promoting your cafepress shop free

[2008.09.18 18:59:44] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.09.18 18:59:44] shopaholic chick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 18:59:44] All users in this room have been allowed to talk
[2008.09.18 18:59:58] BrittaCP: Hello Everyone!
[2008.09.18 19:00:27] Joie: Hi!
[2008.09.18 19:00:28] Iscah Designs: Hello! Thank you for inviting us today!
[2008.09.18 19:00:44] BrittaCP: Thanks for coing out to the chat today
[2008.09.18 19:00:53] BrittaCP: We're going to be talking about online promotion
[2008.09.18 19:01:02] BrittaCP: a few weeks ago we did offline promotion
[2008.09.18 19:01:03] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:01:16] matisse: Good morning!
[2008.09.18 19:01:18] bacon has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:01:18] AngelaCP: Good morning!
[2008.09.18 19:01:19] AngelaCP: LOL
[2008.09.18 19:01:23] matisse: Hi Angela!
[2008.09.18 19:01:26] Kippy: oh, testeroo?
[2008.09.18 19:01:28] BrittaCP: http://community.cafepress.com/?p=368
[2008.09.18 19:01:32] AngelaCP: oh, what's this about testroo?
[2008.09.18 19:01:34] Tropicando has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:01:38] Iscah Designs: Hello Angela!
[2008.09.18 19:01:40] AngelaCP: hi everyone
[2008.09.18 19:01:46] AngelaCP: happy thursday
[2008.09.18 19:01:57] matisse: I am getting my donots Hawaii time!
[2008.09.18 19:02:01] AngelaCP: awesome - congrats!
[2008.09.18 19:02:05] realemon has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:02:28] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:02:47] BrittaCP: We have a special guest with us today
[2008.09.18 19:03:11] BrittaCP: Nate... who is an avid blogger and promotion freak
[2008.09.18 19:03:16] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:03:22] BrittaCP: say hello Nate!
[2008.09.18 19:03:25] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:03:30] thegoldstandard: is everyone here for the online promotions chat?
[2008.09.18 19:03:30] nathanmcgee.com: freak is a good description :)
[2008.09.18 19:03:36] AngelaCP: hi nate!
[2008.09.18 19:03:38] GimpDaddy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:03:48] BrittaCP: So before we start.... the chat room rules
[2008.09.18 19:03:51] matisse: Heh Nate!
[2008.09.18 19:03:53] Joie: Hello, Nate!
[2008.09.18 19:03:54] nathanmcgee.com: but I'm a bad speller... so my apologies in advanced :)
[2008.09.18 19:03:59] Iscah Designs: Hi, Nate! Welcome!
[2008.09.18 19:04:00] MaxMuhlin: Hello Nate
[2008.09.18 19:04:01] ThE_RiPPeR: hi Nate!!!!
[2008.09.18 19:04:02] nathanmcgee.com: Hey Gang!
[2008.09.18 19:04:08] matisse: oh no not the rules again!
[2008.09.18 19:04:15] AngelaCP: rules are important... okay, hit it britta!
[2008.09.18 19:04:16] Kunstrxns-Anne has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:04:17] BrittaCP: you can recite them with me if you know them by heart by know
[2008.09.18 19:04:17] BrittaCP: lol
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[2008.09.18 19:04:49] flyingwolf has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:04:52] BrittaCP: The chat is moderated... meaning all your comments and questions go into a queue where they aer reviewed by a moderator
[2008.09.18 19:04:59] realemon has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:05:04] BrittaCP: and once reveiewed it gets pushed out
[2008.09.18 19:05:14] BrittaCP: this is why you won't see your comment right away
[2008.09.18 19:05:30] BrittaCP: at the end of the chat, we'll open the lobby back up
[2008.09.18 19:05:37] BrittaCP: and you can continue the party there
[2008.09.18 19:05:57] BrittaCP: So we ready to talk about online promotion?
[2008.09.18 19:06:00] realemon has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:06:17] Joie: Yes.
[2008.09.18 19:06:19] AngelaCP: Yes
[2008.09.18 19:06:21] realemon has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:06:22] AngelaCP: A few weeks ago, we talked about ways to bring awareness to your shop offline… today we’ll go over a few ways you can promote your shop online.
[2008.09.18 19:06:33] AngelaCP: One of the topics I won’t cover (that you probably all want to hear about) is Search Engine Optimization – as our SEO expert Laura has hosted a few chats on this topic.
[2008.09.18 19:06:55] AngelaCP: If you missed it, be sure to read the transcript on the Chat page: http://community.cafepress.com/?cat=14 [transcripts: SEO – copywriting tips, SEO Q&A, and Optimize your shop]
[2008.09.18 19:07:12] AngelaCP: If you have tips or tactics that worked for you, please share. We’d love to hear other ways to promote shops online.
[2008.09.18 19:07:30] AngelaCP: I’m going to start with 3 areas that will help increase awareness of your shop but also help with SEO. I won’t into the SEO aspects, but keep in mind that more pages and content on the web means more opportunities your site comes up on organic search.
[2008.09.18 19:07:59] AngelaCP: The three areas are: Blogs, Social Sites, and Community sites (for your niche).
[2008.09.18 19:08:05] realemon: can anyone see this???????????
[2008.09.18 19:08:21] AngelaCP: This chat is moderated realemon - so your questiosn will go into a queue
[2008.09.18 19:08:32] AngelaCP: Blogging is now a part of most people’s online activity… whether you have a blog just for your site, or a blog attached to a social site.
[2008.09.18 19:08:44] AngelaCP: Blogging is a great way to help people get to know you, your brand, site, etc. It’s written in first person and feels personal. You can talk about your day, your products, what’s close and personal to you… whatever you do, use it to tie back to your site/products.
[2008.09.18 19:09:11] flyingwolf: do I have to get on facebook?
[2008.09.18 19:09:17] AngelaCP: We'll talk about that in a minute....
[2008.09.18 19:09:21] AngelaCP: Take a look at the CafePress Blog. Sure, we have products listed – but the products listed are there as part of a larger conversation. CafePress merchandise is relevant in the real world as part of larger issues, and that’s what the blog highlights.
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[2008.09.18 19:09:41] AngelaCP: Think of the CP Blog as “All the news that’s fit to print on a t-shirt.”
[2008.09.18 19:09:53] AngelaCP: If you decide to move forward with a blog, think about what you can talk about that’s interesting to people and how you can work your products in.
[2008.09.18 19:10:25] AngelaCP: If your site is all about vegetarian, you might have a blog sharing vegetarian recipes, up to the minute news, etc… and as you create designs that are clever and personal to vegetarians, share it. Talk about Palin’s love of hunting and protest it! Solicit support with a t-shirt: http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/item/moose-against-palin-jr-ringer-tshirt/303338083
[2008.09.18 19:10:45] AngelaCP: You get the idea…
[2008.09.18 19:10:52] flyingwolf: where does Cafepress blog go to other than people already in Cafepress blog?
[2008.09.18 19:11:16] AngelaCP: Can you rephrase that flyingwolf?
[2008.09.18 19:11:21] Cartwright: How often does one need to blog for the search engines to see it as fresh and current?
[2008.09.18 19:11:21] nathanmcgee.com: I am posting something on my blog today about this very topic cartwright... rule of thumb, post when you have something to say.
[2008.09.18 19:11:29] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:11:36] shopaholic chick: blogs appear in search results all the time if they have a signifigant amount of content
[2008.09.18 19:11:52] AngelaCP: that is correct shopachick
[2008.09.18 19:11:54] nathanmcgee.com: Don't just post for the sake of posting. People can see through that and you'll lose readers.
[2008.09.18 19:12:12] AngelaCP: Correct Nate. I’d advise against a blog simply to list products because it may not keep people coming back. But, I’m interested to have anyone disagree with me. Is there anyone here that is running a blog featuring products that is successful?
[2008.09.18 19:12:17] GimpDaddy: I get hits from comments I have left on others blogs. If I see a blog that relates to a subject of one of my designs I will try to cleverly drop a link in my comment. It has resulted in a few sales
[2008.09.18 19:12:23] GRaphicdeeziner has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:12:55] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:13:10] nathanmcgee.com: GimpDaddy... something that has worked spectacular for me...
[2008.09.18 19:13:16] AngelaCP: Definitely gimpdaddy. If it's relevant - I say, go for it. Also, blog comments do show up on Google. Lately when I'm searching for political stuff, I am getting a lot of results that are a part of blog comments.
[2008.09.18 19:13:36] GimpDaddy: I have noticed that as well
[2008.09.18 19:13:43] shopaholic chick: ang my http://designsoftheday.blogspot.com was quite popular - and even though i have not added anything in 9 months it stillg ets a fair amount of hits
[2008.09.18 19:13:51] nathanmcgee.com: If you link directly to your product or specific post in the URL field in the comment section, then you don't have to be so obtrusive with the links.
[2008.09.18 19:14:01] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:14:07] shopaholic chick: wait wrong link http://designoftheday.blogspot.com
[2008.09.18 19:14:12] GimpDaddy: yes, I avoid "spamming" blogs
[2008.09.18 19:14:40] Joie: I'm not sure I understand, Nate.
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[2008.09.18 19:15:22] flyingwolf: people always think I'm spamming them if I talk about my products
[2008.09.18 19:15:28] nathanmcgee.com: Generally, when you post a comment, they ask for your name, e-mail address and an optional URL... you can put anything in the URL
[2008.09.18 19:15:42] flyingwolf: Okay where does the blog go to if the person you want to reach doesn t know about Cafe press
[2008.09.18 19:15:44] AngelaCP: A blog is like a website. If someone doesn't know it's there, it's hard to get seen. So if you have a website, make sure your blog link is visible. If you don't have a website and just a shop - put a blog link on your shop. Treat your blog like a personal website and add the URL on social network sites, optimize it for SEO, etc.
[2008.09.18 19:15:56] AngelaCP: Does anyone have more to add on to this for flyingwolf?
[2008.09.18 19:15:59] GimpDaddy: some blog formats allow you to add a link
[2008.09.18 19:16:03] Iscah Designs: ahh...
[2008.09.18 19:16:04] GimpDaddy: you just need to be clever about it
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[2008.09.18 19:16:20] nathanmcgee.com: Right! *hi-5* gimp-daddy.
[2008.09.18 19:16:22] AngelaCP: yes, don't make it look spammy
[2008.09.18 19:16:22] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:16:29] shopaholic chick: fly dont talk about your products....reply to the post with a comment about the post...but put your url where it allows a url- or tastefully at the end say something like "and i just got this great sticker that supports my view" with a link
[2008.09.18 19:17:07] Joie: Thank you for the example.
[2008.09.18 19:17:11] AngelaCP: Yes Shopac... this is on topic with what Nate is suggesting. Start participating by reading other blogs and making comments when the entry is relevant to your blog.
[2008.09.18 19:17:24] nathanmcgee.com: Make sure you are contributing to the blog post.
[2008.09.18 19:17:26] MaxMuhlin: So, can we now put outgoing links into our shops - without offending Affiliates?
[2008.09.18 19:17:29] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:17:53] AngelaCP: I've stated this in another chat... there is a balance between optimizng your shop for marketing, for seo, for affiliates.
[2008.09.18 19:18:04] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:18:12] AngelaCP: If you feel affiliates are a very important part of your business, you might not want to have any links out of your shop
[2008.09.18 19:18:22] shopaholic chick: it is better to make it look like your referring to someone else's item - then to your own....it tends to look less spammy
[2008.09.18 19:18:22] nathanmcgee.com: no... Honesty is best policy here shopaholic, but put some passion behind your post.
[2008.09.18 19:18:27] wingedturtle has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:18:49] AngelaCP: If affiliates linking directly to your shop is not a big part of your business, I'd suggest focusing on building your brand awareness and promotion.
[2008.09.18 19:18:52] AngelaCP: Does that make sense?
[2008.09.18 19:18:57] flyingwolf: I have a website for my artwork,so I can put my Cafepress blog URL on it, right?
[2008.09.18 19:18:57] nathanmcgee.com: If it is your website... by all means, cross promote!
[2008.09.18 19:19:12] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:19:21] shopaholic chick: max i do not link to the blog from my CP shop but i do from my offsites (non-CP websites)
[2008.09.18 19:19:59] MaxMuhlin: Ok, thanks, gotta work on my offsite website!
[2008.09.18 19:20:05] AngelaCP: So Max, I only suggested if you don't have a website to link from your shop... but that's only if you want to create a voice for your brand to your visitors/customers
[2008.09.18 19:20:12] casadelinda has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:20:18] AngelaCP: your own website is optimal
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[2008.09.18 19:20:53] Iscah Designs: Squidoo is an excellent venue for cross promotion. They even have a section specifically made to advertise CafePress products.
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[2008.09.18 19:21:27] shopaholic chick: nathan it is the difference between saying "come buy MY sticker" and "check out this great sticker"
[2008.09.18 19:21:27] nathanmcgee.com: How about this... "wow! It is great to find someone so passionate about this subject! This is one of my passions too! It motivated me to make stickers about it!"
[2008.09.18 19:21:38] AngelaCP: I didn't even have Squidoo on the list! but yes, that is a great option as well.
[2008.09.18 19:21:42] GimpDaddy: I really never got my squidoo lens to take off...
[2008.09.18 19:22:05] Tanith: Actually if you play it like you just found it you really will tick people off
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[2008.09.18 19:22:32] rusty has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:22:35] Tanith: Be honest - when it is yours, say so.
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[2008.09.18 19:22:43] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:22:58] AngelaCP: So as we mentioned, blogs needed to be maintained often. At least a few times a week – and if that’s not for you, I’d recommend skipping blogs and trying social sites.
[2008.09.18 19:22:59] nathanmcgee.com: So, shopaholic, you can promote your stuff with out actually really pushing. It goes against most marketing principles, but what you are trying to do on is build relationships with people on common interests.
[2008.09.18 19:23:33] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:23:40] shopaholic chick: gimp squidoo works if you make it about a topic - and integrate your shop - not about your shop - because people are not searching for information about your shop - or they would go right to it
[2008.09.18 19:23:40] shopaholic chick: other then sites like myspace & facebook....i find simple places like if you have a yahoo or AOL or AIM account put it in your profile...and ask your friends to add it to their profiles...i get a lot of hits off of AOL profiles & yahoo profiles
[2008.09.18 19:23:51] AngelaCP: Great idea!
[2008.09.18 19:23:54] GimpDaddy: I have used myspace and facebook
[2008.09.18 19:23:58] AngelaCP: Good transition
[2008.09.18 19:24:06] AngelaCP: With social sites, many are a form of blogging – without the commitment. I say this because there are other ways you can keep your site fresh without having to blog often. I’ll cover a few of the popular social sites.
[2008.09.18 19:24:11] electricgreen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:24:22] AngelaCP: I don't have all the sites so please chime in
[2008.09.18 19:24:28] AngelaCP: Let's start with the top 2
[2008.09.18 19:24:38] nathanmcgee.com: myspace and facebook?
[2008.09.18 19:24:45] AngelaCP: Facebook is the network I’m on…and personally, I find it easy to use and very little commitment.
On Facebook, whenever you update your page or do anything – it provides a feed that updates all your “friends”.
[2008.09.18 19:24:48] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:24:49] AngelaCP: Yes nate :)
[2008.09.18 19:25:05] AngelaCP: You're the pro...so please chime in Nate
[2008.09.18 19:25:11] AngelaCP: For example: if you enter “I’m updating my shop for the holidays – check it out at www.cafepress.com/holidayshop” all your friends will see your update.
[2008.09.18 19:25:22] AngelaCP: Many SKs have created “fan” pages for their shop/site. This is a page for your brand. You can blog on it. You can put notes on it. Share photos. Showcase your favorite products. Allow your “fans” to post comments.
[2008.09.18 19:25:32] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:25:38] AngelaCP: When you have a “fan” page, you can send it out to all your friends so they can become fans of your site.
[2008.09.18 19:26:04] AngelaCP: We should have a thread in Chit Chat for SKs to share their fan pages... that'd be fun
[2008.09.18 19:26:15] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:26:16] AngelaCP: It’s a great way to “interact” with others and get your brand out there – even if it’s on Facebook. Also, these pages do come on search engines.
[2008.09.18 19:26:24] AngelaCP: i heart facebook....
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[2008.09.18 19:26:30] flyingwolf: whooo, I missed this "fan" part--how do I get fans?
[2008.09.18 19:26:44] AngelaCP: You can send it out to all your friends
[2008.09.18 19:26:52] AngelaCP: I know many of you have fan pages....
[2008.09.18 19:26:58] AngelaCP: is there another way?
[2008.09.18 19:27:01] MaxMuhlin: Yes, it would be good to have a Thread for sharing fan pages because then those of us who haven't a clue (myself !!) can see what a sampling of them would look like. . .
[2008.09.18 19:27:05] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:27:14] Iscah Designs: How/where can you create a "fan" page?
[2008.09.18 19:27:14] nathanmcgee.com: I've done it... it is pretty simple... there are links somewhere in facebook... I'll have to look for it :).
[2008.09.18 19:27:14] shopaholic chick: fly you have to make a page about your site then you can go into the how to promote forum and you will see there is a thread started there already you can list yours and people will add you
[2008.09.18 19:27:31] AngelaCP: Here's the CafePress fan page: http://www.new.facebook.com/cafepress
[2008.09.18 19:27:44] AngelaCP: maybe you guys can post your fan site here for other SKs to add as well
[2008.09.18 19:27:52] shopaholic chick: ang there is one in how to promote already
[2008.09.18 19:28:12] AngelaCP: No, but I can see if we can get a SK to write a "tip" on it
[2008.09.18 19:28:26] AngelaCP: http://community.cafepress.com/?cat=15
[2008.09.18 19:28:44] AngelaCP: Anyone that knows... I'd love to have a quick list of tips...and you'll get your shop on the Community page. :)
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[2008.09.18 19:28:50] realemon: how do you stop people from stealing your ideas?
[2008.09.18 19:29:00] BrittaCP: send to cptips@cafepress.com
[2008.09.18 19:29:02] nathanmcgee.com: You want to make sure you cross promote your fan page on your blog :).
[2008.09.18 19:29:07] AngelaCP: You mean your designs?
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[2008.09.18 19:29:22] realemon: ya, or jsut ideas
[2008.09.18 19:29:42] AngelaCP: If your designs are seen, there really isn't a foolproof way other than to be sure to report it to the Content Usage Policy team for them to look into
[2008.09.18 19:30:02] AngelaCP: Ideas are harder to prevent...
[2008.09.18 19:30:29] Kunstrxns-Anne: Ideas are free...
[2008.09.18 19:30:31] realemon: will a user be kicked off if its obvious?
[2008.09.18 19:30:41] nathanmcgee.com: You might have a great idea too, but someone else might have the same or similar idea...
[2008.09.18 19:30:44] armymom has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:30:52] AngelaCP: If it's a design, they will be dealt w/appropriately
[2008.09.18 19:30:56] macphreak: so who is doing what to promote
[2008.09.18 19:31:10] AngelaCP: Anyone want ot share? I'll move on to MySpace while you guys type...
[2008.09.18 19:31:15] AngelaCP: MySpace works in the same way that Facebook does: you create a network of friends. There are also several great ways that you can use your MySpace page to target audience. I’ve seen Shopkeepers use a variety of different ways to promote their shop.
[2008.09.18 19:31:27] AngelaCP: Use your blog and bulletins.
[2008.09.18 19:31:47] AngelaCP: With MySpace blogs, you can post about sales you may be having, or new designs. You can also use it as a way to promote any contests or fun stuff. I’ve seen Shopkeepers use it as a blog where they talk about things happening in the world, and reference their merch in it.
[2008.09.18 19:31:56] nathanmcgee.com: Promotion is a tricky thing because we are all selling cafepress "stuff" but even that is unique and different.
[2008.09.18 19:32:07] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:32:11] AngelaCP: Your friends have the ability to sign up for blog updates, and automatically receive notification in their account if you posted a new blog.
[2008.09.18 19:32:18] AngelaCP: You can also send out bulletins to your friends to let them know about new things happening. But be careful, you do not want to spam your network with bulletins. It can be annoying, and you will lose friends.
[2008.09.18 19:32:19] nathanmcgee.com: Someone doing artwork will want to promote differently than someone who is doing political stuff.
[2008.09.18 19:32:29] AngelaCP: Since MySpace is customizable, you can do your own CSS to get it to match your shop layout. You can also add things like slideshows and banners
[2008.09.18 19:32:39] AngelaCP: That's what MySpace offers that Facebook doesn't....
[2008.09.18 19:32:43] Wontar: except MySpace blocks CP links, and even deleted profiles that are repeat offenders.
[2008.09.18 19:32:55] nathanmcgee.com: Link to your blog ;)
[2008.09.18 19:33:02] nathanmcgee.com: Which will have tons of CP links ;)
[2008.09.18 19:33:10] macphreak: will it block tiny urls?
[2008.09.18 19:33:11] AngelaCP: if that is the case, the work around is a link to your site/blog
[2008.09.18 19:33:17] macphreak: I am giving out t-shirts to friends I know that are always around lots of people
[2008.09.18 19:33:17] Peggy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:34:00] AngelaCP: There's two more that I'll toss out quickly
[2008.09.18 19:34:08] AngelaCP: Flickr: Flickr is more of a photo blog/community. I’m not going to talk too much about this…
[2008.09.18 19:34:17] AngelaCP: It’s fun and easy to use. I use mine for personal reasons, but do sometimes share CafePress stuff on there. I’ve seen others do that and I think it’s a great option to get you out there.
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[2008.09.18 19:34:45] AngelaCP: So if you're using it for fun and enjoy photography... this is a good venue for you. You also have a circle of friends...
[2008.09.18 19:34:52] AngelaCP: Then there's Twitter
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[2008.09.18 19:35:04] AngelaCP: Twitter is more of a micro-blog. I know many SKs are using Twitter…whether it’s for fun, business, or both. Does anyone want to share?
[2008.09.18 19:35:07] GimpDaddy: ive just started using it
[2008.09.18 19:35:33] AngelaCP: I have a twitter with a whole bunch of SKs... I don't really blog myself, but I enjoy reading the "blogging" from other SKs.
[2008.09.18 19:35:37] GimpDaddy: not sure if I like it yet
[2008.09.18 19:35:45] macphreak: share what
[2008.09.18 19:35:48] AngelaCP: you have to be on top of it --- I' not
[2008.09.18 19:35:50] BrittaCP: what you may do on twitter
[2008.09.18 19:35:51] BrittaCP: if you do
[2008.09.18 19:36:27] AngelaCP: So here are a few ideas from the group about ways to promote....
[2008.09.18 19:36:35] GimpDaddy: I have used craigslist locally with limited success, ebay is starting to increase sales for me as well
[2008.09.18 19:36:40] shopaholic chick: i have multiple websites, facebook, blogs, profile links....in addition to the profioe links i will drop my name in a chat room and leave it there...with an away message on saying i am working and a link to my site....i am in a chat room on aol right now actually LOL
[2008.09.18 19:36:48] BrittaCP: for awhile i followed a shopkeeper who specialized in horror themed shirts... and he twittered about the zombie apocolypse
[2008.09.18 19:36:49] MyFireArt: ning.com also hosts many social networks and you can even create your own.
[2008.09.18 19:36:54] Iscah Designs: So, let me get this straight...you create a non-CafePress-affiliated blog and link to it from MySpace?
[2008.09.18 19:36:54] nathanmcgee.com: Yes... I'll expand a bit more on this in a bit :).
[2008.09.18 19:37:02] Tropicando: twitter is getting big. ppl can get their cable company's attention there
[2008.09.18 19:37:11] macphreak: I know cafepress just started folloing me on twitter
[2008.09.18 19:37:12] flyingwolf: what about Gather.com?
[2008.09.18 19:37:20] AngelaCP: Not familiar with that flyingwolf... anyone else?
[2008.09.18 19:37:29] macphreak: what about teebler?
[2008.09.18 19:37:40] BrittaCP: wow... you guys are more on the scene than us
[2008.09.18 19:37:47] AngelaCP: haha, i was thinking the same thing!
[2008.09.18 19:38:01] macphreak: how would we use ebay for sales?
[2008.09.18 19:38:05] realemon: on Ebay do you sell from your store or by ordering your product and shipping it yourself
[2008.09.18 19:38:11] nathanmcgee.com: There are a lot of these social networks popping up all over. Teebler gather.com etc.
[2008.09.18 19:38:13] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:38:18] GimpDaddy: exactly
[2008.09.18 19:38:20] Wontar: There's plurk, too.
[2008.09.18 19:38:23] AngelaCP: Some people drop ship - meaning once a sale is done, they order from their shop and ship it to the "winner"
[2008.09.18 19:38:52] AngelaCP: If you're limited on time...focus on the popular ones... the ones where most people are on.
[2008.09.18 19:38:54] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:39:05] AngelaCP: it never hurts to be on more... it's just a matter of time and upkeep
[2008.09.18 19:39:08] BrittaCP: of course when you do drop ship for ebay... you want to make it clear how retunrs work
[2008.09.18 19:39:11] macphreak: ok
[2008.09.18 19:39:15] Jaenne: Frienster has a bigger following in Asaia than most other site. If you are marketing to Asia, it might be worth it to hook up on Friendster
[2008.09.18 19:39:22] shopaholic chick: ebay requires you tell them shopper the item will be dropshipped
[2008.09.18 19:39:23] GimpDaddy: thats how I do it. I tell the buyer to email the quantitiy and sizes they want and ship it direct
[2008.09.18 19:40:15] brev87 has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:40:22] AngelaCP: nate has something to share
[2008.09.18 19:40:23] cowpie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:40:32] macphreak: do you list one t-shirt with image choices and so on
[2008.09.18 19:40:39] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:40:56] AngelaCP: it has to be a specific product and design -- ebay is strict
[2008.09.18 19:41:05] GimpDaddy: yes
[2008.09.18 19:41:07] macphreak: ok
[2008.09.18 19:41:07] AngelaCP: no links to your shop, etc... but you can brand it.
[2008.09.18 19:41:14] nathanmcgee.com: Marketing through networks like facebook and myspace is more about people than products. You need to keep this in mind.
[2008.09.18 19:41:16] cowpie has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:41:26] shopaholic chick: there are a lot of places you can make websites free to if you do not want to pay for one
[2008.09.18 19:41:30] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:41:37] realemon: brand it?
[2008.09.18 19:41:38] BrittaCP: brand the product
[2008.09.18 19:41:45] GimpDaddy: one design per listing, I add larger images using html that cost me nothing and list it as store inventory so it costs me 3 cents a month per listing
[2008.09.18 19:41:57] nathanmcgee.com: Just putting your stuff out there and say "buy my stuff" is not going to be as successful as in the past.
[2008.09.18 19:42:22] AngelaCP: Actually, you can highlight your brand - that's what i meant - put your shop name "Critter's World"
[2008.09.18 19:42:30] goodgollymissmolly has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:42:50] macphreak: you can brand it but notlink it
[2008.09.18 19:42:55] AngelaCP: That is correct.
[2008.09.18 19:43:03] sag has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:43:07] nathanmcgee.com: People what to do buisness with friends and you should put some personality behind the brand. That is why it is important to blog.
[2008.09.18 19:43:20] AngelaCP: So we've pretty much covered social sites and blogging...
[2008.09.18 19:43:21] Jaenne has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:43:42] AngelaCP: I think something worthwhile is participating in a community that's relevant to your shop
[2008.09.18 19:44:00] AngelaCP: if your shop is all about gardening... be a part of that community
[2008.09.18 19:44:10] Wontar has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:44:24] macphreak: iditto
[2008.09.18 19:44:30] AngelaCP: Join the forum and talk to people - i'm sure it's fun and not work for you... be sure to include your website in your signature
[2008.09.18 19:44:44] GimpDaddy: I am a member of several online forums relating to personal interests that are also in many of my designs
[2008.09.18 19:45:06] AngelaCP: When you comment on the blog - include your URL... we've covered that, but repeating it because it's so important. You can get seen by people you normally don't cross paths with
[2008.09.18 19:45:07] drummergirl: Has anyone had good results with Facebook Ads? I tried them, specifically targeting demographics that matched my GirlsCantWhat.com characters, but my sales were minimal. Lots of clicks, tho.
[2008.09.18 19:45:07] nathanmcgee.com: Ads do not typically provide good return and there are many other options that are free.
[2008.09.18 19:45:15] brev87 has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:45:16] AngelaCP: and that means more potential visitors....
[2008.09.18 19:45:28] Peggy: Always get permission to post your website in your sig from a mod first
[2008.09.18 19:45:33] BrittaCP: yes... read the guidelines
[2008.09.18 19:45:47] AngelaCP: That is correct Peggy. Some forums should have guidelines spelled out.
[2008.09.18 19:45:48] BrittaCP: especially on our forums... lol
[2008.09.18 19:45:58] Iscah Designs: Online community? Community within CP? What kind of communities are we talking about?
[2008.09.18 19:45:58] nathanmcgee.com: That depends on what community you want to be involved in... There are communities out there for everything!
[2008.09.18 19:45:58] AngelaCP: You want to be a community member...not a drive-by member
[2008.09.18 19:46:07] MaxMuhlin: Doing your research in joining "a community" is important. I joined a Pekingese group (I have dog shops) only to find that it was mainly populated by 4 or 5 posters who emailed back and forth about NOTHING. . .certainly nothing to do with Pekingese. . .
[2008.09.18 19:46:08] AngelaCP: and it will be obvious which one you are if you're not careful
[2008.09.18 19:46:25] AngelaCP: Good point Max!
[2008.09.18 19:46:33] macphreak: or creat website for others for free and put you banner/link on it
[2008.09.18 19:46:37] Jaenne has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:46:55] AngelaCP: Yes... it can also be a great way to recruite affiliates if your niche is uncommon
[2008.09.18 19:47:12] AngelaCP: For example - the caribou lover's site
[2008.09.18 19:47:35] AngelaCP: Doubtful there's too many out there... if there's a group obsessed w/ caribous and your shop is all about caribous
[2008.09.18 19:47:47] GimpDaddy: I joined a link exchange and it did generate a small amount of traffic but no confirmed sales
[2008.09.18 19:48:29] realemon: is there a favorite program for text and one for graphics? if not, what do the majority of cp users use?
[2008.09.18 19:48:30] BrittaCP: realemon: we'll open up the lobby after the chat and you can ask other SK's for thoughts onthis
[2008.09.18 19:48:33] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:48:36] AngelaCP: It's a natural fit to get them to affiliate to your site. Give them a banner... tell them they get 15% of sales they drive your way. Have them include them in their newsletter, etc... it's a part of striking a deal. It might be easy for some sites...not so easy for others. It's defintely worth a try because the audience is VERY relevant
[2008.09.18 19:48:45] shopaholic chick: i have link exchanges with some shopkeepers and they do well
[2008.09.18 19:48:54] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:48:55] macphreak: I wish CP would have more of a reference to where the buyers are from and so on
[2008.09.18 19:49:06] AngelaCP: You can put a stats counter on your shop
[2008.09.18 19:49:08] macphreak: only if those shops have traffic tho
[2008.09.18 19:49:09] Iscah Designs: How does a link exchange work?
[2008.09.18 19:49:09] nathanmcgee.com: It is basically saying, "I'll put your link on my page if you put mine on yours."
[2008.09.18 19:49:11] AngelaCP: that way, you can see where they are coming from
[2008.09.18 19:49:21] shopaholic chick: avoid webrings - they have fallen out of popularity with people and search engines
[2008.09.18 19:49:35] NiftyGaloot has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:49:42] MaxMuhlin: realemon - there is an entire Thread on what graphics programs various shopkeepers use. . .under Chit Chat. . .
[2008.09.18 19:49:48] nathanmcgee.com: And link exchanges have now become affiliate programs :).
[2008.09.18 19:49:54] realemon: ty
[2008.09.18 19:49:55] AngelaCP: Those used to be popular and a method of online promotion -- good to know Shop. Thanks.
[2008.09.18 19:49:59] macphreak: I soprt of did add a counter, I got it from the teebler site. It's a map of the world and it shows how many people are visiting your shop
[2008.09.18 19:50:15] realemon has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:50:18] GimpDaddy: The one that I used required you to post a banner on your site that was linked to their rotating ads. In exchange your banner as added to the rotation
[2008.09.18 19:50:19] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:50:22] shopaholic chick: mac try www.activemeter.com
[2008.09.18 19:50:54] Peggy: Ceck out statcounter, it's free, and very good
[2008.09.18 19:51:04] GimpDaddy: i use statcounter too
[2008.09.18 19:51:07] nathanmcgee.com: Google analytics is dynamite
[2008.09.18 19:51:07] barbd has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:51:11] AngelaCP: Great ideas everyone
[2008.09.18 19:51:12] grace has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:51:17] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:51:32] AngelaCP: I actually have to leave 10 minutes early for carpool...but i'm passing the mic over to Nate for the last 10 minutes...
[2008.09.18 19:51:37] Peggy: I have google anylitics too. More data always helps!
[2008.09.18 19:51:41] MyFireArt has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:51:46] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:51:52] AngelaCP: There's a bit more to cover... that we didn't get to. But Nate has wonderful and creative ideas...
[2008.09.18 19:51:54] grace has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:51:58] AngelaCP: bye everyone ... here you go Nate!
[2008.09.18 19:52:02] AngelaCP: They're all yours :)
[2008.09.18 19:52:03] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:52:03] Iscah Designs: Love to hear more from Nate
[2008.09.18 19:52:14] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:52:17] nathanmcgee.com: google analitics is really pretty powerful!!
[2008.09.18 19:52:31] AngelaCP has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:52:44] GimpDaddy: I will have to try it
[2008.09.18 19:52:51] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:53:07] Peggy: it's a little overwhelming at first...
[2008.09.18 19:53:33] GimpDaddy: I have no fear LOL
[2008.09.18 19:54:12] flyingwolf has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:54:16] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:54:17] macphreak: not all a once now
[2008.09.18 19:54:18] Iscah Designs: What forms of promotion do you find to be most effective, Nate?
[2008.09.18 19:54:18] nathanmcgee.com: Blogging and connecting with people. You want to get your name out there as someone who is involved... not just selling.
[2008.09.18 19:54:18] cafemommy has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:54:52] nathanmcgee.com: I am a shameless selfpromoter (hence my screen name)
[2008.09.18 19:55:02] nathanmcgee.com: But there are ways to do it tactfully.
[2008.09.18 19:55:25] macphreak: like your email signature is a great place
[2008.09.18 19:55:28] Tropicando: IT'S A GOOD NAME
[2008.09.18 19:55:30] funnycrazytees has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.09.18 19:55:34] nathanmcgee.com: And still get traffic. You want to be able to understand where your traffic is coming from so you know what methods are working.
[2008.09.18 19:55:45] Peggy: I THOUGHT .com was a strangr last name!
[2008.09.18 19:56:09] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:56:22] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:56:39] Joie: How do you use the data you get from counters to promote your site?
[2008.09.18 19:56:39] nathanmcgee.com: you can see what demographic is coming to your site... where they are going and where you loose them. Then you can focus on those stronger areas or build up the weak ones.
[2008.09.18 19:56:48] Joie: My sales (few as they are) are ALL coming from the Marketplace. So I guess my attempts at promotion from other sites is not working.
[2008.09.18 19:56:50] shopaholic chick: nathan will you stick around for the lobby chat after the official chat?
[2008.09.18 19:56:50] nathanmcgee.com: Sure
[2008.09.18 19:57:08] BrittaCP: well... hopefully some of what we've discussed here can be put to use and help you out, Joie
[2008.09.18 19:57:14] Iscah Designs: Example?
[2008.09.18 19:57:14] nathanmcgee.com: I'm working on some examples :)
[2008.09.18 19:57:24] Peggy: ...make cookies for chat...
[2008.09.18 19:58:25] MaxMuhlin has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 19:58:29] nathanmcgee.com: Ok...so I have google analytics on my blog nathanmcgee.com (which is all about social media marketing btw ;) ). I know exactly what sites are promoting me and I can reach out to them.
[2008.09.18 19:58:39] macphreak: maybe in the future on this forum we can analise each others shops and get/give input
[2008.09.18 19:58:40] BrittaCP: We've done a shop feed chat before, and will have another one soon. Check the calendar for the schedule
[2008.09.18 19:58:41] BrittaCP: http://community.cafepress.com/?cat=7
[2008.09.18 19:58:49] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:59:02] BrittaCP: you can also ask for feedback on our forums
[2008.09.18 19:59:15] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 19:59:20] BrittaCP: http://forums.cafepress.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/784104
[2008.09.18 19:59:58] Kunstrxns-Anne has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 20:00:00] GimpDaddy: Good talk
[2008.09.18 20:00:17] Iscah Designs: Ooh! I like your article "Making Good Comments" at nathanmcgee.com. Lots of good advice!
[2008.09.18 20:00:17] nathanmcgee.com: Thanks :)
[2008.09.18 20:00:22] BrittaCP: go ahead and send out your last comment
[2008.09.18 20:00:26] BrittaCP: oops
[2008.09.18 20:00:32] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.09.18 20:00:51] Iscah Designs: http://www.nathanmcgee.com/2008/09/12/making-good-comments/#more-195
[2008.09.18 20:00:53] Joie: Thank you.
[2008.09.18 20:01:13] macphreak has left the room (logged out)
[2008.09.18 20:01:19] GRaphicdeeziner: Nathan you have been very helpful, thank you
[2008.09.18 20:01:33] BrittaCP: ok... so that is all for today gang. I hope you got some ideas
[2008.09.18 20:01:35] mamm: Thanks much!
[2008.09.18 20:01:42] nathanmcgee.com: I've got an example. If you are a dog shop and you have google analytics set up than you can see that a lot of people are coming for doggy day community (ficticious). You can start posting more and more there and participating stronger etc.
[2008.09.18 20:02:04] nathanmcgee.com: Whew. Here's something else you guys might be interested in... http://www.nathanmcgee.com/2008/08/05/3-rules-of-social-selling-etiquette/
[2008.09.18 20:02:14] Iscah Designs: Yes, wish we could bask in your wisdom longer and more often!