I'm in the midst of doing a little mini-rehaul of my line. I'm printing an inventory of cards that will be my full collection, yes, 8 months after launching the line, I'm finally finalizing the collection. It's mostly colorways you've seen before but a few new ones as well. I hope to be able to share the card collection with you by the end of the week. (I've also got a few new products but those will wait until later in the summer) I'm also packaging them in a new way, and I'll speak to you about packaging in a future post. It's something I think about alot as a designer who detests waste and strives to put out an earth-friendly product.

In the meantime I thought I'd return to the blogger’s ball and cover some of the topics from the meeting in a little more detail:

How to get your work on other blogs. Grace had very specific set of criteria for how to submit your work to blogs. Include 4 pics: a close up (to show pattern and texture), a full shot, a “situation shot" showing the product in a styled setting, and a shot showing why your product is unique. Additionally, keep your text short and sweet. What is your product, how is it made, and why is it a good fit for this blog. Do your research ahead of time to ensure that the blog you are contacting will showcase products like yours. For example, Design Sponge doesn’t feature baby gear, so that’s not the right blog to contact if you make hand printed onesies. If possible, find out the name of the writer of the blog and address them by name in the email. It’s never necessary to send a sample to a blogger. They should have all the info they need to do a write up on you from your email and website. If you do send out a sample – to a blogger or a magazine – be prepared for the possibility that you might not get it back.

How to get the word out about your blog: Put the link to your blog on your etsy shop or flickr if you have one. (You’re not allowed to have links on your flickr photos, but you can have them in your flickr profile). Don’t forget to read and comment on other blogs. I’ve found plenty of new blogs by clicking on the links of my commenters. Most of all, make sure that you post regularly so that once you do attract people to your blog, they will have a reason to come back often. I think nice photos are another way to hook readers. I read several photo-only blogs but I don’t read any text-only blogs. I’m trying to be more consistent about having a photo with every post and improving on the quality of those photos. If you have a specific blog post that might be a good fit for another blog, email the editor to let her know. For example, if you have a great craft project tutorial, send it to craftzine.

How to get on other people’s blogrolls. The general consensus was that it’s a bad idea to email someone and directly ask “Will you add me to your links list.” A better approach would be to send an email saying, “Hi, I write a blog on XXX subject and I think you may be interested. Please take a look when you get a chance.” You don’t want to put someone in the awkward position of having to reject your request. So simply send a friendly email to let them know you exist, and then let your work speak for itself.

Advertising. Advertising on a well-known blog is a good way to get your name out there, but it may not necessarily result in direct sales. Grace said that an editorial write-up on her blog always gets more of a response than an ad does. (You cannot pay for editorial mentions, by the way. This is a major way blogs differ from magazines, and a way that works to the small business owner’s advantage. If you’re featured it’s because the writer was drawn to your work, not because you have money to spend on securing a positive write up) Grace said many of the biggest blogs have a variety of advertising opportunities available for different price points, so you may be able to afford more than you expect. Advertising is still way cheaper than magazine advertising, and it has the benefit of bringing the customer directly to your online shop, where they can make a purchase instantly.

Comments

[Doctor Popular]

Great tips. I just wanted to mention that you can easily post links in Flickr photos (not just on the profile). Here is an example of on one of my images with a hyperlink http://flickr.com/photos/docpopular/2584611221/

[Wendy]

Great info, thanks so much for sharing!

[rifferaff]

Doctor: I had heard that flickr frowned on people putting links in their photos. I didn't mean that it was technically hard, just that it was "illegal" in the flickr world. I do see people with links in the photos sometimes but I thought I'd be safe and not recommend that, just in case it got someone in trouble.

[no name]

You really should be given an award, a kiss, a hug...something! Thank you so much for all the time you take to help others. Your posts are so excellently written. Every word is helpful. Just wanted you to know how much you are appreciated!

By the way, I love your work. The new prop looks fantastic in your photos.

I never left tips for your craft show display (you requested our thoughts on that.) I really want you to be successful!

From looking at the photos of your display-- 1.) I really think you do no have enough merchandise there. People feel freer to "take" and buy the merchandise when they don't feel like they are taking "the few" things you have. 2.) Have a bunch of things wrapped up in that beautiful ribbon you use for your photos. Try to make your display look more like your photos! 3.) I think you will start to do even better once you have more designs and colors in your inventory.

sorry for the long comment. Love your blog and good luck on your move! All the best.

[Doctor Popular]

I was just looking at Flickr's Terms of Service and there aren't any rules about posting hyperlinks in photos. If they had any policies about it, I'm sure they'd just disable the ability to post html.

That being said, I was surprised to find the clause "Don’t use Flickr for commercial purposes." In this rule, Flickr claims the right to delete profiles of anyone promoting their business or person. So by posting pictures of your crafts, art, or whatever, you are breaking their TOS.

http://flickr.com/guidelines.gne

[Rowan]

Flickr has been coming down on people for posting links to their shops underneath their photos. There's been quite a bit of discussion on exactly what's allowed and what's not, in the Etsy groups on Flickr. The consensus seems to be that it's OK to post photos of your crafts and even to tag your photos with 'Etsy', but not to put a direct link to your shop under the photo or to explicitly direct someone there. The idea is that Flickr should be used primarily to share photos. However it is fine to put a link to your shop in your profile. And I'm sure it is OK to post pictures of craft items in general, even things that you sell, as long as you're not trying to sell them from the photo page.

[katelyn]

Great post! Thanks for all the helpful tips and advice, I'll have to apply it to my blogging / Etsy store. You always have great posts and helpful things to say (:

[rifferaff]

thanks rowan, that was kind of my understanding as well, though the whole thing is sort of confusing for users of the site.

no name and katelyn: thanks for your nice words!