Managing Facebook Posts

Like Framed Cross Stitch by bombastitch on Etsy

Like every part of your business, your social media efforts should have a plan.

If you want to gain the most out of your Facebook fan page, take it seriously. This is free advertising for your brand, supported on thelargest social media network used daily. It's been reported that American Internet users spend more time on Facebook than any other website. 

Start off by writing some goals. What are you hoping to gain from your presence? What kind of results are you looking for? What do you want your page to say about your brand? Keep these goals somewhere you can see them when you are planning your Facebook posts. Stay true to what you are hoping to convey and consistently work towards achieving those goals. 

A fan page for your business is the place to talk about your shop, show off new items you are working on, get advice from your fans, promote craft shows you will be part of, and give fans a sneak peek at your life.

Post when you update your shop. Don't post a link to every single new listing, but if you add several new items, let your fans know! 

Post about sales you are currently running, when the sale ends, and any stipulations or rules.

Ask your followers for their opinion if you are looking to create new items. What colors do they like best for clothing or jewelry, do they prefer a certain type of shirt or chain, what size prints do they buy the most? 

Remind fans where you will be vending at and give them information about the shows. Link to the show's Facebook page or website so potential customers can get directions, show times, etc. Have a show that you aren't vending at, but will be shopping at? Advertise it and support your fellow crafters!

Give your fans a peek at your life. Show them where you create, post a recent photo from your world that means something to you, or share an exciting piece of news. When buying from a handmade business, fans want to know that you're a real person, too. 

A fan page for your business is not the place to rejoice about the latest football win, post an album of your latest vacation photos, complain, or give a play by play of your day's plans. This is a little too personal for a business page and you don't want to start too much controversy with opposing views. Keep things light and entertaining.

Like I said in my previous Facebook post, don't over do it in one setting. This just clogs up everyone's news feed and can look bad on your business. If you have a lot of things you want to say, space them out. Keep a word document going of posts you'd like to make, and post them in a timely fashion. 1-2 posts a day is great, 3-5 can be pushing it, and anything over 5 posts in a day is just overshare.

Social networking is what you make of it. Do a little or do a lot, it's up to you. Feel free to make your own rules, and change things to fit your business. The resources are there for you! Until next time, keep connected! If you have any specific social media questions, feel free to post in the comments and check back for my answers.

Casey Maute is a contributor to the OkEtsy blog and lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She has worked under the name Lollywood from 2008-2010 and recently opened a new Etsy shop called OSO handmade. She loves craft shows, eating from food trucks, finding cool local shops, and working with PR and social media.

Get Connected

Facebook Icon Pillow by Craftsquatch on Etsy

How do you hear about new stores in your area? I'm always on the lookout for a hidden gem.. a funky little shop with cool printed t-shirts and unique accessories and gifts for my friends. Do I have time to walk into every shop in town to hope to find something neat? Not a chance. 

As soon as I hear about a new shop, I google them and check for a Facebook page. Sadly, most of the time, they don't have a social media presence. 

Are you on Facebook? Yes. Are your friends, family, and worst enemies on Facebook? You bet. Why shouldn't your business be there, as well?

When I find a shop on Facebook or Twitter, I love it. I can see pictures of their store, see what kind of merchandise they have, and interact with them... at any time of the day. I can find out about sales, when they have extended or limited hours, and when they get in new items I've been wanting.

Online businesses are no different. Your shoppers are already on Facebook, so connect with them! It's easy to get your own Facebook page for your business, plus it's free. Facebook can walk you through it here. 

I'd like to go in depth in future posts about ways to make your Facebook page the best it can be.. so until then.. here's a couple things to note:

• Don't over-post. If you have a number of things you'd like to tell your fans about, post them over time. Blogs let you schedule posts, but Facebook does not (that I know of.. yet.) Keep a word document of posts you'd like to make if you think you will forget, and post them sporadically. Also plan to post them at times your readers will read them. If you are an online-only business (not a brick and mortar shop), limit your posts to 2-3 daily.
• Communicate! Social media is all about interacting with your fans. Answer their questions, ask for their advice on new items, reply to their posts, and be friendly!
• Get personal. Your customers aren't just buying from a company.. they are buying from a person.. and they'd love to know more about you. Isn't your handmade business a huge part of your life anyway? Not every post needs to be about your new products.. but share little snippets of your world. I love seeing what others are doing.. and how other crafters spend their time.

Your page is what you make it. So until next time-- post pictures, share interesting content, and publish your Facebook URL when connecting with your customers and fans: through your business cards, e-mail signature, on your Etsy page, etc. It makes a difference! 

Casey Maute is a contributor to the OkEtsy blog and lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She has worked under the name Lollywood from 2008-2010 and recently opened a new Etsy shop called OSO handmade. She loves craft shows, eating from food trucks, finding cool local shops, and working with PR and social media.

Online Resources for Handmade Businesses

Hey guys its Brittini with a list of online resources for Handmade Business. I hope its helpful for you guys. 

Unanimous Craft

"Its a directory of resources for crafters artist and indie business owners"

Basically this site is dedicated to organizing all the sites, blogs, stores, shows reviews ect. You could literally spend hours reading and discovering all of its wonder. Plus its FREE!

visit here: http://www.unanimouscraft.com/ 

Etsy Seller Handbook 

Here you can find all of Etsy's How-To's and 'Need To Knows' about selling on Etsy in one epic list. I personally have read every one of these list and feel its essential, I mean come on they should know whats up.

visit here: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/the-etsy-seller-handbook-all-our-how-tos-about-selling/ 

Funky Finds

"Funky Finds goal is to promote all funky artist, crafters, & designers"

And they do just that, on their site they offer:
- A way to sell your items
- Giveaways
- Right On! Graphics
- Blog
- Funky Find Events
- A calender full of events and shows coming up

visit here: http://funkyfinds.com/ 

Handmadeology 

"Handmadeology exists for the purpose of teaching artist how to successfully sell their handmade goods online, and to feature the newest handmade, vintage, and supplies found on Etsy"

Features:
- Blog Features
- Etsy Tips
- Etsy News
- Top Links
- Crafty Ideas
- Gift Ideas
- Handmade Polls

visit here: http://www.handmadeology.com/ 

Etsy Forums

I am sure most of you have visited here, but if you are new to Etsy and have questions this is your place to go.

It includes:
- Announcement
- Site Help
-Business Topics
- Ideas (improve Etsy)
-Bugs (report bugs to Etsy)

Under the Community link visit the link that says Forums.

My Best Craft Show Advice

Casey Maute is a contributor to the OkEtsy blog and lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She has worked under the name Lollywood from 2008-2010 and recently opened a new Etsy shop called OSO handmade. She loves craft shows, eating from food trucks, finding cool local shops, and working with PR and social media.

The fall craft fair season is in full swing and most crafters are either living on caffeine as they prepare for the weekend's show, or cursing themselves for missing the deadline for yet another event.

I've been doing shows for 3 years now, and I've learned a lot through trial and error and the help of other crafters. I wanted to share one tip about shows that can save you a lot of money, time and effort.. I even made a little rhyme!

 Vend the shows you'd want to attend

 The 2011 Indie Emporium show in Tulsa,
taken by Briana Hefley Shepard of Bifftastica 

Vending at craft shows is a great way to promote your handmade business and gain customers, but you need to do some research before you send in your booth fee and spend countless nights preparing. My best advice would be to attend a show as a customer before attending as an artist. You may think you are missing out on a perfect opportunity by not applying, but like each artist-- each show is different. You'll want to take in everything and look at the show from all perspectives.. including:

• Is there an admission cost to shop at the show? If so, what incentives do they get for their ticket price?
• Who are the customers? Who is the show's target market? Do your items fit in with that market?
• Is the show 100% handmade, or do they allow resellers? 
• Is there a variety of artists? Over-saturation can cause shoppers to overlook your items, thinking, "I just saw that, I just bought that, I don't need to look at more of those."
• What is the crowd like? Ask vendors about foot-traffic and if they would do the show again. 
• Are there other activities at the show? Free music, food vendors, or children's activities can bring larger crowds, but just make sure that the main focus is buying awesome art, otherwise crowds may show up with little to no money for shopping.
• Who is putting on the show? Are they known in the craft community, is the show established, or will they disappear into the night with your booth fee and then cancel the show? Being a little bit cautious never hurt anyone.
• Do I have enough inventory to do a show yet? If you are just starting out and worry that you don't have enough product to even make your booth fee back, you may want to find a show that will let you share a booth with a friend. You can split the fee and will have someone there to talk to and won't have to worry about getting a stranger to watch your booth while you get food or use the restroom. Always check before applying that the show accepts booth sharing, since each one will have different guidelines.
• Finally, read the application and guidelines! Check for times you can set up, when your fees are due, is the show for crafters in a specific state, do you need a tax permit.. Most of your own questions will be answered in the guidelines!

 The 2011 Indie Emporium show in Tulsa, taken by Briana Hefley Shepard of Bifftastica

Researching for a show can seem like a lot of work, but if you can answer all those questions with positive responses... and the show has the environment you like and your customers would like.. then start prepping your application and get it submitted before the deadline! I've had great experiences with Oklahoma craft fairs, and am looking forward to vending at two this season! (The Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar in Oklahoma City on December 10, 2011, and The Alliday Show in Tulsa on December 17, 2011)