Blogs & Social Networking-Why You Should be Including this in your Marketing program

Whether or not you have an e-commerce jewelry site, you should be making using of the internet to market your jewelry by allowing your potential customers to get to know you.

Blog......It doesn't matter which blog you choose (paid vs free) but you must start right now! This is a fantastic way for potential customers and that includes MEDIA to get to know you and your jewelry products offered. This is a fantastic way to share your design inspirations, your muse, your story, etc....this personal close-up will let you connect in ways that just doesn't happen in "sell mode"! Through The Switchboards, several members have been contacted by NATIONAL MEDIA from magazines, newspapers and TV (like Martha Stewart), etc....because of a post they had written had gotten the attention of an editor or a producer. Now, how does that sound to you??? Personally, I was just recently contacted by Australian Beading to write a jewelry tutorial and offer a fused glass jewelry kit for an upcoming issue with the possibility of another article in the fall. I've been blogging ever since I started my jewelry business (yes, even when I did NOT have an e-commerce site) and I can't tell you how many times a blog post has gotten me PR or a contact that I wouldn't have had a chance of getting (you know the term when pigs fly!).

I currently use a FREE blogger account and have 3 blogs that I post to. I will be switching to WordPress this summer but I've heard wonderful comments about TypePad as well.

Blogging is the "absolute minimum" you should be doing for online "social networking". Does that mean you should have an account on every popular Social Network from MySpace to Facebook? NO....it just means that you have to find what fits you personally so you come across as being authentic. Find people who have similiar interests to you.....maybe you're a fitness buff, like old movies, etc...always have your information in your signature tagline and include a new jewelry design every now and then again in a new post. The point of social networking is to reach out on a personal level and business will follow because they have a "relationship" with you even if they have NEVER met you!

Are you nervous? Don't be! It will take time to find your writing voice or maybe you have hidden talent for writing. You can always write a few posts for a few weeks and save them as drafts (not publish them) until you're comfortable with your style/voice.

And please don't forget that anyone can read what you write on your blog or social network so please remember your manners and refrain from bad language in poor taste, etc...you are still making an impression without coming face to face......just be yourself and sit down and type like you were talking to a good friend!

Here's to your online social networking success to grow your business!

Have a comment , question or rant? Drop me a line!