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:
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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?
Wonderful post! Your personality always shines through in your work and your writing! I love it!
Yay! Thanks Gussy for the advice. I am a new blogger, so I need it!
Great tips… I am always looking for ways to grow my homemade business! Thanks so much! :)
thanks so much for this!
Thanks! Getting started is a little intimidating at times, and this kind of information is helpful – and appreciated! :)
Fabulous post!
Another awesome post! Keeps me inspired and always gives me new tips!
Thanks!
Perfectly perfect Gus. This post is great. I’m going to link up to it sometime soon (hope you don’t mind. ;) Thanks heavens for “the Twitter.” Can’t believe that it wasn’t too long ago that I tweeted you……
Great tips Maggie! RELEVANT Meet & Greet: http://ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2010/10/20-days-till-relevant-meet-some-of.html
Can’t wait to see you there!
Traci
Thank you thank you thank you thank you for including number 6!!!! It makes me die a little inside when shop owners take to FB, Twitter, or even their own blogs to mock and bash customers. HELLO!!!!! Customers are supporting you, paying your bills, giving you their precious money. A public forum is no place to throw them under the bus, regardless of the situation. Grandmothers are always right: SHUT YOUR TRAP if you don’t have anything nice to say. (My grandma was a little rough around the edges, but she taught me well.) That is all. You are my favey.
Thanks for sharing! This was very inspiring to read. I admit I’m bad about leaving comments but I’m going to work on it. Who doesn’t love comments?! Otherwise you feel like your talking to yourself! Love your work by the way!
Remember that time we talked on SKYPE? We should do that again.
Miss you <3
Have loved reading your posts and never more than when you be real like this! Great advice for those of us who are shy in getting into it… like me! Thanks so much :)
Thanks for all your great advice Gussy! I’ve just started my etsy shop and need all the help I can get.
Great tips! Thank you so much for sharing them. :)
jewelscapes.blogspot.com
Thank you for sharing these tips. I love when people who have been around the blog world for a while post tips to help the new people out. The help tremendously! And are really appreciated!
<3 Jenn
jenn-mcclure.blogspot.com