Future Of Online Marketing
Sunday December 24, 2006
The future holds many exciting things for online marketers. The numbers show that online sales were up 25% this year from last year. It's time that crafters take advantage of the world of online sales. Most crafters are selling little to nothing online while major retailers are raking in all the sales. What do you successful online crafters have toi offer as advice for others who may just be getting started?
Comments
The exposure of online sales is a wonderful opportunity for sales but popular auction sites can cost you 25 to 30% and in some cases 50% of your gross sales income.
No matter what the cost…sales are increasing and it’s extremely competitive and you can always shop for the “BEST” price concerning all facets of business…wholesale…cost of doing business…etc….etc…etc. What an adventure in mass marketing and retailing…fasten your creative seatbelts…the “Baby Boomer” generation is approaching retirement and you had not seen nothing yet ! The TSUNAMI OF ONLINE MARKETING BUSINESSES are just a ripple away…and coming to a website landfall real soon !
Marketing is strategic to success online. 50% of your time must be spent getting new business or more importantly, building community or developing a relationship with your customer or potential customer.
How can you do this? Build your database and find ways to keep in touch. Over the holidays, I started an e-newsletter where I shared one of my paintings with a quote. I started emailing it out. From that, I got quite a few sales.
I also believe it is important to not only have an online presence but to have a presence in your community.
Starbucks of Gig Harbor agreed to have my artwork on display because they thought my web site was very professional. So, if your craft is a hobby and possible businss, have a classy business card, web site and see your online web site as a store. Once it is open, how do you get people to come to it. CREATE BUZZ.Tell 5 people a day about what you are doing. Your excitement will create the sales.Remember, you are building a business and that takes time!!!!
Have good clear pictures on your website. Use good keywords and submit them to the seach engines. I have had my website for several years and am happy with the work that I get from it.
I don’t have a secure site for ordering, as I prefer to discuss each custom order with the customer and that works fine for me.
I have not been successful selling my art at auctions. JMHO.
I also agree to have your website address posted everywhere….business card, your car, brochure (a website makes a wonderful brochure that can be changed often) Good luck!