FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Stumbleupon, Blogspot, etc.

[Former_Member]

How do you not get overwhelmed? Do you schedule specific time in your day in order to participate in all of these social networking avenues? I'm just wondering how others handle this -- finding time to do it all. And is that TOO ambitious? Does something suffer when you are spread too thin?? (Is it inevitable?)

[Former_Member]

I don't know where people find the time to make items for their shop, handle all that social networking and have a life that doesn't involve Etsy. I do Twitter once or twice a day, Pinterest when I have the time (mostly for personal stuff) and post on the forums here a few times a day. Is it bad that I don't want to do more than that?

[wildwomanbeads]

For me, what suffers is me. To do all this takes so many hours of the day and puts me under such relentless stress, feeling that I'm never quite doing any one thing well, that I made decisions about containing my efforts to Etsy and Facebook. I didn't like living with that much stress in my life (life has enough stress on its own).

So here's what I did. I voted out some of those options. Because I have friends on Pinterest who find it a lot of fun to participate in, I asked them if they would regularly pin some of my items (and this was such a warmly received idea that they're pinning for some other sellers as well). So that took care of getting my presence on Pinterest without ANY effort on my part at all.

I don't blog. I'm actually feeling saturated with other people's blogs, and if we were all honest, I bet a lot of people feel that way. There are great blogs out there, really great, and I do occasionally visit them, but I wouldn't want the responsibility of having to write a really good one all the time. And if it isn't really good, what's the point of a blog? (I'll all in favor of really good blogs that do some good in the world.)

Next week, when my teaching schedule lightens and I have a little more time, I think I may add Wanelo to my list, but I'm giving myself some time to think about it. I'd love to know if others think it's been worth the extra time and effort.

Most artists are natural introverts and don't get enough quiet, creative time as it is. That's the most important thing to me, more important than making sure every one of these sites has a place for me. If I have time that's not allotted to something else, I want to be in my studio, making beautiful things. That's where my love, where my passion, where my joy, is! And I want my time going toward more joy.

I think this is a great question, Judy, and I'm really glad you asked it. I'm going to tag along to see how other people answer it. <heart>

[Former_Member]

Judy & Meredith, I'm comforted in knowing that I'm not alone here. I, too find my joy when I'm CREATING...above & beyond anything else. But I DO enjoy the social aspect Facebook. It gives me an opportunity it chat with 'fans', to hear their feedback, to ask what else they'd like to see in my shop or just to get to know one another on a non-Etsy level. I use Twitter occasionally, but with no regularity, really. I blog when I have something interesting to say and frankly, I started my blog more for my own personal benefit than for anything 'business' related. So then, there's Pinterest, Stumbleupon, Wanelo (don't know much about it but I 'think' I have an account)?? Who has time for ALL of this. The last thing(s) that I'm willing to let suffer are my shop, meaning my items--which of course we all want to put out the best product we can ... And ME, meaning my life. My husband, my home, my family! We have to remind ourselves why we are doing what we're doing & what REALLY matters.

[Former_Member]

Those are some good points, Meredith. I love the Pinterest idea you had Judy!

I am new to most of this social media stuff (including Etsy) and I am having a hard time figuring out which venues will be most effective and enjoyable for me. I have started a blog, which has been scary because I am definitely an introvert! My friend was just saying that she loves Pinterest, so once I post items on Etsy for sale I am going to ask for her help in that area!

I haven't gotten past the login setup page for twitter - it all just seems intimidating. I guess I need to pick a few things and just get comfortable with them instead of trying to learn it all, because I do still want to have time for family and friends.

It seems like facebook is very popular with people - does that seem like on of the better areas to share information with potential customers? What are your favorite social medias?

[Former_Member]

Anna, I guess my favorites would be Facebook & Twitter -- I think they are most useful in promoting my items. The rest trail behind...& I participate when I have time OR I remember. I've been 'pinning' items more lately, but Pinterest isn't really keen on self-promotion. It's just kind of fun to do...once in a while. You'll get the hang of it all...and like you said, you'll try a few things & see if you like them. Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Thanks Judy -Maybe I'll check out Twitter. I'm still trying to figure out how to use Facebook (my biggest concern is about how to set up the privacy settings properly - I have a hard time figuring out who can see what) , so I hope Twitter is not too hard to figure out!

[CaseyHPerez]

Meredith, I started a Wanelo yesterday and posted a view of my items. I got 4 or 5 views on my etsy shop from the 4 items I posted on Wanelo. It only took me a couple of seconds for each post. I don't know if its worth it yet, I'll me posting some more today, we'll see.

[Former_Member]

Great discussion! To this day, even though I have a twitter acct, I really don't "get" it. Ive always used FB, but lately I find that I can't seem to get people to interact much even on there. So im a little frustrated there. I do ccasionaly pin my things and post my things to wanelo as well. Both I think are great avenues to get your items floating around "out there". I wish I had more time to participate in team discussions too. There's just not enough hours in the day!

[MyDistinctDesigns]

There are certainly not enough hours in the day. I find that I neglect things I should be doing, such as home and responsibilities, because I have put so much energy an time( and money) into this. I want to succeed. But at what cost???

I struggle to find balance.

[FalconandFinch]

I only do the social networking that feels natural to me. I don't enjoy twitter, I find it difficult to make 140 characters be that interesting and engaging, so I just don't do it. I do what feels fun and engages me, which, I hope, helps me engage with my audience. I like to share photos and funny stories, so facebook and blogging come more natural to me, and I'm a visual person who loves to stalk the internet, so Pinterest is by far my favorite. I find that by cutting out the stuff that feels dreadful and annoying, social networking can be more fun and honest, which audiences pick up on.

That being said, I'm not a pro. And it does still suck up some of my time - I'm thankful for my smartphone, which allows me to make contact on things like facebook and pinterest on my mornjing bus ride or when I'm standing in line somewhere - efficient use of time is my super power!!

[Former_Member]

For someone who is new to all things about social networking IT IS INTIMIDATING! It is like a time vacuum and then you come out and the day is over and you have to get up next morning to get children to school....
Take it slow try out and keep discard.At least that's what i'll do.
LOL

[Former_Member]

It's like any job...you set aside the time. Pick when you want to work. Get done what you can during that time frame and move on. I have 5 different 'jobs' and the only way to accomplish anything is to organize time. I ALWAYS set aside me time as well or I get overwhelmed and creativity decreases. Also be forgiving...life happens and you don't always achieve the goals you set in the timeframe you want. Life won't end if you have to readjust your deadlines.
Well so far it hasn't for me anyway. I always feel behind but then realize I got it done just in time....to begin something new!

[Former_Member]

In trying to make this my "job" I spend every minute I can on here...I do have children so, I do have to turn off! I do a lot while they are at school:)

I try to do fb, twitter, forums, & teams...I have done just a few pins & just started wanelo.
I don't understand how wanelo works yet??

What suffers around here is my Housework! Laundry!!

[Former_Member]

Very interesting thread. So nice to know others feel the same way about social networking being overwhelming. I don't do Twitter, tried it but never got the hang of it. Tried a blog but that was really stressful for me. I occasionally do FB for my fan page but mainly to meet with friends. Find it difficult to keep up with all the changes FB makes. I love the teams and forums here but still it is hard to find the time to participate in them.

I will give wanelo a try and see how that goes.

I agree, there really isn't enough hours in a day.

[Former_Member]

Wow! Thank you so much for your wonderful responses! We obviously hit on something that we can all relate to. Interesting thing that so many of us don't really jive with Twitter. I occasionally post new items or treasuries ... But I never just read it! Hmmm.

[Former_Member]

Annette ... THAT has always been a challenge to me: ORGANIZATION!! I'm always trying to do it better, though!! :)

[Former_Member]

I am so busy flitting around social media that I haven't had time to do my first Treasury.I am going to put my foot down and make it happen : )

[Former_Member]

I used to be on Twitter & Pinterest but I just don't have the time. I'm always on facebook though. Lol! Twitter just isn't my thing..

[Former_Member]

Social Media is a bit intimidating. I have a full time job in addition to running my Etsy shop so time is a precious commodity. At first, I spent a LOT of time learning about social media, trying different things, and then trying to follow a "social media strategy". My one little word for 2012 is balance so slowly but surely I have tried to shift through and prioritize.

Having said that, if any aspect of social media isn't enjoyable or at least tolerable :) don't do it. It really isn't worth your peace of mind. Do what you can, when you can and the rest will take care of itself.

[HausofAriella]

I guess I was pretty "plugged in" before I started my Etsy shop, so the social networking I do to promote it feels pretty natural to me. I'm also currently a law student, which gives me a lot of free spaces in my day between classes where the only things I can do are go online or read ahead in my case books. Guess which one usually wins? ;-) FB usually gets me more views, but I think it tends to be my friends and family (who generally know what they're getting for Christmas/Channukah, or Channumas as I like to call it). I get more hits off of Pinterest than anything. Twitter isn't bad, but make sure you add hashtags to your tweets (such as #doctorwho or #crafts) to get more exposure on it.

[vw53]

Wow! I thought I was the only one that always ran out of time every day. I stay up late and get up early and that doesn't even help. I tried twitter once and didn't like it, but I am a facebook fanatic. I am enjoying pinterest also. I have so much to do and I want to retake all of my pictures. I tried using some of the programs to "fix" them, but it is not good enough. All the rain we are having is not helping either. Would like to get outside to do my new photos.
Good luck to you all. If I could I would send everyone a little extra time!

[Former_Member]

I had a Pinterest account which I closed - it sucked up too much time and with all the talk of copyright infringement discussion I decided it wasn't worth it. Though it was fun while it lasted. I have a facebook and Twitter account - I can participate with my iPhone and during my daily commutes during the week they keep me occupied and out of trouble. I do have a blog that's suffering from benign neglect. I'll get to that when I get a chance.

I'm not sure if all of this is worth it - I haven't generated a single sale from all my efforts. Everyone says sales will come but will I have enough "emotional" energy to appreciate it. ;)

[Former_Member]

I think it depends on which sites.

With FB you don't want to post too much anyway and overflood your fan's news feed with your business. Twitter & Pinterest can be used every time you put a new listing. I also get on Twitter & Pinterest in my down time, when I have a few minutes to waste.

What I really can't find time for is blogging. I read a lot of articles that say you should have a blog, I started one on tumblr a while back and I def think blogging takes a little more time and thought......

[Former_Member]

I think it really depends on how much time you have and how computer savvy you are. This is currently my full time job until I find a "day job." So I have more than enough time to scope these things out.