Are you looking for ways to increase your overall sales in your craft business? If you are not incorporating social media networking into your strategy then you are missing out! By expanding your online presence, making your craftwork available online 24 hours a day, and simply interacting with people is a three step recipe for success. Here's some tips and things to consider.- Social Networking: This literally means what it says: I am being Social - I am Networking. At the craft fair, street level, behind the booth, selling your wares and interacting with your potential buyer should Not be the last time you interact with them, no matter where you are. If they purchased from you once, chances are they will again and even better chances they know 10 more people who may want the same....
- Your Online Store: First of all, a great suggestion, is to also sell your goods online. Festival Network Marketplace is a great place to open shop. Membership is free with an online store to boot, so this is easily done!
- Your Online Presence: My suggestion here is to start with what you have and most people use Facebook. I would also strongly suggest getting involved with Google+ which has over 400 Million Users and growing. It is so easy to start a business page on either Google+ or Facebook and I highly recommend utilizing these two resources. Twitter - You can't go wrong here either: Its a great and easy way to stay in contact with those who purchase from you and expand your social network reach.
- Expand Your Brand: Things take time building an online presence. However, you have to start slowly and be patient. Networking is Building, one by one, over time. I highly recommend that you make absolutely certain that you make your online presence known at the Booth Level! Put your Facebook, Google+ and Twitter information directly on your business cards and make sure everyone gets one! I would even go so far as to make this info available on clearly visable signs within your retail area. AND, if there is room, on the product tag itself.
Be visible, Make others aware of your online presence, Keep in contact and Expand your Brand! You can do it....
So here you have Part 1 in how to boost your sales through social networking. Trust me: Once you get your presence established it is very easy to maintain. Over the next coming weeks I'll get into finer detail on these topics above and show you the tools and tips to get things done correctly and efficiently without wasting a lot of time. And, you have specific questions you are always welcome to ask.
Shane
My name is Shane Remington and I'm the new Social Media Manager here at Festival Network Online. I'm very happy to be on board here with the rest of the gang who makes all these great services possible