Monday, May 18, 2009

Shameless Self Promotion

If you are a business owner of any kind you are probably guilty of it! We all are! Self promotion is the cheapest way to get your product out there! Its also a lot of hard work!

My Etsy shop, Blissful Blooms Paper has been open for about 3 months now and I have spent more hours than I care to log on promoting my shop! But I have to tell you, each and every sale has been worth all of the hard work! Can you put a price on your time? Yes, I suppose you can but I only do that when I am pricing the pieces I create.

So YES, that is what I am doing here! SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION! I have recently featured a few Etsy shops that were kind enough to provide me with ideas and suggestions on their shops so I thought I would answer my own questions!

My shop, Blissful Blooms Paper specializes in unique, one of a kind greeting cards. I use a variety of materials when creating my items - from unique papers, ribbons, stamps, shells, beads, glitter etc! The more unique the materials, the more excited I get! This cheerful card was creating using quality cardstock and brightly colored satin ribbon. It truly makes me smile each time i see it! Click on the picture and it will take to you the listing!




My inspiration comes from everything around me! With spring finally arriving (although you wouldn't know it with the 4 inches of snow we got today) I am inspired by the new buds on the trees, the tulips popping out of the ground and of course, all of the birds returning from their winters in the south! I also get a lot of my inspiration from other Artisans! The new Kawaii rage inspired me to create this card which almost has a cartoon like flair.

Being an Artisan has been very challenging! I think the biggest challenge I face is getting my product and product name 'out there'! The paper goods industry has proven to be a VERY competitive industry! I've had to come up with unique and interesting ways to promote my shop!

When I ship items to buyers, I include a fridge magnet that includes a little thank you and my shop name. I also like tp package my cards in a way that makes the buyer feel as though I REALLY do care about the item they have purchase...because I REALLY DO!!! I also hand out business cards to pretty much everyone I talk. Friends and Family have also proved to be huge promoters for my shop! I post a LOT on the Etsy Promotion forums and have has GREAT success there!

I also include coupons for repeat buyers in their packages! Many of them have told me they are saving them up for the Christmas Season!!


I'm currently promoting a BNS (Buy 'n' Stay) thread which allows people to promote their shop by purchasing an item from the existing list. Once they have purchased an item, their shop is added to the list! It is proving to be a big hit! Had 2 sales as a direct result of the thread in the first day!

If you are interested in joining in, check it out here!

I'd like to show you all one of my most cherished items that I have listed in my shop! The colors and tranquility of this card just shines through! It truly is my favorite! It is perfect for a friend who needs a little encouragement, perhaps a get well card and even a sympathy card. And it is a SUPER deal!


So there you have it everyone! A little introduction to my shop!!! I'd love for you all to come visit and find something special! I offer FREE SHIPPING on EVERYTHING in my shop! FATHER'S DAY is coming and I am accepting CUSTOM ORDERS! Don't wait too long!!!!

Happy Blogging!
Joanne

16 comments:

  1. I love your little birds card. So adorable!

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  2. Love the card with the ribbon flower! So gorgeous!

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  3. Your cards are so gorgeous! You are super talented! I am a fellow card maker too and I know it's hard to get your name out there! Good luck with your business!

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  4. your cards are really beautiful!!

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  5. Nice interview :) and love your work

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  6. I LOVE your little tree card... Super Cute!

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  7. The tree is my most favorite :)

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  8. I've awarded you an Honest Srcap award, please check out my blog

    http://amidesignsjewellery.blogspot.com

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  9. I love your cards - they are amazing!! Will check the b&s tonight when I have more time. Have to wake up the family for breakfast!!

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  10. Your cards are beautiful. And your blog is so light and happy!!! Great work. I am going to look into the BNS thread, as I am also a shameless self promoter!!!

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  11. We, as shop owners, have to promote ourselves! Keep it up! Cute cards too!

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  12. Love the card with the bright ribbon. So pretty!

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  13. You are on of One Lovely Blog Awardee's. Visit my blog to see what this is...

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