How To Grow Your Business

So you are thinking of starting a business, or maybe you already have and you are wondering how to drive more customers to your site....
Having your own business can be rewarding...but it takes hard work and you need to be consistent and patient...

 I have put together some helpful ways that I have found to boost my business....

Here goes...

1.  Social Media...one of the best ways to network, share and drive customers to your site, but you need to network with other members not just spam your items

     Facebook has many groups that you can join here are some that I just love...
         https://www.facebook.com/groups/NetworkingTogether/   
      
         https://www.facebook.com/groups/Retweetpromoting/

     Twitter, StumbleUpon, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google+ are also great options to get your brand out there.

2.  Etsy Teams
     If you sell on Etsy, which I love by the way! there are many teams available wether you are looking for advice or a free way to promote....
     A few I love...and they have an open membership

           https://www.etsy.com/teams/16456/go-viral-promotions

           https://www.etsy.com/teams/16551/shameless-advertising

3. Art fairs and Bazaars...
    Yes, I know they can be costly and overwhelming....but give it a try, start small maybe a church bazaar...you will be surprised what you will learn from your customers.....You will also get feedback on your products and customer interests....
Be sure to have plenty of business cards....yes these will help your customers find you for future orders!
   I have had many orders from customers that found me through a business card
   I love the suggestions customers give ...this year I have had many requests for golf themed items....so I developed this bag....

Checkbook covers....another popular request.....

Numerous requests for a larger wristlet to accommodate the new larger smart phones

These will be coming soon to my Etsy Shop...stay tuned!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Antiquebasketlady

4.  Blog....Great way to share new items, ideas, giveaways and tutorials

I hope you found my suggestions helpful...and will give them a try...Wishing you success with your venue....

Here is where you can find and follow me on various sites.....
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Antiquebasketlady
Twitter:     twitter.com/Antiquebasket
StunbleUpon: www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/antiquebasket
Pinteest:      pinterest.com/sue_zupnyk/
Tumblr:     http://antiquebasketlady.tumblr.com/
Google+https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/116477004440259345304/116477004440259345304/posts

 

      
       

Simple Checkbook Cover Tutorial

I recently had a request from a repeat customer for a checkbook cover...she loves cats and is tired of using the plastic one from her bank. - so of course  I was happy to design one!   They are quick and easy to put together and great little gifts.  I thought you might enjoy the free tutorial.  So here you go…



Materials needed:
    2 pieces of fabric 14 1/4" x 7 1/4" for lining and outer fabric
    1 Piece of fusible fleece or you can use fusible interfacing 13 3/4" x 6 3/4"
       (I like the soft feel but structure of the fleece)
    1 Piece of clear vinyl  3 3/4" x 2 1/2" optional see through ID pocket

1. Cut 2 rectangles 14 1/4" x 7 1/4"". I used regular cotton fabric, so I added fusible fleece on the back.

2.  Place 2 rectangles right sides together and pin well. Leave a 4" opening for turning.

3.  Use a 1/4" seam allowance and sew around the perimeter (except the 4" gap for turning). back stitch at the beginning and the end of the seams

4.  Trim corners

5. Press well

6.  Sew around the entire perimeter using a scant seam allowance. (this will also close up the opening used for turning.)

7.  It was at this point that I centered the clear vinyl and stitched it in place.

8.  Fold down one end 2.75" and pin
9.  Sew, again, using a scant seam allowance, starting at the top (of the cat fabric) and going down to the bottom (of the cat fabric) of the folded piece. (basically, you want to make 2 little pockets. it's hard to explain, easy to do.) repeat this 3 times.

10. And you are done. Enjoy your new checkbook cover!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/162788956/wallet-billfold-checkbook-cover-colorful?

Check out my Etsy shop....for more fun handbags and accessories...
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Antiquebasketlady