Let’s give your shop a “shout out” and let people know you exist. No, I don’t mean standing out in the middle of the street and shouting. Not only could that be dangerous, but someone might think you’re a little off your rocker today.
But don’t let me discourage you if that’s really what you want to do. There are, however, other ways you can tell others about your great shop of handmade goodies.
1. Tell your friends you’ve opened up a shop. Not strangers, your friends. Those people you see most often and on a regular bases.
2. Make an announcement to interested parties. For example: Writers often announce when new books are coming out. Why? Because over time they develop a readership who are interested in reading their books, or a certain type of book. When you announce you have a new product, certain type of product, it generates excitement through interested parties.
3. Create memorable advertising flare. Leave business cards or little samples after you’ve gone to a restaurant, at conferences on freebie tables, and other tactful places where some might pick up your shop name and hold on to it.
4. Become and accessory to a charitable event. There are many charitable organizations and other types of fund raisers that are looking for small businesses to donate to help raise month for their cause. This is where you give your best work, not that painting that just didn’t come out right or the half bent book cover copy that isn’t of any value to you. Here is your chance to shine, and do something good for other. It will come back to reflect brightly upon you if completed in a professional and resonating way. Customers like to see that shops they buy from are involved outside their studios and craft tools.
5. Throw a party. I think I may have mentioned this back in January. But hey, throw a party anyway. Invite friends to invite there friends. Share your new space (studio or store front), have an online gathering with hash tags from twitter or a facebook fan page commodore. You get the picture. And don’t forget the candy! You need to feed your attendees. If you’re having a physical party, throw out the party platters and open the buffets of snacks and punch.
If your party is virtual, then you need to give them some eye candy to go with all that reading and waiting in front to the computer. Free samples, games that lead to a chance to receive discount coupons or free goodies from your shop.
Now that’s the kind of party I like!
How will you tell others about your shop?