I recently signed up to be part of Artfire's Social Media Boot Camp. I've been using social media for a long time back when Myspace was a big deal. I deleted my "myspace page" and I've come to love using Facebook and recently even got a Twitter account.
Artfire is like Etsy only it's not as big yet but it's got some great potential. I like the fact that you can have a shop and add whatever items you want for free. So you don't have to pay for each listing individually and there is no other fees for what you sell. I have pro account only because I signed on when they had a big promotion and it only costs me $5.95 a month no strings attached and I can't beat that anywhere else.
Back to Boot Camp..... Week 1 - Getting up and Rolling on Facebook
Week one is a breeze for me because I've been using facebook forever it seems so I'm up to date with it's in's and out even with all the recent changes.
Week one's assignment is to create a facebook page and network to get at least 25 fans and make a minimum of three posts this week (I think I make a minimum of 3 a day :)
If you don't have a facebook business profile page. I would encourage you to do so . It's a super easy networking tool. I've meet so many great people via facebook and wouldn't run my biz without it. If you're interested in starting up a facebook page this Boot Camp a great resource to get you started.
I know some people are scared of facebook but I don't use facebook to just promote and sell my items. I network with other shops like mine so, crocheters, pattern writers, other handmade shops, crafters, customers, photographers, friends and more. I try to promote and encourage other shops. The one thing I miss it seems it the lack of people commenting like they used to. My interactions have come way down and I know in part that has some to due with recent facebook changes. I'd think with 2000+ fans a I could get more social? I want to get to know my fan base and like I said I've met so many wonderful crafty people.
I'm excited to see what the other six weeks have to hold and encourage you to jump on the social networking train!
Posts
4 comments:
You might have me convinced to give this a try. I'm working throught their 40 success guide. If that doesn't work I was considering closing my shop. Just seems like I have too many options for people and this one gets left in the dust.
I can understand having to many shops! I do really well on Etsy via google but I like to list everything else in Artfire since I can. I don't sell much there but it's where I send people for custom orders through facebook and helps me track things better. plus I like that I can import my Etsy listing.
I've heard great things about Big Cartel but I don't see what's better about Big Cartel opposed to Artfire? any insights on that?
Actually, I don't see any difference between the 2. Originally I thought I'd just like to have a stand alone shop that wasn't attached to a craft site. Mostly just so it would show up in the search engines, etc. Plus a lot of people think they need an account etc, if you go through a site like that. I was just trying to get away from that kind of thinking. But, from what I've seen so far, there are really no benefits but I only have the $9.95 storefront. Not sure if I upgraded what extra options I'd get. Seems to me (and I could be really wrong) that artfire sellers do better with finished products than with patterns. Maybe I just need to spend a little more time on my shop. Now I have lots to think about. lol
I think that is one thing I like about Artfire is that they don't have to sign up to use it. I only have a few patterns but that is what I sell in there most without promotion...LOL! My mom's done really great with Artifre and doesn't use Etsy so in the long run I think it all about where you devote and promote to the most. Thanks for your input Kristine.
Post a Comment
Do tell! Your comments are always exciting and encouraging.