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My Latest Product SEO Tips

April 12, 2017 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

Here are some of my latest product SEO tips.

When was the last time you researched how people are searching for your products? People are actually getting very specific about how they search, no longer just entering two or three keyword phrases but sometimes 5 to 10 keyword searches, possibly because they can enter the search phrase via an audio command as opposed to having to type it in.

A great way to find out how people might be currently looking for your types of products is to go to the most popular marketplace, Amazon, and use their auto-complete feature to see the searches that fill down.

Long Tail Product Search Phrases

For example, look at these popular very long-tail searches I found on Amazon:

Dog toys for aggressive chewers
Cute desk accessories for women gold
Galaxy s7 edge case with screen protector
Best hair growth products for women that actually work
Leggings for women with designs
Nose ring studs l shaped gold
One piece swimsuit with words for women
Elephant shower curtain black and white
Baby girl clothes 3-6 months summer dress
Tapestry wall hanging black and white tree

As you can see from the searches above people are getting very specific, likely because they don’t have a lot of time to look through search results. They know what they are looking for and they want to find it quickly.

You can use these long tail search phrases to your advantage as they are so specific offering less competition and a more likely buyer. It can also help you to see the type of features customers are looking for, in case you don’t offer these in your current product offerings. It may also help you to position your products differently, based on consumer needs.

Etsy SEO Tutorial

If you need help mastering Etsy SEO, check out my best selling Etsy SEO Guide.

About Me

Do you need your Brand Story written or an SEO-Optimized Blog Post or a Personalized Business Consultation? As a 20+ year marketing professional and small business consultant, all of my services are super affordable.

I have consulted for thousands of small businesses since 2012, and my advice has been featured in the NY Times, Success Magazine, Yahoo Business, American Express, Big Commerce, Business2Community to name a few – so this is professional advice you can trust!

My Publicity Pitch service has also gotten my clients featured in Real Simple Magazine, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, Vanity Fair, Houzz, Martha Stewart, Glamour Magazine, LONNY, DesignMilk, Emmaline Bride,– just to name a few.

I also have a wide variety of business & marketing downloads you can check out at my Shopify store.

Easy Ways to Expand Your Product Line

April 4, 2017 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

by Gail Oliver, Online Marketing Consultant

Are you feeling stagnant and wondering how you can take your current design talents and use them for other products? You would surprised at how you could easily venture into other, potentially more lucrative markets.

For example, let’s say you’re a jewelry designer. Take a look at this $1,200 beaded chandelier below, and see how your talents would lend nicely to a product of this nature.

Are you a wood worker? I bet you never thought you could find success in the popular market for nursery night lights, but it is actually quite simple if you simply adhere your wooden design to the night-light base. The ones below sell for $32 each.

Are you a painter but canvas, paper and walls are getting a little boring for you? How about trying the trendy water bottle market, like this $38 art water bottle below?

Maybe you work with marble and you’re getting a little tired of just making cutting boards. Then how about a sleek and classic $98 marble shelf?

Do you knit or crochet and want to avoid the season lull once sweater season is over? Two great ways to use your skills are a $285 hammock or a $210 dream catcher.

So, I hope these ideas have inspired you, if you are finding that you are just not making it in your current market. Another thing that might help you is my Product Consultation, where I inspire you with fresh ideas based on market demand, current trends and unique offerings that will set your business apart.

How to Market a Product Instead of Your Shop

March 20, 2017 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

by Gail Oliver, Online Marketing Consultant

A lot of online stores spend their time trying to market and promote their shop as a whole, but sometimes you can might be better to focus your efforts on marketing a specific product from your shop instead. It still brings traffic into your shop to sell what else you sell.

Getting Publicity for Your Product

It is much easier to get publicity on a product than on your shop as a whole. As I have said in the past, your best chance to get publicity for a product is if it is:

Quirky or Unusual – Example: Unicorn Dog Sweater
Timely or Seasonal – Example: Beauty and the Beauty Body Wash
Part of a Current Trend – Example: Pom Pom Sandals
Is a Hot Seller for You (the media likes to write about success stories)

If you are still not sure how to pitch your product to the media, be sure to see my Publicity Pitch Service.

Advertising Your Product

Did you know that you can advertise a single product (not just your entire shop) as an Google Adwords ad? This is different than a Google Sponsored Product ad. An Google Adwords ad appears at the top or bottom of search results with a much more detailed description of your product, and in my experience, gets a better click-through.

Promoting Your Product on Social Media

If you are going to post one of your products on social media, you have to make it interesting or it will get lost in the noise of all the other people who simply post their products. For example, Nordstrom posting a pair of Prada shoes, but surrounding it with clovers to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. If you still can’t figure out how to get your products seen on social media, be sure to get my downloadable Social Media Plan.

So, if you have had no luck promoting your shop as a whole, try zeroing in on one product and see if it makes a difference. Be sure to see more of my products and services at:

Latest Opportunities to Get Publicity for Your Etsy Shop

March 13, 2017 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

by Gail Oliver, Online Marketing Consultant

I have spoken many times in my Ebooks and Marketing Plans how there are many publications that will frequently write about Etsy “Finds”. Sometimes the writers find you on their own, but sometimes you can pitch them the right story idea and they might just go for it.

Here are some recent Etsy “Finds” articles that I found:

Bon Appetit: The Best Shops on Etsy for Vintage Kitchenware

Vogue: 12 Brilliant Indie Beauty Brands That Started on Etsy

Footwear News: A Guide to the Coolest High-Top Sneakers on Etsy

Essence: 11 Etsy Accessories That’ll Remind Them Not To Touch Your Hair…Or Lipstick

Insider: 15 Awesome Stationery Shops You Can Find on Etsy

Now, my first advice would be to follow these writers on their social media profiles in hopes that they take notice of your Etsy shop and might consider your products for a future post (if what you sell is relevant to their audience).

Then think about a timely story idea, make sure it has a grabby headline and email the writer the idea, along with a link to one of your listings that would fit nicely as part of the story. And remember, keep the pitch short!

If you are still not sure you can do this, check out my Publicity Pitch Service or one of my Marketing Ebooks that walks you through how to write a great publicity pitch. Good luck!

WANT TO KNOW WHAT I THINK OF YOUR SHOP?

It really helps to get a professional marketing opinion and find out once and for all what is stopping your shop from being successful. Get more details about my Online Shop Critique.

Latest Customer Review

“Amazing…as usual! I am never disappointed and will continue to trust Gail’s work. I have always seen instant and positive results. Highly recommend!!! You will not be disappointed. Thanks again for your help!” Isis, Mamis Little Muse on Etsy.

7 Reasons People Aren’t Buying Your Products

February 22, 2017 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

I have often talked about how, on average, at least 1% of traffic should convert into a sale. It’s not a hard and fast rule because there are many factors that come into play, but, typically if 100 people view a product listing of yours, you should get at least 1 sale.

If this is not happening, you have a problem.

While 1% is average, a very good conversion rate is 2 to 5%, but again, for this to happen you have to make sure you have done the following:

Do You Match Your Competition Feature for Feature?

Maybe someone sees a necklace you are selling, for example, and likes it, but they want it in gold not silver, can you honor their request? Otherwise, they will keep looking.

Have You Left Out Vital Information?

Have you mentioned all the particulars such as colors, sizes, weight, materials, etc.? Don’t make the customer search for the information or feel they have to ask; they won’t.

Are You Priced Comparable to Your Direct Competition?

If you are too priced high the buyer will keep shopping around. If you are priced too low, the buyer worries about the quality.

Are Your Shipping Charges Crazy High?

This is a deal breaker for many as shipping is seen as throw away money to a customer. Shipping should never be more than 20% of the price. If you can’t do that, work some of the shipping back into the price.

Have You Created a Sense of Trust with the Buyer?

Things such as good reviews, publicity in mainstream media, business awards, easy return policy, all help to ease the buying decision. There are many customers who will not buy from a seller with no return policy, it is too risky.

Is Your Product Photography Top Quality?

Do your photos help to show the size and scale (how many times have you read reviews where people say the product was much smaller than they thought)? Do you have photos that zoom in on the details? Remember, they are buying it without seeing it or touching it, or you have to provide that same experience.

Maybe It’s One Little Thing

Sometimes there are just little things that are turning off buyers, but you are just too close to your business to be objective. This is where I can help with my very affordable Phone Consultations. I have an average conversion rate of 11%, so I will tell you exactly why people aren’t buying and what you need to change.

Marketing Strategy Plan Template

February 16, 2017 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

marketing strategy plan template

Do you need an easy to follow, marketing strategy plan template for your small business?

I created these already-done-for-you 12-Month Marketing Plans to drive more traffic and sales to your small business.

Each month, you get tactics to do from publicity to content marketing to social media to advertising to SEO.

Each plan has 12 months, and each month has different tactics, as you can see in the photo below.

Scroll down to see if I covered your business. If not, ask me if it’s on the way!

Plus, they are ridiculously affordable at just $3.75, so download today at my Etsy store.

Restaurant Marketing Strategy Plan

My restaurant marketing plan comes complete with over 300 tactics to help your restaurant get seen and get business!

marketing plan template

Travel Agent Marketing Strategy Plan Template

If you’re a travel agent or agency, you’ll love the ease of my 12 Month Marketing Strategy Plan.

marketing strategy plan

Real Estate Agent Marketing Strategy Template

One of my best sellers, this marketing strategy plan will help both real estate agents who are starting out, along with established ones.

12 month marketing plan

Retail Marketing Strategy Plan Template

If you own a retail store, you’ll love all the ideas in my 12 Month Marketing Strategy Plan.

digital marketing plan

Life Coach Marketing Strategy Template

Life coaches are big fans of the creative tactics in my 12 Month Marketing Plan.

digital marketing strategy

T-Shirt Marketing Strategy Plan

Your tshirt business will get a lot more traffic and sales when you implement my 12 Month Marketing Strategy Plan.

marketing strategy plan template

Candle Marketing Strategy Template

The candle business is ultra competitive, so get the advantage with my 12 Month Marketing Plan.

marketing strategy plan

Fashion Brand Marketing Strategy Plan

If launching your own fashion brand, you’ll love my 12 Month Marketing Strategy Plan.

marketing planning template

More 12-Month Marketing Strategy Plans

Read more marketing advice, tips and ideas on my blog.

Cute Instagram Captions

February 1, 2017 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

Are you in need of some cute Instagram captions, especially for selfies?

Below are cute Instagram captions for every season, holiday, selfies and more! Enjoy this list.

Cute Instagram Captions for Selfies

Today was a total waste of makeup
Just lovin’ life
I’m ready for my closeup
Can you take it?
Now you see me
You again?
Me without you
I’ll be seeing you
Me again
You got me
Are you ready?
Here I go again
You don’t say
Home alone
Sweats on, stayin’ in
Hello it’s me
Just rolled out of bed
Selfie-made woman
Mirror, mirror

Cute Instagram Captions for Christmas

Wish you were here
All I want for Christmas is you
Mistoe-ing
The most wonderful time of the year
Baby it’s cold outside
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
It is a wonderful life
My Christmas story

Cute Instagram Captions for Valentines Day

We go together like a cupcake and sprinkles
Sending some xxx’s and a few ooo’s
Having each other is having it all
So happy together
Hope your heart is happy today

Cute Instagram Captions for St. Patricks Day

Rainbows Above You, Shamrocks Below
May your kilt be short enough for dancing, but long enough to hide your lucky charms
Up to Shenanigans
Hoping to get lucky
Looking for a pot of gold
Download here
Feeling lucky?
Eat, drink and be Irish
Drinks well with others
I’m magically delicious
Irish today, hungover tomorrow
Shaking my shamrocks

Cute Instagram Captions for Easter

Hoppy Easter
My Easter is egg-cellent
Don’t worry be hoppy
Bunny kisses and Easter wishes
Hangin’ with my peeps
Some bunny loves you
Hangin’ with my favorite chicks
I’m one cute chick
Hippity Hoppity
Some bunny to love
I have a bunny feeling
Egg-actly!
I’m an eggspert
Eggcuse me
I’m egg cited for Easter
Are you egg cited for Easter?
I’m egg ceptional!
I’m a chick magnet

Cute Instagram Captions for Halloween

What’s up, pumpkin?
Ghouls just wanna have fun!
Keep calm and scare on
Cutest pumpkin in the patch
Eat, drink, and be scary
Too cute to spook
Boo from the crew
Hangin’ with my ghoul friends
Bad to the bone
Having a boo-tiful night
This is where the magic happens
Absolutely fa-boo-lous
Resting witch face
You better work, witch
Here for the boos
Witch better have my candy
What’s up, witches?
The only time I wear a mask now
Hey boo-tiful
Bow down, witches
If you go it, haunt it

Cute Instagram Captions for Pets

Just me and my bestie
My fur baby
Chillin’ with my crew
Love you so dog-gone much
I wuf you
When you love a dog

Cute Instagram Captions Inspirational

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
You only live once
Where will today take you?
Let it be
Let that sh*t go
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone
Today is where you book begins
Burn with the brightest flame
You are beautiful, no matter what they say
Be real, not perfect
Killin’ it every damn day
Enjoy the little things
Be fearless
I am enough
Time to woman up
Just keep going
Dream without fear
Love without limits
Perfectly imperfect
It is what it is
This too shall pass
Empowered woman
Good things are coming
Make today amazing

Cute Instagram Captions for Summer

Summertime fun
Fun in the sun
Sun’s out bun’s out
Beach hair don’t care
Soaking up the sun
Sun worshipper
Sun goddess
Ray days
Gettin’ some rays
Beach babe
Beach bum
Bitchin’ beach
Beach body
Beach bunny
Take me to the beach

Cute Instagram Captions for Fall

Fallin’ for fall
Fall-ing down drunk
Cozy sweaters in cooler weather
Fall vibes
Thankful, grateful, blessed
I’m in a fall state of min
Autumn leaves, pumpkins please
It’s ah – tum
Autumn is awesome
It’s all gravy baby
Eat, drink and be thankful
Autumn is my favorite color
Pumpkin spice and everything nice
Pumpkin spice girl
Let’s get basted
Leftovers are for quitters
Happy pumpkin spice season
Gobble til you wobble
Fall breeze, autumn leaves

Be sure to check out my 365 Social Media Posting Ideas.

Cute Instagram Captions for Winter

Chillin’ like a villain
Evergreen dreams
Not made for winter
Ski bummin’
Longing for a winter vacay
Stay cozy
Snow princess
Ice princess
Snowed under
Snowed out
Waiting on winter

Cute Instagram Captions for Spring

Blooming
Fresh as a daisy
Looking for a Spring fling
I belong among the wild flowers
Live life in full bloom
I need a Spring break
I need a little Spring in my step

Cute Instagram Captions for Friends

Unlike my plants, our friendship will never die
Better together
Together again
Thank you for being a friend
A friend for life
Waiting on a friend
True friends
Old friends are the best friends
Pal -ing around
Friends to the end
Seasons change, friends tay
Of all the things life bestows, there is nothing so precious as one true friend

Pretty Instagram Captions

Pretty as a picture
Not just another pretty face
Pretty much?
Sitting pretty
Pretty woman
Pretty in pink
All the pretty girls

Cute and Funny Instagram Captions

For a pessimist, I’m pretty optimistic
Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves
It may look like I’m doing nothing, but in my head I’m quite busy
I’m not lazy, I’m just very relaxed
If you’re hotter than me, that’s means I’m cooler than you
A balanced diet means a cupcake in each hand
When nothing is going right, go left
I made a huge to do list today. I just can’t figure out who’s going to do it
I love ordering things online because when they arrive, it’s like a present from me to me
I love my job, only when I’m on vacation
Sometimes I pretend to be normal. When it gets boring, I go back to being myself
He who laughs last didn’t get it
Of course I’m in shape. Round is a shape

Hope you enjoyed all of these cute Instagram captions!

You will also like What to Post to Social Media in March.

20 Creative Real Estate Social Media Posts

January 2, 2017 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

Want to keep the followers of your real estate business engaged and continue to follow you long after the sale?

Here are 20 creative real estate posts for social media from my best-selling 365 Social Media Posting Ideas for Real Estate Agents.

20 Social Media Ideas for Real Estate Agents

Post “Your Home’s Monthly To-Do List” with things homeowners need to do this month.
Download on Etsy
Post 3 hot home decor or design trends for the new year. Quote a local designer and have them share your post on their social media sites as well, giving you free exposure to their clients.
Post of a photo of a house staging fail #HouseStagingFailoftheMonth.
Post 3 reasons why you should rent your home over selling it.
Post a poll asking followers how much they plan to spend on home renovations this year.
Post a photo of a favorite winter cabin for #CabinoftheMonth.
Post the 3 best cities to move to when retiring.
Post a helpful moving tip for #MonthlyMovingTip.
Post a photo of a house with amazing curb appeal for #CurbAppealoftheMonth.
Post 5 color swatches of your favorite go-to paint colors.
Post 3 tips to save on a bathroom remodel, again quoting a local contractor so they will also share.
Post 3 key steps in “Building a Real Estate Portfolio”.
Post a photo of a favorite house for sale (nation wide) under $150,000
#AffordableHouseoftheMonth.
Post 3 fireplace makeovers for #TransformationTuesday.
Post a photo of a favorite house for sale (nation wide) over $2 million #MillionDollarHouseoftheMonth.
Post 3 tips on buying mortgage insurance.
Post your own listing of the month for #HouseoftheMonth.
Post 3 of your favorite home security systems, giving #shoutouts to the brands.
Post a photo of an organized kitchen pantry for #KitchenPantryoftheMonth.
Post photos of 3 of the best coffee tables for a small space for #apartment living.

Are you inspired? Get the rest of the ideas, one for every day of the year, in my best-selling 365 Social Media Posting Ideas for Real Estate Agents.

Be sure to also read: Killer Real Estate Marketing Ideas

If you want more marketing ideas, be sure to also check out my 12-Month Marketing Plan for Real Estate Agents.

Free Letter of Recommendation Template

December 7, 2016 / WordPress.com Support

Free letter of recommendation

If you are looking for a free letter of recommendation template, feel free to copy and paste the example I did below.

I do a lot of personal branding, which typically means writing brand stories and bios, but I also do personal branding for people looking for a job. From writing resumes, LinkedIn profiles and cover letters, you can really benefit from using a professional marketer and writer who knows how to market you, so that you stand out from the ground.

Free Letter of Recommendation Template

Today’s Date

Dear {Name},

It is my pleasure to recommend [Applicant Name] for a position with your company.

[Name] worked for me for {# of years} in the role of {position you held}. [Your Name] was a dedicated and reliable employee who performed her duties with the utmost quality, respect for her work and a positive attitude.

In addition to being very personable and easy to work with, {Your Name} could also work well on her own with little direction, and understood the importance of being on time, delivering a full day’s work, and rarely being absent. Her maturity and professionalism really are second to none.

I cannot recommend [Name] highly enough as an asset for your organization.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact me at [email address].

Sincerely,

[Name, Company, and Title]

Simply copy and paste the above text in Word or Google docs, and don’t forget to replace the copy in brackets with your information. Best of luck on your job search, and be sure to see more of my personal branding service below.

More Personal Branding

Be sure to read my blog.

5 Etsy Shop Marketing Tips for December

November 30, 2016 / Gail Oliver, Online Small Business Consultant

You may be busy filling Christmas orders, but don’t forget you always need to be marketing and promoting your Etsy shop, especially to avoid the upcoming January lull. So today, I am giving 5 hot tips.

5 Etsy Shop Marketing Tips for December

Everyone will be on Instagram on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day posting photos so it’s a good time to run an Instagram ad for your shop, advertising gifts people may have wanted to get but didn’t get for Christmas. In Canada and the UK, it’s called a Boxing Day sale.
If you sell wedding products, you need to run a Google, Facebook, Instagram and/or Pinterest ad for your shop starting Christmas Day and running for the next 10 days as 70% of all engagements happen on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
At mid to end of December, you will want to start sending product submissions to blogs that your target market reads for inclusion in their Valentine’s gift guides.
Pantone is announcing their Color of the Year later the first week of December so make sure to capitalize on the social media buzz it generates posting any products you have in the color or products from other non-competitive shops (in hopes they return the favor). Also, pitch to the Etsy editors any products you have in the color as they will likely be writing about it as well.
Create an after-Christmas product bundle to get rid of any overstock, out-of-date, poor selling or seasonal items.

Get more tips to drive traffic to your Etsy shop with my best selling 30-Day Etsy Success Plan.

Long Tail Product Search Phrases

Etsy SEO Tutorial

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Getting Publicity for Your Product

Advertising Your Product

Promoting Your Product on Social Media

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WANT TO KNOW WHAT I THINK OF YOUR SHOP?

Latest Customer Review

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Like this:

Do You Match Your Competition Feature for Feature?

Have You Left Out Vital Information?

Are You Priced Comparable to Your Direct Competition?

Are Your Shipping Charges Crazy High?

Have You Created a Sense of Trust with the Buyer?

Is Your Product Photography Top Quality?

Maybe It’s One Little Thing

Please Share on Social Media:

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More 12-Month Marketing Strategy Plans

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Cute Instagram Captions for Selfies

Cute Instagram Captions for Christmas

Cute Instagram Captions for Valentines Day

Cute Instagram Captions for St. Patricks Day

Cute Instagram Captions for Easter

Cute Instagram Captions for Halloween

Cute Instagram Captions for Pets

Cute Instagram Captions Inspirational

Cute Instagram Captions for Summer

Cute Instagram Captions for Fall

Cute Instagram Captions for Winter

Cute Instagram Captions for Spring

Cute Instagram Captions for Friends

Pretty Instagram Captions

Cute and Funny Instagram Captions

Please Share on Social Media:

20 Social Media Ideas for Real Estate Agents

Free Letter of Recommendation Template

More Personal Branding

Please Share on Social Media:

Like this:

5 Etsy Shop Marketing Tips for December

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