Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Back in the summer, I came up the idea of marketing my poster art in a new direction.  I had begun creating home portraits in my distinctive style and I`ve gotten good response from consumers.  I started a discussion here on SuN to help me nail down the concepts.  Then the community helped me choose a name for the site: posterofmyhome.com.  I built the site and launched it.

As I began spreading the word, I got a lot of mixed feedback with plenty of misunderstanding.  So I put it all on hold to go back to the drawing board and rework my message.

The result is Home Sweetest Home, not only a new website name, but a brand.  This goes beyond the catchy name and a logo.  I put more effort into the emotional connection I want to make with my market, thus refining my copy.  I rewrote most of the site (though using much of the same phrasing).  And I added a blog.

So please check out HomeSweetestHome.com.  (You can compare it with the old site.)

-------------------------

Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

Part of the intent with my blog is about building relationships with customers.  And part of it just to write updates and post new artworks to keep content fresh.  I do have a place on the "inquire" page where someone can join the email list.  But it`s a good idea to have the option on the blog page as well.  I just might add that capability.

I do not have a plan to send regular e-newsletters.  That doesn`t really interest me but I will probably send something out once in a while.  I haven`t quite figured what yet but I did figure that it`s a good idea to start collecting email addresses.

I`ll add that I am starting a direct mail campaign with postcards as part of my marketing plan.  I just finished designing those too and they will be going out in a week or so.

-------------------------

Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

-------------------------

John Grimes
Dreaming of travelling... www.blavel.com

Hi Steve :-) Cool name! The site makes sense, it`s easy to read (colors are easier), but both the gallery and the blog summary aren`t working in Firefox. I checked in IE and see what should be there, and it looks great. The signup form does work in FF, though, so that`s okay.

Y`know what might work well in a YouTube video, would be where you film yourself drawing a poster on the tablet, then speed it up. Sort of like those long-ago PBS shows, where an artist would draw something from scratch and discuss some of the techniques. You wouldn`t discuss technique, but you could make a nice sales pitch with a speeded-up video of you, creating a poster, maybe?

Rich, thanks for the suggestion about another sign-up form.  It`s a good idea and I`ll see how I can fit it in.

John, thanks for your comments.  I originally had an FAQ type of setup for the info page but then I thought it would be more engaging to step people through my creative process in a linear fashion.  A video is a good idea.  I don`t really have the time or equipment to put that together myself at this point but I definitely wrote it down on my "future growth ideas" notes.  Thanks!

Craig, thanks for checking it out, as always.  I remember you had trouble viewing the gallery the last time around.  I don`t really know what the problem is.  I use Firefox on a Mac and I`ve tested it on Firefox on a PC as well.  I`ll keep a look out to see if others have the same issues so thanks for bringing it to my attention.  And thanks for the further ideas about a video.  I`ve noted it down as well.

Hello there,

Just visited your site and it`s looking great!  I like the adjustments  made, the color in the new site is now cooler than the old one. Looks like being made by a professional, great layout and design. Great job!


-------------------------

World Championships of Website Flipping!
Think You Have What It Takes To Be The Worlds Best Website Flipper?
Click Here To Take Your Title Shot

I looked at the "before" and "after". The "after" is definately better: clearer; more straight foward; easier on the eyes; easier to use. Kudos! My response was to hit the "add to the favorites" button. I don`t need the service now, but, you inspired an idea to use a portrait of the building as part of my branding. I visualized it being used in promotions and greetings as well as "vanity pieces" to hang in the front hall. 

SiteFlip, thanks for the kind words.  The "before site" really was a stepping stone in my process of building the brand and style.

Ebiznewbie, thanks for bookmarking Home Sweetest Home!  I`m glad you`re inspired.  :)  Let me know when you`re ready.