{Social media + Gussy = friends.}

I’ve found so many great friends because of social media. I remember when I started blogging, almost 2.5 years ago, I thought the internet was soooooo huge and how would I everrrrrrrrr learn my way around it? I finally feel like I understand how to use it, and what types of benefits it can provide for me now that I’m self-employed.

Ya know, we’re like BFFs now.

Social media has been a huge contributor to the success of my ruffled business >> Gussy. It’s helped me to find inspiration, make new friends, meet new customers, discover new shops to buy materials from, blog topics + more!

I’ve learned a lot and shared a lot…

Here are some of my top tips on how to connect with others to grow your blog and/or handmade business:

1. Make a list of things you enjoy >> hobbies, foods, places, materials, etc.

…and stick to them. Find ways to be intentional with the things you enjoy and share them on your blog or shop. Soon you’ll find yourself a group of friends that enjoy the same things you do. Yay!

2. Make yourself available. Sign-up for twitter, make a Facebook profile or fan page, leave purpose-filled comments on the blog posts you read. These are all easy ways to “bring people over” so your product or knowledge can be shared with them.

3. Advertise your blog/product. And, advertise within a circle of blogs. Repetition; it works :] Maybe you don’t want to advertise? Leave a comment on a blog, then “blog hop” to another blog {click on a blog link that you found on blog #1} and leave a comment there. Keep hopping around, leaving a little trail of personality through your comments. People will find you, trust me :]

4. Provide fun, fresh content on your blog or shop. Even if it’s just a daily photo sharing a bit of your story…

5. See a blog or shop you love? Write to them! Even if it’s just a quick, Hey, I saw your shop and it reminded me of ______. Your products are so cute!, a note is a note and everyone loves getting them. {Besides, it’s a great way to get YOUR site out there, too.}

6. Remember that social media is a public venue. If you have a business that you’re promoting, REALLY think it over {maybe think it over five times} before you make fun of a customer’s last name or share your annoyance over their “silly” question via social media. Words spread like wildfire online, and I’ve read some shocking things from business owners… It never looks good.

7. Lastly, have fun with it! Plan twitter parties, host link-up blog parties, promote products you heart through giveaways… Keep it fun :]

Share with us: How do you use Social Media?