My cousin started a daily business podcast he had some very good suggestions. As a result I took a good long look at my website and realized it was in serious need of a face lift. Spent about a week redoing it, now it has a lighter, fresher look to it. Not so busy and very easy to navigate. https://www.gretascollectibles.com Also from Michael's suggestions I started a blog, and went back to instagram. I'm sure I have at least 3 instagram accounts but I'm currently only using one. I'm already getting more hits on my website, figured out how to track my analytics and input megadata so I'm easier to find on search engines. It's not perfect but much better then it was. My images had to be redone also, this was probably the most tedious aspect of the whole process. Had to remember to reduce the resolution so they would load faster.
At first I was leery to start a blog, thought it would be hard for me to come up with things to write about. But as time goes by and the more I blog I'm finding that I rather enjoy it. Doesn't hurt that I bought a new to me chromebook that makes doing these things much easier then when I was trying to accomplish them on my very outdated and slowing down desktop computer.
Just goes to show you that even tho we've been in this business for many years, in my case decades, we can still learn new useful stuff from people half our age.
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It is, I put it in the menu so it goes to every page. I also posted a link to it on my business fb page.
Oh, Greta --- you just mentioned the magic word "mailing list page." Yes, the very most important thing on your site to make your business grow. I run several websites and right up there at the top right hand corner it says "sign up for our email list." I use Constant Contact and am well past he "free" stage with nearly 59,000 subscribers, but pretty much that all started with that little email sign up box. Make sure it is prominent on your site.
Thank you Christina, yes I know the older we get the less we like change. But in tracking my analytics I can see an uptick in traffic. I just added a mailing list page. From there my customers can sign up for promos and also to be notified when I'll be in their area doing a show. Did that through mailchimp.com there's a learning curve but plenty of youtube vids to show you how to navigate the site. And it's free as long as you stay below 2000 subscribers. I choose a slow time of the year for me to tackle this project, that also helped.
This is an inspiration to me and, I would think, countless others. Good for you for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things and improving your business along the way, congrats!
Right -- who is? Practice is what it takes. You listened to your cousin and must have really listened because it is so hard to change behavior, then you not only did your website you went on to the other platforms also.
Me, I haven't been to Instagram or Pinterest ... just too much already going on. But I've built and updated several 4 websites, done extensive email marketing, monitor 2 FB pages, show up here for social networking purposes, do surveys with Survey Monkey and podcast. Creating movies for my YouTube channel has fallen by the wayside.
I'm no good speaking, I can talk to my customers just fine but out of that venue I become tongue tied. I'll answer any questions to the best of my ability but again no expert on social media stuff.
Good for you, Greta! We can run around and do shows coast to coast and run up huge expenses, but how about taking advantage of all these social media options to increase your outreach, connect with people who may be interested in your work. Your mailing list and these accounts are an artist's retirement plan. They go on and on and you can sit at home and save time and stress and money to grow your business and your creativity.
What do you think I've been doing here? No more shows and social media has saved my butt. We'll have to do a podcast. Interested?