6 answers
Elisha
Student
Milton, Florida
1
Question
Asked
407 views
What is the best way to get my business seen and have people buy from me?
I am selling handmade bracelets and rings plus some other stuff. My business is about loving your imperfections so the stuff I sell has imperfections and the art shows people's insecurities.
6 answers
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Elisha,
I admire your desire to sell items that celebrate our imperfections and insecurities. I'm happy to share some possibilities:
- look for all local craft fairs where you might participate. People attending such fairs are an excellent audience.
- create some ads with large poster board to attract attention at the fairs and create a one-page takeaway that tells your story and has your contact information.
- create a paypal (or equivalent) online account so people can pay online. As business grows, there is a small addon that you could use on smartphone to allow card entry.
- create a free website at either blogspot.com or wix.com that includes photos and contact information. Such sites do not require technical expertise . Put the URL everywhere.
- consider having a business card. vistaprint.com offers several hundred for a few dollars. these can be helpful if you start getting repeat business.
- create a Facebook page with photos of your work, not your personal page, but a free business page. Link to your webpage also.
- if the social media called nextdoor.com covers your community, join it and post your business there.
- if the items are made by other people, create short biographies of each to help sell the emotional component of the items.
- Recognize that you are in a business and there are tax laws to contend with. Do not ignore this. Important.
- As a business, do you accept returns? If not, you need something in writing that is visible to announce that the items are knowingly imperfect and no returns are accepted. Some reading on legal issues are advised, as some customers can be difficult.
- periodically post items for sale in the free market area of Facebook and Nextdoor.
I admire your desire to sell items that celebrate our imperfections and insecurities. I'm happy to share some possibilities:
- look for all local craft fairs where you might participate. People attending such fairs are an excellent audience.
- create some ads with large poster board to attract attention at the fairs and create a one-page takeaway that tells your story and has your contact information.
- create a paypal (or equivalent) online account so people can pay online. As business grows, there is a small addon that you could use on smartphone to allow card entry.
- create a free website at either blogspot.com or wix.com that includes photos and contact information. Such sites do not require technical expertise . Put the URL everywhere.
- consider having a business card. vistaprint.com offers several hundred for a few dollars. these can be helpful if you start getting repeat business.
- create a Facebook page with photos of your work, not your personal page, but a free business page. Link to your webpage also.
- if the social media called nextdoor.com covers your community, join it and post your business there.
- if the items are made by other people, create short biographies of each to help sell the emotional component of the items.
- Recognize that you are in a business and there are tax laws to contend with. Do not ignore this. Important.
- As a business, do you accept returns? If not, you need something in writing that is visible to announce that the items are knowingly imperfect and no returns are accepted. Some reading on legal issues are advised, as some customers can be difficult.
- periodically post items for sale in the free market area of Facebook and Nextdoor.
Thank you very much. This is super helpful and I will definitely be using your advice. I appreciate it a lot.
Elisha
You are very welcome, Elisha. I wish you success.
david kirk
Junnie Lai, MBA
Consultant Chef
61
Answers
Updated
Junnie’s Answer
HI Elisha,
Congratulations on your business!
Think about the message for your business. For example: "Loving your imperfections"
A message that communicate positiveness and solve problems of your customers, or inspire your customer.
Here is a link for your review: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/positive-business-communication-61563.html
To market your products, you have to know who are your target audience; who are your perfect customer. You might think everyone can be, but think harder, who has been buying from you, what are their age group, where do you have the most success selling you products.
The link below from Hubspot, can help you to build your customer personas.
https://www.hubspot.com/make-my-persona
This is to understand where are your customers located. Then you can build a plan where to reach, and what advertising vehicle best to use to reach them.
Even if you join social media such as Facebook and Instagram, join the right group so the right people can share the same interest as you.
Good luck!
Congratulations on your business!
Think about the message for your business. For example: "Loving your imperfections"
A message that communicate positiveness and solve problems of your customers, or inspire your customer.
Here is a link for your review: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/positive-business-communication-61563.html
To market your products, you have to know who are your target audience; who are your perfect customer. You might think everyone can be, but think harder, who has been buying from you, what are their age group, where do you have the most success selling you products.
The link below from Hubspot, can help you to build your customer personas.
https://www.hubspot.com/make-my-persona
This is to understand where are your customers located. Then you can build a plan where to reach, and what advertising vehicle best to use to reach them.
Even if you join social media such as Facebook and Instagram, join the right group so the right people can share the same interest as you.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Elisha
I totally agree with Junnie's answer. The first thing you need to think about, is decide who are you selling to. My dad used to work in Marketing and he used this framework to think about the target market of the product he marketed: Think about the customers that buy your products, imagen them entirely, what gender, what fashion do they wear, where do they hang out, how to they transport themselves (own cars, bus, scotters,...) , what do they do, how old are they? so on. Once you define this, now think about how to place your products.
Leo Pardo
Calvin Saboorian
Director - Real Estate
34
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Calvin’s Answer
Good question Adrian. In my opinion, nothing replaces word of mouth. When you post your product on social media, make sure you provide references of folks that have purchased your product (of course make sure they are ok with it). That is the best method of advertisement.
Adrian Santos
Marine Security Guard
151
Answers
Lome, Maritime Region, Togo
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Building your network is the first step if you want consumers to buy from you. I recommend reading the book "Start with Why," I think it will answer a lot of your questions on how to attract more buyers.
Thank you so much. This was very helpful and I will make sure to read that book.
Elisha
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1509
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have started your business at this age.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Post your products on social media, e.g. Facebook, IG, Twitter, etc. from time to time
2. Show your products your friends to have a 'mouth of words'
3. You can also reach out to some KOL to show your products and share your design inspiration with them
4. Setup a booth in some Flea market
5. Start the shop online
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Post your products on social media, e.g. Facebook, IG, Twitter, etc. from time to time
2. Show your products your friends to have a 'mouth of words'
3. You can also reach out to some KOL to show your products and share your design inspiration with them
4. Setup a booth in some Flea market
5. Start the shop online
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Thank you! This helps me a lot. I appreciate your advice
Elisha
Akinwumi M Akinwole
Book-Keeper / Accountant
7
Answers
Kano, Nigeria
Updated
Akinwumi M’s Answer
There are several strategies you can use to get your business seen and attract customers:
Develop a strong brand: This includes creating a clear and memorable brand identity, messaging, and positioning that resonates with your target audience.
Build a website: Having a professional website that is optimized for search engines can help potential customers find your business online. Ensure that your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and provides relevant information about your products or services.
Utilize social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can help you reach a wider audience and engage with potential customers. Share updates about your business, post photos or videos, and respond to customer inquiries and feedback.
Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to connect with other professionals in your field and build relationships with potential customers.
Provide excellent customer service: Positive word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful tool in attracting new customers. Focus on providing exceptional customer service and actively seek out opportunities to exceed your customers' expectations.
Offer promotions and discounts: Offering special promotions and discounts can incentivize customers to try your products or services and can help build loyalty and repeat business.
Invest in advertising: Consider using paid advertising on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or LinkedIn Ads to reach a targeted audience and promote your business to potential customers.
Remember, building a successful business takes time, effort, and dedication. By implementing these strategies, you can increase your visibility and attract more customers to your business.
Develop a strong brand: This includes creating a clear and memorable brand identity, messaging, and positioning that resonates with your target audience.
Build a website: Having a professional website that is optimized for search engines can help potential customers find your business online. Ensure that your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and provides relevant information about your products or services.
Utilize social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can help you reach a wider audience and engage with potential customers. Share updates about your business, post photos or videos, and respond to customer inquiries and feedback.
Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to connect with other professionals in your field and build relationships with potential customers.
Provide excellent customer service: Positive word-of-mouth referrals can be a powerful tool in attracting new customers. Focus on providing exceptional customer service and actively seek out opportunities to exceed your customers' expectations.
Offer promotions and discounts: Offering special promotions and discounts can incentivize customers to try your products or services and can help build loyalty and repeat business.
Invest in advertising: Consider using paid advertising on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or LinkedIn Ads to reach a targeted audience and promote your business to potential customers.
Remember, building a successful business takes time, effort, and dedication. By implementing these strategies, you can increase your visibility and attract more customers to your business.
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