Promotional Frenzy Team On Etsy - All Star Members Part 2

Last week, we featured some really great shops who are super active, and complete way more than the required activities each week.  This week, we wanted to take some time and recognize a few more teamies who also do more than what's required.  We LOVE to see teamies being active, and working hard to promote one another.  This team is all about "you get what you give," so here are some teamies who give A LOT!  Please take some time to show them some Promotional Frenzy Team LOVE!!

1. Fused Glass Jewelry and Stained Glass from Greenhouse Glassworks

Stained Glass Candle Holder

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360827/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379675788708048897
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/8048268
G+: https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/jWAnb6oZiyo

Wine Bottle Stopper with Fused Glass

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360907/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379678150541590528
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/8048402
G+: https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/gLAqVydPZDD


2. Fabric, Notions, Patterns and Handmade Gifts from GabbysQuiltsNSupplies

Quilted Square Table Topper

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360964/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379681179433066496
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/1784639/1399152186
G+: https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/BmLoZ4Y6ppc

Assorted Fall Leaves Hanging Potholder

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360978/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379682201803046912
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/7496373/1399158646
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/5Cgrrqq97vX


3. Home Decor, Jewelry, Accessories, and Fused Glass Art from GlitterBirdGlass

Blue and Green Patterned French Hair Barrette

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935360990/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379683541593751552
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/7760087/1399166800
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/bh14HKga7km

Green Glass Business Card Holder

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361006/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379684605692874752
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/7887183/1399173714
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/UQaTWwXJKtZ


4. Pencil Shaving Flowers, Woodwork, Vintage and Unique Gifts from GinasCornerCrafts

Vintage Homer Laughlin Virginia Rose

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361032/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379686180503052288
Wanelo: wanelo.com/p/7415902/1399184302
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/MTWSe2mKDJb

Vintage Pitcher w/ Glasses Set

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361083/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379687837177622528
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/5655852/1399191104
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/cHRHLN8jz7Q


5. Crochet Slippers, Plastic Bag Holders, and More from CrochetbyCharlene

Crochet Mini Christmas Tree Skirt

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361109/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379689073582952448
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/8049057/crochet-mini-christmas-tree-skirt
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/YcW7pEURpBc

Crocheted Ruffle Scarf - MultiColor

RP: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175710822935361132/
RT: https://twitter.com/PromoFrenzy/status/379690304061710336
Wanelo: http://wanelo.com/p/8049159/crocheted-ruffle-scarf-multicolor-rust-olive-green-and-brown
G+ https://plus.google.com/113742427572625263785/posts/RnEbCxy9jxD


We are so thankful to have so many ACTIVE and wonderful teammates on the Promotional Frenzy Team!  The effort and time that each member takes is what makes our team one of the BEST on Etsy, plus all the promoting gives ALL our shops such awesome exposure that we'd be hard pressed to get on our own.

THANK YOU to EVERY SINGLE Promotional Frenzy Team member for helping to make our team so awesome!

PFT Leaders!

Promotional Frenzy Team on Etsy

Wrapping Up Christmas in July

 

This years Christmas in July giveaway was a lot of fun.  We saw lots of fantastic entries from all across the country, and heard from a great many people how much they loved the products showcased on the Christmas in July Giveaway board over on Pinterest.

The drawing is done, the winners notified, and the prized have been sent out!  Check out the links below to see the X-Mas in July boards created by our winners!

Stephanie from Lousiana with this fantastic board:
http://pinterest.com/lilsnobelle/x-mas-in-july/

Debbie from California with this beautiful board:
http://pinterest.com/deblee85/x-mas-in-july/

Laurie from Missouri with this wonderful board:
http://pinterest.com/lauriehayes22/x-mas-in-july/

and Krystyna from Alabama with this lovely board:
http://pinterest.com/kryptana84/x-mas-in-july/
Yay, congratulations!! These four awesome ladies are receiving lots of great prizes from all over the globe!  Check out the list of participating shops below and find greatct for gifts, or a special treat just for you!

Promotional Frenzy Team's Christmas in July Participating Shops:

Mixed Metal Necklace from Little Hill Jewelry

Stained Glass Candle Holder from Green House Glassworks

Gerbera Daisy Pillow Cover from Crystal Gayle Photo

Personalized Handmade Cutting Board from Bill's Wooden Pleasures

Hand Knit Ruffled Scarf from Arlene's Boutique

Enamel Earrings from Alery Accessories

Cherry Blossom Print from Haus of Ariella

Other participating shops include:
www.AltaSkincare.etsy.com
www.Bijibijoux.etsy.com
www.CherylParrottJewelry.etsy.com
www.Cloudninedesignz.etsy.com
www.CrochetedbyCharlene.etsy.com
www.DellCoveSpices.etsy.com
www.DLitesbyDorene.etsy.com
www.GeekeryDOO.etsy.com
www.Ginascornercrafts.etsy.com
www.jQjewelrydesigns.etsy.com
www.kapkadesign.etsy.com
www.krysthledesigns.etsy.com
www.Lindab142.etsy.com
www.maryannfarley.etsy.com
www.Newcreationz.etsy.com
www.NewEnglandQuilter.etsy.com
www.PaganCellarJewelry.etsy.com
www.peelirohini.etsy.com
www.Preciousbowtique.etsy.com
www.RomanticThoughts.etsy.com
www.sewinggranny.etsy.com
www.smileykitcreations.etsy.com
www.stinkRknits.etsy.com
www.symbolicImports.etsy.com
www.turtlexiii.etsy.com

And that's a wrap!  Be sure to follow our team blog to stay up to date on all the fun contests, giveaways, and sales being offered by members of the Promotional Frenzy Team on Etsy!

Target Market Challenge Winner

In THIS blog post, we talked about developing a target market, and getting to know your ideal customer.  We also had a little contest...

Who won you say?  I randomly selected a winner from all the comments/entries  Are you just dying too know who it is?  Well, okay, I'll tell you...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/krysthledesigns

Yay, congrats!!  Krysthle is one of PFT's newest members, and already making big contributions to the team.  She wrote this awesome "How-to" blog post with great Stumble Upon tips and tricks, introduced all of us to Amazine, and brings some really fun energy to the threads :))  Congrats Krysthle!!!

Triangular enamel bracelet neon green blue pink from Krysthle's Shop

 

Turquoise Button Stud Earrings

Geometric Wooden Vanilla Copper Earrings

Developing Your Target Market (and a Challenge!)

How many of you spend more time than you'd like promoting your shop and your products?  

Most crafters and artists I know, myself included, would rather spend more time creating and less time promoting.  In my ideal world, I would just be able to make new pieces, and buy new tools, and shop for great supplies, and my product would just sell itself.  The reality is that if we don't promote our stuff, people won't see it.  And if people don't see it, they don't know it exists.  And if they don't know it exists...can you see where I'm gong with this?

I am always looking for better, more efficient ways to promote my work.  It's the reason I joined The PromotionalFrenzy Team in the first place, because promoting on my own wasn't getting me very far.  I've also been working lately to define (and refine) who I think my target and niche markets are.

Target and niche markets are really the cornerstone of efficient marketing.  If you don't know who you're selling to, or who's buying your stuff, you'll spend a lot of time promoting with very little return.  For example, if you send out a coupon code to 1,000 random Twitter followers, you might (stress on might) see a sale, maybe 2, and a little bump in traffic.  But if you send that same coupon code out to 100 targeted customers, people you know are looking for what you offer, your chance of sales goes way up.  Less work, more sales?  It sounds like magic, right?  So let's talk about how it works.

First, some definitions:

Target Market: A group of potential customers who have a common trait or characteristic.  For example, a bead supplier's target audience might be jewelry makers.

Niche Market: A more focused group within a target market.  For example, "jewelry makers who buy and sell on Etsy, ages 20-40, and live in the Southeast" is a much more defined sub-group of the target market referenced above.  Your niche market is made up of people similar to your ideal customer, which we'll talk about in a moment.

Off the top of your head, can you say who your niche market is right this moment?  If your anything like me, maybe you have a general idea somewhere in the back of your mind, but it's pretty vague and you probably couldn't put it down on paper, were you asked to.   This probably means that you're promoting everything to anyone who will listen, which is exhausting and time consuming, and not at all engaging.

Developing your target and niche markets changes that.  If you know that your target market is a group of women between the ages of 20 and 35 living in the Midwest and working from home, you can tailor your marketing efforts to target them.   

You can also tailor your products to suit them, addressing their specific needs.  Maybe your niche market is made up of stay at home mommies who need jewelry that is toddler proof.  Or maybe they have a lot of stress in their lives, and loves to burn scented candles in the evening while unwinding with a bottle of wine.  Once you get to know your ideal customer, everything you do can be addressed to them.

When you write your item descriptions, you can tell your niche market why your item is perfect for them and how it fits in their lives.  When you engage your niche market via social media, you can share things  that are relevant to them, and therefore interesting.  You can tailor your shop policies to cater to your niche market, you can use language that your niche market is comfortable with, you can run ad campaigns that catch their eye….the list goes on. 

So, how does one go about finding their target/niche market?  Etsy just recently published a blog post  with lots of helpful tips.  Included in their article was a link to a download-able worksheet that I think is a huge help in defining your ideal customer.  Up above, I mentioned that your niche market is made up of people similar to your ideal customer.  Your ideal customer is a fictional character with all the traits of your niche market, who is also your biggest fan.  Getting to know your ideal customer is a great way to personalize your target market, giving a face to that impersonal list of characteristics. 

I really encourage each of you to sit down with a pen and paper and fill out the worksheet.  Actually force yourself to write out answers, don't just think about it.  By actually writing something down, not only are your forcing yourself to develop a concrete idea of who your ideal customer and niche market might be, but you're also creating something to reference later as you continue to develop your brand.

I actually think filling out this worksheet is so important that I decided to create this blog challenge around it.  Follow the instructions below, and enter by June 11th, 2013 for a chance to win a special team blog feature! 

To enter:

1. Visit and read the Etsy Blog post titled "How to Find your Target Market" [http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/how-to-find-your-target-market/]

2. Download the PDF worksheet [http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/files/2013/04/Define-Your-Ideal-Customer-Worksheet.pdf]

3. Spend some time filling out the worksheet.  Use extra paper if you need it, and really get to know your ideal customer. 

4. Leave a comment below answering the following four questions about your ideal customer:
1. What is your ideal customer's favorite movie?
2. List two (2) of your ideal customer's hobbies.
3. What is one (1) need of your ideal customer?
4. Briefly describe how your products meet that need. 

Once you've entered, I really encourage you to take your new found insight about your ideal customer and re-examine your marketing and promoting efforts, as well as your shop in general.  Are you reaching your target and niche markets?  If you're not, brainstorm some ideas on how you might better target them.  Don't be afraid to experiment with your marketing and promoting strategies.  Remember, it only takes one view to get a sale. 

Thanks for reading!  I can't wait to "meet" everyone's ideal customers.

Until next time,

Happy Sales!!

**Brought to you by Heather of Little Hill Jewelry**

And the Winner is....

The Promotional Frenzy team had a guest blogger do a giveaway on our Team Blog this past month and we are happy to showcase the winner and her talents to our readers.

Bill from PaganCellarJewelry hosted the giveaway of a pair of his gorgeous handmade earrings!  Holly from HollysFollyGlass was the winner.  Bill used Rafflecopter to pick the winner!  Thanks Bill for writing the wonderful post on  Hunting at Estate and Garage Sales    and hosting the giveaway!  Holly wanted her earrings to be a surprise... so we do not have photo of it but here are two pairs of earrings from Bills shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/101576642/gold-chain-dangle-earrings-with-pink

http://www.etsy.com/listing/100800244/handmade-czech-glass-and-vintage-bead

We will be hosting more giveaways in the future so stay tuned... but now lets meet Holly!

















Here is what Holly has to say about herself:

I'm a lampwork glass bead maker and sometime jewelry designer. I've been at jewelry design since I was a teen... been teaching wire wrap since I was 17. I love designing jewelry that can have two different looks and coming up with ways to change a piece from simple to fancy is a great challenge. It was not being able to find beads that I could see in my own head that turned me into a bead maker. I've had a lifelong obsession with glass beads! 

This is one of Holly's favorites!

This is a pendant I made for an Art Bead Scene competition. I love to try and enter those as it's a great way to make myself finish a piece from start to finish in a month (including the bead!)!


Here is what Holly has to say about the Promotional Frenzy Team:

I love this team because it's SO active. I had been the leader of the Fire Divas and it's just hard to get people to participate. Here, I feel like a slacker! I like Thursdays cause it makes me list something new. And I've always loved blogging so Wednesdays because I love seeing what the teamies are up to!

Here are a few of the items you will find in her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86912682/santa-panda-christmas-tree-pendant

http://www.etsy.com/listing/33691354/huge-xxl-red-velvet-lampwork-glass-bead

You can find Holly here:

My website: hollysfolly.com
Fan Page:
www.facebook.com/HollysFollyGlassBeads
Twitter: twitter.com/hollysfolly
Blog: hollysfollybeads.blogspot.com/
Pinterest: pinterest.com/hollysfolly/

What's So Great About June . . . PEARLS!

Artist, Johannes Vermeer ... The painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring"

Pearl is the official birthstone for the month of June and is also the birthstone for the Sun Signs of Gemini and Cancer. Fresh water pearls are given on the 1st, 3rd, 12th and 30th anniversaries. 

United States: First Lady ... Michelle Obama

An organic gem, pearls are formed inside mollusks such as oysters and mussels. They are formed when an irritant such as a tiny stone or bit of sand gets inside the mollusk's shell. A shiny substance, called nacre, is secreted around the object to protect the soft internal surface of the mollusk. As layer upon layer of nacre coats the irritant, a pearl is formed. Light that is reflected from these overlapping layers produces an iridescent luster. This process of building a solid pearl can take up to seven or eight years.The most valuable pearls are perfectly symmetrical, relatively large, are naturally produced and have a high degree of iridescence. 

Stunning Stick Pearl and Lamp Work necklace by CalliopeAZ

The main oyster beds are in the Persian Gulf, along the coasts of India and Sri Lanka, and in the Red Sea. Chinese pearls come mainly from freshwater rivers and ponds and Japanese pearls are found near the coast in salt water. Freshwater pearls occur in the rivers of Scotland, Ireland, France, Austria, Germany, and the USA (Mississippi). The coasts of Polynesia and Australia produce mainly cultured pearls.

Necklace focal created with Pearls, Swiss Topaz & Labradorite by jQ jewelry designs

There are many types of pearls:

* Natural pearls - made without human interference
* Cultured pearls - This method was first used in 1893. A foreign substance, often a small piece of shell, is intentionally inserted into a living oyster.
* Keishi pearls - formed when the oyster rejects the inserted substance. The resulting keshi pearl is 100% nacre. This gives it an especially lustrous and shimmering surface quality.
* Baroque pearls - pearls that have irregular shapes
* Biwa pearls - an irregular shaped pearl which forms in the freshwater of Lake Biwa, Japan
* Freshwater pearls - pearls which form in fresh water mollusks and resemble puffed rice
* Blister pearls - pearls which grow attached to the inside of the shell * Mabe pearls - cultivated blister pearls
* Seed pearls - small, tiny pearls used in Victorian jewelry and sewn on clothing, often wedding gowns.

Freshwater Pearl cluster dangle earrings designed by Galla15 of Trinkets N Whatnots

Pearls are usually white, but may also be black, gray, silver, cream, lavender, peach or pink depending on the type of mollusk and the water it lives in. They are now being dyed a rainbow of other colors and are used in fashion jewelry. Because the nacre is organic, pearls are very sensitive to heat, cosmetics, hair products and humidity. Care should be taken when wearing and storing them.

Beautiful combination of Keishi Pearls, Lampwork & knotted silk by Peelirohini

LORE:

Pearls were once thought to be the tears of God. The ancient Greeks believed that wearing pearls ensured a happy marriage. Pearl is often referred to as the "Queen Gem"; Diamond is referred to as the King Gem. Cleopatra was said to have dissolved a pearl in wine and swallowed it to seduce Mark Anthony because it was thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac, and to attract love. They were prized by royalty, both male and female, and were even worn by knights who went into battle in the Middle Ages, believing that pearls would protect them from harm. As an emblem of modesty, chastity and purity, the Pearl symbolizes love, success, and happiness. In many countries they are used as a wedding gift and still symbolize a happy marriage.

 

 DID YOU KNOW?

The Pearl of Allah, the largest pearl on record, was recovered from a giant clam on May 7, 1934, off the coast of Palawan Island, Philippines. The pearl is 9.4 inches long and weighs about 14 lbs. According to the "Guinness Book of Records," the San Francisco Gem Laboratory has valued the pearl at $40 million. The Muslim diver who found the pearl said its surface bore the image of a turbaned face, and he named it the Pearl of Allah.

Pearl of Allah

It may be the world's largest pearl, but it's also the ugliest! It is just me, or does this thing resemble a brain?    Ewww . . .

Victor Barbish, who owns 66 percent of the pearl on behalf of his daughter, told WorldNetDaily he received an offer in 1999 from individuals who said they represented Osama bin Laden. They tried to purchase the pearl for $60 million as gift to Saddam Hussein "to unite the Arab cultures," and Hussein was prepared to accept, according to the pearl's owner. 


from Jill Q of jQ jewelry designs

The Winner is: Linda B of LindaB Jewelry Designs

Congratulations to the Winner of our Mother's Day Challenge ...

~

I'm one of the original  Promotional Frenzy team members, before Etsy made changes to the threads and chats, at least over a year ago. Not only am I addicted to chatting with team members, I've been able to learn a great deal about my business and share knowledge that I have in certain areas. 


It's so exciting to win the votes for the Promotional Frenzy team Mother’s Day challenge. I’m grateful to everyone who voted for my necklace. I used Facebook, Twitter, G+, and my blog to ask for votes and it worked! And, I learned how to do a lot of social media from the Promo Frenzy team. 

I’m thankful for the leaders and members of the Promotional Frenzy team for helping me to stretch my creativity, challenging me to create new designs, and for their support and promotion. It’s a terrific Etsy team to be on; one where can share your ups and downs (we have a prayer thread), and I’m addicted to checking in and chatting with these terrific people.

I’ve been designing beaded and gemstone jewelry since around 2003 and my designs have changed substantially from attaching a pendant and a few beads to a cord to wire wrapped swirls and squiggles on and around gemstone pendants. A co-worker (and a client) suggested Etsy to me.  I opened my Etsy shop in Feb 2008, but didn’t do anything with it until April 2008. I met several other helpful people online: Tim Adam of Handmadeology and CrochetGal of the EtsyTwitter Team, who also give guidance to Etsy shop owners. I have an Artfire shop www.lindab142.artfire.com and my own (neglected) website www.LinorStore.com

10 things I’d like you to know:

1. My niche area is Jewish jewelry and wire beaded kippot (headcoverings) for Jewish women. It is such a joy to create a piece for someone’s bar or bat mitzvah or wedding, a lifecycle event.
   
   

 Copper Wire Kippah   

Passover Seder Plate Earrings

2. I got my ears pierced in 2004 so I could wear my earring designs. Before that, it was easier for me to poke myself in the eyes to put in contact lenses than put on an earring post. Also, I prefer fishhook earwires.
3. I am mostly self-taught, but I did take a few classes in beadweaving (not for me), wire wrapping  (love it), and 1 session in making wire beaded kippot, and that’s what I truly love. I’m very excited to go down a new path using these techniques, by adding prom and bridal party jewelry to my shops. Also, I am creating different shapes for kippah designs – ovals, and squares and using different colors of Swarovski crystals, pearls or seed beads. Some of my designs are adapted from beading magazines and suppliers.  I’ve also purchased a few design tutorials.
4. My design elements involve movement and flow.  These are reflected in the 2 pieces that I entered into the Mother’s Day challenge:

a.       Blue Sodalite Wire Wrapped Necklace has the flow of trees grounded (wrapped) to the earth. I have a vision of customizing these necklaces for moms, daughters, and grandmas with a generational tree using the birthstone colors of each family member.  

Blue Sodalite Wire Wrapped Pendant Set  

b.     Yellow Blister Pearl and Jade Necklace - I love the color and the different sizes and shapes of the gemstones. 

Antique Pink Swarovski Crsytal Sterling Silver Necklace and Earrings Set - check out the movement added to the pendant part, a dangling pearl, and the earrings are really about movement.

5. I have a tremor that sometimes makes it difficult to add the final crimp beads to finish a piece of jewelry. Plus, my kitty assistants seem to always jump on the table to help me complete the design. In February 2012, I started having pain in my hands and thought it was carpal tunnel, but it is tennis elbow. Unfortunately, I have to give up my marathon jewelry and kippot designing weekends and pace myself.  And, I have to be online less and rest my arms and hands. 

My Orbit pearl necklace

5. I’ve written a few guides on social media: blogs, FaceBook and press releases and publicity. That reminds me, they need to be updated.  I like to write, too. 
6. I have a Web Design Certificate that I earned by going back to school full time when I was unemployed in 2001. I took 5 courses in 1 semester and attended school 5 days a week, using Fri. to catch up on all my assignments (using a MAC). 
7. My husband is very supportive of my bead and Etsy addictions. We met at the local movie theater where we worked. I was a candy girl; he was an usher.  I moved up to selling tickets in the box office, and he became a floating assistant manager at different movie theaters owned by the same chain. Our theater had a balcony, architectural column on the sides, and a ceiling filled with working twinkling stars. He proposed to me in the balcony during the movie “Cactus Flower.” 
8. When I’m not beading, I’m reading or watching TV. A few of my favorite authors are James Patterson, Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick, Steve Martini, and Nicholas Sparks. TV shows I watch: House, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, Gray’s Anatomy and Hard Core Pawn. 
9. Tip: Join Etsy teams and Facebook groups to connect with like-minded people. You’ll be rewarded by giving and receiving information and making friends that you may get to meet in person while traveling. I've met several Etsy vendors at local craft shows before. 

Here's where you can find Linda B online: 
www.lindab142.etsy.com
www.lindab142.artfire.com
Web: www.LinorStore.com Blog: linorstorecom.blogspot.com
Facebook Bus: facebook.com/linorstore
Twitter: twitter.com/lindab142
Stumbleupon: stumbleupon.com/stumbler/lindab142/all
G: http://tinyurl.com/3f7ao9l Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24930325@N03/