I'm going to be in Ceramics Monthly! I need advice

[Former_Member]

I entered Ceramics Monthly's Undergraduate Showcase and was chosen along with four others, from submissions from all over the world. I'll be in the September issue. I'm sooo super excited.

I'm expecting more traffic to my etsy shop and probably my blog http://springmontes.blogspot.com/ . I'm trying to get ready for the increased exposure by adding more pieces to my shop and adding more posts to my blog (it only has 5). I'm also getting ready for a large ceramic sculpture show called Ceramics Annual of America in San Francisco in mid September.

Is there anything else you think I should do? Is a blog enough, should I try and have a website up and ready then?

Thanks,
Spring

[ThistleBeePottery]

I'm so excited for you! What an opportunity for great exposure that could turn into great sales.

I would focus on getting as much inventory in your shop as possible. Tweaking your blog and shop can make you look very professional without having a separate website.

If there's going to be a reference to your shop in the article - GREAT! But I would make sure you're very searchable on Google either way. You don't want people to see your beautiful work and not be able to find your shop to buy it.

Also, start promoting now on FB, Twitter, etc. to get people looking out for the article and maybe even make some pre-publication purchases.

Best of luck and congrats!

[Former_Member]

Thanks Carolyn. I just signed up for twitter but not exactly sure what to do.

[barbaradonovan]

If you haven't already set up a facebook page for your artwork, perhaps do that and link it to your Etsy shop. You can search this guy's blog for suggestions on promoting your facebook page:

http://marketmyshop.blogspot.com/

Also set up your "About" page for your shop. Look to the upper left of your shop home page where it says, "edit About page" to get started.

Ha ha! I have no idea what to do with twitter either.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

[Former_Member]

Congrats.... well done!! The above posts cover it i guess... with your about page personalise it... use the photos to show works in progress in the studio... show the process, etc. That engages people i think. Good luck!

[StudioPotterArchive]

Hey Spring ... That's fantastic. Glad to hear ... it's great news!

Websites are great, but also an undertaking. It may be a hidden commitment with regard to time/maintenance. I'd use the opportunity to bring people to the place where you're already well established-- your Etsy Store.

Once they are there, it's a great time to get inspired by the work and make a purchase. Barbara Donovan is right on the mark ... Cross FB with Etsy.

Best forward ....

Paul

[Former_Member]

More inventory in your Etsy shop! Congrads!

[EarthborneArt]

Congratulations!!!!

If you haven't purchased a domain, I would at least do that and forward it to your Etsy shop until you have time to set up a website.

[GoldhawkPotteryEtc]

Congratulations! That's awesome news! You said you started a Twitter account but make sure you get a feed set up from your Facebook page (not your personal page) and Etsy, and maybe other accounts (My Linked In account for example feeds from Etsy.) Sounds like you're on the right path! I hope to see the issue when it comes out.

[DeBaunFineCeramics]

Well definitely add more items as you only have one. Just for sales themselves Etsy says that is one of the most important things to do, I think around 100 is recommended.

[KilnMasterPottery]

Definitely set up a web page. Have there your gallery,link to your etsy shop, listing of your shows. Collectors tend to be of the older generation who are more likely to check web site than a blog or twitter. If you can add your website to collection such as potters council and such to get even more exposure. I had just googled you and aside from etsy and and the ceramics annual there really is no good place showcasing the breath of your work unless you get a web page or at least upload few more pictures to your face book page.