AND a blog?

[Former_Member]

I'm looking for ways to continue promoting my shop and wares and I'm wondering if a blog would really help. I have a FB page and just joined Twitter the other day.

I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to have a blog, but I want to know how it has helped you and your shop! How do you make it a success? I've blogged kind of half heartedly before just about myself, but I always think "who really reads and cares about this?!" I tend to feel silly.

: ) Any input is appreciated!

[Former_Member]

I think that blogs are great. Mine has helped me, especially when I have contests. It is fun - make it IMPERSONAL. In other words - yeah - no one wants to hear about your family's trip to the zoo, but they would be interested in how you ship things in beautiful recycled packaging if you show people how to do it. Tutorials are great for traffic

[Former_Member]

A blog is probably better than FB or Twitter because there's more room to make it your own. I use Twitter and FB as tools to promote my blog, and spend the most time coming up with content.

[Former_Member]

I like to think that it's ok to mix a little personal stuff with business on your blog. That's what I try to do with my blog. I like people to understand the kind of person I am and why I make the things that I do in the style that I do. I have quirky interests, I like pretty things, and a strange sense of humor, I think it's cool with a blog mixes it up a little.

I think the first thing you need to do is stop thinking "Who is gonna read this?" because that takes the fun out of it. Plus if you link your blog to your FB & Twitter when you update, that can bring traffic to your site.

[Former_Member]

Hmm, maybe I should be refocusing my energy then. I read a few crafty blogs, all of them are entertaining and helpful..I like the tutorial idea, that would be fun. Thanks for the inspiration, guys!

[Former_Member]

twitter and FB will suppliment your blog, not vice versa. It has helped me a ton, one with a way to share my process, and 2 to get great feedback and advice.... not to mention the shameless self promotion opportunities. I would definitely start one if you havent already. you can look at our team blog www.etsyblogteam.com for tips tricks and advice as well.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, Mitch! I'll check that out!

[Unblushing]

When I started my blog I was the same way, half-hearted. I made one because it was "another way to promote my shop." My heart wasn't in it. Last March, I started my blog up again, redesigned it, and really put effort into making it a site that I would enjoy reading.

I really can't explain how beneficial it has been not just for my business, but myself. Yes it is a lot of work keeping up with my shop, twitter, facebook and blog. But it's been so so worth it. My shop is doing better than ever and I know part of that is because of the support and friendships I have made through blogging. You will be amazed at what a networking world there is out there with blogs.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for your reply, Julie Ann! It's good to hear it from someone who was in the same boat.

[RebeccasSoapDeli]

Blogging has really helped my shop. But you have to be consistent and give it time. I market my main shop through my blog and get a good amount of traffic and sales from it. I also facebook and twitter and find a social media combo that targets people who don't all use the same social media is really effective at reaching everyone. Also consider an email list!

[Former_Member]

Thank you, Rebecca!