"Single Again" Mom needs help

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"Single Again" Mom needs help

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craftlady

posts: 2

Apr 19, 2008 9:18 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hello everyone. I`m a single mother trying to make ends meet. I work full time and trying to get my craft business off the ground in my spare time. I created a website and get less than 100 hits a month...still no sales.

I need some advice. I`m not sure what to do anymore. I am not able to attend craft shows on the weekend because I have to work. I also make awesome pound cakes and use that recipe for my wedding cakes but I can`t advertise that I make those from my home in SC. I`ve tried selling a few items on ebay with no luck.

Any help would be greatly appreicated.

Beth in SC

www.bethandcompany.net

besthealth

posts: 277

Apr 20, 2008 9:04 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Beth,

I would suggest that you also get out and post/hand out informational brochures/fliers about your services/products. Go and share them with churches, schools, etc. Let people know that you are in business and that they can place their orders on line, etc.

I wish you great success...........

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

Take each day, mold it and make it yours.......

http://www.solutionshealthnwellness.com

cdbartwork

posts: 210

Apr 20, 2008 3:13 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Beth:

I would contact local bakeries and see if they would be interested in you making their cakes. The cakes you have displayed on your website, if it is for a wedding, I would be sure it appears to be in a wedding environment such as a hall. I would have better images, close up of the cake and very dramatic looking. The decorated cakes with the fruit are beautiful and I loved the orange and white cake with the name written on the side.

Also, try this website to post your crafts... www.etsy.com there is a fee to post your images but it is .20 per image and it may be worthwhile.

Good Luck and keep us posted on developments.

Colleen

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

Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

CraigL

posts: 9051

Apr 21, 2008 11:49 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Beth :-) Welcome to the forum.

I took a look at your Web site, and the word that comes to mind is "undifferentiated." You lack focus, in other words, and don`t yet have a sharp message. That`s not a bad thing, understand---everyone goes through it. I`m thinking that to some extent it may be due to your having so many other things on your mind.

First of all, your home page doesn`t really explain what it is you`re producing. When I saw the two large photos, they looked to me as if they`re painted hand towels. I had to do some digging to understand they`re what...wooden plaques?

When I went to the "Gifts & Paintings" page, I saw what appear to be some ceramics, but I`m not sure how they relate to the "things" on the front page. More distracting is the "House for Sale" on the home page, near the bottom. Are you a realtor offering some crafts here and there?

Your key words on the home page are:

Wooden signs
crafts
purses
home for sale

If you look only at these four, you also see the lack of differentiation. By the way, your home page "title" should describe your business in something like 5 words, instead of just saying "Home."

So: What would you say if I were to meet you at a bus stop, passing the time of day, and asked, "Oh....you`re into crafts? What do you make?" :-)

craftlady

posts: 2

Apr 30, 2008 7:24 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks everyone for the advice.

Craig, I see what you mean. Thanks for the review. It`s well appreciated.

Beth

ToniM25

posts: 6

May 01, 2008 9:04 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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If you are in need of some help with marketing such as fliers or business cards I offer free graphic design services and would love to help you out. http://www.graphicdesigns4you.com

I can design anything that can be printed I do not do any work on websites. Hope I can help.

Lynn59

posts: 11

May 15, 2008 4:37 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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You offer some beautiful things on your site, and you seem to have a real knack at crafts. Having a website is important for any business, but without advertising and marketing it, it`s like opening a store in an alley without a sign. Nobody knows you`re there. In addition to the wonderful marketing and website suggestions already posted, have you considered online advertising directed to your area? Also, you might want to write some brief articles on your website about crafts, weddings, etc., and use plenty of key words so that you can be found by some of the search engines.

Social networking has also helped me a great deal to get prospects, and then to eventually convert those prospects into clients. A very casual type of network, which may have some connections in your area, is meetup.com. Find a marketing meetup, do your best to attend a couple of meetings, and you may find it to be an excellent resource of marketing and advertising ideas.

Good luck!

Lynn

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

Lynn Jacobs
Christian Life Coach
455 Sam Ridley Pkwy. West, Suite 263
Smyrna, TN 37167
www.lynnjacobs-christianlifecoach.com
lj@lynnjacobs-christianlifecoach.com
Telephone: 615-429-2078
Skype: lynnjacobs.usa

sddreamweavers

posts: 260

May 27, 2008 2:10 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Agreed Lynn! One of the first things I would suggest is definitely get on the marketing and advertising. Anyone can have a website but if you don`t stand out among your competitors all you will get is around 100 hits a month. I would also suggest considering a web site re-design to help streamline your site and to help draw/keep the customers.

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

Aaron Wood
CEO
San Diego Dream Weavers
http://www.sddreamweavers.com
awood@sddreamweavers.com

New and improved! Now with blogging goodness!
http://www.sddreamweavers.com/san-diego-seo-marketing-blog/

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