Holiday Prep

[2008.10.23 18:33:01] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
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[2008.10.23 18:58:58] BrittaCP: Greetings and Salutations everyone
[2008.10.23 18:59:16] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 18:59:18] Kate@LittleLizzyLou has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.10.23 19:00:33] matisse: bah humbug!
[2008.10.23 19:00:36] MaxMuhlin: Hi, Everyone!
[2008.10.23 19:00:38] shopaholic chick: hi all!
[2008.10.23 19:00:49] Dooni Designs: boo!
[2008.10.23 19:00:50] twopurringcats has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:01:02] BrittaCP: @ dooni: that's more like it
[2008.10.23 19:01:02] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:01:23] BrittaCP: but there's a reason why we start talking about the holidays in october
[2008.10.23 19:01:37] BrittaCP: because in the retail world... that's when it begins
[2008.10.23 19:02:15] LittleLizzyLou Josh has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.10.23 19:02:43] BrittaCP: So as you can guess (if you didn't know already, that's is) today we're doing our second installment of Holiday Prep talk
[2008.10.23 19:03:32] BrittaCP: A few weeks ago we went over site navigation
[2008.10.23 19:04:18] BrittaCP: http://community.cafepress.com/?p=475
[2008.10.23 19:04:50] BrittaCP: The tips that we gave in it (as well as tonight) are really things that you can implemnt all year... but if you're not already... you really want to start now
[2008.10.23 19:05:03] BrittaCP: so you have everything ready at go time when the season kicks in
[2008.10.23 19:05:19] BrittaCP: Tonight we'll be talking about Shop Promotion
[2008.10.23 19:05:50] BrittaCP: and we've got Dafna, our Top Shop Rep to talk to us about some best practices
[2008.10.23 19:06:02] DafnaCP: Hi everyone!
[2008.10.23 19:06:08] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:06:17] shopaholic chick: hi dafna
[2008.10.23 19:06:34] Pandion has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:06:34] BrittaCP: So before we go any further let me go over the rules...
[2008.10.23 19:06:49] QueenBee has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:06:54] BrittaCP: This chat is moderated which means all your questions and comments go into a queue
[2008.10.23 19:07:05] BrittaCP: so you will not see them right away
[2008.10.23 19:07:34] BrittaCP: A moderator will review it and push it out
[2008.10.23 19:07:56] BrittaCP: aat the end of the chat we'll open up the loibby again, so you guys can continue the conversation and fun
[2008.10.23 19:08:08] BrittaCP: and we'll have the transcript up in a day or so
[2008.10.23 19:08:27] BrittaCP: ok... enough of that babble... let's get on with the show
[2008.10.23 19:08:30] twopurringcats: hi
[2008.10.23 19:08:32] matisse: Hi Dafna!
[2008.10.23 19:08:35] Kate@LittleLizzyLou: Hi Dafna!
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[2008.10.23 19:08:37] shopaholic chick: all the discount stores around us put the xmas stuff out same day as the halloween stuff!
[2008.10.23 19:08:51] DafnaCP: So, I see a lot of familiar shopkeepers in the chat room this evening (hi y’all!). But is there anybody here who is preparing for their very first Holiday Season at Cafepress?
[2008.10.23 19:09:19] electricgreen: I just bought some Christmas stuff today for a promo at work at the dollar store near me-people almost expect to see it now
[2008.10.23 19:09:43] BrittaCP: dpn't be shy
[2008.10.23 19:10:02] BrittaCP: we'll make you speak up eventually
[2008.10.23 19:10:07] QueenBee: Yup, first timer here
[2008.10.23 19:10:11] twopurringcats: this is the first year I'm actually working on Christmas promotion
[2008.10.23 19:10:37] DafnaCP: Great! I’m glad there are a few new “faces” and I hope that you old timers can help me prepare the newer shopkeepers for the months to come.
[2008.10.23 19:10:44] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:10:57] Max: This will be my first CP holiday season
[2008.10.23 19:11:00] shopaholic chick: this year iupgraded from just a section to making a whole holidays shop
[2008.10.23 19:11:11] DafnaCP: With the economic slowdown it can sometimes be hard to get motivated but don’t let that stop you from prepping your shop for the holiday season.
[2008.10.23 19:11:20] DafnaCP: I’m here to offer some tips for maximizing your sales this time of year.
[2008.10.23 19:11:31] DafnaCP: We just had a Shop Navigation chat so I don’t want to get too much into that but if you couldn’t make it, please be sure to read the transcript.
[2008.10.23 19:12:23] DafnaCP: Navigation is important because shoppers have a short attention span. In the rush of trying to find the perfect gift in no time, shoppers have no patience for cluttered shops. They want to find the gift fast and move on to the next one!
[2008.10.23 19:12:50] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:13:02] shopaholic chick: other then the regular googlebase, blogs, squidoo - are there any new ways this year?
[2008.10.23 19:13:36] DafnaCP: We’ve also recently had a chat about Promoting offline.
Don’t neglect the basics! If you didn’t get a chance to check out the chat on promoting offline, please go take a look at that one:
http://community.cafepress.com/?p=441
[2008.10.23 19:14:06] BrittaCP: there are tons of way... and a lot of this may be repeat for some of you... so please share your exepreninces.
[2008.10.23 19:14:18] DafnaCP: Remember, this is the season of holiday parties and craft fairs.
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[2008.10.23 19:14:25] DafnaCP: My Mother-in-law even throws craft parties where she and her friends get together to showcase their art. These are great opportunities to network to your immediate social sphere so don’t let these chances pass you by!
[2008.10.23 19:14:34] DafnaCP: Does anyone currently do any offline promoting?
[2008.10.23 19:14:50] shopaholic chick: ohhhhh this time of year the best thing is something you do already - holiday cards!!! when you send them to friends and family include a business card and note about your shop....and mail them the week thanksgiving!!
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[2008.10.23 19:15:07] MaxMuhlin: I have Magazine Ads running
[2008.10.23 19:15:10] twopurringcats: I hand out business cards but that's it at present
[2008.10.23 19:15:38] BrittaCP: what magazines max?
[2008.10.23 19:15:41] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:15:52] BrittaCP: and do you care to share how you go about doing that?
[2008.10.23 19:15:58] AureySorrow has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:16:02] BrittaCP: for those that may be curious?
[2008.10.23 19:16:06] MaxMuhlin: Modern Dog and Top Notch Toys
[2008.10.23 19:16:21] shopaholic chick: i am listed on a full page ad for my friends surf shop/grill in the local paper - i added his menu to my website....
[2008.10.23 19:16:44] MaxMuhlin: I contacted the advertising dept at each Mag. . .made up the ads and submitted them. . .Top Notch Toys was a full page at about $450.00 but they distribute the mag free at the big dog shows. . .
[2008.10.23 19:17:04] DafnaCP: That's awesome Max!
[2008.10.23 19:17:06] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:17:21] DafnaCP: So lets launch right in to Holiday SEO
[2008.10.23 19:17:25] MaxMuhlin: and Modern Dog is costing me an arm and a leg for 1/4 page but I've been getting hits. . .
[2008.10.23 19:17:27] shopaholic chick: max thats not bad!
[2008.10.23 19:17:40] DafnaCP: I just want to give a quick overview for the newbies here:
[2008.10.23 19:17:52] MaxMuhlin: Plus I get 20 free issues of Modern Dog and distribute them myself to Veterinary and Grooming offices here in town
[2008.10.23 19:18:11] DafnaCP: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of using the text on your webpage to draw traffic from search engines like Google and Yahoo.
[2008.10.23 19:18:24] MaxMuhlin: For any newbies that are wondering. . .I paint dogs. . .Ha!
[2008.10.23 19:18:29] AureySorrow: that's brilliant MaxMuhlin
[2008.10.23 19:18:42] DafnaCP: By adding keywords to your webpage (and in this case, your shop) you have the potential to be indexed in search engines’ organic (read: free) results.
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[2008.10.23 19:19:23] DafnaCP: For more information on the basics of SEO please take a look here:
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/learn/tutorial_seo
[2008.10.23 19:20:00] BrittaCP: you can also check out or previous chat transcrips with our SEO guru Laura
[2008.10.23 19:20:30] BrittaCP: http://community.cafepress.com/?cat=14
[2008.10.23 19:20:33] BrittaCP: they are all listed here
[2008.10.23 19:20:38] BrittaCP: good information
[2008.10.23 19:20:42] shopaholic chick: max LOL i am now picturing you trying to get a dog to stand still while you apply paint to them....
[2008.10.23 19:21:01] DafnaCP: LOL!
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[2008.10.23 19:21:35] DafnaCP: So, we like the word “gifts” year-round and I encourage you to add the word gifts to your section names, teasers, descriptions etc…
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[2008.10.23 19:21:50] DafnaCP: But for holidays you should also add “Christmas” and “Hanukkah” as well.
[2008.10.23 19:22:10] MaxMuhlin: I get that comment all the time. . .Shop,. guess I'll have to think of a better way to explain it
[2008.10.23 19:22:15] matisse: I wrote my url on my neighbor's dog but I haven't got any hits yet.
[2008.10.23 19:22:22] BrittaCP: i'm sure your neighbor loved that
[2008.10.23 19:22:25] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:22:27] BrittaCP: :P
[2008.10.23 19:22:31] MaxMuhlin: LOL
[2008.10.23 19:22:33] shopaholic chick: but do NOT ADD them to your TAGS!!!! unless it is a related design
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[2008.10.23 19:23:03] electricgreen: Is it Hanukkah with an H or CH??
[2008.10.23 19:23:07] BrittaCP: either is fine
[2008.10.23 19:23:08] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:23:21] DafnaCP: That's right, don't add those words to your image tags. Those words should be added to the text on your storefront. Teasers, Descriptions etc...
[2008.10.23 19:23:28] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:23:37] shopaholic chick: there are 4-6 acceptable spellings for hanukkah depending where in the world you live
[2008.10.23 19:23:45] DafnaCP: Can anyone think of other words that would work?
[2008.10.23 19:23:56] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:24:31] shopaholic chick: yule kwanzaa happy holidays
[2008.10.23 19:24:35] matisse: Christmas presents
[2008.10.23 19:24:38] MaxMuhlin: Winter, Snow, Santa Claus, presents!!! Santa's Helper, Elf
[2008.10.23 19:24:47] TexasFiddler: Yule, Christmas, Xmas, Holidays, Navidad
[2008.10.23 19:25:00] DafnaCP: Those are all great.
[2008.10.23 19:25:07] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:25:08] Tropicando: Noel?
[2008.10.23 19:25:09] DafnaCP: It’s also important to remember that your SEO should be as focused as possible.
[2008.10.23 19:25:11] Dooni Designs: season's greetings stocking stuffers
[2008.10.23 19:25:13] shopaholic chick: mrs claus, saint nicholas, st nick,
[2008.10.23 19:25:14] Bacon has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:25:35] DafnaCP: So Dooni, you make my point about being focused. For example, don’t stop at “Christmas Ornament”. That’s a competitive search term. Try something more specific like “Sleeping Pug Christmas Ornament”.
[2008.10.23 19:26:12] mousecrafter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:26:18] DafnaCP: Does that make sense to everybody?
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[2008.10.23 19:26:33] flyingwolf has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:26:35] Tropicando: Since I have mixed couples as friends , I was going to do Christmikah designs this year :)
[2008.10.23 19:26:49] shopaholic chick: the phrase "hate holiday shopping lines" is usually well searched too lol
[2008.10.23 19:26:54] QueenBee: What about common misspellings? Where's the best place to cover this?
[2008.10.23 19:27:20] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:27:28] shopaholic chick: queen that is hard without making your shop look like it was written by a 3rd grader
[2008.10.23 19:27:40] DafnaCP: I'd limit it to one or two misspellings and you can certainly add them in to a discreet place
[2008.10.23 19:28:24] DafnaCP: While we’re on the topic of SEO, I want to talk about the idea of creating a Holiday Gift Ideas section.
[2008.10.23 19:28:35] Bacon: maybe put the misspelled terms in your store meta tags?
[2008.10.23 19:28:39] flyingwolf: I think holiday designs would depend on who gets elected
[2008.10.23 19:28:51] DafnaCP: That term gets searched often during this season.
[2008.10.23 19:29:12] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:29:56] PhotoGirl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:31:03] TexasFiddler: Silly question that I've never had answered well. If I have the words sleeping, pug, christmas, and ornament all there, do I also need to tag or keyword "sleeping pug christmas ornament" or will the search engines and marketplace pick the whole combo up?
[2008.10.23 19:31:03] DafnaCP: If all of the words are included somewhere on the page, you may still come up in search engines for the full term. But, you're much more likely to come up for that phrase if you use the phrase somewhere on the page in its completion.
[2008.10.23 19:32:33] DafnaCP: So Holiday Gift Ideas does well.
[2008.10.23 19:32:36] DafnaCP: As do, “Gifts for Her” and “Gifts for Him”.
[2008.10.23 19:34:51] Tropicando: Sorry, is this an image tag or for the store?
[2008.10.23 19:34:52] BrittaCP: we're talking about your shop.
[2008.10.23 19:34:58] BrittaCP: in the storefrony
[2008.10.23 19:35:01] BrittaCP: not tags
[2008.10.23 19:35:14] Tropicando: ok
[2008.10.23 19:35:19] MaxMuhlin: You are talking here about Section Descriptions, right? Naturally one needs to beef up those with good descriptions of the individual desigsn, but a Holiday Mood could still be created in the general SHOP
[2008.10.23 19:35:19] DafnaCP: Yes, I'm talking about SEO only. Places for SEO: your meta tags, shop intro, section descriptions, section names, section teasers, product descriptions
[2008.10.23 19:35:42] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:35:42] MaxMuhlin: Did I break the Chat?
[2008.10.23 19:35:44] BrittaCP: oooh... so it was you, huh? j/k. seems to be working fine for us.
[2008.10.23 19:36:26] MaxMuhlin: :-o
[2008.10.23 19:37:14] matisse: Can we now change "shop info" without breaking our CP templates?
[2008.10.23 19:37:14] DafnaCP: Yes, that's fixed.
[2008.10.23 19:37:40] KiniArt has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:37:41] matisse: cool!
[2008.10.23 19:37:56] DafnaCP: The point is, you should consider adding sections that suggest gift ideas for those shoppers who aren’t quite sure what they want.
[2008.10.23 19:38:01] DafnaCP: Make sure you work those keywords into the text in those sections.
[2008.10.23 19:38:13] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:38:14] DafnaCP: This is also the time of year where people are attending parties and looking for gifts to give their Hosts and Hostesses.
[2008.10.23 19:38:21] DafnaCP: Call that out on your storefronts.
[2008.10.23 19:38:32] DafnaCP: Point out an item or two that would make a good gift for your boss or neighbor at that yearly party they host.
[2008.10.23 19:39:05] jerseygirl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.23 19:39:07] BrittaCP: Wear your products... and engage in conversation that includes mention of your shop or business
[2008.10.23 19:39:15] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:39:27] BrittaCP: have a card handy for those who are curious
[2008.10.23 19:39:31] shopaholic chick: i have sold tote bags for office gifts - a law firm bought a whole set of them - my design on one side their firm on the reverse!
[2008.10.23 19:39:38] Kate@LittleLizzyLou: make sure to always ALWAYS carry your busines cards with you!
[2008.10.23 19:40:01] flyingwolf: how about suggestions for the people you only see once a year
[2008.10.23 19:40:14] DafnaCP: Yeah, that would work too!
[2008.10.23 19:40:17] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:40:21] Tropicando: I have seen text in sk's description/content that is like a page of text, but less than a paragraph on the actual webpage, is that neccesarily bad?
[2008.10.23 19:41:28] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:41:34] BrittaCP: Can you clarify? do you mean like huge chunks of text in the storefront?
[2008.10.23 19:41:44] matisse: I wrote my urls on my forehead for the Holiday season.
[2008.10.23 19:41:51] LittleLizzyLou Josh: My friends tell me I'm a walking billboard, because I wear littlelizzylou all the time. But I often get asked about my shirts/buttons, and I tell them how they can get one just as cool! :-)
[2008.10.23 19:41:55] TexasFiddler: Tropicando, I experimented with that just to see if it would do anything for me in search engines.
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[2008.10.23 19:41:58] KiniArt: Teachers and babysitters are a neglected gift group too
[2008.10.23 19:42:02] Tropicando: like from wikipedia
[2008.10.23 19:42:08] shopaholic chick: matisse - can the url be mine?
[2008.10.23 19:42:22] TexasFiddler: It didn't seem to make a difference.
[2008.10.23 19:42:56] matisse: I am affiliating my forehead!
[2008.10.23 19:43:06] DafnaCP: So lets move on to products
[2008.10.23 19:43:16] DafnaCP: Cards are already taking off.
[2008.10.23 19:43:26] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:43:30] DafnaCP: We’re seeing sales start to ramp up for them so be sure that you’ve added Greeting cards to your storefront and that you’re featuring them.
[2008.10.23 19:43:38] BrittaCP: and don't forget about single cards
[2008.10.23 19:44:07] Dooni Designs: I'm selling alot of mugs all of a sudden
[2008.10.23 19:44:21] DafnaCP: Mugs are big during the holidays
[2008.10.23 19:44:30] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:44:30] DafnaCP: This is also a good time to add calendars and ornaments.
[2008.10.23 19:44:48] shopaholic chick: i always sell a lot of mugs for the holidays - people like to make thier own little gift packages in mugs at holidays
[2008.10.23 19:44:49] TexasFiddler: Sold two ornaments last week!
[2008.10.23 19:45:10] Kate@LittleLizzyLou: you can add that you can fit shirt, bib, buttons, magnets in the mug for a nice gift
[2008.10.23 19:45:17] matisse: I'm getting hits and a few sales of ornaments already.
[2008.10.23 19:45:33] DafnaCP: That's a great idea Lizzy!
[2008.10.23 19:45:59] DafnaCP: I have a list of products that sold well last December
[2008.10.23 19:46:16] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:46:17] DafnaCP: dark t-shirt
white t-shirt
hooded sweatshirt
sweatshirt
mugs
oval stickers
[2008.10.23 19:46:24] DafnaCP: in no particular order
[2008.10.23 19:47:15] TexasFiddler: I asked a long time ago and there were no statistics. Are the cards that are selling well including a sentiment, or are they blank inside? The answer at that time was, "We haven't tracked that."
[2008.10.23 19:47:16] BrittaCP: I don't know the solid information on that. But I would think that if you are doing a holiday specific gift card... it's better ot have a sentiment. That mostly what you see on the shelves.
[2008.10.23 19:47:25] shopaholic chick: the ornaments make a great personal gift tag to hang on a wine bottle
[2008.10.23 19:47:29] Tropicando: Oh wait, I can't complain, I don't think I have christmas designs at all.
[2008.10.23 19:47:37] matisse: oval stickers?
[2008.10.23 19:47:59] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:48:06] DafnaCP: yes, we have oval stickers and apparently they did well last year
[2008.10.23 19:48:12] MaxMuhlin: Put a gold string between two oval stickers and hang them on the Tree!!!!
[2008.10.23 19:48:18] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:48:25] shopaholic chick: matisse a lot of people will add a sticker or a button to hit the coupon thresholds;)
[2008.10.23 19:48:52] Bacon: remember stocking stuffers: buttons, stickers etc.
[2008.10.23 19:49:30] DafnaCP: Let's not forget decoration items. This is a good time to start selling those.
[2008.10.23 19:50:07] DafnaCP: Framed prints and pillows, yard signs, keepsake boxes, tile coasters are all items that make great holiday decor
[2008.10.23 19:50:58] DafnaCP: Does anyone currently have items up that are meant more as holiday decor rather than gifts?
[2008.10.23 19:51:11] MaxMuhlin: Yard Signs to give the neighborhood a Holiday Greeting
[2008.10.23 19:51:24] Tropicando: I have to tell Cafepress something, for the longest time I ignored ornaments, I thought they were like cardboard thingies. Didn't realize they were ceramic. I thought they were like those pine tree car ornaments :)
[2008.10.23 19:51:30] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:51:40] DafnaCP: they're really nice aren't they?!
[2008.10.23 19:51:46] BrittaCP: They are very nice. Aren't you glad you discovered them?
[2008.10.23 19:51:50] LittleLizzyLou Josh: If you haven't seen a yard sign yet - they are great, and impactful!
[2008.10.23 19:51:52] MaxMuhlin: Christmas. . .or I should say HOLIDAY Banners !
[2008.10.23 19:52:01] Dooni Designs: i sell "ornaments" year round.. picking up now though
[2008.10.23 19:52:31] Kate@LittleLizzyLou: the banners are really nice too. very big! would make a nice party sign or something.
[2008.10.23 19:53:02] DafnaCP: yes, I love the banners and I can just see someone putting Noel on one and turing it into mantel decor
[2008.10.23 19:53:13] DafnaCP: I’m often asked which topics sell best on Cafepress.
[2008.10.23 19:53:24] Tropicando: Yeah, I have thank Sag with getting me into selling yardsigns
[2008.10.23 19:53:32] MaxMuhlin: Dogs !!
[2008.10.23 19:53:37] DafnaCP: There isn’t really a good answer to that question.
[2008.10.23 19:53:51] DafnaCP: The answer is, if you’re passionate about it then so are others. The bonus there is that you already know something about your market – because your market is you.
[2008.10.23 19:53:58] DafnaCP: That said, the holidays are all about interest related gifts.
[2008.10.23 19:54:10] DafnaCP: For example, I have an Aunt who is very much into softball.
[2008.10.23 19:54:10] LittleLizzyLou Josh: holiday parties/seasonal house decor
[2008.10.23 19:54:37] DafnaCP: For the holidays I’ll be looking for a shirt that speaks to that interest. Think “Softball Sweetie” or “# 1 Softball Aunt”.
[2008.10.23 19:54:47] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:54:55] DafnaCP: Maybe your aunt is into dogs or music. Whatever the interest, the point is to play it up!
[2008.10.23 19:55:23] MaxMuhlin: I have two very productive Dance - related Premium Shops
[2008.10.23 19:55:55] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:56:14] DafnaCP: Great Max, be sure to add that holiday SEO and you'll do well with them this season!
[2008.10.23 19:56:46] MaxMuhlin: Yes, Teacher gifts. . .
[2008.10.23 19:57:01] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:57:10] QueenBee: When I worked in a retail store we noticed that people bought decor in November and then gifts in December. Is it the same online?
[2008.10.23 19:57:14] BrittaCP: you bet
[2008.10.23 19:57:22] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:57:23] BrittaCP: that's why it's important to be ready to go now
[2008.10.23 19:57:29] shopaholic chick: people start earlier online though
[2008.10.23 19:57:45] DafnaCP: that's true, they do start earlier online
[2008.10.23 19:57:51] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:57:55] DafnaCP: so get 'em up now!
[2008.10.23 19:58:13] shopaholic chick: gifts start going in november because they want to allow for shipping - then right after black friday it will go nuts grabbing everything they couldnt find on black friday
[2008.10.23 19:58:17] TexasFiddler: My sales basically ended last year about the fifteenth of Dec
[2008.10.23 19:58:21] MaxMuhlin: People also buy Whatever Holiday strikes their eye whenever they are in your shop, so leave the designs up all year
[2008.10.23 19:58:25] Kate@LittleLizzyLou: Also, something about this year is that people may start buying earlier, and we might see that sales happen in waves, to go along with paychecks
[2008.10.23 19:58:33] Bacon: Anyone have a Holiday themed shop or section they'd like to show off?
[2008.10.23 19:58:42] BrittaCP: We'll open up the lobby in just aminute
[2008.10.23 19:58:46] BrittaCP: and you guys can all share
[2008.10.23 19:58:49] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 19:58:51] TexasFiddler: Good point, Kate
[2008.10.23 19:59:01] MenagerieMayhem has left the room (logged out)
[2008.10.23 19:59:21] flyingwolf has left the room (logged out)
[2008.10.23 19:59:29] DafnaCP: So unfortunately it's 5:00 and while we didn't cover everything, hopefully you've got a good idea of the creative ways you can make the most of the season.
[2008.10.23 19:59:30] matisse: How soon after 11/4 should we remove poltical designs or should we?
[2008.10.23 19:59:33] BrittaCP: Think about rediesigning those election themes... to comment on the winner and the losers
[2008.10.23 19:59:36] MaxMuhlin: Thaks for some great ideas, Dafna !!
[2008.10.23 19:59:42] MenagerieMayhem has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.10.23 20:00:10] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.23 20:00:12] QueenBee: Does CP have a shipping deadline for Christmas?
[2008.10.23 20:00:13] BrittaCP: We'll be announcing those when we roll out our Holiday campaign.
[2008.10.23 20:00:16] Tropicando: Thanks Dafna

Holiday organization and shop appearance

[2008.10.09 18:27:15] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.10.09 18:27:15] Shopaholic Chick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.10.09 18:50:56] Barbara Burns has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 18:52:00] twopurringcats has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 18:52:46] PeggyWvB has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 18:55:04] Linda has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 18:55:58] preggoprincess has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 18:56:40] dreamup has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 18:57:37] foxvox has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 18:58:00] LakeEffects has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 18:59:19] Tropicando has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:00:09] Mark has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:00:24] Heni has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:00:44] Jaenne has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:00:45] Kate@LittleLizzyLou has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:00:55] Bacon has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:01:21] AngelaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:01:51] Barbara Burns: Hi Everyone :)
[2008.10.09 19:01:52] PeggyWvB: Hi all!
[2008.10.09 19:01:54] Tropicando: hello all
[2008.10.09 19:01:55] Linda: :)
[2008.10.09 19:01:57] Linda: hi
[2008.10.09 19:01:59] AngelaCP: hi everyone!
[2008.10.09 19:02:01] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:02:02] AngelaCP: happy thursday!
[2008.10.09 19:02:08] BrittaCP: Hello Hello Hello!
[2008.10.09 19:02:09] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:02:14] Shopaholic Chick: hi everyone!!!
[2008.10.09 19:02:29] AngelaCP: I'm going to jump in and get started
[2008.10.09 19:02:36] Shopaholic Chick: hi gand
[2008.10.09 19:02:37] twopurringcats: hi
[2008.10.09 19:02:38] Kate@LittleLizzyLou: Hi Everyone!
[2008.10.09 19:02:48] foxvox: Hi All!
[2008.10.09 19:02:49] Gandalf Parker: Hi ALl
[2008.10.09 19:03:28] AngelaCP: we have to leave a bit early today so let's get started -- we'll stop chat at 4:45 and then open up the lobby for you guys to continue chatting about holidays
[2008.10.09 19:03:42] LakeEffects has left the room (logged out)
[2008.10.09 19:03:46] AngelaCP: Let’s start out with the usual chat rules, for any newcomers.
[2008.10.09 19:04:00] BrittaCP: This chat is moderated. All your questions and comments will go into a queue until reviewed by a moderater, which is why you may not see them right away. We’ll try to get all questions, but apologize ahead of time if we don’t since there’s only an hour.
[2008.10.09 19:04:09] BrittaCP: At the end of the chat we’ll open up the lobby for you to continue chatting, and the transcript will be up in a day or so.
[2008.10.09 19:04:12] Tropicando: this is like the miranda rights
[2008.10.09 19:04:15] AngelaCP: you got it ;)
[2008.10.09 19:04:17] BrittaCP: Ok, let’s get this chat started…
[2008.10.09 19:04:24] AngelaCP: Ready to jump start the Holiday season? As you guys are aware…things aren’t looking great in the economy and so we’re here to offer tips to help you maximize sales starting with optimizing your shop for shoppers.
[2008.10.09 19:04:40] AngelaCP: We’re not sure how shoppers will spend their money this holiday season… They might feel the pinch and tighten their pocket books for gifting.
[2008.10.09 19:04:56] AngelaCP: Or, shoppers might skip the big ticket items and go for smaller ticket items such as t-shirts and other gift items found in your shop which is an advantage for you.
[2008.10.09 19:05:05] lakeeffects has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:05:10] AngelaCP: Either way, shoppers are going to be careful how they spend this holiday season.
[2008.10.09 19:05:29] AngelaCP: Today’s chat is Holiday Prep: shop navigation and we’ll go over a few ways how you can optimize your shop for shoppers. Some of you here are seasoned Shopkeepers so please share your experience – what has worked, what hasn’t.
[2008.10.09 19:05:35] Me has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:05:40] Tropicando: we see brick and mortars closing
[2008.10.09 19:05:53] AngelaCP: yes... so that is a big benefit for online
[2008.10.09 19:06:05] AngelaCP: holiday crowds in the mall, save gas, etc
[2008.10.09 19:06:13] AngelaCP: First of all, let’s start with the storefront. Let’s call this window dressing – it’s popular over the holiday season.
[2008.10.09 19:06:33] AngelaCP: You have a few seconds to grab your visitor’s attention. Be sure the top part of your shop is a billboard for what you have to offer. If your sections are below the fold, feature your top sellers above the fold.
[2008.10.09 19:06:49] AngelaCP: “Below the fold” - meaning that part of a screen where you have to start scrolling down.
[2008.10.09 19:06:58] AngelaCP: Here’s an example:
[2008.10.09 19:07:02] BrittaCP sent a picture:
[2008.10.09 19:07:21] BrittaCP: you can click on the image if you can't see it
[2008.10.09 19:07:47] BrittaCP: Here you can see the difference between above and bleow
[2008.10.09 19:07:48] AngelaCP: Items that you want your customers to see first is above this area, the fold,, and in this case that would be your most festive and top selling designs.
[2008.10.09 19:08:30] AngelaCP: Since this is where customers will land first use it as a starting spot to get them excited about holiday shopping in your shop. Get them in and get them clicking on the goods all the way to checkout.
[2008.10.09 19:08:46] AngelaCP: any questions so far?
[2008.10.09 19:08:49] AngelaCP: feel free to ask them...
[2008.10.09 19:08:56] AngelaCP: Put your message on top using rich content to help drive SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as the top part of the page is most beneficial for SEO. [SEO chat transcripts: http://community.cafepress.com/?cat=14]
[2008.10.09 19:09:25] AngelaCP: Although it’s important to add an intro with rich content, don’t overdo it. Too much content on the top is a bad customer experience and may scare visitors away. It also pushes your shop down – below the fold. Just include a headline and a sentence or two. If you’re featuring items, use a descriptive phase.
[2008.10.09 19:09:51] Kari has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:10:00] AngelaCP: Make your shop festive and include holiday imagery – including photographs. Make your visitors feel like it’s holiday and get them into the gift buying spirit.
[2008.10.09 19:10:09] PeggyWvB: Will CP be offering sales for the holidays?
[2008.10.09 19:10:10] BrittaCP: Really, quick... who here is celebrating thier first holiday with us?
[2008.10.09 19:10:15] Melhi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:10:26] AngelaCP: We're still working on that. Stay tuned for the announcements.
[2008.10.09 19:10:56] AngelaCP: Does anyone want to share their storefront they feel are enticing and proud of it?
[2008.10.09 19:11:02] Kari: We are here for our first holiday
[2008.10.09 19:11:09] AngelaCP: welcome kari
[2008.10.09 19:11:20] Kari: ty
[2008.10.09 19:11:22] AngelaCP: 2008 Tip: With the shoppers being budget-minded – market your shop so it speaks to them. “Get gifts for the whole family and spend under $100!” Something similar to that to get their attention
[2008.10.09 19:11:40] PeggyWvB: And when will the "don't modify your header "bug be fixed so we can update our shops look for the holidays?
[2008.10.09 19:12:10] AngelaCP: Great question: this bug is currently being QA'd and should be fixed early next week - we're aiming for Monday.
[2008.10.09 19:12:13] Tropicando: Ive been around, but not really active till this year.
[2008.10.09 19:12:57] PeggyWvB: great! Thanks ANg! be sure to let us know how the fix goes!
[2008.10.09 19:13:05] AngelaCP: Welcome tropiocando, the holidays is a busy rush. Although it's hard to say this year as the economy is different than what it was last year. It will still be a big increase from what you've seen from the other months....
[2008.10.09 19:13:12] AngelaCP: definitely Peggy!
[2008.10.09 19:13:19] Tropicando: Can our CP shops play music?
[2008.10.09 19:13:20] Gandalf Parker: if you do NOTHING else, at least edit the descripts of a couple items on each page. Add something like "a great xmas gift for Grandma" or something. Major search engines love "dynamic" pages. Changing the text will move you up in searches. And then in a couple of months you can change it back getting another boost.
[2008.10.09 19:13:41] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:14:16] BrittaCP: Tropicando... there are HTML players that you can plug into your shop to play music... but it can be overwhelming and I would take caution in adding a music player
[2008.10.09 19:14:18] foxvox: I do NOT recommend having your shop play music AUTOMATICALLY - it will drive shoppers on dialup nuts and make them leave. ;)
[2008.10.09 19:14:21] DDKnight has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:14:27] AngelaCP: I have to agree with foxvox -
[2008.10.09 19:14:33] Shopaholic Chick: ang having the ability to offer multiple levels of coupons would be great like $5 off $40, $10 off $75 or free shipping over $100 would be awesome
[2008.10.09 19:14:34] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:14:39] AngelaCP: thanks for the feedback.
[2008.10.09 19:14:41] Shopaholic Chick: gandolf I agree - I go in an randomly change descriptions on 5-10 designs each week (i have 9000 designs) and i see those items will come back to life!!
[2008.10.09 19:14:42] Blipfishimus Maximus has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:14:49] PeggyWvB: trop, I often hav my own music playing when I'm online. I HATE it when I come across a shop that plays it's own music
[2008.10.09 19:15:11] AngelaCP: Any more questions? This is really important in terms of shopping experience as you want to give the best first impression and encourage visitors to navigate into your shop.
[2008.10.09 19:15:15] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:15:20] Karen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:15:26] Shopaholic Chick: if a website has music playing i immediatly close it and will not go back to it (part of why i left myspace)
[2008.10.09 19:15:37] Gandalf Parker: unless its a shop selling music of course.
[2008.10.09 19:15:48] PeggyWvB: I did very well when we had the $5 off $25 coupon
[2008.10.09 19:16:02] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:16:02] BrittaCP: exactly... music is neat... but chances are someoen is shopping at home becuase it's convientent to be in their own surroundings... and remember, the more bells ands whistles you add... the longer a page load could be
[2008.10.09 19:16:16] Linda: music...will the cds be fixed so we can sell our music on cd?
[2008.10.09 19:16:24] AngelaCP: I believe that is fixed... but let me check...
[2008.10.09 19:16:29] Shopaholic Chick: also a lot of flashing items will cause slower computers or those on dial up to freeze up - so videos on shops is a BAD idea
[2008.10.09 19:16:34] AngelaCP: Correct, keep it simple.
[2008.10.09 19:16:52] Jaenne: Gadget-rich, or as I call them, "fancy'd" up pages take longer to load on slower systems and some people are not willing to wait.
[2008.10.09 19:17:03] AngelaCP: Showcase your products and make your message a highlight
[2008.10.09 19:17:11] Me: Does anybody have an opinion on falling snowflakes, blinking Holiday lights--that sort of thing? Annoying or festive?
[2008.10.09 19:17:14] AngelaCP: do not distract with music and blinking things
[2008.10.09 19:17:21] AngelaCP: my opinion of course....
[2008.10.09 19:17:37] PeggyWvB: Ang what is going on about the travel mugs?
[2008.10.09 19:17:50] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:17:51] twopurringcats has left the room (logged out)
[2008.10.09 19:18:00] twopurringcats has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:18:10] AngelaCP: We're having some manufacturing errors on those...no news. No promise it will be back in time for the holidays :( I haven't announced an update yet because we're still waiting to hear.
[2008.10.09 19:18:22] PeggyWvB: Don't distract your customer from the desired objective- making a purchase!
[2008.10.09 19:18:31] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:18:38] Gandalf Parker: if you want to go upscale with flash and music and videos then the best bet is to create a website, with a domain. Then the shop becomes one of the links at that domain. This frees you up to do whatever you want, and frees CP up from their servers trying to do everything above and beyond shops.
[2008.10.09 19:18:43] Shopaholic Chick: falling snowflakes blonking lights and music can cause peoples computers to lag - and turn off the non-christmas shopers
[2008.10.09 19:18:47] Jaenne: This is the first year I am foing any real Christmas designs. Do Christmas-themed items sell better in October and November than they do in December?
[2008.10.09 19:18:55] AngelaCP: I think it depends
[2008.10.09 19:19:13] AngelaCP: Holiday designs do better on products such as ornaments, cards, stickers, tiles, pillows
[2008.10.09 19:19:28] AngelaCP: they do sell on apparel - but more for home/decorative items
[2008.10.09 19:19:44] Gandalf Parker: I think the economy will have people shopping early to try and find the best items in their new price range
[2008.10.09 19:19:53] AngelaCP: that may be the case
[2008.10.09 19:20:00] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:20:19] Shopaholic Chick: jaenne I have been selling them since august
[2008.10.09 19:20:32] AngelaCP: It's a good transition to talk about Shop Organization. Group your merchandise so it's easy for your shoppers to find gifts. Think groupings by gift recipient or theme. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
[2008.10.09 19:20:43] Linda: I sold a holiday ornament the other day
[2008.10.09 19:20:56] AngelaCP: • Gift Recipients such as: Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Kids & baby
[2008.10.09 19:21:10] AngelaCP: Organizing by recipient is the best way to help shoppers find what they want as they tend to shop by person. When your products are organized this way, you can also take advantage of SEO by including top keywords in the section and section intro.
[2008.10.09 19:21:37] AngelaCP: • Holiday Decorations such as Ornaments, Tile Frames, Yard Signs, Pillows, Buttons, and Magnets
[2008.10.09 19:21:57] AngelaCP: What a great way to help your customers kick the Holiday off with all the trimmings. In the beginning of the Holiday season, start with gift sections for recipient and a section for Holiday Decorations.
[2008.10.09 19:22:21] PeggyWvB: Can that be added to the dropdown menue in the sidebar pls?
[2008.10.09 19:22:42] AngelaCP: Not the product drop down - but you can make a top nav using the code
[2008.10.09 19:22:59] AngelaCP: I have seen SKs do it... if anyone here wants to share their shop, please post a link
[2008.10.09 19:23:10] PeggyWvB: how?
[2008.10.09 19:23:12] AngelaCP: anyone?
[2008.10.09 19:23:21] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:23:24] Shopaholic Chick: peggy you can use http://blogacow.com/CPCreateAPage/home2-beta.php
[2008.10.09 19:23:40] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:23:43] Shopaholic Chick: it will let you create a mirror basically of any page on your shop....
[2008.10.09 19:23:45] PeggyWvB: thanks Shop!!!
[2008.10.09 19:23:51] AngelaCP: I have seen shops that uses on the top nav: drop downs for "kids apparel" "gifts for him",etc and when you mouse over the tab, there's a list of products categorized
[2008.10.09 19:23:57] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:24:00] Shopaholic Chick: peggy PM me if you get stuck ill help you out with it
[2008.10.09 19:24:07] AngelaCP: • Greeting/Note Cards section and organize by the theme such as Merry Christmas, Holiday, Hanukkah, Happy New Year... to name a few
[2008.10.09 19:24:18] AngelaCP: • Create a “Gifts under $10” section or “Stocking Stuffers” such as Buttons, Stickers and Magnets
[2008.10.09 19:25:56] AngelaCP: shop organization is really important - think of it in terms of a brick and mortar store. If nothing was organized in a way that's easy for you to shop, would you continue?
[2008.10.09 19:26:13] AngelaCP: what's the experience at walmart vs target?
[2008.10.09 19:26:47] AngelaCP: There's a difference... even though it's subtle, I think most people have a better shopping experience at Target
[2008.10.09 19:26:52] Linda: what about flea markets and antique stores? some people like to rummage in them
[2008.10.09 19:27:25] AngelaCP: that's different because they are rummaging knowing they might find a gem
[2008.10.09 19:27:56] Jaenne: I think people appreciate organization more online than in real life. Disorganized sites frustrate the heck out of me.
[2008.10.09 19:28:18] AngelaCP: the take away is to organize your shop so your customers can immediately find what they are looking for, and see products for other gift recipients they may not have planned to buy in your shop but will now buy
[2008.10.09 19:28:57] BrittaCP: Exactly Jaenne... it can be just as frustrating a s disorganized brick and mortar shop... where the kids clothes are mixed up with the women's sweates
[2008.10.09 19:29:13] AngelaCP: Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross -- ;)
[2008.10.09 19:29:26] chm has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:29:43] Blipfishimus Maximus has left the room (logged out)
[2008.10.09 19:29:46] Gandalf Parker: try to hit the "perfect fit" crowd. Use many key words that people might use to find the perfect gift. Perfect subject, perfect thoiught, favorite color, favorite animal, etc. Offer them in variations of the words. 12 of the same design do not have to have 12 of the same description.
[2008.10.09 19:29:59] AngelaCP: a part of shop organization is visual....
[2008.10.09 19:30:06] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:30:14] Shopaholic Chick: it is also important to make your section buttons clear & say what is in the section, do not count on shopkeepers to read the tiny text underneath - shoppers like big easy to see pictures - even though the section name and teaser is important for search engines
[2008.10.09 19:30:32] BrittaCP: we'll touch on section buttons in a second
[2008.10.09 19:30:37] AngelaCP: Make sure your section thumbnails really show case your design or product if that’s how you organize. Your customers want to immediately know where they’re going, and click on it. That’s why you want to stimulate them with nice big thumbnails.
[2008.10.09 19:30:52] AngelaCP: Here’s an example of good vs. bad.
[2008.10.09 19:30:57] BrittaCP sent a picture:
[2008.10.09 19:31:02] BrittaCP: ooops
[2008.10.09 19:31:09] BrittaCP: wrong screen shot
[2008.10.09 19:31:23] BrittaCP sent a picture:
[2008.10.09 19:31:28] BrittaCP: there we go
[2008.10.09 19:31:53] BrittaCP: this screenshot looks a little bigger than it would in a live shop
[2008.10.09 19:32:05] BrittaCP: it's enlarged to show you the example
[2008.10.09 19:32:31] AngelaCP: and the image Britta has is more visual -- but imagine if the design was text or something less visible.
[2008.10.09 19:32:49] AngelaCP: Notice on the product collague, you can’t really see the image, you read it’s something about Ice Cream & Chocolate, but I can’t really see what’s happening with it. But there are some shirts in there.
[2008.10.09 19:33:04] AngelaCP: In the second one with just the design, I can see what Ice Cream & Chocolate is all about, giggle over it, click and buy. The information is all right there and enticing.
[2008.10.09 19:33:37] AngelaCP: We’ve recommended that you organize by design in the past, and personally I still prefer this method for this very reason.
[2008.10.09 19:33:38] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:34:09] AngelaCP: However some Shopkeepers do the product collage or other method because it makes sense in their shop (perhaps you have a lot of products organized by recipient).
[2008.10.09 19:35:03] AngelaCP: The key take away though, is make sure that your TN immediately tells the story of what’s inside by keeping it large enough to quickly recognize.
[2008.10.09 19:35:46] Shopaholic Chick: angela i find for sections that contain design subsections it is good to add the words like on www.cafeprss.com/sportygirls
[2008.10.09 19:36:19] AngelaCP: oops
[2008.10.09 19:36:27] AngelaCP: you had a typo in the URL
[2008.10.09 19:36:40] AngelaCP: it's www.cafepress.com/sportygirls
[2008.10.09 19:36:51] Me: When making special sections (him, her, sale etc) for Holiday shoppers, should we move items from their home section, or have the same product in two sections?
[2008.10.09 19:37:45] AngelaCP: i believe you can duplicate your section
[2008.10.09 19:38:02] AngelaCP: there are severals you can do this
[2008.10.09 19:38:07] BrittaCP: or duplcate your products and add to the special section
[2008.10.09 19:38:07] AngelaCP: let's hear from the crowd...
[2008.10.09 19:38:15] AngelaCP: what do you normally do when you create a gift section
[2008.10.09 19:38:28] AngelaCP: i know some will have duplicate products by duplicating a section
[2008.10.09 19:39:04] lakeeffects: I've imported an item into a new shop; you have to watch for changes though because they won't automatically flow with the imports.
[2008.10.09 19:39:27] lakeeffects: oops, new section, not shop
[2008.10.09 19:39:39] AngelaCP: Correct
[2008.10.09 19:39:54] AngelaCP: if you duplicate a section, you then delete products you don't want in the gift section
[2008.10.09 19:40:02] AngelaCP: it's just an easier way to do it
[2008.10.09 19:40:05] foxvox: Also, moving items out of sections might be bad for affiliates who have linked to that section, so I'd recommend duplicating them as well.
[2008.10.09 19:40:05] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:40:10] Shopaholic Chick: i make a section then use add products and just select a few - or i make the gifts sections on my off cafepress websites colecting several designs together
[2008.10.09 19:40:18] AngelaCP: Correct
[2008.10.09 19:40:33] AngelaCP: Select your best looking designs and select a few
[2008.10.09 19:40:37] AngelaCP: don't add all your designs in it
[2008.10.09 19:41:01] AngelaCP: the purpose of gift sections is to limit the selection to make it easier for shoppers to find a gift
[2008.10.09 19:41:16] AngelaCP: sometimes too much of a selection can be overwhelming
[2008.10.09 19:41:20] Bacon has left the room (logged out)
[2008.10.09 19:41:24] Jaenne: I am in my yearly process of checking through and updating old designs in my shop, verifying SEO on my designs and deleting out deadwood. Do have any other recommendations for this time of year?
[2008.10.09 19:41:34] AngelaCP: if they want to see more, you have the rest of your shop for them to browse through
[2008.10.09 19:42:54] BrittaCP: I would say... definitley hide your old holiday items... like St. Patricks Day or 4th of July
[2008.10.09 19:43:04] AngelaCP: I recommend organizing your sections with popular products on top
[2008.10.09 19:43:14] AngelaCP: such as t-shirts and sweatshirts
[2008.10.09 19:43:17] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.10.09 19:43:22] AngelaCP: move the tanktops down
[2008.10.09 19:43:31] Shopaholic Chick: jaenne be carefule delete dead ones - i have ones that will sell that have been there for 2 years and never sold before - before you delete try changing your descriptions & tags to see if it hlps first
[2008.10.09 19:43:31] BrittaCP: Som epoepl like to keep it year round... but if you're trying to "clean up" don't be scared to hide it
[2008.10.09 19:43:48] AngelaCP: correct, you can hide them
[2008.10.09 19:43:53] Kate@LittleLizzyLou: I sell St. Patrick's Day stuff all year round though. I'd be nervous to hide them
[2008.10.09 19:44:12] BrittaCP: again... it depends on what your shop niche and attention is
[2008.10.09 19:44:20] AngelaCP: What you can do if you like is to have a small section at the bottom of the page called "other holidays"
[2008.10.09 19:44:37] BrittaCP: Personally, the way I see it is if Target can put away thier Halloween items, so can I
[2008.10.09 19:44:44] BrittaCP: but that's me
[2008.10.09 19:44:49] AngelaCP: make it small so it doesn't distract from your shop... but it's still there should anyone run across it
[2008.10.09 19:45:12] AngelaCP: wow, time flies... it's already 4:45
[2008.10.09 19:45:24] AngelaCP: let me quickly recap while britta opens up the lobby for you guys to keep chatting
[2008.10.09 19:45:46] Heni: You can always create a new hidden section and move old holiday sections inside it 'unhidden'. That way they won't appear in your shopfront, but will still appear in marketplace search.
[2008.10.09 19:45:47] AngelaCP: we'll be opening up a Holiday Prep Forum so SKs can share tips and experiences
[2008.10.09 19:45:58] AngelaCP: first thing on your list is to work on your shop front
[2008.10.09 19:46:17] Karen has left the room (logged out)
[2008.10.09 19:46:25] AngelaCP: be sure to optimize your shop for SEO - shop front is the place to do it but dont' skip in other pages either....
[2008.10.09 19:46:38] AngelaCP: Organize your shop so it's easy for your visitors to navigate
[2008.10.09 19:46:49] AngelaCP: present gifting centers so it's easy to find
[2008.10.09 19:47:13] AngelaCP: early in the season --- meaning NOW --- show case holiday decorative items such as ornaments, cards, pillows, etc
[2008.10.09 19:47:16] AngelaCP: yard signs!
[2008.10.09 19:47:19] Photo Girl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.10.09 19:47:38] AngelaCP: Keep your products visible - see screen shots
[2008.10.09 19:47:41] AngelaCP: KISS
[2008.10.09 19:47:52] AngelaCP: Keep it simple silly
[2008.10.09 19:48:06] AngelaCP: Thanks everyone
[2008.10.09 19:48:11] BrittaCP: lobby is open
[2008.10.09 19:48:19] AngelaCP: hope you guys get busy prepping your shops this holiday season
[2008.10.09 19:48:31] Tropicando: have a nice commute
[2008.10.09 19:48:32] AngelaCP: wishing you many donots
[2008.10.09 19:48:38] DDKnight has left the room
[2008.10.09 19:48:39] BrittaCP: g'nite!
[2008.10.09 19:48:43] AngelaCP: thanks everyone~
[2008.10.09 19:48:46] foxvox: Thanks Angela & Britta! :)
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