Creative Minds Blog

Am I Allowed to Love My Own Website?

2011-09-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

For many people, getting around to updating their website is a chore that's last on the list. I know the feeling. I've been meaning to update my site for about 6 months now...

With so many mobile devices, and ever changing computer screen sizes, my site wasn't keeping up with the times. I liked the general design, but it wasn't looking quite right on large monitors, and was barely navigable on smart phones. Since I had been procrastinating for so long, I finally asked designer Nathan Sauer who we've been working with to get the process started. Nathan built the framework, which inspired me to forge ahead and remodel the entire site.

I'm soooo glad to have finally done this! What a relief it is to pull the site up on the laptop, the smart phone, etc., and see everything in the right place!! It gives me confidence to know that my website is up to par, and features all my most current information and services.

If it's been a few years since you redesigned your website, it may be time for an upgrade.
We're offering 10% OFF website re-design now through October 31, 2011.

View our new & improved website at www.LiveToCreate.com

On the Social Media Fence?

2011-08-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

I sat on the fence for a long time before deciding to join in the social media craze. I'm still not 100% sure how I feel about it on a personal level, but I'm learning more and more every day about how to use social media for business purposes. In terms of business, the bottom line is that so many people are using social media, that it's a marketing tool that can't - or shouldn't - be ignored.

As we all know, the business climate is drastically different that it was five years ago. I don't know about you, but business doesn't come knocking at my door like it used to. I've had to start going out there and finding it again. Revisiting all of the tried and true marketing techniques that I used to know so well has been invigorating. It has given me a new love for my business and I feel good to be nurturing it once again.

I'm finding that using social media to market my business is also somewhat enjoyable. Although it's mostly uncharted waters for me, it feels good to learn something new. Part of what makes it a positive experience is that I feel like I'm connecting to people and actually having a conversation. When I place an ad in a newspaper, I may get one or two phone calls (at the most!) and that's it. With social media, I'm getting more feedback, making friends, meeting business associates, and building relationships.

Building relationships... That's what it's all about, right?

If you're looking for more information on using social media for business purposes, below are a few helpful links. And if you need some assistance along the way, please don't hesitate to contact me (www.livetocreate.com) or Susan Haldeman
(www.artbizsuccess.com). We're here to help!

How To Use Facebook: 5 Tips for Better Social Networking

Using Facebook Fan Pages Effectively

How to Create a Facebook Page for Your Business (Workshop handout)

10 Ways for Small Businesses to Use LinkedIn

Have you been bitten by the Shopping Cart bug?

2011-08-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

It seems this little guy is going around biting my clients. I've heard from at least 5 or 6 people who would like to get their on-line stores up and running. With the condition of the economy, it's a good idea to hit all the bases and give customers the option of purchasing your products on the web. These days there are many user-friendly shopping cart systems that you could easily build yourself and link to your existing website. All you need is an investment of time, and basic computer skills. If you don't have the time or the skills, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help bring your on-line store to life.

Here are a few suggestions of how to get started:

1. Decide What to Sell: If you have a large line of merchandise, it's a good idea to be selective about what you put on the web. Post things that are likely to be purchased over the internet. Do your own research to see what's out there. How much are your competitors charging? What do they charge for shipping? etc.

If you post one-of-a-kind items, keep in mind you'll need to update your store regularly to make sure that your inventory is current.

2. Prepare Your Inventory: For each item you'll need a photo, description, price, and shipping weight. Gather this information and keep it organized in a document or spreadsheet. A photo is worth a thousand words, so make sure yours are good! Clean, uncluttered photos in good light will do the job. Write an engaging description of each item.

3. Select Your Shopping Cart: There are many user-friendly systems to choose from. I've heard great reviews about Shopify. Others good options include Yahoo! and Wazala. Etsy is a great venue for handmade and creative items. Most shopping cart companies provide a demo video on their website that will give you a clear idea of how their system works. Watch these, look at their pricing, and determine which will fit your needs.

4. Marketing Plan: The internet isn't a Field of Dreams. If you build it, they won't come unless you get the word out. How can you direct people to your on-line store? Start getting your email list together so you can notify all of your clients, friends and family as soon as the store is up and running. Drive traffic to your store through e-mail blasts, direct mail, advertising, press coverage and networking. Be consistent with your marketing efforts, and let your contact list know whenever you add new items to your store or when you're running a sale.

Comments Welcome! If you have experience running an online store and can offer helpful advice, or if you have questions, please feel free to post in the comments below.