this whole thing would be so much work, ya know?
Hi Laura, I too found your blog on Laura's newsletter. I am feeling struggling with finding customers and juggling the making, marketing and all that stuff a small business deals with day to day. It is tough - but it's nice to know there are others out there. I am looking forward to reading about your journey here!
Thanks so much for sharing.
~Mary
Hey, my name's Abi and I run a blog of my own. I think your work is fabulous and deserves to be noticed more! I'm sure one day soon it'll all take off and you'll be in as many boutiques as you like!!
I especially loved the Pink Bird Art Necklace at the top of this post and I mentioned you and your jewelry in my blog, I hope you don't mind!!
Here's the link if you want to look; http://beyondvanity.blogspot.com/2009/08/laura-baillie-designs.html
Thanks and keep up the stunning work!!
Abi x
Your work is really lovely and I am reading about your experiment with interest!
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