1/22/08 marketing

[2008.01.22 19:00:35] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.01.22 19:00:35] doonidesigns has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:00:35] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.01.22 19:00:44] DafnaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:01:01] BrittaCP: Hi Everyone!
[2008.01.22 19:01:13] magadog1 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:01:16] SkiBabe: hi
[2008.01.22 19:01:20] TexasFiddler: hi Britta
[2008.01.22 19:01:21] kaosnorway has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:01:21] Daedreem: Hello everybody! :) Happy New Year, and Lots of DoNots!
[2008.01.22 19:01:26] TexasFiddler: howdy folks
[2008.01.22 19:01:26] magadog1: Hi
[2008.01.22 19:01:26] BrittaCP: Thanks for joining our chat today.
[2008.01.22 19:01:31] preggoprincess has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:01:36] steved: HI
[2008.01.22 19:01:41] BrittaCP: Today we’ll be talking about basic shop marketing… or Marketing 101.
[2008.01.22 19:01:46] BrittaCP: If you’re a new Shopkeeper, this is the right chat for you.
[2008.01.22 19:02:14] KC Graphics has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:02:16] SkiBabe: I'm not so new but I could use some marketing know how
[2008.01.22 19:02:31] cultural has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:02:39] BrittaCP: Great... even if you've been around for awhile... it's always good to get a refresher course
[2008.01.22 19:02:43] steved: Ditto, I'm here to get my skills up
[2008.01.22 19:02:48] BrittaCP: There’s more to creating a successful shop than uploading images and placing them on products.
[2008.01.22 19:02:57] BrittaCP: Many of you have already done that.
[2008.01.22 19:03:07] BrittaCP: Your next step is getting your shop out there and noticed, and customers buying.
[2008.01.22 19:03:27] BrittaCP: So today, we’ll be going over some of the basics of how to do that.
[2008.01.22 19:03:32] BrittaCP: We have Dafna with us today, our Top Shop Account Rep.
[2008.01.22 19:03:44] DafnaCP: Hi Everyone and Happy New Year!
[2008.01.22 19:03:47] originalimages has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:04:02] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:04:02] SkiBabe: Back at ya
[2008.01.22 19:04:07] KC Graphics: Happy New Year!
[2008.01.22 19:04:07] AngelaCP: hi everyone
[2008.01.22 19:04:18] Cthulhu has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:04:27] Demetrius has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:05:10] mommainwa has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:05:31] DafnaCP: I look at shops everyday and help people figure out what works for them
[2008.01.22 19:05:33] eva has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:05:42] BrittaCP: As with all our chats this is moderated.
[2008.01.22 19:05:58] BrittaCP: That means any comment that you submit will be placed into a queue until it’s reviewed by a moderator and pushed out by a moderator.
[2008.01.22 19:06:03] susanfaye has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:06:23] magadog1: Do you figure out what DOESN'T work?
[2008.01.22 19:06:41] DafnaCP: magadog1: we also look at what isn't working for someone and why
[2008.01.22 19:06:49] BrittaCP: We try to get all questions and comments, however some may be missed since many come in. So if you don’t see your comment right away, that’s why.
[2008.01.22 19:06:58] Sag has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:07:02] BrittaCP: If you’re a new Shopkeeper, you may notice a lot of buzz terms around here, so feel free to ask if you don’t understand something.
[2008.01.22 19:07:12] TexasFiddler: Does that mean that we can contact you and ask you for suggestions?
[2008.01.22 19:07:30] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:07:59] Cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:08:24] DafnaCP: If you've gotten an email from me then that means you're a top shopkeeper and I'm available to help you. If you haven't gotten an email from me yet, never fear. You can certainly go on the forums for help from your peers -- there are a lot of shopkeepers who really know their stuff!
[2008.01.22 19:09:19] valentinespirit has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:09:24] magadog1: Hi. . . my sales have totally dipped since the Holidays and there is NO traffic-- or close to none in my Valentine's Shop. . . is that unusual?
[2008.01.22 19:09:29] AngelaCP: Hi magdog1, it's normal for sales to dip after the holidays, since the holidays is the biggest selling time of the year.
[2008.01.22 19:10:03] Chiceroo has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:10:05] NinaPA has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:10:10] AngelaCP: However, this year is a bit unusual in that we're sort of in a mini recession of some sort... everywhere you read, there's news about it
[2008.01.22 19:10:35] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:10:40] AngelaCP: I think the media attention may be freaking out some and that "may" be the cause.... not sure. The trend overall in the industry is a bit down.
[2008.01.22 19:10:52] BrittaCP: Sooooo… on with shop marketing.
[2008.01.22 19:11:14] BrittaCP: First we want to talk about Image Tagging
[2008.01.22 19:11:27] BrittaCP: One of the most obvious ways of marketing your designs, is by getting them into the CafePress Marketplace, which is image driven.
[2008.01.22 19:12:07] BrittaCP: In my opinion... this is something that should be done as your upload your images.
[2008.01.22 19:12:26] BrittaCP: don't come back later
[2008.01.22 19:12:31] DafnaCP: agreed
[2008.01.22 19:12:44] DafnaCP: 'cause you'll likely forget to do it later
[2008.01.22 19:13:06] Daedreem: I'm bad about that.. I often try 'come back later' when working with a migraine.. then forget.
[2008.01.22 19:13:12] BrittaCP: When you upload your images, you are given the opportunity to tag (or add keywords) to them, so that when someone searches a particular term in the Marketplace your design may be found.
[2008.01.22 19:13:36] magadog1: What happens if you go back and change them?
[2008.01.22 19:14:22] BrittaCP: The MP will drop the tags that you removed, and index the new ones
[2008.01.22 19:14:39] Demetrius: I miss the suggested tags. Sometimes I have ideas for designs. But, I'm not into the particular "scene" (ie: gaming) enough to know how best to tag them.
[2008.01.22 19:14:50] BrittaCP: Make sure you show up by tagging your images correctly with relevant terms.
[2008.01.22 19:15:00] BrittaCP: We have tutorial with Image Tags Best Practices, right here: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/help/imagetags_tips.aspx
[2008.01.22 19:15:09] Sag: What helps is if you set up a folder named "hold for tags" and place all untagged images in there for tagging so they don't get lost in the mix. It sets up a nice file of work you need to complete.
[2008.01.22 19:15:12] BrittaCP: good idea
[2008.01.22 19:15:59] magadog1: Will they appear as NEW images in the marketplace?
[2008.01.22 19:16:16] cowpie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:17:06] BrittaCP: Say you added the word "pickle" to your image. You will get new ranking for that word... any words that you didn't change and remain the same... will retain it's ranking
[2008.01.22 19:17:33] BrittaCP: When you’re tagging you want to use words that accurately describe your image.
[2008.01.22 19:17:55] BrittaCP: An example of using irrelevant tags would be a St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun image tagged with “Valentine’s Day,” or “Vote for Hillary” with “republican.”
[2008.01.22 19:18:39] BrittaCP: It can be difficult choosing the right tags sometimes. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
[2008.01.22 19:18:45] BrittaCP: • What is the Subject of your design?
[2008.01.22 19:18:50] BrittaCP: • What is the Theme, Topic, or Concept of your design?
[2008.01.22 19:18:59] BrittaCP: • What are the dominant Colors, Shapes, and Patterns in your design?
[2008.01.22 19:19:06] BrittaCP: • How was the design originally created?
[2008.01.22 19:19:15] BrittaCP: • What Text is in the design?
[2008.01.22 19:19:24] DafnaCP: When I’m tagging an image I just think to myself: self, what would I put into Google if I were looking for this image?
[2008.01.22 19:19:38] DafnaCP: Actually, let’s try it. Britta, do you have an image we can use?
[2008.01.22 19:20:13] BrittaCP sent a picture:
[2008.01.22 19:20:28] DafnaCP: Cool. Can anybody think of tags for this image?
[2008.01.22 19:20:37] DafnaCP: I’ll start us off.
[2008.01.22 19:20:57] magadog1: red elaborate love?
[2008.01.22 19:21:00] DafnaCP: Some good tags might be the obvious “Love” and “Valentine’s Day” but can anyone think of some more?
[2008.01.22 19:21:05] KC Graphics: love, lover, romantic, romance
[2008.01.22 19:21:10] Daedreem: love,flower,floral,elegant,valentine,red
[2008.01.22 19:21:10] Demetrius: love, valentines, flowers...
[2008.01.22 19:21:15] KC Graphics: passion
[2008.01.22 19:21:20] SkiBabe: decorative letters love
[2008.01.22 19:21:25] SerenityMoonstone has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:21:30] DafnaCP: Great, seems like you’ve got the hang of it.
[2008.01.22 19:22:12] SkiBabe: It seems that the those of us not "top shop keepers" have more of a need for help than those already doing something right
[2008.01.22 19:22:16] AngelaCP: SkiBabe, the best place to learn is by visiting the CafePress Community Forums. If you haven't done so, we recommend reading some of the posts and learning what other seasoned SKs have done. It's a great place to learn what's worked and what doesn't. Another place is read up on basic tutorials on the Learning Center (found under the Community tab): http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/
[2008.01.22 19:22:54] bsc has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:23:04] Demetrius: We're allowed 20 tags per image. Should we try to use that many? Or, is there an advantage in narrowing?
[2008.01.22 19:23:09] BrittaCP: You have a maximum if 20 tags that you can add to each image. If you can’t come up with 20 relevant tags, it’s ok. It won’t hurt you.
[2008.01.22 19:24:29] magadog1: so single words are best?
[2008.01.22 19:24:31] AngelaCP: Single words are best if that is the "best" keyword to describe your image. If you have a two-word keyword that "best" describe your image, that is what you should use. For example, "left handed" is a two-word keyword that works best if it's appropriate.
[2008.01.22 19:24:36] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:25:27] DafnaCP: yeah, for image tags using single words works best
[2008.01.22 19:25:59] doonidesigns: i have a question that i have asked before with no answer.. if you choose a category from the drop down while tagging, does it overwrite the one you pick when you make the section or vice versa???
[2008.01.22 19:26:27] BrittaCP: If you're referring to the drop down in your image tagging area... it doesn't overide anything.
[2008.01.22 19:26:59] BrittaCP: if you're talking about the catagorization in your sections... that drop down doesn't do anything
[2008.01.22 19:27:53] Daedreem: is there any difference between "left handed" and "Left-Handed" ?
[2008.01.22 19:28:00] The Farm Paparazzi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:28:03] AngelaCP: There is a slight difference in the search results, so putting in both versions won't hurt you.
[2008.01.22 19:28:08] AngelaCP: Though we recommend you don't need to enter words of the same core such as plurals and verb tense... if you're not sure, it will not hurt you to add them. The same goes for common typos.
[2008.01.22 19:28:29] AngelaCP: As long as the Tags you're using is relevant. That's key!
[2008.01.22 19:28:34] BrittaCP: Alright... moving on... SEO
[2008.01.22 19:28:40] BrittaCP: SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
[2008.01.22 19:28:47] preggoprincess has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:28:51] preggoprincess has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:29:09] BrittaCP: I’m sure you’ve gathered so far… SEO is one the most important things and (and FREE things) you can do to market your shop.
[2008.01.22 19:29:09] shopaholicchick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:29:33] BrittaCP: I don’t want to spend to much time on what SEO is… we have some great tutorials in our Learning Center to help break it down for you.
[2008.01.22 19:29:49] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/tutorial_seo
[2008.01.22 19:29:54] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/tutorial_seo_opt
[2008.01.22 19:30:00] BrittaCP: But here is a basic idea…
[2008.01.22 19:30:25] BrittaCP: Search Engine Optimization is something that you can do to help your shop show up better in natural search results for search engines like Google and yahoo.
[2008.01.22 19:30:38] BrittaCP: Natural search/organic search, meaning free placement - not the ads you see on the side
[2008.01.22 19:30:52] BrittaCP: To get listed in search engines there are a few things that you want to do
[2008.01.22 19:31:14] eva has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:31:17] BrittaCP: Make sure that you are using keywords on your product title, description, storefront, section titles, teaser, etc.
[2008.01.22 19:31:20] BrittaCP: Content is searchable on search engines
[2008.01.22 19:31:40] BrittaCP: Section teasers and descriptions are available in Premium Shops… which is why we encourage upgrading.
[2008.01.22 19:31:45] SerenityMoonstone has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:31:50] SerenityMoonstone has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:32:26] DafnaCP: In a previous chat SamCP gave us an analogy that I think bears repeating:
[2008.01.22 19:32:45] DafnaCP: – Keywords (content) are “The Front Man”.
[2008.01.22 19:32:55] DafnaCP: – Links are “The Lead Guitarist”
[2008.01.22 19:33:04] DafnaCP: – Meta tags and alt tags “Play Back Up”


[2008.01.22 19:33:26] DafnaCP: – Keywords (content) are “The Front Man”.
[2008.01.22 19:33:38] DafnaCP: – Links are “The Lead Guitarist”
[2008.01.22 19:33:47] DafnaCP: – Meta tags and alt tags “Play Back Up”
[2008.01.22 19:34:00] DafnaCP: The point of course is that each of these play an important role in SEO.
[2008.01.22 19:35:12] DDKnight: I have 11 Prem shops right now, the shops I have spent the last year(and still doing) SEO optimizing, get at least 4 times the search engine traffic than the ones I have yet to get to, that translates to more sales!
[2008.01.22 19:35:38] BrittaCP: One thing to avoid is adding blocks of keywords in your descriptions. Search engines look down on this, and it jeopardizes the appearance of your shop to customers.
[2008.01.22 19:35:42] TexasFiddler has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:36:00] DafnaCP: Remember, in most instances your customers will be able to see this content so you want it to look professional -- not just a bunch of words thrown together.
[2008.01.22 19:36:18] DafnaCP: Get creative; work keywords into phrases that will draw customers in.
[2008.01.22 19:37:02] BrittaCP: Any Questions about SEO so far?
[2008.01.22 19:37:11] The Farm Paparazzi: How come search terms are not picked up by MSN?
[2008.01.22 19:37:59] doonidesigns has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:38:03] AngelaCP: The major search engines are Google, Yahoo, and MSN
[2008.01.22 19:38:16] smilingbuddha has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:38:35] AngelaCP: Just because a term was "picked up" by one search engine doesn't mean it can result in the same success across the others
[2008.01.22 19:38:38] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:38:48] AngelaCP: each search engines run by different sets of "rules" ....
[2008.01.22 19:39:23] AngelaCP: The term you're looking for may be successful in Google and Yahoo, but didn't make it on the top pages of MSN
[2008.01.22 19:39:43] shopaholicchick: the farm i have been picked up by MSn but rarely
[2008.01.22 19:40:03] DafnaCP: I've seen some shops that have had success with MSN but for the most part I'd focus on the more popular engines: Yahoo and Google
[2008.01.22 19:40:21] Cyi: I get traffic from MSN, but not nearly as much as Google
[2008.01.22 19:40:31] AngelaCP: Google is by far the largests
[2008.01.22 19:40:38] AngelaCP: followed by Yahoo and then MSn
[2008.01.22 19:40:57] DafnaCP: To learn more about SEO, take a look at the tutorials and also at this article written by one of our shopkeepers:
[2008.01.22 19:41:09] DafnaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/help/promoteyourpassion.aspx
[2008.01.22 19:41:14] originalimages: I think I get a rare hit from AOL search as well
[2008.01.22 19:41:48] AngelaCP: Yes, there are other search engines in the game... we just listed the top 3.
[2008.01.22 19:42:35] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:42:51] shopaholicchick: there are some websites that can help you get listed in some of the more obscure chat engines like addme.com - they will put you in like 13 for free - i have gotten some hits off those search engines also
[2008.01.22 19:42:57] smilingbuddha: This may be anelementary questions but how does one find out specifically where their traffic comes frm?
[2008.01.22 19:43:01] DafnaCP: If you have a premium shop then you can insert a stat counter on your page (in the custom html area) that will measure where your traffic is coming from. I don't want to get too specific about how to do this but you can find the information on the boards. : )
[2008.01.22 19:43:47] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:44:18] seasquirrel: does adding your products to google base and msn Live products increase the ranking in the search engins?
[2008.01.22 19:44:22] AngelaCP: It's hard to say because the secret sauce of search engines are kept... well, secret. However, we have heard there's a strong correlation between search placement and those buying keyword ads...
[2008.01.22 19:44:42] BrittaCP: Alright.... next topic
[2008.01.22 19:44:43] BrittaCP: PREMIUM SHOPS: MOVIN’ ON UP
[2008.01.22 19:44:52] BrittaCP: Many new shopkeepers like to start out with a Basic shop
[2008.01.22 19:45:06] BrittaCP: which is a great way to start learning how to create products, understand pricing, and creating content (images and descriptions in shop).
[2008.01.22 19:45:23] BrittaCP: Once you get that down, you’ll want to upgrade to a Premium Shop…
[2008.01.22 19:45:28] mommainwa has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:45:33] BrittaCP: that, as many will agree, is where the money is at. With a Premium Shop you have more options.
[2008.01.22 19:45:39] BrittaCP: Premium Shops offer more than one of each product type
[2008.01.22 19:45:50] BrittaCP: You can customize and brand it how you want
[2008.01.22 19:45:58] BrittaCP: You can organize it best for your audience
[2008.01.22 19:46:10] BrittaCP: You can easily optimize a Premium Shop for search engines
[2008.01.22 19:46:28] BrittaCP: Here’s a tutorial that will show you all the different ways you can organize:
[2008.01.22 19:46:35] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/shop_organization
[2008.01.22 19:46:48] BrittaCP: Of course, think about your target market, and that will help you choose the right method.
[2008.01.22 19:47:18] cultural has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:47:37] BrittaCP: Since you have the ability to add more products and more content in a Premium Shop, this in turn allows you more opportunity to be picked up by search engines leading to more customers.
[2008.01.22 19:47:49] BrittaCP: So again, Premium Shops can lead to Premium Chedda!
[2008.01.22 19:47:57] DafnaCP: So a quick statistic for you: 99% of our top shopkeepers use premium shops.
[2008.01.22 19:48:29] DafnaCP: As Britta said, basic shops are great when you’re figuring things out and premium shops are for when you’re ready to put in some effort and make some real money!

[2008.01.22 19:48:58] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:48:58] AngelaCP has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:49:26] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:49:33] shopaholicchick: i have 3 premium and 25 basics - i have only made sales in basic shops 2 times....and i do rather well on premiums
[2008.01.22 19:50:00] BrittaCP: That's a really good offer... if you have a basic... take advantage of it
[2008.01.22 19:50:09] magadog1: I have had a few basics that have REALLY caught on. But mostly they don't
[2008.01.22 19:50:25] BrittaCP: Questions about premiums?
[2008.01.22 19:50:56] SkiBabe: Does it pay to have more premium shops each with their own identity or is it ok to have one shop with some sections that differ from the main thrust of the shop?
[2008.01.22 19:50:56] Sag: I've got 12 premiums and had one basic for about 24 hrs. Momma, didn't raise no fool!:-D
[2008.01.22 19:51:01] Chiceroo01 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:51:34] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:51:51] DafnaCP: Skibabe - I usually recommend that you use a different premium shop for each niche. On occasion I've seen shopkeepers do one big megastore but you'd have to be very organized and very careful to make this work
[2008.01.22 19:51:59] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:52:02] eva has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:52:18] The Farm Paparazzi: Is it really necessary for me to have several premium shots, to really make some money? Or can I focus on just one, but with lots of options?
[2008.01.22 19:52:21] BrittaCP: You can focus on one... as long as you can create a central them amongst all your options. If you have two clashing options or themes (like bridal and politics) then it's better to have 2 seperate shops
[2008.01.22 19:52:26] Sag: Niche those premiums if you can.
[2008.01.22 19:52:34] showtunenation has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.22 19:52:42] NinaPA: Same here, I think I'm up to 15 premiums now, all with their own unique niche and personality. It pays off, trust me.
[2008.01.22 19:52:57] originalimages: I have 1 premium with a lot of sections - quite varied at that -- it seem sto work for now, anyway
[2008.01.22 19:53:51] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:53:56] DDKnight: I agree with NinaPa and Sag!
[2008.01.22 19:54:10] SkiBabe: Can you move sections from the one shop to new shops or would I have to re-create everything?
[2008.01.22 19:55:23] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:55:41] shopaholicchick: you have to recreate everything - i wish you could move everything - and import is not worth the time - it takes longer then recreating the section
[2008.01.22 19:55:54] Cyi: Ski-as of right now, you can import items into sections but there aren't any good bulk change tools if lets say you're trying to move your political section to its own premium shop.
[2008.01.22 19:56:02] Chiceroo has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:56:11] BrittaCP: Wow.. you guys are packed full of questions
[2008.01.22 19:56:47] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.22 19:56:55] BrittaCP: it's almost 5... there is still much more on shop marketing that can be said
[2008.01.22 19:57:14] BrittaCP: How about a follow up chat next in a couple of weeks?
[2008.01.22 19:57:21] showtunenation has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.22 19:57:26] Message sent to moderator(s)

1/16/08

[2008.01.16 19:01:28] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.01.16 19:01:28] shopaholicchick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:01:28] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.01.16 19:01:28] deeks has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:01:33] TexasFiddler has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:01:38] Sag has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:01:43] buffaloworks has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:01:48] Ne' @ 1512BLVD has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:01:49] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:02:00] jerseygirl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:02:04] Bob100 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:02:09] sodashirts has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:02:13] BrittaCP: we'll give this a few seconds so everyone can make thier leaps over
[2008.01.16 19:02:18] PhotoGirl: Hi everyone!
[2008.01.16 19:02:18] deeks: hello all
[2008.01.16 19:02:23] shopaholicchick: hi everyone
[2008.01.16 19:02:23] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: hi
[2008.01.16 19:02:28] jerseygirl: Hey everyboday
[2008.01.16 19:02:42] BrittaCP: Hi Everyone!
[2008.01.16 19:02:50] dreamup: hi :)
[2008.01.16 19:02:53] TexasFiddler: howdy
[2008.01.16 19:02:59] BrittaCP: Thanks for joining today’s Shopkeeper Discussion.
[2008.01.16 19:02:59] hazeleyes7 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:03:08] FJS: Hi everybody
[2008.01.16 19:03:16] BrittaCP: Today we’re talking product descriptions (and shop and section descriptions, and sections teasers…).
[2008.01.16 19:03:21] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:03:24] jerseygirl: I'm looking forward to this one...
[2008.01.16 19:03:34] BrittaCP: The format for today will be a little different than our usual workshops.
[2008.01.16 19:03:54] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: me too. my weakest area, I think
[2008.01.16 19:04:14] BrittaCP: With a Shopkeeper discussion we want to hear from you.
[2008.01.16 19:04:20] JudiQue has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:04:39] khphoto has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:04:39] BrittaCP: Instead of having a planned agenda of topics and info… we want to pass the mic over you guys… the Shopkeepers.
[2008.01.16 19:05:00] rufus has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:05:05] BrittaCP: Share with each other your knowledge and tips on the subject, and maybe discover something new.
[2008.01.16 19:05:05] mousecrafter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:05:30] BrittaCP: If you’re a newbie SK, feel free to ask questions about descriptions, as you’ll be hearing from folk of all levels.
[2008.01.16 19:05:53] goatlady has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:05:57] BrittaCP: Like our other workshops, though… this chat will me moderated.
[2008.01.16 19:06:15] Ne' @ 1512BLVD has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:06:15] BrittaCP: This means that any comment you submit will go into a queue until it’s reviewed by a moderator and pushed out.
[2008.01.16 19:06:29] BrittaCP: We’ll try to get all the comments and questions out, but forgive us if we miss some, as a lot come in.
[2008.01.16 19:06:45] BrittaCP: Alright… let’s get this started… to kick off the conversation….
[2008.01.16 19:06:50] RowdyJRT has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:06:59] BrittaCP: Is there anyone here today that doesn’t know what a product description is, or where they would see one in their shop?
[2008.01.16 19:07:43] BrittaCP: don't be shy, if you don;t
[2008.01.16 19:08:01] Amere: I think the best tutorial I found on what I should be doing was a thread by ZapGraphix
[2008.01.16 19:08:10] BrittaCP: awesome... be sure to share the link with us a little later
[2008.01.16 19:08:20] Ne' @ 1512BLVD has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:08:23] brainlint has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:08:51] BrittaCP: ok... well then i guess it's safe to assume we all know what a prod description is, and where you can find it.
[2008.01.16 19:09:07] BrittaCP: but just in case...
[2008.01.16 19:09:11] BrittaCP: Here’s a picture to help you out
[2008.01.16 19:09:12] Logan has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:09:31] BrittaCP sent a picture:
[2008.01.16 19:09:32] flipk has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:09:37] Logan has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:09:44] Jolent has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:09:48] Amere: oh...er.... it was in the forums somewhere...
[2008.01.16 19:09:54] boldavenue has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:10:47] BrittaCP: so is it also safe to assume that everyone here is currently using thier product descriptions?
[2008.01.16 19:10:53] RowdyJRT has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:11:15] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:11:22] doonidesigns: no i dont use product descriptions very often and my shops are very successful
[2008.01.16 19:11:29] shopaholicchick: i know i am using them - as well as section descriptions and teasers
[2008.01.16 19:11:39] TexasFiddler: Does the product description play a part in placement in the Marketplace, or is the Marketplace purely tag driven?
[2008.01.16 19:11:50] BrittaCP: marketplaces is purely tag driven
[2008.01.16 19:12:07] BrittaCP: *Marketplace... correction we only have one. ha
[2008.01.16 19:12:13] TopTee: I fill in every blank there is :)
[2008.01.16 19:12:18] John has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:12:23] JudiQue: I'm pretty sure we're all using our prod descriptions, .. but maybe not as effectively as we could be ...
[2008.01.16 19:12:28] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:12:38] BrittaCP: So, for those who are not currently utilizing their product descriptions… who can explain why they are a great feature that all Shopkeepers should take advantage of.
[2008.01.16 19:13:08] NiftyGaloot: Oh, dooni... Please use descriptions. Us affiliates will love you, if you do.
[2008.01.16 19:13:13] TopTee: I agree Judi
[2008.01.16 19:13:18] deeks: in a word? google
[2008.01.16 19:13:20] shopaholicchick: the descriptions are need for google and yahoo - they are purpley descriptions driven
[2008.01.16 19:13:25] Amere: Because all text is food for the search engines
[2008.01.16 19:13:29] dreamup: better chance of search engines landing on that specific page
[2008.01.16 19:13:34] FJS: Because it gives the search engines something to look at that is descriptive of the page that they are on.
[2008.01.16 19:13:42] NiftyGaloot: Product descriptions really help with SEO. (Search Engine Optimization)
[2008.01.16 19:13:59] deeks: *waits for her gold star*
[2008.01.16 19:14:04] BrittaCP: :bow:
[2008.01.16 19:14:09] BrittaCP: how about a bow instead
[2008.01.16 19:14:29] John has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:14:42] BrittaCP: I apologize if these seems elemntry... i just wanted to get that established for anyone who may be in the dark
[2008.01.16 19:14:54] doonidesigns: i depend on descriptive product names. google likes me fine that way. But, Nifty I hear you on affiliate aspect of it
[2008.01.16 19:15:01] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: I get hits from Google directly to my products because of what I typed there
[2008.01.16 19:15:05] flipk: When I have time, I try to go back through and tweak them. Sometimes I find they need a lot of work!
[2008.01.16 19:15:25] John has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:15:39] BrittaCP: so yes... in a nutshell...
[2008.01.16 19:15:58] BrittaCP: This is how you GET your customer. The content (or information) that you include in your product description is what’s indexed (picked up) by search engines like Google and Yahoo.
[2008.01.16 19:16:09] BrittaCP: When someone does a search for a word or a phrase that may be a part of your description, you will be among the returned results.
[2008.01.16 19:16:15] NiftyGaloot: Descriptions give you more room for keywords than just using good product names.
[2008.01.16 19:16:20] cartwright has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:16:25] boldavenue: yeah i go back and tweak mine too. it's amazing how much you learn over time!
[2008.01.16 19:16:37] BrittaCP: The same goes for your Product Titles, which is also important to complete.
[2008.01.16 19:17:08] TexasFiddler: Should descriptions include information on the product itself, or should it based strictly on the design that is placed on the product?
[2008.01.16 19:17:31] BrittaCP: For those that art skilled in the art of writing product descriptions… what’s a basic formula you would share for the beginner or novice
[2008.01.16 19:17:50] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: dooni, you may be doing well and better than me, but you coud do even better if you filled them out
[2008.01.16 19:18:08] NiftyGaloot: Mostly design, include any words in the design. Google can't read images, yet.
[2008.01.16 19:18:17] FJS: You want to use as many descriptive words as you can but have it still make sense to the reader.
[2008.01.16 19:18:36] Romy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:18:49] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:18:52] JudiQue: WHen I first started my shop, I figured there were pictures, why add a description. THEN .. I learned about SEO .. I'm still occasionally finding stuff without descriptions.
[2008.01.16 19:18:57] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: texas, i prefer design description and perhaps purpose of design. Product info is already provided by cp
[2008.01.16 19:19:01] NiftyGaloot: Yes, use complete sentences!!! :)
[2008.01.16 19:19:25] BrittaCP: Nifty... tell us why complete sentances are important
[2008.01.16 19:19:37] TopTee: I use the keywords a couple of times in two or three sentences that make sense to the reader.
[2008.01.16 19:19:58] doonidesigns: Ne, i spent some time describing and it seemed to lower my google ranks.. not sure why but it did. I plan to do some here and there on best selling designs but I am in way too deep at this point lol
[2008.01.16 19:20:04] shopaholicchick: make a list of 3-4 key words or phrases someone would search to findyour product then use then in 3-4 sentances - try to write like you would describe the image over the phone to a friend or family member
[2008.01.16 19:20:13] Sag: All descriptions give you the opportunity to widen your appeal to a broader audience for more traffic and hopefully a higher conversion rate.
[2008.01.16 19:20:17] TexasFiddler: thanx ne
[2008.01.16 19:20:32] NiftyGaloot: Search engines look down upon just lists of keywords.
[2008.01.16 19:20:39] hazeleyes7 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:20:43] deeks: basically, my forumla is just to think like the customer. If I was looking for a cancer-relatedtee shirt, I'd put "tee shirts for cancer survivor" in the search engine. Google would find all the pages that have the term. This is why descriptions are as or more important than "good product names"....more room for pertinent keywords
[2008.01.16 19:20:48] TopTee: Google likes sentences with periods.
[2008.01.16 19:20:54] BrittaCP: Well noted!
[2008.01.16 19:21:24] insanetsharts has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:21:36] dreamup: do search engines pick up the teaser and section description text also?
[2008.01.16 19:21:56] BrittaCP: You know it!
[2008.01.16 19:21:57] dreamup: omg i never use periods...... should i be
[2008.01.16 19:21:58] deeks: I didn't know Google cared about periods...thanks for the heads up!
[2008.01.16 19:22:06] NiftyGaloot: Search engines see lists of keywords as spam. Spam = Bad!!
[2008.01.16 19:22:23] BrittaCP: right... this is something that you want to avoid doing
[2008.01.16 19:22:33] BrittaCP: plus... it just looks really bad in your shop
[2008.01.16 19:22:40] BrittaCP: giant blocks of owrds
[2008.01.16 19:22:45] BrittaCP: *words
[2008.01.16 19:22:50] graphicdeeziner has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:22:53] John has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:23:32] JudiQue: WHich would be more important to search engines .. section descriptions or product descriptions?
[2008.01.16 19:23:49] BrittaCP: anyone have thoughts on this?
[2008.01.16 19:24:08] deeks: I see all the time where shops have a huge laundry list of their product names in the footer.....I never liked the way it looked so I avoided doing it. Now I'm glad I did!
[2008.01.16 19:24:09] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:24:29] boldavenue: plus you want to also use that text to appeal to the humans reading it - make them want your product! :)
[2008.01.16 19:24:34] dreamup: i use the same text on all
[2008.01.16 19:24:34] TopTee: I tend to repeat the basic info in both areas.
[2008.01.16 19:24:34] shopaholicchick: both - they will link into either the section or the product
[2008.01.16 19:24:39] buffaloworks has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:24:39] deeks: I never thought about that Judi.....I just assumed all text was created equal. lol
[2008.01.16 19:24:44] John has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:24:49] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: Look at your shop like a customer and if it seems funny to you, then it will to them also. If you were to see a store that had a list of keywords, would you think it was a professional site? Or would you click off because something seems amiss?
[2008.01.16 19:25:03] TexasFiddler: So if you have a section of products with the same design on them, how much (if any) difference is there in your descriptions?
[2008.01.16 19:25:12] rufus: Can I get a copy of this if I have to leave
[2008.01.16 19:25:17] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:25:32] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:25:39] BrittaCP: we'll have it posted in the chat archive by the end of the week.
[2008.01.16 19:25:40] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/chat
[2008.01.16 19:25:49] doonidesigns: i do have some section descriptions but not product... however I may be wrong but the google feeds pick up the products descriptions as well?
[2008.01.16 19:25:54] shopaholicchick: they are all the same
[2008.01.16 19:25:57] shopaholicchick: 1 design = 1 section and all have the same description
[2008.01.16 19:26:04] flipk: I have a question, is it bad to use the words t-shirt, or tees in the description, (since it's already in the product descrip by cp)?
[2008.01.16 19:26:43] TopTee: I use the words t-shirts and gifts as many times as I can without spamming.
[2008.01.16 19:27:41] BrittaCP: I think using these words are fine... they just add to your keywords... say you have a design with a viking and on a t-shirt... in your description you would mention "viking t-shirt"
[2008.01.16 19:28:03] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:28:15] BrittaCP: Now, if you're using the same description for all your products in that section... just make sure to change out the word t-shirt if it's a clock
[2008.01.16 19:28:20] Krystl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:28:26] NiftyGaloot: Oh yes! If you are doing google feeds, it picks up the product description!
[2008.01.16 19:28:31] flipk: Thank you, I was worried it might seem like spam to search engines.
[2008.01.16 19:28:36] Sag: No, it's not bad to use t-shirts or tees in descriptions. Afterall that is what you are selling, just don't use them in a stream like tshirts, t-shirts, tees etc.
[2008.01.16 19:28:47] doonidesigns: flip, if you change the product descrip in "bulk" it is better to write w/o these words so it fits other products as well like ornaments and what now..
[2008.01.16 19:29:05] shopaholicchick: i do not use it in the description because it will be on the page in the product name
[2008.01.16 19:29:08] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: I make my description in bulk for the whole section. I rarely ever go into an individual product and tweak it for that product. Reason: Because it is time consuming and the product name is already provided (as well as product description) by CP. So, I write a description that fits all products based on the design.
[2008.01.16 19:29:21] TexasFiddler: so, shopaholicchick, you let the CP text pull in the search engines with regard to "shirt" or "apron" and you simply focus on your design and hope that the search engine pulls up the product your customer wants...or does the search engine actually come to you section page?
[2008.01.16 19:29:37] boldavenue: texas: a lot of times they're the same. or i might change a few words relevant to the product like "wear this christmas design" on apparel but obviously i wouldn't say "wear" on a mug
[2008.01.16 19:29:42] boldavenue: toptee: how do you know if you're using words too many times?
[2008.01.16 19:29:47] TopTee: I do like Ne does.
[2008.01.16 19:29:53] FJS: Is it bad to say in your description that you have more similar designs available?
[2008.01.16 19:30:12] bsc has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:30:33] TopTee: I only use them enough to make sense in the sentences.
[2008.01.16 19:30:39] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: An exception might be if you have a unique use for that product, then I may go into that product and tweak the description to mention the unique uses that would not apply to the other products
[2008.01.16 19:30:48] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:31:01] shopaholicchick: texas the search engines will come to the product page because CP has a descriptions including the type of item it is shirt or poster - i put my designs on not only shirts i put them on mugs and posters and i use the same descriptions for all of them - 1 descriptions per design
[2008.01.16 19:31:05] deeks: ditti @ Ne'
[2008.01.16 19:31:08] Logan: As a buyer, I am really turned off by spelling errors. Makes me think the SK is sloppy.
[2008.01.16 19:31:24] BrittaCP: Yes... spell check, spell check slpel check
[2008.01.16 19:31:32] BrittaCP: helps avoid little accidents like that
[2008.01.16 19:31:50] boldavenue: hehe britta!
[2008.01.16 19:31:53] Sag: The worse habit I had to break was selling designs instead of t-shirts, keepsake boxes, wall clocks etc. It is so easy to use the word designs in place of what you are really selling (product type) and you get tons of hits for people looking for designs and not products.
[2008.01.16 19:31:58] deeks: Logan...good point. I always contact the shopkeeper when I notice a word spelled wrong...especially on their products!
[2008.01.16 19:32:03] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: I agree with Logan... but when you are tired, it can happen to the best of us
[2008.01.16 19:32:10] boldavenue: i <3 firefox spellcheck! you don't have to think about it then
[2008.01.16 19:32:17] BrittaCP: that is a lovely feature
[2008.01.16 19:32:35] Amere: and get a proof reader, spell cheque is not infallible
[2008.01.16 19:32:46] TexasFiddler: I use the description to direct folks to other products only in the case that I have multiple products for different audiences. Ex. a shirt for girls might have a ref that there is a design available for boys.
[2008.01.16 19:33:30] NiftyGaloot: FJS - If someone sees your design in the market place or on an affiliate site, saying you have more designs doesn't help as they aren't in your shop. Might even keep some affiliates from using your designs.
[2008.01.16 19:33:48] NiftyGaloot: Yes, spelling is important. Don't forget the ' r ' in T-Shirt like I did on Umpteen designs! :-D
[2008.01.16 19:33:53] BrittaCP: awesome
[2008.01.16 19:34:09] BrittaCP: well... not really... but awesomely funny
[2008.01.16 19:34:09] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: nifty...lol
[2008.01.16 19:34:15] dreamup: how about intensional mis-spellings LOL
[2008.01.16 19:34:32] BrittaCP: thoughts, anyone?
[2008.01.16 19:34:35] Sag: Been there and done that one too, Nifty!:-D
[2008.01.16 19:34:45] boldavenue: Nifty: yikes about your typo. Also, would that keep affiliates away?
[2008.01.16 19:34:51] Amere: That Miss Spellings has a lot to answer for
[2008.01.16 19:34:55] doonidesigns: i think it looks bad to customers as said before
[2008.01.16 19:35:35] BrittaCP: right... it can bring an feeling of unprofessional, or even scam depending on how severe your typos are
[2008.01.16 19:35:43] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: I can spot t-shirt without the r from a mile away because I am super intuned to that word consdiring my maiden name ended in ship and would always get misspelled
[2008.01.16 19:35:54] NiftyGaloot: Alternate spellings are good to work into descriptions, and sometimes misspellings.
[2008.01.16 19:35:58] Amere: It certainly puts me off
[2008.01.16 19:36:02] boldavenue: dreamup: it would have to be absolutely obvious that it was intentional and done for a purpose. Like "hookd on fonix..."
[2008.01.16 19:36:15] matisse: Am I losing SEO by using the same descriptions in both my section teasers and my section descriptions?
[2008.01.16 19:36:19] TopTee: Yes, like Jewellery and Jewelry.
[2008.01.16 19:36:24] FJS: But if it's a generic reference, not specific.
[2008.01.16 19:36:26] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:37:12] dreamup: i use the same description for all 3 spots.. teaser, section description and product........ should i be doing this?
[2008.01.16 19:37:24] BrittaCP: this seems to be a big question... came in twice
[2008.01.16 19:37:29] Amere: matisse you just need to vary it a tiny bit. But that is for the humans, not the search engines
[2008.01.16 19:38:17] dreamup: do SE pick up numbers like 2 or 3? i always type two (2) both ways just in case
[2008.01.16 19:38:26] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:38:33] shopaholicchick: i do the same for section and product - i may add more for the section - i usually shorten it for the teaser - the teaser and the product have letter limits
[2008.01.16 19:39:12] boldavenue: i'd say change it up for the humans definitely. give them more info about your product or more reasons to buy it. but if it's have the same descriptions on all 3 or nothing, than the same is better than nothing
[2008.01.16 19:39:43] rufus: Not to get off the subject but... Can I ask if any of you put your name on your products?
[2008.01.16 19:39:57] deeks has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:40:05] Logan: The same description in all three spots may bore the human, another turn off.
[2008.01.16 19:40:09] NiftyGaloot: If you're gonna use both the number 2 and spell two... Work them in naturally. Like... Two elephants rubbing noses beside 2 trees.
[2008.01.16 19:40:13] boldavenue: typing numbers both ways is good, just in case
[2008.01.16 19:40:14] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:40:33] shopaholicchick: i dont - i made some with some without - the ones without sold better so i dropped the others
[2008.01.16 19:40:38] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:41:00] Mx-Mom has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:41:07] TexasFiddler: rufus, i've thought about it but haven't done that to a large extent.
[2008.01.16 19:41:09] graphicdeeziner: Rufus, I always put my name on my images
[2008.01.16 19:41:13] TopTee: I don't either
[2008.01.16 19:41:24] shopaholicchick: also i found that affiliates - including myself - - hate when people put thier links in thier descriptions!!!!
[2008.01.16 19:41:34] boldavenue: rufus: if it works with my design i put a small URL/logo. i figure the big brand names do it so why not me? :)
[2008.01.16 19:42:04] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:42:09] goatlady: what html is and is not useful in the section descriptions and why?
[2008.01.16 19:42:14] khphoto has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:42:21] NiftyGaloot: Any html in description is not good.
[2008.01.16 19:42:27] doonidesigns: i would say for affiliate reasons. NO HTML
[2008.01.16 19:42:34] graphicdeeziner: shopa, by putting links in their desciptions, what do you mean?
[2008.01.16 19:42:40] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:42:44] shopaholicchick: NO HTML IN ANY DESCRIPTIONS
[2008.01.16 19:43:05] goatlady: ALSO what punctuation is good and not good for SEO? ie: () [] "" * $ # etc.
[2008.01.16 19:43:14] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: Some people put their special tag or brand name and if it is unique and the same each time, then it is good for an affiliate using 4th click to spotlight your designs. I did this at my 4th click store: http://www.cutebabytshirts.com
[2008.01.16 19:43:17] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:43:47] doonidesigns: i use . , and / but not tooo many commas!
[2008.01.16 19:44:04] NiftyGaloot: Don't us double quote or ampersand. Both are codes and don't work in google feeds and can screw up data feeds.
[2008.01.16 19:44:14] boldavenue: goatlady i don't know of any punctuation that's not good for SEO. but if you use a whole bunch at once like this !@#$%^&* it looks like you're cussing LOL
[2008.01.16 19:44:31] flipk has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:44:38] boldavenue: nifty! thanks for the insight! i never thought about that!
[2008.01.16 19:44:40] NiftyGaloot: Use a single quote and spell out and.
[2008.01.16 19:44:45] TopTee: I only use periods and commas. I try to stay away from anything else.
[2008.01.16 19:44:50] dreamup: opps i use quotes to describe what my design says
[2008.01.16 19:44:55] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: On that site, I have 3 under shop by brand. And any description that has there special brand will show up if you click on it.
[2008.01.16 19:45:03] TexasFiddler: now i thought that bold and italic were picked up by search engines
[2008.01.16 19:45:24] TopTee: Bold is ..not sure about italic.
[2008.01.16 19:45:28] TexasFiddler: Guess I need to go back and pull out a whole bunch of quotation marks on some of my designs that feature quotes.
[2008.01.16 19:45:32] doonidesigns: yes all of my google errors are because of a set of " in products names
[2008.01.16 19:45:45] insanetsharts has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:45:48] boldavenue: Bad punctuation can turn people off as much as bad spelling. Makes descriptions hard to read too
[2008.01.16 19:45:55] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: If you use an asterix it seems to mess up the afiliate pages... it cuts the rest of the product name off
[2008.01.16 19:45:58] TexasFiddler: so wouldn'g bold be good html in your description?
[2008.01.16 19:46:06] Amere: What is an ampersand again
[2008.01.16 19:46:11] BrittaCP: *
[2008.01.16 19:46:23] BrittaCP: /\ that's an ampresand
[2008.01.16 19:46:26] BrittaCP: the little star
[2008.01.16 19:46:35] BrittaCP: ooooh
[2008.01.16 19:46:36] BrittaCP: woops
[2008.01.16 19:46:41] BrittaCP: duh
[2008.01.16 19:46:46] TexasFiddler: &
[2008.01.16 19:46:46] boldavenue: ampersand = &
[2008.01.16 19:46:56] BrittaCP: :whistle:
[2008.01.16 19:47:15] boldavenue: lol
[2008.01.16 19:47:25] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:47:46] LazyKjun has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:48:00] FJS: I know I have a line in my descriptions that has gotten some affiliates upset. I let people know that there are more designs in my "whatever" section. Without linking directly to my store of course or mentioning it. I would think that would be okay because it would be letting people know to go to any store for more designs in that area. But some don't like it. What's the concensus?
[2008.01.16 19:48:42] brainlint has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:49:06] FJS: I sort of asked this earlier in less words, sorry.
[2008.01.16 19:49:27] BrittaCP: ha... no worries
[2008.01.16 19:49:34] deeks: I have a question about what affiliates look for, or more importantly what they DON'T WANT TO SEE in the descriptions of a shop they are contemplating promoting.
[2008.01.16 19:49:41] deeks has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:49:53] boldavenue: do they not like it because you're sending people elsewhere instead of just letting them buy that product on the spot? i don't know. i would think if they like the mug let them know they can buy the journal too. wouldn't the cookie still be set?
[2008.01.16 19:49:59] doonidesigns: use the space to write about the description its on. for my new store which i am doing a generic product scripts for, I am using my email addy but i am not concentrating on affiliates but more the aspect that i am available for personalizing the designs
[2008.01.16 19:50:11] Ne' @ 1512BLVD: I am not sure. But, if it doesn't link then it shoudl be okay. Your tore shhould come before an affilaiates wishes, unless said affilaite brings you tons of sales. Then do his bidding
[2008.01.16 19:50:53] dmhgraphics has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:51:15] Sag: If it is driving traffic FJS, then that is a priority.
[2008.01.16 19:51:49] Amere: I always had a problem with the phrase "keyword rich" as it didn't enllighten me at all. This thread helped me immensly http://forums.cafepress.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/722104/m/73610187
[2008.01.16 19:51:54] boldavenue: although if you're scaring away affiliates because of one thing like html in descriptions or whatever you'll never know if they'll bring you tons of $$$. those are tough calls
[2008.01.16 19:51:59] graphicdeeziner: I came across a store a while back that in their descriptions for greeting cards told the shopper that they also had cards for sale with a service that mailed out the cards and then linked the shopper to that site off cafepress. I know this is a big no no for affiliates, but how does cafepress feel about this?
[2008.01.16 19:52:23] BrittaCP: one thing that you want to make sure of is that your content does not violate our TOS
[2008.01.16 19:52:44] BrittaCP: that includes your images, and text
[2008.01.16 19:52:46] Jolent has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:53:24] boldavenue: oh i dont think you're allowed to do that. what do you think britta?
[2008.01.16 19:53:26] NiftyGaloot: TOS = Terms of Service
[2008.01.16 19:53:30] TopTee has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:54:24] BrittaCP: If you think in any way that you shouldn't be doing it... it's best not to
[2008.01.16 19:54:29] Sag: Yep, that's a no no!:whistle:
[2008.01.16 19:54:52] sodashirts: can someone tell me if its okay to make the title of your design in quotes? Example: "i love bbq" T-Shirt
[2008.01.16 19:55:19] deeks has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:55:28] Sag: Don't use quotes especially if you feed up to Google base.
[2008.01.16 19:55:34] boldavenue: one thing to think about is if they're really necessary. people tend to overuse quotes.
[2008.01.16 19:55:48] Jolent has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:56:03] sodashirts: ugh, well good to know, my titles have been like that for years.
[2008.01.16 19:56:22] rufus: What is 4th click store mean?
[2008.01.16 19:57:09] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:57:46] JudiQue: what about caps or lower case .. make any difference?
[2008.01.16 19:57:48] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:57:56] TexasFiddler: I'd love to hear some feedback on 4thclick as well, but that's probably off topic pretty far.
[2008.01.16 19:58:12] shopaholicchick: 4th click is a program to help create and off cafepress store from your cafepress store
[2008.01.16 19:58:15] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:58:20] BrittaCP: i'll open up the lobby in a few for more discussion on 4th click
[2008.01.16 19:58:26] Mx-Mom has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:58:28] shopaholicchick: judi mIxED CaPs JuSt LoOkS BaD
[2008.01.16 19:58:37] Krystl has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 19:58:41] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:58:56] shopaholicchick: AND ALL CAPS ONLINE IS YELLING
[2008.01.16 19:58:58] Amere: And all caps is SHOUTING
[2008.01.16 19:59:11] BrittaCP: that's just bad nettiquitte all around
[2008.01.16 19:59:17] boldavenue: i dont think caps make any difference to search engines - just picky shoppers ;)
[2008.01.16 19:59:21] NiftyGaloot: Caps in the right places look better than all small or all caps.
[2008.01.16 19:59:30] TexasFiddler: Judi, I may use caps to emphasize specific words in the description. For the most part I just do what is gramatically correct.
[2008.01.16 19:59:33] Joonsjolly has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.16 19:59:35] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 19:59:46] JudiQue: Yeah, I know that .. but there are times when one word (or more) needs to be emphasised . thus .... CAPS
[2008.01.16 20:00:01] TexasFiddler: "This is a really GREAT design for folks who..." type of theing
[2008.01.16 20:00:12] JudiQue: OK ... thanks
[2008.01.16 20:00:20] BrittaCP: ecellent
[2008.01.16 20:00:24] BrittaCP: excellent
[2008.01.16 20:00:30] PhotoGirl has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 20:00:37] BrittaCP: i think this was a good discussion
[2008.01.16 20:00:47] cartwright has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.16 20:00:56] boldavenue: i agree. thanks everyone!
[2008.01.16 20:00:59] JudiQue: certainly was a fast hour!
[2008.01.16 20:01:04] BrittaCP: it does fly
[2008.01.16 20:01:09] doonidesigns: just as you design your products, design your text on your store :)... meaning easy on the eye.. wow i lagged
[2008.01.16 20:01:12] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 20:01:18] BrittaCP: Well it's timne to wrap things up now
[2008.01.16 20:01:29] TexasFiddler: what's the topic for the next chat?
[2008.01.16 20:01:34] BrittaCP: Marketing 101
[2008.01.16 20:02:00] BrittaCP: so if you're a new SK this is a perfect chat to join
[2008.01.16 20:02:20] BrittaCP: or... if you just need to brush up on your skills.
[2008.01.16 20:02:25] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.16 20:02:32] BrittaCP: I'm opening up the lobby for you all to continue the party
[2008.01.16 20:02:43] boldavenue has left the room (logged out)

01/10/08

[2008.01.10 17:56:07] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.01.10 17:56:07] TexasFiddler has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:56:07] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.01.10 17:56:35] Message queued in room for moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 17:56:55] ShopaholicChick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:56:55] NiftyGaloot has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:57:40] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:58:16] mamm has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:58:50] kiwi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:59:15] CYI has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:59:32] JoeCat has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:00:02] boldavenue has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:00:33] Janiss has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:01:09] allcreative has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:02:15] happyface has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:02:15] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:02:18] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:02:24] AngelaCP: Hi everyone
[2008.01.10 18:02:36] BrittaCP: Hi gang!
[2008.01.10 18:02:40] happyface: hi
[2008.01.10 18:03:01] ShopaholicChick: hi everyone!!!
[2008.01.10 18:03:04] boldavenue: hi
[2008.01.10 18:03:04] NiftyGaloot: Is this the <3 Chat?
[2008.01.10 18:03:09] AngelaCP: It sure is :D
[2008.01.10 18:03:12] AngelaCP: it's part 2
[2008.01.10 18:03:19] Kippy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:03:25] AngelaCP: The last one was going over the stats and what we will be doing
[2008.01.10 18:03:42] AngelaCP: this one will go over promoting your shop... Britta will explain more
[2008.01.10 18:03:45] allcreative: hi
[2008.01.10 18:03:47] BrittaCP: Welcome to 2008!
[2008.01.10 18:03:59] AngelaCP: Yes, Happy New Year
[2008.01.10 18:04:06] AngelaCP: hope you all had a good one!
[2008.01.10 18:04:17] BrittaCP: We hope you all had a wonderful and successful Holiday
[2008.01.10 18:04:31] BrittaCP: It’s hard to believe 2007 is over, what a ride.
[2008.01.10 18:04:35] happyface: thanks...
[2008.01.10 18:04:50] scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:05:00] BrittaCP: Well now that it’s over, we hope that you have all moved on to the next big selling season, Valentine’s Day
[2008.01.10 18:05:04] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:05:33] BrittaCP: Today, we’ll be discussing ways to promote your shop and new merch for Valentine’s day.
[2008.01.10 18:05:45] BrittaCP: Before we begin, I want to throw out the usual bit about how chat works.
[2008.01.10 18:05:52] pc5303 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:06:03] BrittaCP: The chat is moderated. This means that any comment you send will be put into a queue until a moderator reviews it, and pushes it out to be answered.
[2008.01.10 18:06:10] nanabijou has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:06:22] BrittaCP: Many questions do come in, and we will try our best to answer all of them.
[2008.01.10 18:06:35] BrittaCP: The transcript for this chat will be available within a few days. Anyways… moving on…
[2008.01.10 18:06:50] leah has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:06:53] BrittaCP: If you were with us a few weeks ago, we gave the first half of this workshop: Valentine’s Day Shop Prep.
[2008.01.10 18:07:06] BrittaCP: You can read the transcript here: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/workshop_vdayprep
[2008.01.10 18:07:13] Karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:07:18] BrittaCP: I’ll take a moment to recap what we talked about a few weeks ago.
[2008.01.10 18:07:24] leah has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:07:30] BrittaCP: We mentioned a few key products that you want to make sure to feature for Vday:
[2008.01.10 18:07:31] leah has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:07:41] BrittaCP: • Single Greeting Cards
[2008.01.10 18:07:51] BrittaCP: • Keepsake Box
[2008.01.10 18:07:57] Blonde Designs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:07:58] BrittaCP: • Dark T (well be featuring Black)
[2008.01.10 18:07:58] brainlint has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:08:09] BrittaCP: • Womens Light T (well be featuring Pink)
[2008.01.10 18:08:42] nanabijou: This is all new to me....so I may do mostly listening
[2008.01.10 18:08:43] BrittaCP: welcome... we hope you enjoy and learn.
[2008.01.10 18:08:53] BrittaCP: There are a few more that we have listed in the transcript…
[2008.01.10 18:09:13] BrittaCP: but these are the few that you really want to make sure and add. Especially those single Greeting Cards.
[2008.01.10 18:09:35] BrittaCP: We also talked about “re-inventing” Valentine ’s Day within your shop, and the types of content you can use for your designs.
[2008.01.10 18:09:54] BrittaCP: While Romantic Love (hearts and flowers) is always a staple… there are so many other directions you can go in.
[2008.01.10 18:10:16] BrittaCP: There’s Anti-Valentine’s day which has always proven to be a success here: I hate Valentines Day, Retired Cupid, Heartbroken, love hurts...
[2008.01.10 18:10:33] BrittaCP: Also, Valentine’s does not need to be something just for couples.
[2008.01.10 18:10:43] BrittaCP: You can create sentiments geared towards family members, best friends, and single friends (celebrate being single).
[2008.01.10 18:11:03] BrittaCP: We also gave out tips on tagging your Vday images, and key wording for SEO.
[2008.01.10 18:11:39] BrittaCP: So again... if you missed that chat, take a few minutes to check out the transcript... it's got some cool factoids in it
[2008.01.10 18:11:40] Romy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:12:02] BrittaCP: So hopefully some of you have already started with these things, and we’re already seeing your designs in the Marketplace.
[2008.01.10 18:12:47] BrittaCP: Remember, the 5th and 6th week of the year are the busiest buying times for Vday Shoppers.
[2008.01.10 18:12:57] BrittaCP: Make sure your images are tagged, and your products are SEO’d by that time.
[2008.01.10 18:13:15] pc5303: can i ask a quick question its been 7 days now and my designs are still not listed on the market place. Ive checked the tags and they have been entered properly also other designs not associated to valentines day have been placed on the market place they were uploaded on the same day
[2008.01.10 18:13:22] AngelaCP: Check to see if your shop is marked private or opt out of the Affiliate Program or in a hidden section.
[2008.01.10 18:13:40] AngelaCP: Designs tagged should show up within 48 hours
[2008.01.10 18:13:57] graphicdeeziner has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:14:01] BrittaCP: Moving on...your next step is now promoting your merch and shop for the buying season.
[2008.01.10 18:14:08] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:14:17] scarebaby has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:14:23] NiftyGaloot: A design put up today showed up in less than an hour
[2008.01.10 18:14:28] BrittaCP: I think with this occasion, you can cook up some really fun and interesting ways to promote.
[2008.01.10 18:14:56] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:14:58] BrittaCP: There are free and paid methods of promoting and advertising your shop.
[2008.01.10 18:15:20] BrittaCP: We discussed some of these ways in a previous holiday chat… and those same methods can apply to your Valentine’s promotion.
[2008.01.10 18:15:34] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/workshop_holidayprep4
[2008.01.10 18:16:11] BrittaCP: Starting with the simple; be sure that you’ve taken your holiday banners, and get ready to replace them with Vday Banners.
[2008.01.10 18:16:18] kiwi2 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:16:23] BrittaCP: *taken your holiday banners down
[2008.01.10 18:16:40] BrittaCP: Banners can be placed on your main site (if you have one separate from your CP shop) and in your Shop.
[2008.01.10 18:17:01] BrittaCP: Also… if you haven’t already, make sure to do something with your holiday sections, either hide them or push them down (lowlight).
[2008.01.10 18:17:21] DDKnight has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:17:38] tropicando has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:17:41] BrittaCP: There’s no need to keep them highlighted. You want your customers to see Vday right away.
[2008.01.10 18:17:48] SD Spaniel Rescue has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:18:20] AngelaCP: Is anyone doing this yet?
[2008.01.10 18:18:23] AngelaCP: or plan to?
[2008.01.10 18:18:46] happyface: need to learn all this ...hann't a clue...
[2008.01.10 18:18:56] BrittaCP: that's what we're here for today :)
[2008.01.10 18:18:59] leah: Already done
[2008.01.10 18:19:01] NiftyGaloot: I've put my vday section up top
[2008.01.10 18:19:07] AngelaCP: Yay to leah!
[2008.01.10 18:19:09] AngelaCP: Nifty too
[2008.01.10 18:19:14] AngelaCP: you guys are ahead of the game
[2008.01.10 18:19:26] AngelaCP: any word of advice to the community?
[2008.01.10 18:19:30] KC Graphics has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:19:31] kiwi has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:19:32] graphicdeeziner: I am not sure what you mean by highlighting?
[2008.01.10 18:19:36] BrittaCP: featuring... calling out... bringing attention to
[2008.01.10 18:19:44] AngelaCP: spotlighting
[2008.01.10 18:19:47] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:19:49] kiwi2: I moved my Christmas section to the bottom of the shop, and Vday to the top
[2008.01.10 18:20:09] AngelaCP: it's should be the "highlight" of your shop when someone enters your shop
[2008.01.10 18:20:16] graphicdeeziner: thank you
[2008.01.10 18:20:48] TexasFiddler: Got a valentine's section moved to the top as well as two specific designs up top as well
[2008.01.10 18:20:55] ShopaholicChick: www.cafepress.com/celebratetoday has v-day anti-v-day & wedding ont he top line
[2008.01.10 18:21:22] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:21:28] TexasFiddler: wedding's a good thought here. good move
[2008.01.10 18:21:38] ShopaholicChick: thanks
[2008.01.10 18:22:25] BrittaCP: I would think so... you can do it in one mass VDAY section... but be sure to create subsections for each within
[2008.01.10 18:22:50] BrittaCP: and you could do something creative with the main section TN to show that both are inside
[2008.01.10 18:22:56] kiwi2: is it better to separate v-day and anti-vday into two different sections?
[2008.01.10 18:23:09] BrittaCP: that was to you kiwi... i always do that :-o
[2008.01.10 18:23:14] NiftyGaloot: Put other designs, like wold's best godmother, right after vday. Folks can use that for gifts too.
[2008.01.10 18:23:16] AngelaCP: Agreed. It's also good for SEO... as Britta mentioned earlier and from the last chat... SEO is a great way to bring traffic to your sohp.
[2008.01.10 18:23:30] pc5303: got a marquee on my site advertising my vday
[2008.01.10 18:23:35] AngelaCP: That's good :D
[2008.01.10 18:23:36] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:23:58] ShopaholicChick: i have valentines and anti valentines together in http://www.cafepress.com/shopaholicchick/1184462 - when you click the section it is easily split for peopel to choose
[2008.01.10 18:24:03] AngelaCP: That's another way to do it.
[2008.01.10 18:24:06] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:24:10] AngelaCP: Ideally, you should not put it together...
[2008.01.10 18:24:28] karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:24:38] AngelaCP: you want to separate the love oriented shoppers with those that hate the occasion
[2008.01.10 18:24:56] BrittaCP: Search Engine Optimization
[2008.01.10 18:24:59] nanabijou: What is SEO???
[2008.01.10 18:25:04] BrittaCP: darn... did it again
[2008.01.10 18:25:07] graphicdeeziner: is it still important to hold to the idea of three clicks to a product rule in the thought of one section for Vday with subsections?
[2008.01.10 18:25:36] BrittaCP: check out his tutorial... it's breaks dwon SEO for you
[2008.01.10 18:25:37] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/tutorial_seo_opt
[2008.01.10 18:26:04] AngelaCP: The less clicks the better... however, there's always exceptions to the rule. If you have more than 3 clicks, but your shop navigates in a customer friendly way... you'll be fine.
[2008.01.10 18:26:21] BrittaCP: Ok... so next promotion method
[2008.01.10 18:26:25] BrittaCP: Blog Away
[2008.01.10 18:26:32] BrittaCP: I have a feeling that many of you have entered the world of blogging.
[2008.01.10 18:26:48] BrittaCP: I’ve heard some shopkeepers mention that they think about it, but don’t know what to talk about…
[2008.01.10 18:27:03] nanabijou: sorry, not me
[2008.01.10 18:27:04] BrittaCP: personally I think with Vday there is TONS to talk about.
[2008.01.10 18:27:18] BrittaCP: It’s a day about love, and that affects everyone in some way.
[2008.01.10 18:27:29] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:27:39] BrittaCP: Start throwing your thoughts on love up on a blog, and work in matching merch.
[2008.01.10 18:27:53] BrittaCP: Say you’ve been heartbroken, create an Anti-Vday design and let it out on your blog.
[2008.01.10 18:28:06] BrittaCP: Or even talk about the world of dating. The ideas are endless.
[2008.01.10 18:28:20] TexasFiddler: anybody running a blog or two that they could share as an example?
[2008.01.10 18:28:33] kiwi2 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:28:48] AngelaCP: Also, blogging helps your SEO. It's fresh content and if you keep the content relevant... you should get some sales that way.
[2008.01.10 18:28:58] ShopaholicChick: i have a blog about my travels that has a link to my shop i get hits from http://chasingthegnome.blogspot.com
[2008.01.10 18:28:58] nanabijou: don't know how
[2008.01.10 18:29:00] BrittaCP: don't know how to create or start a blog?
[2008.01.10 18:29:34] happyface: where do you do that and who reads it...?
[2008.01.10 18:29:36] nanabijou: yes...don't knowhow to create OR start one
[2008.01.10 18:29:50] scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:30:08] riahsworld_2 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:30:10] BrittaCP: Well there are tons of free and easy to use blog sites out there
[2008.01.10 18:30:12] ShopaholicChick: www.blogspot.com it is easy to use and simple - and it indexes well in searchengines - and supplies you with interested parties thru it's own promotion
[2008.01.10 18:30:57] BrittaCP: by creating a blog and using keywords in it... you're creating content to be picked up in search engines
[2008.01.10 18:31:21] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:31:31] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:31:34] BrittaCP: someone does a search, finds your blog, and your blog interests them and connects them to your shop... boom! you've created a possible cutomer
[2008.01.10 18:31:40] tropicando: When things are sold in the Marketplace, is that independent of SEO tags we enter for our shops?
[2008.01.10 18:31:49] AngelaCP: Showing up in the CafePress Marketplace is purely Tags that you've entered on your images. SEO, is using content on your site/shop optimized in a way it shows up high in search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.... Today, these two things are separate... but each important in its own way.
[2008.01.10 18:32:14] Winter: This may be a dumb question, but do you need to pay for a blog if it has "commercial" content in it....would that be considered commercial if we blogged and included our products in it?
[2008.01.10 18:32:44] BrittaCP: anyone... know about this?
[2008.01.10 18:32:51] AngelaCP: There are many blog services that are free
[2008.01.10 18:32:55] ShopaholicChick: you can place ads on your blogspot blog it is free
[2008.01.10 18:32:56] AngelaCP: I believe Blogger is free.
[2008.01.10 18:33:25] Winter: Okay, thanks...I wasn't sure if you had to pay if you included commercial content...good to know
[2008.01.10 18:33:27] brainlint: I use blogger and never had a problem. Wordpress (free) is another story, though. I got booted :(
[2008.01.10 18:33:34] boldavenue: yeah blogger is free and you can put whatever you want in it commercial or not
[2008.01.10 18:33:43] Winter: cool, thanks!
[2008.01.10 18:33:53] AngelaCP: Another other free blog services anyone can throw out?
[2008.01.10 18:33:56] NiftyGaloot: Blogspot - no, Wordpress on their site - no affiliate links, Wordpress on your host - Whatever you want
[2008.01.10 18:34:01] riahsworld_2: whoot
[2008.01.10 18:34:02] AngelaCP: I just know Blogger is pretty good and free.
[2008.01.10 18:34:02] nanabijou: Great into... thanks
[2008.01.10 18:34:13] AngelaCP: There's Squidoo too
[2008.01.10 18:34:23] AngelaCP: Not really a traditional blog
[2008.01.10 18:34:46] riahsworld_2: i use my live journal and the groups i am in to have people take a look
[2008.01.10 18:34:53] AngelaCP: But you can start a lense on Valentine's Day or Anti-Valentine's Day
[2008.01.10 18:34:54] carboneau has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:35:09] riahsworld_2: yeah thats what i am starting to do
[2008.01.10 18:35:14] AngelaCP: and fill it with all the great facts and fun stuff....such as your merchandise
[2008.01.10 18:35:16] SterlingSmith has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:35:18] BrittaCP: Alright... let's move on to the next method...
[2008.01.10 18:36:03] brainlint: There's always the blogs on myspace and such, but blogger seems to get picked up by search engines the most.
[2008.01.10 18:36:12] BrittaCP: Message boards
[2008.01.10 18:36:25] BrittaCP: Wherever your target audience hangs out online, that’s where you want to be.
[2008.01.10 18:36:32] BrittaCP: Get your shop link in a signature and starting making friends.
[2008.01.10 18:36:37] riahsworld_2: yup
[2008.01.10 18:36:38] riahsworld_2: thats just common sense
[2008.01.10 18:36:49] BrittaCP: You know many of those folk have loved ones in their lives that they want to buy for this year.
[2008.01.10 18:37:01] riahsworld_2: i have my signature link in my email
[2008.01.10 18:37:04] NiftyGaloot: Just be careful not to spam!
[2008.01.10 18:37:06] BrittaCP: right
[2008.01.10 18:37:15] riahsworld_2: spam bad
[2008.01.10 18:37:16] BrittaCP: get engaged in a conversation
[2008.01.10 18:37:20] AngelaCP: Definitely bad
[2008.01.10 18:37:34] happyface: please explain how the mess boards work...
[2008.01.10 18:37:58] BrittaCP: we have one here at CafePress... http://forums.cafepress.com/eve/ubb.x
[2008.01.10 18:38:18] BrittaCP: Usually Forums or message boards are used to unite people of a common interest
[2008.01.10 18:38:27] BrittaCP: they talk, aske questions, help each other out
[2008.01.10 18:38:46] scarebaby has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:38:51] BrittaCP: You can find a forum on just about anything
[2008.01.10 18:39:06] happyface: sounds like a helpfull place to be...
[2008.01.10 18:39:18] NiftyGaloot: Whirled Peas ? ? ?
[2008.01.10 18:39:26] BrittaCP: i'll betcha a dollar!
[2008.01.10 18:39:31] SterlingSmith: The Communities are very strong...and loyal
[2008.01.10 18:40:00] BrittaCP: So when you find a forum that's relevant to your shop or section or a place that you think your target market will habg out
[2008.01.10 18:40:33] BrittaCP: everytime you post (not spam) make sure your shop link in is in your siggy... readers will see it and possibly click out of curiousity
[2008.01.10 18:40:40] NiftyGaloot: You're on, Britta!
[2008.01.10 18:40:43] BrittaCP: right-o
[2008.01.10 18:40:55] BrittaCP: On thing that I’ve been think about is dating forums.
[2008.01.10 18:41:21] BrittaCP: Whether it be a forum for giving dating advice, or for finding your soul mate… folk already have love on the brain.
[2008.01.10 18:41:32] riahsworld_2 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:41:43] BrittaCP: If you have single life designs, or content about dating (looking for Mr. Right), maybe even “online love” this could be a great place to get some exposure.
[2008.01.10 18:42:41] BrittaCP: ok... next idea
[2008.01.10 18:42:46] BrittaCP: Fliers and Business Cards
[2008.01.10 18:42:54] BrittaCP: Print some up and distribute locally.
[2008.01.10 18:43:01] pc5303: ive also placed adverts on the university sites
[2008.01.10 18:43:13] BrittaCP: Think about where do couples and single folk hang out?
[2008.01.10 18:43:46] BrittaCP: Coffee Shops, Laundromats, bars... church?
[2008.01.10 18:44:15] nanabijou: I leave them at restaurants and beauty salons, etc.
[2008.01.10 18:44:55] BrittaCP: ooooh... salons... awesome place to target ladies with mushy love and flowers
[2008.01.10 18:44:57] KC Graphics: don't forget dog parks!
[2008.01.10 18:45:15] ShopaholicChick: i leave them with my tip at reastraunts
[2008.01.10 18:45:34] KC Graphics: man's or woman's best friend can definitely help with finding love.
[2008.01.10 18:45:36] nanabijou: Exactly!
[2008.01.10 18:45:42] JoeCat has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:45:51] Frank has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:45:53] BrittaCP: If you’re a part of a club, or social group take some along and pass to other members, or place them on a table.
[2008.01.10 18:46:10] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:46:14] happyface: these advert...how are they just directing to your shop? out...like a flyer...? a handbill?
[2008.01.10 18:46:25] NiftyGaloot: You gotta target men, they buy more.
[2008.01.10 18:46:41] AngelaCP: You can do fliers, postcards, post them on bulletin boards
[2008.01.10 18:46:50] AngelaCP: whatever you do, please be sure to check the rules of what you can
[2008.01.10 18:47:04] AngelaCP: some cities may not allow you to simply post on public places
[2008.01.10 18:47:24] AngelaCP: in college dorm or campus...those are great places to post fliers
[2008.01.10 18:47:37] KC Graphics: if you are part of a meetup for a candidate in your area....you may find singles....
[2008.01.10 18:47:42] ShopaholicChick: i leave busines cards
[2008.01.10 18:47:43] Fricka has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:47:44] nanabijou: I travel a lot and always have them to give to about anyone I see
[2008.01.10 18:47:47] nanabijou: Yes, men do buy more. Christmas was an eyeopener for me!
[2008.01.10 18:47:47] NiftyGaloot: Saloon's would work better for targeting men, than salons.
[2008.01.10 18:48:03] BrittaCP: Heh… Slip them into the Romance Section of your local bookstore, video store, or library.
[2008.01.10 18:48:05] Amere Mortal has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:48:12] pc5303 has left the room
[2008.01.10 18:48:40] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:48:41] KC Graphics: it depends. more men are going to salons than saloons or barbar shops.
[2008.01.10 18:48:46] AngelaCP: Lastly, for those that have emails of your customers, send out a communication. Use email as a channel to reach out to your loyal customers and prospects.
[2008.01.10 18:48:58] AngelaCP: Showcase your hot V-day designs.
[2008.01.10 18:48:58] TexasFiddler: Don't you think retailers would get a little upset at that?
[2008.01.10 18:49:05] JoannOS has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:49:24] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:49:27] BrittaCP: probably... it's more of a funny thought
[2008.01.10 18:49:44] TexasFiddler: Why doesn't CP allow us to see the email addresses of folks that sign up for our newsletters?
[2008.01.10 18:49:48] AngelaCP: Privacy policy
[2008.01.10 18:50:07] tropicando: I have seen animal shelter flyers at PETCO. If you can swing it, maybe you can soup up their flyers for URL space on the same flyer. And sell dog shirts.
[2008.01.10 18:50:13] AngelaCP: We have a newsletter subscribing system you can use
[2008.01.10 18:50:20] KC Graphics: how can you check if someone signed up for a newsletter?
[2008.01.10 18:50:28] BrittaCP: you can see how many people have subscribed
[2008.01.10 18:50:35] AngelaCP: or you can subscribe to one... I know there are other services out there that can help you collect email addresses
[2008.01.10 18:50:39] BrittaCP: go into the newseltter section of your account
[2008.01.10 18:50:55] ShopaholicChick: KC there is a link above where you enter the orums from the your account page it will tell u how many subscribers you have
[2008.01.10 18:51:00] KC Graphics: thanks. I'm still new to newsletters.
[2008.01.10 18:51:28] karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:51:28] AngelaCP: Remind them to purchase for their loved ones, beyond their SO such as BFFs, Sister, Mom, Dad, children’s Teacher, etc…
[2008.01.10 18:51:37] nanabijou: Newsletters are GREAT!
[2008.01.10 18:51:44] AngelaCP: Communicating with customers and prospects is a great way to keep in touch.
[2008.01.10 18:51:50] KC Graphics: lol!
[2008.01.10 18:51:57] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:52:04] AngelaCP: It also keeps you in the mind of your customers... and help you build a brand/awareness
[2008.01.10 18:52:11] JoannOS has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:52:49] AngelaCP: Does anyone have any suggestions for promoting for Vday that we didnt cover?
[2008.01.10 18:53:16] CYI: Will you be announcing what this year's V-Day contest will be soon?
[2008.01.10 18:53:26] BrittaCP: sorry... we don't have one planned for his year
[2008.01.10 18:53:43] AngelaCP: We covered the main areas of promoting your shop this Vday.... we have SKs that do promote in creative and unusual ways... if you're one of those, please share!
[2008.01.10 18:54:12] BrittaCP: *this
[2008.01.10 18:54:30] tropicando: video. I have contemplated making entertaining video relating to a shirt design.
[2008.01.10 18:54:32] Frank has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:54:37] leah has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:54:38] NiftyGaloot: I ain't tellin' my unusual ways! ;)
[2008.01.10 18:54:47] AngelaCP: Ah... using YouTube as a channel for branding and awareness isn't a bad idea.
[2008.01.10 18:54:48] BrittaCP: fair enough ;)
[2008.01.10 18:54:53] tropicando: Like youtube I mean
[2008.01.10 18:55:16] CYI: When will the CP have the V-Day portal up and what will the main tag be?
[2008.01.10 18:55:22] BrittaCP: within the next week or so
[2008.01.10 18:55:48] BrittaCP: There is no special tag. just make sure that you tag your vday designs appropriatly
[2008.01.10 18:55:58] AngelaCP: You should Tag your images to what's appropriate for your design
[2008.01.10 18:56:25] Amere Mortal: I got 'stumbled upon' somehow lol, but it was nothing that I did.
[2008.01.10 18:56:33] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:56:43] nanabijou: What is a Vday portal
[2008.01.10 18:57:13] AngelaCP: It's a sitelet for Valentine's Day designs. Similar to the Election "portal" : http://www.cafepress.com/cp/buy/elections08?cmp=BAC_20071101_elections_smhpban
[2008.01.10 18:57:32] Blonde Designs has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:57:32] mandy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:57:34] NiftyGaloot: I've heard of folks doing a podcast
[2008.01.10 18:57:37] TexasFiddler: does cp police the tagging at all? I see lots of really irrelevant merchandise in the marketplace fairly frequently.


[2008.01.10 17:56:07] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.01.10 17:56:07] TexasFiddler has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:56:07] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.01.10 17:56:35] Message queued in room for moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 17:56:55] ShopaholicChick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:56:55] NiftyGaloot has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:57:40] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:58:16] mamm has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:58:50] kiwi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:59:15] CYI has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 17:59:32] JoeCat has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:00:02] boldavenue has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:00:33] Janiss has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:01:09] allcreative has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:02:15] happyface has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:02:15] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:02:18] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:02:24] AngelaCP: Hi everyone
[2008.01.10 18:02:36] BrittaCP: Hi gang!
[2008.01.10 18:02:40] happyface: hi
[2008.01.10 18:03:01] ShopaholicChick: hi everyone!!!
[2008.01.10 18:03:04] boldavenue: hi
[2008.01.10 18:03:04] NiftyGaloot: Is this the <3 Chat?
[2008.01.10 18:03:09] AngelaCP: It sure is :D
[2008.01.10 18:03:12] AngelaCP: it's part 2
[2008.01.10 18:03:19] Kippy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:03:25] AngelaCP: The last one was going over the stats and what we will be doing
[2008.01.10 18:03:42] AngelaCP: this one will go over promoting your shop... Britta will explain more
[2008.01.10 18:03:45] allcreative: hi
[2008.01.10 18:03:47] BrittaCP: Welcome to 2008!
[2008.01.10 18:03:59] AngelaCP: Yes, Happy New Year
[2008.01.10 18:04:06] AngelaCP: hope you all had a good one!
[2008.01.10 18:04:17] BrittaCP: We hope you all had a wonderful and successful Holiday
[2008.01.10 18:04:31] BrittaCP: It’s hard to believe 2007 is over, what a ride.
[2008.01.10 18:04:35] happyface: thanks...
[2008.01.10 18:04:50] scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:05:00] BrittaCP: Well now that it’s over, we hope that you have all moved on to the next big selling season, Valentine’s Day
[2008.01.10 18:05:04] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:05:33] BrittaCP: Today, we’ll be discussing ways to promote your shop and new merch for Valentine’s day.
[2008.01.10 18:05:45] BrittaCP: Before we begin, I want to throw out the usual bit about how chat works.
[2008.01.10 18:05:52] pc5303 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:06:03] BrittaCP: The chat is moderated. This means that any comment you send will be put into a queue until a moderator reviews it, and pushes it out to be answered.
[2008.01.10 18:06:10] nanabijou has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:06:22] BrittaCP: Many questions do come in, and we will try our best to answer all of them.
[2008.01.10 18:06:35] BrittaCP: The transcript for this chat will be available within a few days. Anyways… moving on…
[2008.01.10 18:06:50] leah has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:06:53] BrittaCP: If you were with us a few weeks ago, we gave the first half of this workshop: Valentine’s Day Shop Prep.
[2008.01.10 18:07:06] BrittaCP: You can read the transcript here: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/workshop_vdayprep
[2008.01.10 18:07:13] Karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:07:18] BrittaCP: I’ll take a moment to recap what we talked about a few weeks ago.
[2008.01.10 18:07:24] leah has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:07:30] BrittaCP: We mentioned a few key products that you want to make sure to feature for Vday:
[2008.01.10 18:07:31] leah has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:07:41] BrittaCP: • Single Greeting Cards
[2008.01.10 18:07:51] BrittaCP: • Keepsake Box
[2008.01.10 18:07:57] Blonde Designs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:07:58] BrittaCP: • Dark T (well be featuring Black)
[2008.01.10 18:07:58] brainlint has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:08:09] BrittaCP: • Womens Light T (well be featuring Pink)
[2008.01.10 18:08:42] nanabijou: This is all new to me....so I may do mostly listening
[2008.01.10 18:08:43] BrittaCP: welcome... we hope you enjoy and learn.
[2008.01.10 18:08:53] BrittaCP: There are a few more that we have listed in the transcript…
[2008.01.10 18:09:13] BrittaCP: but these are the few that you really want to make sure and add. Especially those single Greeting Cards.
[2008.01.10 18:09:35] BrittaCP: We also talked about “re-inventing” Valentine ’s Day within your shop, and the types of content you can use for your designs.
[2008.01.10 18:09:54] BrittaCP: While Romantic Love (hearts and flowers) is always a staple… there are so many other directions you can go in.
[2008.01.10 18:10:16] BrittaCP: There’s Anti-Valentine’s day which has always proven to be a success here: I hate Valentines Day, Retired Cupid, Heartbroken, love hurts...
[2008.01.10 18:10:33] BrittaCP: Also, Valentine’s does not need to be something just for couples.
[2008.01.10 18:10:43] BrittaCP: You can create sentiments geared towards family members, best friends, and single friends (celebrate being single).
[2008.01.10 18:11:03] BrittaCP: We also gave out tips on tagging your Vday images, and key wording for SEO.
[2008.01.10 18:11:39] BrittaCP: So again... if you missed that chat, take a few minutes to check out the transcript... it's got some cool factoids in it
[2008.01.10 18:11:40] Romy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:12:02] BrittaCP: So hopefully some of you have already started with these things, and we’re already seeing your designs in the Marketplace.
[2008.01.10 18:12:47] BrittaCP: Remember, the 5th and 6th week of the year are the busiest buying times for Vday Shoppers.
[2008.01.10 18:12:57] BrittaCP: Make sure your images are tagged, and your products are SEO’d by that time.
[2008.01.10 18:13:15] pc5303: can i ask a quick question its been 7 days now and my designs are still not listed on the market place. Ive checked the tags and they have been entered properly also other designs not associated to valentines day have been placed on the market place they were uploaded on the same day
[2008.01.10 18:13:22] AngelaCP: Check to see if your shop is marked private or opt out of the Affiliate Program or in a hidden section.
[2008.01.10 18:13:40] AngelaCP: Designs tagged should show up within 48 hours
[2008.01.10 18:13:57] graphicdeeziner has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:14:01] BrittaCP: Moving on...your next step is now promoting your merch and shop for the buying season.
[2008.01.10 18:14:08] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:14:17] scarebaby has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:14:23] NiftyGaloot: A design put up today showed up in less than an hour
[2008.01.10 18:14:28] BrittaCP: I think with this occasion, you can cook up some really fun and interesting ways to promote.
[2008.01.10 18:14:56] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:14:58] BrittaCP: There are free and paid methods of promoting and advertising your shop.
[2008.01.10 18:15:20] BrittaCP: We discussed some of these ways in a previous holiday chat… and those same methods can apply to your Valentine’s promotion.
[2008.01.10 18:15:34] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/community/workshop_holidayprep4
[2008.01.10 18:16:11] BrittaCP: Starting with the simple; be sure that you’ve taken your holiday banners, and get ready to replace them with Vday Banners.
[2008.01.10 18:16:18] kiwi2 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:16:23] BrittaCP: *taken your holiday banners down
[2008.01.10 18:16:40] BrittaCP: Banners can be placed on your main site (if you have one separate from your CP shop) and in your Shop.
[2008.01.10 18:17:01] BrittaCP: Also… if you haven’t already, make sure to do something with your holiday sections, either hide them or push them down (lowlight).
[2008.01.10 18:17:21] DDKnight has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:17:38] tropicando has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:17:41] BrittaCP: There’s no need to keep them highlighted. You want your customers to see Vday right away.
[2008.01.10 18:17:48] SD Spaniel Rescue has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:18:20] AngelaCP: Is anyone doing this yet?
[2008.01.10 18:18:23] AngelaCP: or plan to?
[2008.01.10 18:18:46] happyface: need to learn all this ...hann't a clue...
[2008.01.10 18:18:56] BrittaCP: that's what we're here for today :)
[2008.01.10 18:18:59] leah: Already done
[2008.01.10 18:19:01] NiftyGaloot: I've put my vday section up top
[2008.01.10 18:19:07] AngelaCP: Yay to leah!
[2008.01.10 18:19:09] AngelaCP: Nifty too
[2008.01.10 18:19:14] AngelaCP: you guys are ahead of the game
[2008.01.10 18:19:26] AngelaCP: any word of advice to the community?
[2008.01.10 18:19:30] KC Graphics has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:19:31] kiwi has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:19:32] graphicdeeziner: I am not sure what you mean by highlighting?
[2008.01.10 18:19:36] BrittaCP: featuring... calling out... bringing attention to
[2008.01.10 18:19:44] AngelaCP: spotlighting
[2008.01.10 18:19:47] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:19:49] kiwi2: I moved my Christmas section to the bottom of the shop, and Vday to the top
[2008.01.10 18:20:09] AngelaCP: it's should be the "highlight" of your shop when someone enters your shop
[2008.01.10 18:20:16] graphicdeeziner: thank you
[2008.01.10 18:20:48] TexasFiddler: Got a valentine's section moved to the top as well as two specific designs up top as well
[2008.01.10 18:20:55] ShopaholicChick: www.cafepress.com/celebratetoday has v-day anti-v-day & wedding ont he top line
[2008.01.10 18:21:22] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:21:28] TexasFiddler: wedding's a good thought here. good move
[2008.01.10 18:21:38] ShopaholicChick: thanks
[2008.01.10 18:22:25] BrittaCP: I would think so... you can do it in one mass VDAY section... but be sure to create subsections for each within
[2008.01.10 18:22:50] BrittaCP: and you could do something creative with the main section TN to show that both are inside
[2008.01.10 18:22:56] kiwi2: is it better to separate v-day and anti-vday into two different sections?
[2008.01.10 18:23:09] BrittaCP: that was to you kiwi... i always do that :-o
[2008.01.10 18:23:14] NiftyGaloot: Put other designs, like wold's best godmother, right after vday. Folks can use that for gifts too.
[2008.01.10 18:23:16] AngelaCP: Agreed. It's also good for SEO... as Britta mentioned earlier and from the last chat... SEO is a great way to bring traffic to your sohp.
[2008.01.10 18:23:30] pc5303: got a marquee on my site advertising my vday
[2008.01.10 18:23:35] AngelaCP: That's good :D
[2008.01.10 18:23:36] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:23:58] ShopaholicChick: i have valentines and anti valentines together in http://www.cafepress.com/shopaholicchick/1184462 - when you click the section it is easily split for peopel to choose
[2008.01.10 18:24:03] AngelaCP: That's another way to do it.
[2008.01.10 18:24:06] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:24:10] AngelaCP: Ideally, you should not put it together...
[2008.01.10 18:24:28] karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:24:38] AngelaCP: you want to separate the love oriented shoppers with those that hate the occasion
[2008.01.10 18:24:56] BrittaCP: Search Engine Optimization
[2008.01.10 18:24:59] nanabijou: What is SEO???
[2008.01.10 18:25:04] BrittaCP: darn... did it again
[2008.01.10 18:25:07] graphicdeeziner: is it still important to hold to the idea of three clicks to a product rule in the thought of one section for Vday with subsections?
[2008.01.10 18:25:36] BrittaCP: check out his tutorial... it's breaks dwon SEO for you
[2008.01.10 18:25:37] BrittaCP: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/tutorial_seo_opt
[2008.01.10 18:26:04] AngelaCP: The less clicks the better... however, there's always exceptions to the rule. If you have more than 3 clicks, but your shop navigates in a customer friendly way... you'll be fine.
[2008.01.10 18:26:21] BrittaCP: Ok... so next promotion method
[2008.01.10 18:26:25] BrittaCP: Blog Away
[2008.01.10 18:26:32] BrittaCP: I have a feeling that many of you have entered the world of blogging.
[2008.01.10 18:26:48] BrittaCP: I’ve heard some shopkeepers mention that they think about it, but don’t know what to talk about…
[2008.01.10 18:27:03] nanabijou: sorry, not me
[2008.01.10 18:27:04] BrittaCP: personally I think with Vday there is TONS to talk about.
[2008.01.10 18:27:18] BrittaCP: It’s a day about love, and that affects everyone in some way.
[2008.01.10 18:27:29] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:27:39] BrittaCP: Start throwing your thoughts on love up on a blog, and work in matching merch.
[2008.01.10 18:27:53] BrittaCP: Say you’ve been heartbroken, create an Anti-Vday design and let it out on your blog.
[2008.01.10 18:28:06] BrittaCP: Or even talk about the world of dating. The ideas are endless.
[2008.01.10 18:28:20] TexasFiddler: anybody running a blog or two that they could share as an example?
[2008.01.10 18:28:33] kiwi2 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:28:48] AngelaCP: Also, blogging helps your SEO. It's fresh content and if you keep the content relevant... you should get some sales that way.
[2008.01.10 18:28:58] ShopaholicChick: i have a blog about my travels that has a link to my shop i get hits from http://chasingthegnome.blogspot.com
[2008.01.10 18:28:58] nanabijou: don't know how
[2008.01.10 18:29:00] BrittaCP: don't know how to create or start a blog?
[2008.01.10 18:29:34] happyface: where do you do that and who reads it...?
[2008.01.10 18:29:36] nanabijou: yes...don't knowhow to create OR start one
[2008.01.10 18:29:50] scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:30:08] riahsworld_2 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:30:10] BrittaCP: Well there are tons of free and easy to use blog sites out there
[2008.01.10 18:30:12] ShopaholicChick: www.blogspot.com it is easy to use and simple - and it indexes well in searchengines - and supplies you with interested parties thru it's own promotion
[2008.01.10 18:30:57] BrittaCP: by creating a blog and using keywords in it... you're creating content to be picked up in search engines
[2008.01.10 18:31:21] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:31:31] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:31:34] BrittaCP: someone does a search, finds your blog, and your blog interests them and connects them to your shop... boom! you've created a possible cutomer
[2008.01.10 18:31:40] tropicando: When things are sold in the Marketplace, is that independent of SEO tags we enter for our shops?
[2008.01.10 18:31:49] AngelaCP: Showing up in the CafePress Marketplace is purely Tags that you've entered on your images. SEO, is using content on your site/shop optimized in a way it shows up high in search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.... Today, these two things are separate... but each important in its own way.
[2008.01.10 18:32:14] Winter: This may be a dumb question, but do you need to pay for a blog if it has "commercial" content in it....would that be considered commercial if we blogged and included our products in it?
[2008.01.10 18:32:44] BrittaCP: anyone... know about this?
[2008.01.10 18:32:51] AngelaCP: There are many blog services that are free
[2008.01.10 18:32:55] ShopaholicChick: you can place ads on your blogspot blog it is free
[2008.01.10 18:32:56] AngelaCP: I believe Blogger is free.
[2008.01.10 18:33:25] Winter: Okay, thanks...I wasn't sure if you had to pay if you included commercial content...good to know
[2008.01.10 18:33:27] brainlint: I use blogger and never had a problem. Wordpress (free) is another story, though. I got booted :(
[2008.01.10 18:33:34] boldavenue: yeah blogger is free and you can put whatever you want in it commercial or not
[2008.01.10 18:33:43] Winter: cool, thanks!
[2008.01.10 18:33:53] AngelaCP: Another other free blog services anyone can throw out?
[2008.01.10 18:33:56] NiftyGaloot: Blogspot - no, Wordpress on their site - no affiliate links, Wordpress on your host - Whatever you want
[2008.01.10 18:34:01] riahsworld_2: whoot
[2008.01.10 18:34:02] AngelaCP: I just know Blogger is pretty good and free.
[2008.01.10 18:34:02] nanabijou: Great into... thanks
[2008.01.10 18:34:13] AngelaCP: There's Squidoo too
[2008.01.10 18:34:23] AngelaCP: Not really a traditional blog
[2008.01.10 18:34:46] riahsworld_2: i use my live journal and the groups i am in to have people take a look
[2008.01.10 18:34:53] AngelaCP: But you can start a lense on Valentine's Day or Anti-Valentine's Day
[2008.01.10 18:34:54] carboneau has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:35:09] riahsworld_2: yeah thats what i am starting to do
[2008.01.10 18:35:14] AngelaCP: and fill it with all the great facts and fun stuff....such as your merchandise
[2008.01.10 18:35:16] SterlingSmith has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:35:18] BrittaCP: Alright... let's move on to the next method...
[2008.01.10 18:36:03] brainlint: There's always the blogs on myspace and such, but blogger seems to get picked up by search engines the most.
[2008.01.10 18:36:12] BrittaCP: Message boards
[2008.01.10 18:36:25] BrittaCP: Wherever your target audience hangs out online, that’s where you want to be.
[2008.01.10 18:36:32] BrittaCP: Get your shop link in a signature and starting making friends.
[2008.01.10 18:36:37] riahsworld_2: yup
[2008.01.10 18:36:38] riahsworld_2: thats just common sense
[2008.01.10 18:36:49] BrittaCP: You know many of those folk have loved ones in their lives that they want to buy for this year.
[2008.01.10 18:37:01] riahsworld_2: i have my signature link in my email
[2008.01.10 18:37:04] NiftyGaloot: Just be careful not to spam!
[2008.01.10 18:37:06] BrittaCP: right
[2008.01.10 18:37:15] riahsworld_2: spam bad
[2008.01.10 18:37:16] BrittaCP: get engaged in a conversation
[2008.01.10 18:37:20] AngelaCP: Definitely bad
[2008.01.10 18:37:34] happyface: please explain how the mess boards work...
[2008.01.10 18:37:58] BrittaCP: we have one here at CafePress... http://forums.cafepress.com/eve/ubb.x
[2008.01.10 18:38:18] BrittaCP: Usually Forums or message boards are used to unite people of a common interest
[2008.01.10 18:38:27] BrittaCP: they talk, aske questions, help each other out
[2008.01.10 18:38:46] scarebaby has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:38:51] BrittaCP: You can find a forum on just about anything
[2008.01.10 18:39:06] happyface: sounds like a helpfull place to be...
[2008.01.10 18:39:18] NiftyGaloot: Whirled Peas ? ? ?
[2008.01.10 18:39:26] BrittaCP: i'll betcha a dollar!
[2008.01.10 18:39:31] SterlingSmith: The Communities are very strong...and loyal
[2008.01.10 18:40:00] BrittaCP: So when you find a forum that's relevant to your shop or section or a place that you think your target market will habg out
[2008.01.10 18:40:33] BrittaCP: everytime you post (not spam) make sure your shop link in is in your siggy... readers will see it and possibly click out of curiousity
[2008.01.10 18:40:40] NiftyGaloot: You're on, Britta!
[2008.01.10 18:40:43] BrittaCP: right-o
[2008.01.10 18:40:55] BrittaCP: On thing that I’ve been think about is dating forums.
[2008.01.10 18:41:21] BrittaCP: Whether it be a forum for giving dating advice, or for finding your soul mate… folk already have love on the brain.
[2008.01.10 18:41:32] riahsworld_2 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:41:43] BrittaCP: If you have single life designs, or content about dating (looking for Mr. Right), maybe even “online love” this could be a great place to get some exposure.
[2008.01.10 18:42:41] BrittaCP: ok... next idea
[2008.01.10 18:42:46] BrittaCP: Fliers and Business Cards
[2008.01.10 18:42:54] BrittaCP: Print some up and distribute locally.
[2008.01.10 18:43:01] pc5303: ive also placed adverts on the university sites
[2008.01.10 18:43:13] BrittaCP: Think about where do couples and single folk hang out?
[2008.01.10 18:43:46] BrittaCP: Coffee Shops, Laundromats, bars... church?
[2008.01.10 18:44:15] nanabijou: I leave them at restaurants and beauty salons, etc.
[2008.01.10 18:44:55] BrittaCP: ooooh... salons... awesome place to target ladies with mushy love and flowers
[2008.01.10 18:44:57] KC Graphics: don't forget dog parks!
[2008.01.10 18:45:15] ShopaholicChick: i leave them with my tip at reastraunts
[2008.01.10 18:45:34] KC Graphics: man's or woman's best friend can definitely help with finding love.
[2008.01.10 18:45:36] nanabijou: Exactly!
[2008.01.10 18:45:42] JoeCat has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:45:51] Frank has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:45:53] BrittaCP: If you’re a part of a club, or social group take some along and pass to other members, or place them on a table.
[2008.01.10 18:46:10] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:46:14] happyface: these advert...how are they just directing to your shop? out...like a flyer...? a handbill?
[2008.01.10 18:46:25] NiftyGaloot: You gotta target men, they buy more.
[2008.01.10 18:46:41] AngelaCP: You can do fliers, postcards, post them on bulletin boards
[2008.01.10 18:46:50] AngelaCP: whatever you do, please be sure to check the rules of what you can
[2008.01.10 18:47:04] AngelaCP: some cities may not allow you to simply post on public places
[2008.01.10 18:47:24] AngelaCP: in college dorm or campus...those are great places to post fliers
[2008.01.10 18:47:37] KC Graphics: if you are part of a meetup for a candidate in your area....you may find singles....
[2008.01.10 18:47:42] ShopaholicChick: i leave busines cards
[2008.01.10 18:47:43] Fricka has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:47:44] nanabijou: I travel a lot and always have them to give to about anyone I see
[2008.01.10 18:47:47] nanabijou: Yes, men do buy more. Christmas was an eyeopener for me!
[2008.01.10 18:47:47] NiftyGaloot: Saloon's would work better for targeting men, than salons.
[2008.01.10 18:48:03] BrittaCP: Heh… Slip them into the Romance Section of your local bookstore, video store, or library.
[2008.01.10 18:48:05] Amere Mortal has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:48:12] pc5303 has left the room
[2008.01.10 18:48:40] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:48:41] KC Graphics: it depends. more men are going to salons than saloons or barbar shops.
[2008.01.10 18:48:46] AngelaCP: Lastly, for those that have emails of your customers, send out a communication. Use email as a channel to reach out to your loyal customers and prospects.
[2008.01.10 18:48:58] AngelaCP: Showcase your hot V-day designs.
[2008.01.10 18:48:58] TexasFiddler: Don't you think retailers would get a little upset at that?
[2008.01.10 18:49:05] JoannOS has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:49:24] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:49:27] BrittaCP: probably... it's more of a funny thought
[2008.01.10 18:49:44] TexasFiddler: Why doesn't CP allow us to see the email addresses of folks that sign up for our newsletters?
[2008.01.10 18:49:48] AngelaCP: Privacy policy
[2008.01.10 18:50:07] tropicando: I have seen animal shelter flyers at PETCO. If you can swing it, maybe you can soup up their flyers for URL space on the same flyer. And sell dog shirts.
[2008.01.10 18:50:13] AngelaCP: We have a newsletter subscribing system you can use
[2008.01.10 18:50:20] KC Graphics: how can you check if someone signed up for a newsletter?
[2008.01.10 18:50:28] BrittaCP: you can see how many people have subscribed
[2008.01.10 18:50:35] AngelaCP: or you can subscribe to one... I know there are other services out there that can help you collect email addresses
[2008.01.10 18:50:39] BrittaCP: go into the newseltter section of your account
[2008.01.10 18:50:55] ShopaholicChick: KC there is a link above where you enter the orums from the your account page it will tell u how many subscribers you have
[2008.01.10 18:51:00] KC Graphics: thanks. I'm still new to newsletters.
[2008.01.10 18:51:28] karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:51:28] AngelaCP: Remind them to purchase for their loved ones, beyond their SO such as BFFs, Sister, Mom, Dad, children’s Teacher, etc…
[2008.01.10 18:51:37] nanabijou: Newsletters are GREAT!
[2008.01.10 18:51:44] AngelaCP: Communicating with customers and prospects is a great way to keep in touch.
[2008.01.10 18:51:50] KC Graphics: lol!
[2008.01.10 18:51:57] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:52:04] AngelaCP: It also keeps you in the mind of your customers... and help you build a brand/awareness
[2008.01.10 18:52:11] JoannOS has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:52:49] AngelaCP: Does anyone have any suggestions for promoting for Vday that we didnt cover?
[2008.01.10 18:53:16] CYI: Will you be announcing what this year's V-Day contest will be soon?
[2008.01.10 18:53:26] BrittaCP: sorry... we don't have one planned for his year
[2008.01.10 18:53:43] AngelaCP: We covered the main areas of promoting your shop this Vday.... we have SKs that do promote in creative and unusual ways... if you're one of those, please share!
[2008.01.10 18:54:12] BrittaCP: *this
[2008.01.10 18:54:30] tropicando: video. I have contemplated making entertaining video relating to a shirt design.
[2008.01.10 18:54:32] Frank has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:54:37] leah has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:54:38] NiftyGaloot: I ain't tellin' my unusual ways! ;)
[2008.01.10 18:54:47] AngelaCP: Ah... using YouTube as a channel for branding and awareness isn't a bad idea.
[2008.01.10 18:54:48] BrittaCP: fair enough ;)
[2008.01.10 18:54:53] tropicando: Like youtube I mean
[2008.01.10 18:55:16] CYI: When will the CP have the V-Day portal up and what will the main tag be?
[2008.01.10 18:55:22] BrittaCP: within the next week or so
[2008.01.10 18:55:48] BrittaCP: There is no special tag. just make sure that you tag your vday designs appropriatly
[2008.01.10 18:55:58] AngelaCP: You should Tag your images to what's appropriate for your design
[2008.01.10 18:56:25] Amere Mortal: I got 'stumbled upon' somehow lol, but it was nothing that I did.
[2008.01.10 18:56:33] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 18:56:43] nanabijou: What is a Vday portal
[2008.01.10 18:57:13] AngelaCP: It's a sitelet for Valentine's Day designs. Similar to the Election "portal" : http://www.cafepress.com/cp/buy/elections08?cmp=BAC_20071101_elections_smhpban
[2008.01.10 18:57:32] Blonde Designs has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:57:32] mandy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 18:57:34] NiftyGaloot: I've heard of folks doing a podcast
[2008.01.10 18:57:37] TexasFiddler: does cp police the tagging at all? I see lots of really irrelevant merchandise in the marketplace fairly frequently.
[2008.01.10 18:58:17] AngelaCP: We need every Shopkeepers help in making sure that they tag their images appropriately.
[2008.01.10 18:58:25] mamm has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:58:52] AngelaCP: Don't tag your image with "Gift" if it makes a perfect gift... you want to use Tags that DESCRIBE your image.
[2008.01.10 18:59:15] KC Graphics has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 18:59:26] AngelaCP: We have SKs putting Christmas and Gift and Valentine's Day on images that may work for these occasions, but doesn't describer the image.
[2008.01.10 18:59:58] AngelaCP: Basically, any image/product will be a good "gift" so... there's no need to Tag it gift
[2008.01.10 19:00:06] allcreative: I've seen a few that shouldn't be allowed. How can people report them?
[2008.01.10 19:00:26] AngelaCP: You can send it to cup@cafepress.com
[2008.01.10 19:00:41] ShopaholicChick: we have shopkeepers who put christmas on ALL of thier designs!
[2008.01.10 19:00:44] AngelaCP: yes :(
[2008.01.10 19:00:49] AngelaCP: Please don't do that!
[2008.01.10 19:01:16] nanabijou: should I be looking at the numbers that show as I am tagging? Because when gift is used the numbers zoom up.
[2008.01.10 19:01:44] graphicdeeziner: are various spellings of a word ok?
[2008.01.10 19:01:47] Hina has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.01.10 19:01:48] BrittaCP: yes
[2008.01.10 19:01:48] AngelaCP: that just shows how many time that tag was searched..
[2008.01.10 19:01:54] BrittaCP: and misspellings
[2008.01.10 19:02:45] boldavenue: nana: the numbers help you know what people are looking for. it helps if you have too many keywords and you need to narrow it down.
[2008.01.10 19:02:59] boldavenue: * i said keywords but i meant tags
[2008.01.10 19:03:16] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.01.10 19:03:22] AngelaCP: Okay everyone... looks like time is up
[2008.01.10 19:03:22] BrittaCP: Well folk... we've got to wrap things up now
[2008.01.10 19:03:37] AngelaCP: We hope you found some of these ideas helpful for your Vday campaign
[2008.01.10 19:03:46] happyface has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:03:54] AngelaCP: Feel free to chat it up with each other after this room shuts down....
[2008.01.10 19:03:57] CYI: Thanks
[2008.01.10 19:03:58] nanabijou: thanks for the help
[2008.01.10 19:04:01] AngelaCP: or on the CafePress community forums!
[2008.01.10 19:04:05] goatlady has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:04:07] Hina: how can i be part of chat rooms
[2008.01.10 19:04:18] AngelaCP: The Lobby is now open
[2008.01.10 19:04:21] Fricka has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:04:30] allcreative has left the room
[2008.01.10 19:04:33] AngelaCP: Simply double click the room "Lobby" found in the right had side....
[2008.01.10 19:04:33] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:04:44] AngelaCP: This room will be closing up in a minute
[2008.01.10 19:04:45] boldavenue has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:04:49] AngelaCP: have a great evening everyone
[2008.01.10 19:04:50] NiftyGaloot: It's been fun, as always! Thanks Britta and Angela! :)
[2008.01.10 19:04:52] Heni has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:04:55] brainlint has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:05:03] AngelaCP: Go get 'em for Valentine's Day
[2008.01.10 19:05:06] SterlingSmith has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:05:12] AngelaCP: and happy selling for 2008!
[2008.01.10 19:05:15] NiftyGaloot has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:05:16] graphicdeeziner: when will the transcript be available for our review?
[2008.01.10 19:05:20] AngelaCP: Next week....
[2008.01.10 19:05:23] AngelaCP: bye everyone
[2008.01.10 19:05:25] Hina has left the room (logged out)
[2008.01.10 19:05:31] The room has been closed by the system