Plans for 2015. What are yours? Can you help me with mine?

[DamianMilesJeweller]

Hi,
As the New Year has started (and the lull with it). My mind turns toward business plans for the year.

I've always been a "face to face" type, but this has had to change a fair amount as I work from home.

Social Media is on the agenda, but I keep putting it to the bottom of the list as I'm a bit of a technophobe. I have a facebook page up and running (www.facebook.com/damianjmiles), but what else should I be doing? Is there any other media that is worth pursuing? What are your thoughts?

I need to do an overhaul of my website too. It's a "from a box" site that really could do with a tinker.

I need to get out to a few craft markets and fairs. Does anyone have any recommendations? What are your experiences of them? Any plans for the Made in Devon team to put anything together?

What other avenues do you use for sales and leads?

In short....HELP!

Happy New Year!
Damian

[LynnBaileyPrintmaker]

Right now I am trying to improve the photographs that I’m aware could be better. I’m determined to make a serious effort to improve my photographs generally and the colour balance in particular.
While it was bright today I’ve re-photographed ALL of my items on cream paper.

You are reminding me that I MUST put some effort into updating my website. Etsy is good for showing my smaller easier to post items, but I have several pieces not currently visible online because they are not practical for the Etsy shop and I haven’t got round to posting them on my website. Part of the problem is that the galleries sections I have on my website are exactly a good fit anymore and I really ought to reorganise the whole thing.... Feels like too much of a big job.

Meanwhile I shall gradually be cranking things up a bit on the social media side of things. Had a bit of a Christmas lull. I do find that my items really to get more views when I post things in FaceBook or Twitter. I shall also be exploring how I can use Intagram more effectively too. If you are new to FB or Twit, it’s worth taking a good look around and observe what seems to be working for other people – and generally have a bit of fun! These things work better when you are enjoying yourself. There’s a temptation to try everything, but I think there’s a risk of spreading yourself too thinly on social media. Better to do a few things well, rather than everything half heartedly. Explore to find what suits you best. Some people swear by Pinterest or LinkedIn, but neither grabs me.

I don’t have much time in my diary for art/craft fairs, so the few that I do have to be worth it. I shall be applying for the Windsor Contemporary Art Fair again this year, will be visiting Oxford to see if it’s worth applying for next year, and I need to make my mind up right now whether to try my luck at Exeter Cathedral Green or not!

Realising that I have soooo much to do..... think I’ll have a lie-down now....

Anyone else have plans for where to put more effort?

AND good luck to everyone on the team for 2015

L

[Former_Member]

I have some ideas for new products that I am planning on working on during the new year quiet period but am also planning a January sale on my ready made pieces to try and keep business ticking over.

As for social media, I find it very useful and have decided to throw myself into networking in the early part of this year in order to get my business seen by a wider audience. Currently I use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I also have a website which is in need of a few updates - I am guilty of not paying as much attention to this as I should!

Part of my business plan this year is to revamp my Etsy shop! It has always been very slow and I've only had one sale - any advice in this respect would be great!

I am also looking into doing more events this year so would be very interested in anything going on in South Devon if anyone knows of anything? I am in Newton Abbot but am willing to travel a little for larger events :)

Happy 2015 to everyone! :) x

[DamianMilesJeweller]

Good to see it's not just me with the website bit. I'm using Facebook more as a "this is what I'm up to today" thing as most people hide pages that are always trying to sell.

I know a couple of people that swear by pinterest, but I know nothing about it and can't quite get why it would be of interest (excuse the pun). I've used twitter in the past, but still find it amazing that people have the time to read it.

It seems everything I read says you need to have lots of items listed on Etsy for them to sell. Would you all agree? currently I'm stocking it with more silver than gold because of the cost involved in holding stock.

Kirsty: Many years ago, when I was selling turners at craft fairs, I found the fair at Newton Abbot Racecourse to one of the most sucessful. I would say its worth looking into if you haven't already.

[CLMCovers]

agree with Lynn....high quality, clear, imaginative photographs are essential whether on Etsy or your own website.

Good luck to all in 2015 xx

[maggieemery1]

re: etsy - I definitely found that once I had gone over 200 items I got a lot more views and sales - so worth keeping it at that level if you can. I use pinterest but haven't noticed it generating sales particularly. I am guilty of not using the stats enough on Etsy - if you drill down into them you can see where everyone is coming from.

What's the Newton Abbot Fair? Is that the Devon Guild of Crafts Men one or is it another and do they include Vintage? Thanks!

[Former_Member]

For too long I have relied of online sales and commissions but this year I plan like to get out and meet some customers.

During the 1990's I did the Exeter Festival on Cathedral Green for several years and it was always worth the effort. I understand the format has changed a bit since then.....the disadvantage is the parking, not easy if you are alone. Devon County Show is good but expensive. I have also done Devon Open Studios which was good but Torquay not the best place to have a venue.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I see Newton Racecourse mentioned above. Is anyone interested in having a brainstorm perhaps thinking a bit laterally or have any ideas for local selling..........

I am long out of the local arts world, because online has been so much easier feeling like I would like to venture back ....

Thanks

[DamianMilesJeweller]

The Newton Abbot Racecourse Fair was a craft fair only. I haven't been there for many years. At the time I was selling off items I produced from a hobby (the pieces starting filling the house). I don't know if it's still going.

200 items is quite a goal. But I'm going to work on it. It's just a bit expensive.

Does anyone else have more than one shop? If so, how do you do it? I have another range of items I would like to be selling on here, but they won't compliment my existing shop.

As far as a brainstorming session goes, count me in! I would like to get Etsy working and appreciate any advice. I need to improve my business in general.

I'm hoping to get a list of craft fairs and events published on here with contact details, but if someone beats me to it, I don't mind. It would be nice to see any feedback on them.

[Former_Member]

Damian, I have diverse items in my one shop, OK they are all textile related. I notice you sell under your name plus Jeweller. I wonder if you left off the word jeweller and used your name as a one shop heading? If you have different skills my personal view is that if collated it gives customers interest and yourself extra credibility.

Would be great to see a list of Devon craft fairs with feedback.......

"Pop up" shops seem to be popular at the moment, wonder if thats a possibility? An Etsy Pop Up Shop at a busy trading place?

[Former_Member]

I haven't heard about anything happening at Newton Abbot Racecourse in a while - although they did have some craft events at Christmas! The only problem with these I think was that they coincided with late night shopping and the market in the town centre.

The best event I attended last year, by far, was the Christmas Cracker in Exmouth. It was an all-day Christmas market out in the Strand and it was fabulous! They had entertainment and everything and it was very busy! Would definitely recommend it! I am currently trying to get some info about their next one - apparently they have one in the Summer too! :)

[DebbieBrannenArtisan]

I use Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter and out of all three twitter is definately the best. I sent out some tweets early one morning about our shop and within 20 mins I had received over 80 views, admittedly they were from the USA, probably as I posted early morning but a view is a view and I do ship to USA.
Facebook is becoming less productive as they do their best to make you pay for advertsing which at this time I do not want to do.

Hope this helps a little :)

[Former_Member]

Must get to grips with Twitter..........
FB over 600 subscribers plus shop and seems to work best when worked with a youTube video clip and or a blog on same subject. I don't sell much but its nice to keep people informed.
Pinterest is visual and working on it for revenue.

What about Linkedin ? have not tried much, wonder if its worth the effort?

[YellowT4Studio]

Interesting as I have also noticed a drop off in Facebook. They really are cutting back on how much a business page gets distributed.

[YellowT4Studio]

I use twitter and pinterest....but haven't really got to grips with them

[DamianMilesJeweller]

With Facebook I have my page as a "fan" type page.A page I manage rather than a business page. It still seems to be viewed.

[Former_Member]

I've pretty much given up on facebook!
Nobody sees anything I post, and likes and comments are few and far between.

It used to be much better, but facebook have changed the algorithms and want businesses to pay for advertising and boosting posts, so are making it harder and harder to be seen.

I have found Twitter to be fantastic!!
Particularly if you join in the networking hours
#handmadehour is on a wednesday 7:30-9.3-pm
#devonhour is on a wednesday 8pm-9pm
#southwesthour is on a thursday
#crafthour on a sunday night

and plenty of others!!

you turn up at the particular day/time and chat, link, post, just remember to use the particular hashtag for that hour in EVERY tweet! so #devonhour for example.
I often pop into etsy, tweet items from there and just stick in the #devonhour and #handmadehour and maybe a couple of others

and views to my etsy shop sky rocket

doesn't necessarily directly create sales, but higher views to your shop does mean it appears higher up in searches

[FloraBubble]

One of my main goals is to get to grips with Twitter so it's good to know about the networking hours!! There's a networking site on Facebook called Hand Made in the UK which has events every day/night which is good for getting exposure if you put the effort in to liking and sharing everyone's pages and things.

I've loved Pinterest for a while and have just started trying to use it to promote my Etsy shop. This article has helped and I'm just waiting for an invite to the group board that they recommend: https://blog.etsy.com/en/2014/8-pinterest-marketing-tips-for-the-holiday-season/
I want to do a craft fair and I'm trying to work out the best place to start!

I'm currently trying to improve the look of my Etsy shop. I have spent the last few days working on my banner design and logo and I have resized the images to use across all of my social media profiles in an effort to create 'cohesive' branding. I just need to get some labels and stationary sorted and everything will match!!
Next week I'm going to be re-photographing all of my products, I've just invested in a little lighting tent and I'm spending the weekend trying out little staging ideas to create a 'visual story' and tie everything together.
Then I'll be working on my tags, descriptions and titles! Phew......

[YellowT4Studio]

Sarah, sounds like yo are going to be busy! Have fun.

[DamianMilesJeweller]

Good plan Sarah. Good luck with it. I hope it pays off.

[Former_Member]

Hi all yes this is a big year for me as I have left school teaching and am now at the start of building up my art business in terms of selling my prints and giving art workshops. I have not tended my Etsy shop for quite some time and as I now begin to publish stock I am taking a slightly different direction ! more to come on this.
I am also keen to balance my online world with lovely face to face sales at fairs etc. Also keen to hear about great fairs and venues.
good luck to you all
Luna

[Jamberoon]

Looks like everybody has got lots of plans to keep themselves busy. I too have lots of plans but I'm the worlds worst procrastinator!

I work full time in a school and have now broken up for the 6 week break so I'm going to sew sew sew like mad for 6 weeks to try and stock my shop up. I've also just treated myself to a fancy DSLR camera so better photos are also on the agenda.

As for all the other type of promoting I really just don't "get" Twitter. I love Pinterest and use that more than anything else but I don't think it makes any difference. Instagram seems popular so tomorrow I'm going to look into using that. Tried Facebook but got disheartened.

Craft fairs are not something I'm keen on doing because it all seems a bit scary! Maybe one day I will do one but I think I'd like to share a stall with someone because I've heard they can be a bit pricey to rent a table/space.

[DamianMilesJeweller]

H Kim,
Craft fairs are alittle scary if you haven't done them before, but it gets better. The important thing is to greet people, not pester them and be happy to share information.

I attended the Okehampton Agicultural Show last week. The weather was awful and the turn out for the show wasn't as high as it could have been, but it was OK. I just about covered my costs, but many were moaning that it wasn't as good as previous years, so I felt a little better. I got some great feedback on what I have and what people were looking for. I didn't give cards to people, I simply let them take them. After a count up at the end of the day I realised that 78 (yes I'm that sad) business cards were taken. It's a good PR exercise.

I also used an A4 presenter (flip chart type thing) on the table showing things I've made and done along with pages with QR. codes for my Etsy shop, Facebook page and website. There was a fair amount of interest in the Etsy page. I think this also helped with the people without much cash with them too, although the sales haven't poured in yet.

I'm still looking for an event to attend nearer to Christmas If I can and, as a result of the show, I've been invited to a Cornish show too.

I did learn that my bangles were too cheap though. With one woman refusing to believe they were silver as she had bought one similar elsewhere for £195 and mine were £65! I explained the difference in overheads, but she still didn't believe me even after showing her the hallmark.

I have to return to this thread at the end of the year to see how I've done.

Best wishes,
D

[BeadedPerfectly]

Well done Damien on the Oke Show.....have to think about that for next year.

I am just about to start at the Moor Foreshore Craft & Gift Fayres in Tavistock Town Hall, B. Hol weekend and then about monthly thereafter.

I have started very small by attending Okehampton Community Market in the Baptist Church, so then felt more able to commit to something bigger and (hopefully) better.......time will tell.

[WholeCaboodleDesign]

This looks like quite an interesting idea for local sellers. Lovely venue and it's full of little craft studios to visit as well. £10 per car.

http://www.discoverhannahs.org/events/current/art-boot-sale/

[DamianMilesJeweller]

Carol: well done on the Tavistock venue. I've been thinking about one of those as they do an outside one too. Okey show was a little overrun with bought in goods though and there was no power. Luckily I got a small generator set up for me to power some lighting.

Lorraine: that looks like a decent quality event, its just typical that I'm in London that day. I think your shop is looking great by the way. Very envious!