The power of the blogosphere.

[Velobagworks]

What a difference a day makes.

I sent one of my tool rolls for a review and reader give-away to a prominent blogger in the cycle industry a couple of weeks ago. I was hoping that it would give me both some insider feedback and publicity for my products. The blog review was published today.

http://lovelybike.blogspot.co.uk

Initially I was very nervous to read what she thought of the things I was making. However, dispite my trepidation the review was really positive (she even bought the product I sent for review!) As the day progressed it proved that Lovely Bicycle! has a lot of influence.
I sold six items today as a result of a review on a well read blog. Plus, I guess the one I sold to the reviewer. In the previous ten weeks I had only sold twelve items (which I was really pleased about anyway!). Over 200 people viewed my shop or items today alone. Interest has soared. I'm nearly sold out in my shop.

I'm delighted by the response and wanted to share the experience with any team members who may find it helpful. The lesson for me has been iluminating. As an experiment in marketing I have learned that the blogosphere offers an avenue through which you can show off your products. I hope maybe others could benefit from this experience too. Good luck if you give it a go.

[Former_Member]

That's really inspiring, thanks for sharing! I'm going to have a think about some bloggers and give this a go.

[YellowT4Studio]

Great news. I like that sort of thing. A good review by a trusted blog with a good following and you are up and away. Chuffed for you.

[Former_Member]

Wow! Well done Rob! That's really amazing! I too am going to have to go and have a think about some blogs, and reader giveaways. Well done! x

[LynnBaileyPrintmaker]

That's great Robert. Really pleased it worked out well for you. A positive story encourages us all.

I've read quite a lot in the Etsy forums about being cautious of bloggers who want you to send them your product for free. A good blogger would buy the item of give some sort of incentive. You have to have to take a cool look at the blogger and see if they have a good following etc before deciding to send anything to be reviewed.
This blogger was clearly a good fit for you. Did you approach the blogger, or did they approach you?

As an after thought... Looking at your tool rolls makes me think that there are plenty of people other than cyclists who would appreciate your product. Including some printmakers who need to carry some of their own tools from home to workshop especially lino cut and wood cut people, plus people with their own etching &/or drypoint tools. – but perhaps you prefer to be niche.