Marketing I Love – Poppin.com

by G.B. Oliver

Have you checked out the online office supplies store, Poppin? If you think office supplies are boring, guess again. Poppin does an amazing job to make office supplies seem anything but. Here are just a few of their marketing tactics that I absolutely love.

Bright Colors – Their company name is in bright orange and when you go over to their online shop, you are hit with even more neon colors. In fact, they even encourage you to shop by color. Not typical for an office supply store and definitely living up to their slogan.

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Simple, But Effective Slogan – I love the simplicity of their slogan, “work happy.” On their site, even the categories have short, fun descriptions, all written in lower case such as “write on” (their pen section), “shine on” (their lighting section) and “finish the room” (their decor section).

Fun, Clever Product Copy – From the whimsical advertising tag lines, such as “Go Ahead, Make Mom’s Day” to the very clever, but to-the-point, one line product descriptions, I wanted to read everything on the site. I especially loved how they changed the section that most sites label, “Previously Viewed Items” to “Deja Vu”.

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Poppin.com

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Poppin.com

Promotes Their Press – Poppin does a really great job promoting any major press one of their products receives, which always gives a shop instant credibility.

Gives Free Stuff – They have a section on their online shop just for free downloads. PDFs of to-do lists, calendars, even DIY office projects. They really don’t stop trying to make work fun.

Screen shot 2013-05-02 at 9.30.48 AM

Poppin.com

Makes Joining Mailing List Easy – They even manage to make signing up for their mailing list less intimidating with cutesy phrases. Plus, they don’t take you to a separate page. You add your email right there on the home page, hit submit, done.

Other Target Markets – They are targeting not just the home office user, but also the back to school market and the college crowd, all huge markets.

Design-a-Desk Feature – I saved the best for last. Poppin has a feature on their online shop called Design-a-Desk. You get a blank white desk with 9 of their items on it. You select any color or color combo and the photo automatically changes to show you the look. You then hit “Add to Cart” and you get all 9 items, already in the pre-selected colors. They can’t make it any easier.

Screen shot 2013-05-02 at 9.54.22 AM

Poppin.com

WHAT TO LEARN: Adding personality to your shop goes a long way in not only establishing your brand, but making customers feel comfortable shopping on your site, since shopping online does lack that personal sales touch. This is a great way to add it.

© 2013 G.B. OLIVER

GB OliverABOUT ME: If you want to learn all my tactics that will get your online shop noticed and your products selling, you’ll find them in my marketing ebooks, available at my Ebook Store
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How to Attract New Customers With “How To” Advice

by G.B. Oliver

I wanted to give an excerpt from my ebooks today, Small Business Marketing Ideas That Work!, because I want to talk about a popular trend in marketing – giving advice your customers are looking for, in order to bring them to your online business.

MalloryHopeDesign_AGMarketing_eBook_HomeProducts

Well, that’s kind of what I do here, but I am going to discuss it from an online retail point of view.

A lot of online retailers will offer sections on their websites or blogs that give expert advice on topics you are searching for on Google. The hope is that page will turn up in search results and bring these potential customers over to their website (and their shop).

A good example is World Market. They are a popular online store selling a variety of goods from all over the globe, and they have a section on their home page this month entitled, “9 Ways to Tie a Scarf” and each of the nine ways shows a different scarf they sell. Each way also includes a 40-second clip on how to do it.

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Why is this brilliant? Well, besides showing how to wear their scarves, they are capitalizing on the fact that the phrase, “Ways to Tie a Scarf” is searched over 8,000 times a month on Google. So when someone searches that phrase, there is a good chance their home page will come up.  Plus, visitors can now Pin, Tweet, Facebook this video tutorial (social media loves videos) and World Market can add it to their YouTube channel, spreading this advertorial even further.

Pottery Barn is another online store that knows what its customers are looking for. They have a page called, “How to Hang Curtains” because that phrase is searched about 3,600 times a month on Google. While it is a nice value added service to offer this information to customers, it is also a great hook to bring in new customers who are searching on this, especially when Pottery Barn products are used in the tutorial.

FINAL WORD: What do your potential customers want to know related to what you sell? Be a source of advice for them and they may “accidentally” discover you.

Get More Great Marketing Advice in My Ebooks (because I don’t give away everything here :) )

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“Best buy ever!” . . “Cannot recommend this enough!” . .  ”You will not be disappointed!” . . “Incredible!” 

Take your online business to the top, before your competition does. My expert, innovative advice, ideas and tactics will make you an online superstar! Download your copy of Small Business Marketing Ideas That Work!HERE (versions for selling Home products, Jewelry / Fashion Accessories, Kids & Baby products and Wedding products).

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© 2013 G.B. Oliver. All rights reserved.

Product Photography I Love – March Edition

by G.B. Oliver

I love great photography. It really does help sell a product. Here are some favorites I found, and I will explain (in case it’s not obvious) what works that makes this a photo that sells.

Beauty Products

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Why It Works: I love this product shot by Crabtree & Evelyn for many reasons. One, I think by including the oranges in the shot, it really does convey that you will find them in the product. Two, I love how they positioned the bottles on this white washed table, making it feel like a very natural, fresh product. Finally, grouping all four products together really does help upsell, making you want the whole set.

 

Vintage Products

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Why It Works: The vintage shop, Dreamy  Whites, does an amazing job of shooting their vintage finds with magazine quality photos. The soft lighting makes the vintage product feel like it will fit into any type of home today. Showing the product in use is always a good idea. If you just saw a photo of this basket on its own, empty, would you be as inclined to want it?

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Pet Products

kurgo-pet-skybox-booster-seat-d-20090924170450133~526856

Why It Works: This is a great product shot from a company called Kurgo selling on HSN. You can never go wrong showing a cute dog, and this one is a great model. Again, showing the product in action helps me visualize it in my own car and with my own sized dog. And they make it look just too adorable to pass up.

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Paper Products

laser-cut-pebble-wedding-invitations2

Why It Works: Invitation company, Luscious Verde, shows various aspects of the design in one photo, really highlighting nice details you might have otherwise missed. Doing a collage is a great way to ensure the customer see all the features and benefits.

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FINAL WORD: Photos really can sell a product if you use them to highlight use, need unique features. Plus, with today’s image-hungry online environment, top quality photos are more likely to be “pinned” and “liked” helping your products to go viral.

Want My Very Best Marketing Ideas, That I Don’t Put Here on the Blog?

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“Best buy ever!” . . “Cannot recommend this enough!” . .  ”You will not be disappointed!” . . “Incredible!” –  If you want my VERY BEST marketing tactics and advice, I save that exclusively for my Ebooks, Small Business Marketing Ideas That Work!, available at my Etsy shop.

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Online Stores I Love – Harabu House

by G.B. Oliver

One of the things I try to do with my blog is frequently point out Marketing I Love and Products I Love, but today I am actually going to talk about an Online Store I Love. The store is called Harabu House and if you are looking for ideas to what makes an online store work, you definitely should check them out.

Screen shot 2013-04-29 at 10.41.45 AMHarabu House was launched in 2010 and is an exclusive online eco-boutique for contemporary and stylish global finds. Their mission is to find sustainable products that provide economic, social and environmental benefits to the artisans who create them, and they carry products from all over the globe.

What Harabu House is Doing Right:

  • Great Products – They carry truly unique, beautiful products for the home (as well as some jewelry and fashion accessories). From hand painted tea cups to teak measuring spoons, everything seems to have a mix of the exotic and the contemporary at the same time. Screen shot 2013-04-29 at 10.44.17 AM
  • Easy to Navigate – I personally do not like busy home/landing pages and Harabu’s is sleek and simple. They have a slide show running of various products with a caption such as “Find Me Under Dinnerware“, making it easy for the visitor to find the products on display. All the categories are neatly displayed at the top and the particulars such as contact info, FAQs, newsletter, and social media icons are tightly compacted in a barred off section at the bottom. I also love how that important upper right hand corner notifies customers of their free shipping offer on domestic orders over $75 with a hot pink elephant icon drawing the eye right to it.

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  • Gift Guide – Another icon on the home page is their gift guide. But once you click on it, you are actually then given more options to narrow it down further, such as a gift guide for housewarming, baby shower, for him, for her. Another attempt to make the shopping experience easier for the customer.
  • Product Descriptions – The product descriptions are so well written, with compact narratives that tell you everything you need to know and create a need to buy. They are typically followed by a small write-up about the artist. I love the Tell a Friend feature, allowing you to instantly email the product to a friend, the Add to Wish List icon, and the Request More Information icon – three great Call to Actions to keep buyers engaged.
  • Category Highlight – A nice touch this online store has, is that when you are in a particular product category, the icon behind it colorizes, reminding you where you are. Screen shot 2013-04-29 at 10.47.55 AM
  • Photographs – The photographs are definitely top notch. Well-lit, various angles, magazine-quality set-ups, typically showing the product in use. I also like that for certain products, they include a photo of any magazine editorial that product has appeared in, which helps credibility with customers because it acts as an endorsement.
  • Shopping Cart Total – A cool feature about their shopping cart icon in the upper right hand corner, is that it will not only display the number of items (which is pretty common with most online sellers) but it actually displays how much you have spent so far. Love that!

FINAL WORD: So, if you want a good example of what a sleek, attractive online home products shop should look like, check out Harabu House.

Download My New Marketing Ebooks Today!

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Get my exclusive marketing ideas that will help drive your online business in my ebooks, Small Business Marketing Ideas That Work!, (for Jewelry/Fashion, Home, Wedding and Kids & Baby Products) and other helpful marketing tools in my Etsy shop.

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Products I Love – February 2013

by G.B. Oliver

I love smart and innovative product design for many reasons. One, it is inspiring. Two, it always gets publicity. Three, social media followers love spreading the word. Four, it sells!

I went over to one of my favorite shopping blogs, Outblush, and found some of their recent picks that I think are brilliant.

Deep Tea Driver Infuser

Deep Tea Diver by Kikkerland from Modcloth

Deep Tea Diver by Kikkerland from Modcloth

How great is this $15 tea infuser from the online store, Modcloth? Even the name is smart. I love this because it is just so clever. How could you not want to buy this, whether you drink tea or not? Now, granted, you have to use it with a glass mug or it kind of defeats the purpose, but you have to admit it is just makes sense.

Recipe Writing Rubber Stamps

Recipe Writing Rubber Stamps from Paper Cookie

Recipe Writing Rubber Stamps from Paper Cookie

I love these stamps (4 for $24.95) from the Paper Cookie. This is a practical product that appeals to the person who still wants to write out their recipes the old-fashioned way, but made a little easier by the stamps. The stamp market is a big business, and it is nice to see a company finding a new, creative use for them.

Constellation Lamp

Constellation Lamp from Urban Outfitters

Constellation Lamp from Urban Outfitters

What kid is not going to love this lamp ($49) from Urban Outfitters in their room at night? Plus, it’s educational. Educational + fun always sells!

Teacup with Wood Saucer

Teacup with Wood Saucer from Scandinavian Brands Online

Teacup with Wood Saucer from Scandinavian Brands Online

Smart product design is when you solve a problem for the user. That is why this teacup with wood saucer ($28) from Scandinavian Brands Online works. It solves two problems – needing a saucer for your tea when you are drinking it and keeping it hot when you are not. Plus, it looks good.

You Got Your New Dog Kit

Got Your New Dog Kit from Uncommon Goods

Got Your New Dog Kit from Uncommon Goods

This New Dog Kit ($25) from Uncommon Goods is smart for so many reasons. The obvious is that it makes the perfect gift, and gift sets are big business and dog gifts are big business. But if you sell a variety of pet products, why not package them all together as a great way to up-sell your other products. This kit includes practical items like doo-doo bags (their words, not mine), a training clicker, dog treats and a quick start instruction card for the new owner, which to me acts like a very effective business card so the gift receiver knows exactly where to get more.

Be like these online sellers and take your business to the next level! I offer a variety of helpful marketing tools in my Etsy shop, the best advice to market your small business!

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© 2013 G.B. Oliver. All rights reserved.

Product Photography I Love – February 2013

by G.B. Oliver

There are some photos that just make you want to have the product. Usually, it is when the product is shown in use, because then you can really visualize why you need it and how you would use it. Plus, with the popularity of Pinterest and Tumblr, great photos are really getting noticed. Here are some examples of what I think works and why.

Dancing Candy Garland from Modcloth

Dancing Candy Garland from Modcloth

Why It Works: This garland from Modcloth is shot it on an all-white background, so it really makes the colors pop. Also, they show it in use, so not only do you get an idea of how to use it, but you also get a better perspective of the size. Nothing worse that buying something online and when you receive it, it is much smaller than you thought.

Driftwood Candelabra from VivaTerra

Driftwood Candelabra from VivaTerra

Why It Works: I love this product shot from VivaTerra for a few reasons. They blurred out the background and objects to the side of the candelabra. As such, it really draws the eye to the piece and makes for a more artistic photo. Plus they show it in use. If I saw this candelabra, without the candles, not on the table, and not in a rustic setting, I probably wouldn’t know what to do with it. They really sold me on the whole look it could create.

Kate Spade Necklace at Nordstrom

Kate Spade Necklace at Nordstrom

Why It Works: When I first saw this Kate Spade necklace on its own, I had no idea what I could wear it with, and I also thought it was much larger, until I saw this shot. By showing it on a model, and giving a suggestion on how it can be worn, now I want it!

Fruit and Berry Bread from Harry & David

Fruit and Berry Bread from Harry & David

Why It Works: Foods products are so difficult to photograph, but Harry & David does it so well. I love when food products are shown in a kitchen-like setting, makes me think they were just made. I also love how the color of the tabletop and the plates compliment the food, don’t overshadow it, along with the soft lighting. More than anything it is the close-up that really show the texture of the bread – definitely makes you want to taste!

Drinking Straws from ButterCreamDream Shop on Etsy

Drinking Straws from ButterCreamDream Shop on Etsy

Why It Works: This photo is a good example of a product shot that will get pinned to Pinterest, because it doesn’t look like a product shot. What I love about this photo at Butter Cream Dream Shop is how the various colors of the straws have been pulled out by the lemons and the green in the flowers. Plus, it is shot from a different perspective, making it more interesting. Visually, you just like looking at this image. And, it shows the product in action on a lemon stand. Pretty cute.

Remember, great product photos can never hurt your business, so it is worth the investment.

I HAVE A LOT MORE MARKETING ADVICE… in my new guides that will tell you everything you need to do to successfully sell online, whether you are established or just starting out. The early reviews have been great! Click here for more information.

Just one of my Marketing Guides – Guides also available for Home, Kids & Baby and Wedding Products

Just one of my Marketing Guides – Guides also available for Home, Kids & Baby and Wedding Products

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© 2013 G.B. Oliver. All rights reserved.

Examples of Product Copy That Sells –Williams-Sonoma

by G.B. Oliver

When ever I come across effective product copy, I have to share. It is a skill, but if you can tell your product’s benefits, create a need and convince the reader to buy, all in just a few sentences, you’ve done your job. Williams-Sonoma is great at doing all of these things, so I thought I would show you a few examples from their website.

Carving Board at Williams-Sonoma

Carving Board at Williams-Sonoma

Monogrammed Carving Board

Personalized with one carved initial, our board makes a welcomed gift for your favorite barbecue chef. Handsome enough to double as a serving platter, it’s crafted in Vermont of solid maple. $150

  • Crafted from sustainably harvested North American maple, durable enough to withstand daily use yet gentle on knife edges.
  • Deep perimeter well collects flavorful juices.
  • Integral handles make the board easy to lift and carry.
  • Doubles as an impressive presentation piece for turkeys and roasts.
  • Made by the venerable J.K. Adams Co. of Vermont, specialists in finely made wooden kitchen wares.
  • May be monogrammed with a single initial.

Why It Works: First of all, they have positioned it as a Carving board, not a Cutting board. So this is the big strong board you need for carving meat, not some whimpy board for chopping vegetables, and therefore justifies the high price tag. They have sold me on the features of it being solid maple (a strong wood), told me what that perimeter was for (who knew?), given me multiple uses as it doubles as a serving platter, and the fact that it can be monogrammed suddenly turns it into a gift!

Valentine's Day Petit-Fours from Williams-Sonoma

Valentine’s Day Petit-Fours from Williams-Sonoma

Dragon Fly Cakes Valentine’s Day Petit-Fours

An exquisite treat for sharing on Valentine’s Day, our petits-fours are adorned with hand-cut hearts. Prepared for us by Dragonfly Cakes in Sausalito, California, each is hand made with three layers of light, moist sponge cake and three layers of buttercream, topped with a thin layer of marzipan and then draped in chocolate. Delightful with dessert wines, afternoon tea or after-dinner coffee, our assortment includes three flavors: Raspberry: Layered with raspberry jam and raspberry buttercream; Chocolate: Layered with chocolate ganache filling and chocolate buttercream; Vanilla: layered with white chocolate ganache and vanilla buttercream. $45

  • 12 petits fours (4 of each flavor); 10 oz. total.
  • Shipped frozen.
  • Made in USA.
  • A Williams-Sonoma exclusive

Why It Works: They definitely described in detail what I am going to get taste-wise if I buy these petit-fours. They also remind us they are handmade (better quality), and the different ways to serve them in case we have never had petit-fours before. The words exclusive and exquisite, again, are to justify the higher price. If you’ve noticed that they do repeat features from the main paragraph in the bullet points, it is to cover off the fact that some people will only read the bullets.

Baked Loaf Pan from Williams-Sonoma

Baked Loaf Pan from Williams-Sonoma

Baked Loaf Pan

We partnered with legendary New York sweet shop Baked NYC to create a ceramic pan that turns out perfectly tender quick breads – and goes from oven to table with panache. The stoneware’s dark exterior glaze absorbs heat quickly, and the clay retains its temperature for even baking and a golden finish. $43

  • High-fired stoneware is exceptionally strong and ensures even heating for sweet or savory baking.
  • Safe for oven or microwave use and fits our Breville countertop convection oven.
  • Glazed with a chocolate exterior and a vibrant orange interior.
  • Angled handles offer a steady grip.
  • Will not absorb odors or flavors.
  • Pair with one of our Baked NYC mixes to create a sweet gift.
  • Dishwasher safe.
  • 40-oz. cap.
  • Interior: 8” x 4″ x 2 1/2″ deep; 10″ x 4 1/2″ x 3″ high overall.
  • Made in China.
  • A Williams-Sonoma exclusive.

Why It Works: They have quickly answered any question I could have about a baking pan. The design of this loaf pan was overseen by a legendary bakery, so this is top of the line design. I can serve right from the pan it looks so good. Even I can’t screw up a recipe using this pan due to the clay allowing for even baking and a golden finish. Can I find a better pan out there? And this can also become a gift by simply throwing in one of their bake mixes (nice up-sell of their other products!).

So find the unique value in your products, show how you are the best out there, create a need and get them to buy!

IF YOU ARE NOT MAKING SALES, I can help! My new marketing guides will tell you everything you need to do to successfully sell online, whether you are established or just starting out. The early reviews have been great! Click here for more information.

My Marketing Ebooks

My Marketing Ebooks

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© 2013 G.B. Oliver. All rights reserved.

Examples of Product Copy That Sells – ApartmentTherapy.com

by G.B. Oliver

★ THIS BLOG POST  WAS FEATURED ON NY TIMES SMALL BUSINESS BEST OF THE WEEK WRAP-UP

I am sure you have heard of the popular blog, Apartment Therapy. One of my favorite sections there is Maxwell’s Daily Finds, for many reasons. But as a marketer, one of the reasons I like this section is because Maxwell writes product copy really well. Let me explain.

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If you think people want to read a ton of copy of all the virtues of your product, they don’t. Not at first anyway. When they are ready to make a purchase they may want more details, but to initially hook them you have to keep it short and sweet. You have about 100 words or less to emphasize the main value of the product (what problem does it solve), convince a person why they need it and have a closing line that gets them to buy.

Here is an example of product copy on Maxwell’s Daily Finds today & I explain after why it works:

Provendi Rotating Soap Fixture

• $38
• Anthropologie

“I love these so much we used to sell them through our little online Apartment Therapy store years ago. They were hard to find, but leave it to Anthro to solve that problem. Designed for public schools in France, the ‘sweetly scented, softly foaming vegetable-based soap’ rotates and slowly wears down. New soap replacements just get screwed onto the ‘spike.’ It’s a great solution for kitchen sinks, bathrooms without a lot of counter space OR beside bathtubs or outdoor showers. Oh, and it’s a conversation starter as well.”

So in less than 100 words, Maxwell made this product very appealing.

Here is what I got out of the copy:

  • Solves a problem (when there is no space for a soap dish)
  • It has an European chic appeal – “designed for schools in France”
  • It has eco-appeal – “vegetable-based soap”
  • It will last a long time – “slowly wears down”
  • It can go in multiple rooms “kitchen sinks, small bathrooms, outdoor showers”, so encourages buying more than one
  • It is  a cool product – “conversation starter”

Here’s another example, particularly of interest to those of you who sell art online:

Original Antonioni BLOW UP Movie Poster

• $3000
• Posteritati Movie Posters

“I love original European movie posters to wake up a room and make a statement. This is one of the best, and I originally saw it used in a Ralph Lauren showroom in NC. Huge (55×79), vintage from 1967, perfect in its raw style and brilliantly red, it’s aspirational in price, but worth it.”

Here’s what I got out of it:

  • Solves a problem – “wakes up a room and makes a statement”
  • It has vintage appeal – “vintage from 1967″
  • It has European chic appeal – “original European movie posters”
  • It has cache – “used in a Ralph Lauren showroom in NC”
  • Yes, it’s expensive but it’s “an original”,  ”huge (55 x 79)” and “one of the best movie posters”

It takes some skill, but you can write your own effective product copy. Solve a problem, give multiple reasons to buy it, and leave with a closer that addresses any doubts a buyer may have.

If you need more advice and examples of effective product copy (because I save the best stuff for my ebooks!) I walk you through it step-by-step in my PDFs, Small Business Marketing Ideas That Work, and I have editions specifically for selling Home, Wedding, Kids & Baby products and Jewelry & Fashion Accessories, available here.

IF YOU REALLY WANT TO BE A TOP SELLER, please don’t take just any advice that could send you down the wrong path. Getting professional marketing advice will make the difference between selling a few products a month and being a top seller.

My Marketing Ebooks

My Marketing Ebooks

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© 2013 G.B. Oliver. All rights reserved.

Marketing I Love – Kendra Scott Jewelry

by G.B. Oliver

If you want to see an example of an online shop that thinks of everything a customer might want, Kendra Scott Jewelry is a good example.

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There are so many things this online shop does right. The first thing is customers can shop by color, which is great if you are looking for earrings in a certain color, or need a piece to go with a specific outfit and color is a factor. Given the volume of items this shop has, offering specific searches, such as by color, helps the customer not get frustrated with trying to find what they want and leave before even looking around.

There is another feature called the Color Bar, where you can customize a variety of pieces with either a gold or silver base, and then change the color of the stone. Now, if you sell on an online marketplace where you have little control over features like this, you could still add a photo of a palette of all the colors you can customize. Just a great way for your customers to get what they really want.

I love how they categorize their gift guide. Not by price, but by taste. So if you buying for someone who is classic, trendy, minimalist or feminine, you will get a variety of suggestions. This is a much better way of doing it since jewelry is all about an individual’s taste and style.

On her blog (which is part of the shop) Kendra has a variety of beautiful inspiration boards which incorporate her pieces. In today’s visual environment, inspiration boards are key for your customers to know how to wear your pieces and to be able to visualize them as part of an outfit. Plus, they are great for pinning to Pinterest.

Each individual piece of jewelry is photographed well. There is a photo of the item on a white background, a photo on a head illustration so you can get a perception of the size of the piece, and then there is a photo of the jewelry item on an actual person so you can imagine how it would look on you.

Kendra also offers bridal jewelry and you almost feel like you have entered a wedding blog in this section because it has beautiful photos of real life brides who are wearing her jewelry. Kendra encourages brides to submit their photos, which is a great way to get professional photos for your shop!

Marketing_Ideas_Etsy_JewelryBE SURE TO READ all my secrets in my new marketing ebooks, available here – including an ebook specifically for jewelry & fashion accessories – and make 2013 a winning year for your shop!

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© 2012 G.B. Oliver. All rights reserved.

Marketing I Love – One Kings Lane

 by G.B. Oliver

If you are not familiar with the online store, One Kings Lane, they specialize in offering home decor and accessories products from different vendors, and showcasing certain selections of the vendors’ products for a limited time to buy. You have to be a member of One Kings Lane’s site in order to purchase.

So exclusive products at a reduced price for a limited time offer to a select clientele. It’s a great business model. Limited time offers mean people have to act quickly; exclusive products also make buyers act quickly; having products that are always marked down from retail price is a great lure; and a membership only storefront means a lot of repeat business from your customer base.

I was on their website recently and noticed some really smart marketing ideas that they’ve implemented, that a smaller online shop could take advantage of as well.

  • Invite Friends Offer: They have an offer that if you invite friends, either by emailing them a product listing or liking the product on Facebook, and the friend buys, you get a $15 gift card. And they make it really easy to do with the icons very prominent beside the offer and with one click all the product info appears in a posting on your Facebook page.
  • Smart use of Pinterest Icon: Some businesses just put the Pinterest PIN it icon on their product page, which can get lost in all the text, but One Kings Lane includes a sentence in red beside it telling you to “Click PIN it to Pin this product on Pinterest“. Your customers don’t always think to do it, so it’s a great reminder .

One Kings Lane groups their products into useful searches

  • Personalization Reminder: If a product can be personalized, One Kings Lane makes it very clear in two different places – a very visible icon on the product photo that says “Personalize It!” and another icon in the ordering information that says “Personalize this item” and then expands how the process works.
  • Sale Countdown Clock: They have a countdown digital clock on the page so you know exactly how many hours and minutes you have until the sale ends. Great way to get you to act quickly.
  • Delivery Time: They give the estimated arrival for every item at the bottom of the product copy.  For example, they will say “Estimated Arrival Nov 28 – Dec 3″. This is helpful if it is a gift and you need to know that if you purchase it, it will arrive in time for Christmas.
  • Vintage Descriptions: One Kings Lane is known for also carrying a lot of vintage items. In their copy, they will always identify the era and condition. For example, Era: 1960s  Condition: Very Good; blemishes and weathering from age and use. If you are selling vintage items, you must include the era and condition as it will help the item be found in Google searches (customers searching for a specific piece from a specific time), as well as vintage customers expect this type of information.

These are all easy marketing tips that you can apply to your online shop or business that will help boost your sales.

For more great marketing ideas for your small business, as always, please check out my Small Business Marketing Ideas That Work! Ebooks, available in my shop.

Marketing I Love – Philosophy

by G.B. Oliver

If you are not familiar with the line of skin care, bath and fragrance products called Philosophy, you definitely should check them out because they do branding really well, especially when it comes to packaging. (Now if the word branding is throwing you off and you don’t do packaging for your products, keep reading because that is not totally what this post is about.)

On their product bottles, Philosophy hardly uses any graphics (except for special holiday products), mostly text (and a simple font at that), and they don’t even talk about their product on the label. Instead, their products have names like HopePurity, and Grace and the label is taken up with a well-written, inspirational paragraph that typically has nothing to do with the product.

Philosophy’s Simple but Clever Packaging

The names are simple, but clever, and they relate back to what the product is for. For example, Hope is a moisturizer. Their skin care products are all in white or cream bottles, evoking an image of clean. Their fragrances‘ packaging is light pink and ivory, creating a very feminine feeling, and their bath products are bright colors (because baths are fun) and they have fun names like Gingerbread Man, Candy Cane, and Sugar Plum Fairy. In fact their Mimosa Bubble Bath actually has a recipe for Mimosas on the label. Not what you would typically see on a bottle of shower gel, but that’s what makes it eye-catching.

So How Can You Apply This To Your Small Business?

Simple and clever always work. Simple makes it easier on the customer who is thinking of purchasing the product (no hard sell, not a lot of typical “marketing” words on the package) and clever always gets attention. And great packaging alone can sell products.

Now, maybe you don’t package your products, but you can apply these same techniques of simple and clever to your logo, shop design, website design, product names, even product design. It is a crowded, crowded marketplace so you have to do something to separate yourself from the pack and create a brand that is memorable to customers. If they don’t remember you, they can’t come back and buy from you.

★ I talk a lot about how to ensure that you offer marketable products in my Marketing Ideas That Work! Ebooks, available HERE.

Marketing I Love – Piperlime

by G.B. Oliver

If you have ever visited the online store, Piperlime, they do something I think is really smart. They know times are tough right now, so they have a category on their site called “Girl on a Budget”. All the items listed here are under $100.

“Girl on a Budget” Promotion from Piperlime

This is smart marketing because 1. they have made it easy for the buyer by already putting aside these items in one area 2. they get it that not everyone can afford to spend a ton of money on clothes right now. They also send out an email campaign to their customers with the same “Girl on a Budget” heading. If you’re a female, that heading is attention getting.

This campaign goes with my philosophy that when the economy is down, there may not be a lot of people with a lot of money to spend, but there will always be a lot of people with a little money to spend. That is who this is targeting. For some customers, this may be the only area of their website that they look at.

So How Can You Apply This To Your Small Business? 

Think about doing this with your own online business. Are there certain items you can pull out and say “Gifts under $25″ or the “Everything under $30 section”. People will usually take a chance on a low cost item, and if they are satisfied they will return and buy more.

Want to love your marketing? Get innovative ideas that work! in my E-books, available HERE.

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