Whether you’re selling products online or offline, you need to have a website which not only lets people know who you are and what you do, but which establishes you as the go-to person in your field.  It’s no longer good enough to have a few static pages.  The more you build relationships through your site, the more people will buy what you have to sell.

Here are the 10 tips to rock your bizz online:

1.  Write a blog – there is no better way to attract a following and it’s a great way to consistently add new and fresh content.  It’s really easy too.  Just download WordPress and install it via your host.  And use a real domain name, not a .blogspot address.  Give yourself credibility.

2.  Have an email subscription sign-up form.  You want to have the email addresses of your greatest fans.  Why?  You can stay in regular contact, provide them with great information and they will also be the people who buy your stuff.

3.  Kick ass with social media – make sure you have ample opportunity for your visitors to hook up with you on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest (and any other social media platforms you belong to) on your site.  Also, include the option for them to use these platforms on your blog posts.  In other words, give them pictures to pin, content to like and comments to tweet.

4.  Good design is everything – visitors to your site will decide if they like it or not in under 3 seconds.  Yup.  That quick.  So before they’ve even started reading your content and what you’re about, they’ve decided what they think of you.  And this is all based on your design.  Get a professional, simple WordPress theme that suits your brand.

5.  Steer clear from fancy fonts, too many colours, background music, flashing ads and pop-up videos.  You want the reader’s entire focus on your content – don’t irritate them or force them to click away.

6.  Give away goodies.  Have a freebies page, or give all your subscribers a free gift when they sign up.  People adore free stuff.  And make it good – this will be their first impression of what you have to offer.  If they like it they will pay for your other stuff too.

7.  The most visited page on any website is the About page.  People like to know who you are and what you can do for them.  Be sure to include a photo so that you become a “real person” to them, not just an online company.  Also, even though it’s an About page, it isn’t all about you.  Start off by telling your readers how you can help them, then share some social proof (testimonials, rave reviews) and finally more about you as a person.

8.  Share content that is valuable, provides solutions and has the potential to go viral.  People don’t really want to hear about your shopping trips, what you ate for breakfast and why your dog Molly is the best in the world.  They want content that can help them solve a problem they have or that will improve their lives.  Use catchy headlines, do your research and give our readers stellar content.  This will make them share the info with their friends and come back for more.  Don’t ever be boring.

Give your readers an experience, appeal to their emotions.  If you’re talking about the new necklace you made, share high quality photos and perhaps discuss how you did it or where you found your materials (if your market includes fellow crafters), or how your customer can wear it, what the stones represent and so on.  Make it meaningful and personal.  Don’t make it all about “the sale.”

9.  Only publish content that you have edited and re-edited.  Nothing drives people away faster than typo’s and bad spelling.  Project professionalism.  Check your work. Then check it again.  Only click publish when you know it’s your best work.

10.  Have an online store.  Although people don’t necessarily mind going through a brochure and ordering via email, they really do prefer going through a one-click process and paying immediately online.  You can set this up really easily on your site through EJunkie and PayPal, or you can set up a store on sites like Etsy and Jamtin.  The easier you make the shopping process, the more people will be keen to buy from you.

For more tips, you can download a FREE sample module from Michelle’s digital program, How to Create a Killer Website, here:

http://www.michelleainslie.com/freebies/

Michelle Ainslie is the go-to expert for aspiring creative solopreneurs who want to quit their jobs and make money doing what they love.

www.michelleainslie.com

I would so love to give this idea a try (originally seen on Pinterest). Wouldn’t it be a perfect Mother’s Day gift? Or just one of those gifts you can give for any occasion that you know your girlfriends (well, most of mine!) would just love…

Here’s another simple idea that any mom or granny would love…  (For this and 74 other ideas for Mother’s Day pop over to Tip Junkie)

And lastly…. no matter what you’ve made or brought for the special mother in your life, a beautifully wrapped gift makes it even more special… I love these ideas from Martha Stewart

And don’t forget – no matter the occasion, Mother’s Day, Birthday’s, ‘I’m thinking of you days’ – take a browse through all the beautiful handmade products on Jamtin, we’re sure you’ll find something perfect.

Love this poster from Reverie – please pop over to their site for beautiful inspiration

I don’t wear much jewellery but I have to say that the two DIY tutorials below for necklaces did catch my eye, and thought I’d share them with you. Would love to hear back from any of you if you make one of these for yourself…

Firstly, there’s this tutorial from A Girl Who Makes, using wooden beads…

And this tutorial from Delighted Momma using polymer clay…

And for those of you have kids, and want a super cool craft to do with them this weekend… one of my very favourite blogs for all things crafty and kiddy is Curly Birds, and the super talented Helen recently posted this tutorial over at The Twinery

The dream of many crafters is to turn their hobby into a full-time business.  What could possibly be better than making the things you love, every day, all day?

The only problem is that making enough money is often the only thing that holds us back.  Sitting in a small cubicle at flea markets every weekend and selling the odd product on a website isn’t going to bring in the big bucks, however.  You need to kick this game up a notch if you want to create a real business.

Here’s how:

1.  Create multiple streams of income.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.  You have beautiful products, right?  You want as many people as possible to see them and you can’t do this by having a shop on one website or one stall at a flea market.  You need to ensure that you have your products for sale in as many places as possible:  Online shops (be in at least 5 different ones), craft shops, various flea markets, shows and home parties, to name a few.

2.  Go where your market is.  Where do the people that really want your products tend to hang out?  If you sell African crafts for instance, go where international tourists go…the hot spots.  If you sell children’s toys, go where new mommies go – baby showers, pediatrician’s offices, etc.  And if you sell things like prayer beads, consider yoga studios and meditation centres.  Think outside your box.  Think like your ideal customer.

3.  Expand your product range.  Don’t stick to just one item or even a type of item.  For example, if you make earrings, why not source earring holders or stands too?  Not to mention the matching necklace and bracelet.  Try to make it as practical as possible.  If you are into quilting, why not expand your range into quilted teddies, upholstered furniture and cushions?  Or if you sell handmade clothing, you could create some pretty and unique hangers that go with the range.  Or possibly complementing accessories.

4.  Get a web presence and blog

These days you cannot get by without a website.  You need to show the world who you are – showcase yourself!  If you can connect this to your own online store, even better.

You also want to keep your website new and fresh.  The best way to do this is to keep a blog.  You can write about your products, your creative process, your business – whatever you wish.  The more you share online, the more people will be driven to you and your crafts.  And be sure to have a newsletter so that you can send your followers news about your new products!

5.  Drive traffic

Once you have your website, you need to get as many people there as possible.  Start commenting on other crafters’ blogs, do some guest posts, interact with people online.  Get social on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

6.  Become the expert

The big money these days is in information and skills training.  Digital products such as ebooks, videos and online courses, as well as things like in-person workshops.  Think about what you do really well – for example, your particular craft.  Now think about how you could teach that skill in a unique way to a larger audience.  You can write an ebook on how to create a quilted teddy bear, for instance.  Or you could host a workshop on the same topic.  Or both.  People don’t just want to go buy a book on beading anymore.  They want someone to show them in person – so create a video series online, or have a home party in your area where you show them how to do it – and sell your own products at the same time.  Or turn that entire concept into an online course that runs over 6 weeks.  The options are endless.  Brainstorm some ideas – you’ll be amazed what you come up with!

Now go make some money!

There is so much to talk about around this topic, so feel free to send me your comments and feedback.  I love brainstorming ideas and will help you come up with some for your unique product and/or service.  For free!  Email: michelle@michelleainslie.com

Michelle Ainslie is the go-to expert for creative solopreneurs who want to quit their day job and live their dreams – and make tons of money at the same time!  Visit her website and download a free Creative Solopreneur Manifesto poster that will inspire you to create every day:  www.michelleainslie.com

A little while back I asked via our Facebook page and Twitter on what the favourite markets where that our Jamtin community enjoyed visiting. Here are some of them that were mentioned from around South Africa.

City Bowl Market on Hope - Bringing together a variety of fine foods, drinks and people. Experience an ancient way of shopping in a modern context at this high quality food market in Cape Town’s City Bowl.

Venue: 14 Hope Street, Cape Town, South Africa

When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm

Phone: 073 270 8043

Email: citybowlmarket@gmail.com

Facebook: CityBowlMarket

Website: http://www.citybowlmarket.co.za

I Heart Market - I ♥ market provides a platform once a month for local foodies and designers to showcase their products

Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

When: First Saturday of the month

Email: thejoyteam@gmail.com

Website / Blog: http://www.iheartmarket.blogspot.com/

Facebook: I Heart Market

Market on Main: Market On Main is made for the people of Joburg by the people of Joburg. Our goal is to encourage inner city lifestyle, learn lots about sustainable living, and provide a relaxed and creative space for our friends to spend their leisure time.

Venue: 264 Fox Street, Joburg

When: Sundays, 10am – 3pm

Phone: 011 3340171

Email: Contact here

Website: http://marketonmain.co.za/

Facebook: MarketOnMain

Irene Market – Since the late 1980s, the Irene Village Market some 40 kilometres north of Joburg has earned wide acclaim both as a superb outdoor shopping venue and as a refreshing escape from the bustle of city life.

Venue: Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, Irene

When: Held on the second and last Saturday of every month

Phone: (012) 667-1659 (09:00 – 12:30)

Email: irenemkt@mweb.co.za

Website: http://www.irenemarket.co.za/

Wonder Market - Representing KZN’s best in craft, design and food. In a beautiful location for friends and family to come together.

Venue: 4320 Umhlanga Rocks, Durban

When: First Sunday of the Month

Phone: 079 747 7661

Email: wonder@wondermarket.co.za

Website: http://www.wondermarket.co.za/

Facebook: WonderMarketDBN

 If you live along the Garden Route, or going to be visiting this special part of our country over Easter, why not visit their Local Design and Food Market

The Local Design and Food Market is a platform for Designers and Foodies from South Africa’s Garden Route to express their creativity and skills.

Venue: Upper Level Parking Knysna Square

When: Thursday, 5th April, 5 – 9pm

Website: localdesignmarket.wordpress.com

Contact: localdesignmarket@gmail.com   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnysnaMarket

The Fig Platter - New Food market in Pretoria every Saturday and an additional Craft Market on the first Saturday of each month.

Venue: Wekker Street, near the Village shopping centre Moreleta park,
Pretoria

When: Every Saturday, 9am – 2pm

Phone: 0826474642

I’m not sure when my love for tea started, it was always something I kind of associated with my mom drinking! hmm, maybe it’s just times a changing, because in all honesty I’ve been a massive tea fan for years and years now… I can’t pretend I’m too adventurous with my teas, in fact I’m a Five Roses fan through and through, but still! One element of tea drinking that I wish I would get more into is using a teapot and pretty tea cups, instead of making a massive mug of tea 5 times a day. There is something classy and elegant about tea cups and pots, but one that I’m still to grow in to!

Apart from drinking tea out of them, don’t you love some of these ideas for using beautiful tea cups…

Like using tea cups for a cupcake stand – you can view this tutorial from Flamingo Toes 

(Image from Snowy Bliss)

Or how lovely are these tea cups for succulents from More Design Please

Or how lovely having a bath surrounded by these (and perhaps one filled with real tea). You can find the tutorial over at Hey Gorgeous

Or how about these tea cup lights, seen on Apartment Therapy

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I really am a sucker for beautiful stationery, and can spend hours in any shop that sells the stuff! From pens in all colours and textures, to note pads where you can feel the paper, admire the various covers and images that are used, and then of course the beautiful cards and writing papers that you get. It always makes we want to send a truck load of handwritten notes to anyone and everyone I can think of, just so I can share some of the beauty. (What I really need to work on is my handwriting though to compliment the beauty of the cards, and not the complete opposite).

You can imagine my excitement when one of our more recent listers to Jamtin let me know her work was up on the site – it really is pure talent and anyone would be crazy not to have just a tiny bit of her work in your stationery / gift draw at home…

I personally think these cards would make such beautiful wedding invites, I’ve already got the decor for the entire wedding in my head planned out based on these cards. (Now I just need to convince a bride to go with it)

I also love this design – perfect for family and friends living overseas – it just oozes some of that South African love and beauty.

I’ve also just popped over the Percy Jane Design website and seen these stunning gift tags. Aaaagh, big sigh as you sit back and admire them… go on, take a moment!

So… if you are in love with this stationery range as I am, do get hold of Angie – her details are on her Jamtin listing

One day I’m actually going to win the lottery and then I’ll be able to wake up in the morning and craft away, all day, every day… Here’s one of those projects that I’m hoping won’t have to wait until the day I win the lottery…

The original post (and details on how they make them) is from Oh My Handmade Goodness. It looks pretty straight forward believe it or not, and what a cute little crafting project.

Such cute ideas for gifts for friends, grannies, hmmm anyone… could be a good project for the kids – photocopy or scan one of their drawings to use as the image on your note pad.. I like that idea, even though ours would just be a scribble at the moment.

It being the week of Love and all, I decided that this would be a perfect time to blog about Pinterest. For those of you that know what I’m talking about, I’m sure you’ll agree that this might be one of the greatest things in Social Media since sliced bread. Pinterest is basically an online pin board where you can pin images from all over the Internet for your own inspiration and also to share with other pinners… Trust me on this one, if you have one millimeter of creativity in you you’ll want to check out Pinterest. (The site registered 7 million unique visitors in December 2011).

How to get started.

1) To get an account on Pinterest you need an invite. You can either do this via the site (and they should get back to you in a day or so) or you can email me and I’ll be more than happy to send you an invite.

2) Once you’ve got your account you’re ready to start pinning (make sure your username is as close to any of your other Social Media names to make it easy for people to find you) – our username is simply ‘jamtin’

3) In the simple steps that you’re given when opening your account, you’re given the option to add a ‘Pin It’ button to your tool bar – this is an important step and will allow you to ‘pin’ any images you come across while surfing the net and allows you to pin the image to one of your pinboards (and most importantly saves the link to the original site you’ve pinned from to enable you to revisit the original page just by clicking through the image on your pinboard).

4) Next you should create various ‘boards’ for ways to categorize your pins – ie, ‘handmade tutorials‘, ‘home inspiration‘, and ‘handmade gift ideas‘ to name a few of mine.  People who follow you can either follow you in your entirety or they may choose just to follow some of your individual boards, depending where their interests lie.

5) Now the fun starts – start finding people already on Pinterest to follow – this can range from friends that are already here (you can do a search via your Twitter or Facebook account), to also your favourite creatives – so many of your favourite bloggers will already be on Pinterest, and probably have a ‘follow me on Pinterest’ link on their blog or website. Alternatively, you can just browse the site and you’ll soon find people who have the same taste as you and you can follow their boards as you go. (and you’ll find people follow you back when they see and like what you are pinning. With all Social Media tools, the more social you are, the more followers you’ll have, and that’s just good for business!)

6) You can also like and comment on pins or boards – and as I was saying – since Pinterest is a Social Media tool, it’s always important to be social for it to be effective. Everyone likes to get a comment now and then

You may be asking why I’m telling you all about this – well, it’s two fold really. First, knowing that most of the readers here are super duper talented and creative people, I just know that you’ll find truck loads of inspiration, but Pinterest is also fast becoming a really important Social Media tool for businesses that you really shouldn’t ignore. Think of it as a “visual- word of mouth- viral” tool which shares images and products from your site. ie – it takes one person to pin an image from your site for literally 100′s or 1000′s of people to start repinning the image – all directing visitors back to your site (depending on the popularity of the image, or article, and also how many followers you have)…. think about it…

For a really great article that any creative from a small business should read, here’s the link to : “How Pinterest is Becoming the Next Big Thing in Social Media for Business” from the Entrepreneur.

Please shout if you have any questions on Pinterest. I’m still learning, but have been using it for a couple of months now on another account and just love what it’s done for my inspiration as well as the traffic that it’s driving to my site)

ps – here’s what one of my boards looks like…