Unique Handmade Jewelry by Les Bijoux Créa-Lune

Please see below for my next giveaway

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:35:00 +0000

for a $15.00 gift certificate from my etsy shop

Marketing ...search ...tags

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Every website owner has heard of them, every search engine uses them, and if you are into SEO you just can't ignore them. Yes, we're referring to 'keywords'. Perhaps the most crucial aspect of search marketing are keywords, and choosing the most 'relevant' keywords can be the difference between success and failure of your web-based venture.

Search marketing and knowing your keywords

A keyword is a single word or a phrase which is used to help search engines index your site. Generally, keyword can be a one to five word phrase that can be used by people during search to find your website. However, choosing 'relevant' keywords for your SEO strategy is not easy. Some business owners tend to use keywords that are internally focused rather than being based on the kinds of searches people actually make. Other times, people tend to be almost 'careless' in researching their keywords and choose generic or irrelevant keywords that have extremely high competition. Some examples of generic keywords could be SEO, website, search engine, UK etc.

The best way to choose keywords for your business is by thinking like a person interested in your service/product. What type of word or words would they type in the search engine browser to find your offering? What are the qualities of your product or service? Answering those questions will better help you in choosing the best keywords for SEO.

Choosing the best keywords for SEO

Typically, there are many different methods to find best and relevant keywords and some of these steps are:

Finding words that people use to find product or service similar to your offering.

Keyword research tools such as google adwords, Keyword tool, Wordtracker, Trellian Keyword Discovery, etc., are tools that help you pick the most searched and relevant keywords for your website.

A keyword list helps you understand your target audience 'search psyche.' So, create a keyword list to find the best combination of primary and secondary keywords that:

Drive traffic to your website

Finding related keywords used for search on large and small search engines.

Discovering keywords using trend related tools such as Google trends & Google Insights
Discovering news, forums, and blog related keywords

Finally, remember that the main goal for choosing the best and most relevant keywords for SEO is to divert large amounts of targeted traffic to your site and stay ahead of your competitors.

Part of this article was taken from "John Hill" Website designer, seo uk professional and search marketing specialist

January 10th giveaway

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:58:00 +0000

Become a follower of my blog and you will be eligible for my January 10th giveaway. I will offer the winner a $15.00 gift certificate from my etsy shop. Shipping will be paid by me.
Please leave a website or email, so I may contact you if you win.

http://www.lesbijouxcrealune.etsy.com

Tirage du 10 janvier pour un certificat cadeau de $15.00 dans ma boutique etsy. Les frais d'expédition seront payés par moi. Vous n'avez qu'à suivre mon blog pour être éligible. SVP laissez un courriel ou un site pour que je puisse vous contacter si vous gagnez.

The winner for the December 1st giveaway is ....

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:58:00 +0000

The winner for the December 1st giveaway is Camille Henrie
Here is her blog...
http://myhidingplaceincyberspace.blogspot.com/

Please see the post below for my December 1st giveaway

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:05:00 +0000

You could win these earrings. Just become a follower and you will be eligible, please see below.

GIVE YOUR BLOG A CHANCE

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Blogs are one of the most effective ways to communicate with a vast amount of people around the world. It is also a prime focus for individuals to promote and market their business.

Starting a blog isn’t very difficult, all you really need are a couple of thoughts and a computer connected to the internet. The hard part is to get strangers to read your blog and to get them to keep coming back for more. Most blogs are doomed to fail because they are not treated like any other marketing campaign. You need to plan a blog like you would a business and put yourself in a position to succeed.

Here are a few tips to make your blog successful:

Make sure you have a reason for starting a blog. There a many reasons why a blog would be beneficial to you, but successful blogs are a benefit to the people that read them. And that is what’s going to keep online surfers coming back. This will attract consumers, reduce your costs, and improve your reputation and media coverage.

The key to getting your blog recognized in search engines are the keywords and phrases you choose to emphasize. Blogs will take the text you have written and store it onto a database and send that information through templates which generates the blog we read in the search engine.

The reason many blogs fail is because of failure to upkeep. You need to structure your blogs so people can find the content they are looking for. Think of it like a filing cabinet. A reader doesn’t want to look everywhere for a specific question, make it easy and efficient for them to find their answers. Also, if you make the decision to blog, keep it up. Don’t make you posts random or sporadic, make sure you are consistent when you blog. It doesn’t matter if it’s once a week or once a month. Be consistent!

Blogs are a way to communicate and it’s very important for bloggers to socialize around the Web. Respond to comments made about your blogs and look for other websites and link them to yours. Comment on other people’s blogs and become a name around the internet and as an expert in your field. You will also be able to track the hits on your blog and the more you contribute, the more your blog will continue to grow, and your business will continue to grow.

Once you have your blog in full force and everything is going well; don’t be afraid to promote your success. Getting people to take time out of their day to read your work is not an easy thing to do. Do not be afraid to flaunt your positive reputation as a blogger, especially to other businesses. This can be key to expanding your services to different sectors and opening new doors.

It is important that your blog serves a purpose, not just to promote your business. Use your years of experience to help people and it will all come back around to help your business. Not only is this a chance to market yourself, but the networking, learning and opportunity will pay many dividends in the end.

Article by SEO Sapien

December 1st giveaway

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:08:00 +0000

For my December 1st giveaway, I am offering a beautiful pair of moonstone and silver earrings. Become a follower of my blog and you will be eligible for this give away. Please leave a website or email, so I may contact you if you win.

Tirage de ces boucles d'oreilles en pierre de lune et argent le 1 décembre. Vous n'avez qu'à suivre mon blog pour être éligible. SVP laissez un courriel ou un site pour que je puisse vous contacter si vous gagnez.

And the winner for the November 1st draw is Jody Morin

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:49:00 +0000

Her etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/handmadebyjody

Please see below for my November 1st giveaway

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:05:00 +0000

The first thing to consider when selling online:

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Taking good pictures, check your lighting, try different shots and see what turns out best, take your time before posting them.

Set up your profile, take a look at other profiles if you aren’t certain what to put in yours. Fill in your shop policies, don’t just write the cost and what payment you accept, give out the most information you can so your buyers will be confident about purchasing from you.

List more items, don’t publish your shop until you have a reasonable amount of items to list. Keep adding some every time you have a chance. When listing, fill out your description with a lot of detail, size and materials you use for making your art. Add your tags, fill up the 14 tags that are available to you.

Make sure you are pricing your items correctly, don't overprice.

To upgrade your shop image, take a look at other shops and what they do.

Go to the forums, read, read, read, there is so much advice on the forums in etsy.

Once your shop has the look you want, start promoting, open a facebook fan page, a twitter account. If you have time start a blog. Get your work out there.

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Etsy
Buy Handmade
BabyEtte

BabyEtte on Etsy

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Beth is the designer of BabbyEtte, She designs babywearing accessories and has various items in her shop. Her designs vary from unique, European style neckscapes, as well as Cloche Hats,magnificent slings, as well as many more babywearing accessories. . Her style is absolutely unique! Intrigued by her work, I asked her a few questions about herself and her art.

Tell me something about yourself and your art. And your full name and where you are from?

My name is Beth Ritzman born and raised in Seattle but moved to Fort Wayne IN 6 years ago. I’m a wife and mother of 4 daughters ages 1-10. I’ve been making things since my fist pregnancy when the “creative hormones” first hit me and have never left. My girls are home educated and so we spend a lot of time together, which is great. They are a lot of fun.

How did you get started as a designer?

I’ve sewn little things here and there for years. I’ve always been an avid BabyWearer and am pro-Attachment Parenting, so when my first ring sling wore out, I started making my own.
I took my favorite aspects of all the different slings I’ve tried and made the best of the best. The slings I create now are the result of essentially 10 years of babywearing experience and feedback from La Leche League and Attachment Parenting International members from several states.

What inspires you to create?

I am inspired by the desire to be close to my baby. I want to be able to carry and nurse my baby while doing all the other things that Life demands of me, while still expressing my individual style and personality. I do not want to look like every other mom at the playground. And I’ll admit it… I like the attention. ;)

How do you get the word out about your shop and your work?

I can’t avoid it! I have one of probably every sling in my shop in my personal collection! I also wear my NeckScapes and BabyWearing Ponchos all over town.
If people don’t comment about my line of ducklings following me through the store or library (why are they not in school?!) they will definitely comment about the eye-catching, obviously well-made sling holding my sweet Vignette.
Also, I think BabyEtte slings really stand out in the Etsy searches. They are unique, just like the Women I make them for.

Where we can find your items ?

Right now I sell on Etsy, who does a great job supporting their sellers. Of course, I am really new at this. I opened my shop in late July. So I am always looking for ways to grow and learn. I especially want to learn more about photography and work towards a new/better camera. My photos just do not do my items justice.
But you can find me on Facebook as “BabyEtteBoutique” and on Twitter as “BabyEtteEtsy” and Email at Beth.BabyEtte [!at] yahoo.com

November 1st Giveaway

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:42:00 +0000

For this next giveaway, I am offering a beautiful pair of turquoise and silver earrings. Become a follower of my blog and you will be eligible for this give away. Please leave a website or email, so I may contact you if you win.

Tirage de ces boucles d'oreilles en turquoise et argent le 1 novembre , Vous n'avez qu'à devenir membre de mon blog pour être éligible. svp, laissez un courriel ou un site web pour que je puisse vous contacter si vous gagnez.

And The winner is...Lisa, click here for her etsy shop

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:34:00 +0000

The winner for the September 15th giveaway for the Stone of wisdom, brass and moonstone pendant, is Lisa - Alternity. Congradulations to you!

NEW ITEMS

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:54:00 +0000

September 15th give away

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:56:00 +0000

Become a follower of my blog and you will be eligible for my give away on September 15th for this beautiful pendant. Please leave a website or email, so I may contact you if you win.

Tirage de ce magnifique collier le 15 septembre , Vous n'avez qu'à devenir membre de mon blog pour être éligible. svp, laissez un courriel ou un site web pour que je puisse vous contacter si vous gagnez.

AgapeGiftShoppe Click here to view shop

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Today I want to share with everyone this gorgeous shop I found on etsy. The owner of the shop is Maria from the Atlanta area in the States. She makes gorgeous hair accessories, many have a romantic and unique style! I decided to ask her a few questions about herself and her work.

Maria, tell me something about yourself.

Querida Maria Jones is my name and I'm from the suburbs of Washington D.C and Maryland. Me and my artwork are continuing changing for the better and remains unique over the years. I have more ideas than time to create and therefore makes me an insomiac

How did you get started as a designer?

I always find this to be an odd question. Its like asking someone," When did you start growing and appreciating the thumb on your right hand?" Your thumb aids you in gripping your most favorite cup of Starbucks, it helps safley lift and play with a newborn, and withoutout thumbs being able to help us ladies to hold our mascara wands we would very upset. So no one is contiously aware or gives appreciation for having a thumb but we need it and would be lost without it. The same goes for anyone that pocesses a talent and niche. I wasn't even aware that there was a name for what I liked to do intil Third Grade, and my class had a once a week Art Class. It became my favorite part of my week next to recess and I welcomed and succeeded in every project I was given.

What inspires you to create?

Alot of nights when I'm up late creating I'll be watching old movies I had recorded, it aids in my inspiration. My old movie taste range from Bettie Grable musicals, Joan Fontain in Hitchcocks Rebecca and I loved her in Jane Eyre with Orson Wells, Elizabeth Taylor in A Place in the Sun. I'm just a HUGE movie classics lover all around. I adore how the women dressed for every occassion with purpose , attention, and fit. There is just a perfect flow to the feminity and sexuality to that stlye that took place then that just didnt cross the line of vulgarity that I can find disgusting in alot young fashion. Nature inspires me a great deal I'm a pretty good sketch artist and do water colors of various landscapes. But I'm the worlds wost gardner and just killed me and sons summer garden. I really do regret disapointing him but I did warn him that mommy is only good at recreating flowers in clay and on paper. So to make up for this failure we are going to to make sets of tie died pajama T- Shirts

How do you get the word out about your shop and your work?

I am born to a very large female family and I happen to be the oldest of 22 first cousins. They are very beautiful and have gorgeous hair and I use this as an advantage in my advertising when they wear my pieces. If they are able to bring in two sales I'll create a hair piece for them for free. Right now my sister and two of our cousins are getting married this year and I'm doing custom orders of hair accessories and bouquets. So I'm getting direct exposure that way. My Etsy page seems to act as a profolio of my abilities to other people and I recieve direct orders away from Etsy that way I avoid the fees.

Where we can find your lovely hair accessories?

Recently, I was invited to join 1000 markets
( http://AgapeGifts@100markets.com ) and one of their market groups. I like the smallness of the community and the proffessional level of all the shops there and the expectation of great costomer service there. I'm very new to online selling but I know Etsy and 1000 Markets are the two right places for me to learn and grow from current local roots. Before when someone asked me what I did it was very hard to describe clay Floral Accessories and Vintage Receations but now I have a places to direct people to.

The winner for my August 15th draw is Michele from prettypaperpassions

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:56:00 +0000

Etsy
Buy Handmade
prettypaperpassions

Website Grader and Tips to get found online

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Website Grader http://www.websitegrader.com/#ReportTop

•A useful tool for measuring the marketing effectiveness of your
website, get a free custom report in seconds with advice for your website

Get Found Online, Search Engines

• phrases, optimize for the one with the larger number of searches.
Choose keywords that your target market is using to describe and search for your products and services.
Difficulty or Competition – Consider your chances for a good ranking on Google for that keyword phrase. Look at the sites ranked in those first 10 slots, their authority and relevance to search terms.

• Place keywords in the page title, URL, headings, and page text.
Your meta description should be no more than 150 characters.
Optimize your page description for maximum click.

• Build more inbound links from other sites into yours.
Build more links from trusted websites. Each link serves as a recommendation or a reference to tell the search engines that your site is a quality site.
Each link serves as a recommendation or a reference to tell the search engines that your site is a quality site.

• Submit your website to directories
Communicate with others in your industry through blogs and other social media

Get in to Google Analytics https://www.google.com/analytics

•See real business results: number of visitors, number of pages viewed, traffic resources, amount of time spent on your site, etc

August 15th give away....

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:12:00 +0000

Become a follower of my blog and you will be eligible for my give away on august 15th for this beautiful pendant necklace. Please leave a website or email, so I may contact you if you win.

Tirage pour le 15 août pour ce magnifique collier, Vous n'avez qu'à devenir membre de mon blog pour être éligible. svp, laissez un courriel ou un site web pour que je puisse vous contactez si vous gagnez.

SALE

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:03:00 +0000

I have a CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE going on!!!
Pleasse see my sale section on the right of my shop.
***All items will go back to their regular price after July 31st***

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24779236

The Winner for the July 15th give away in Jan. Click here for her blog

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:21:00 +0000

July 15th Give away...Moonstone pendant

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Become a follower of my blog and you will be eligible for my give away on July 15th. Please leave a website or email, so I may contact you if you win.

Tirage pour le 15 juillet, ce magnifique pendentif avec une pierre de lune. Vous n'avez qu'à devenir membre de mon blog pour être éligible. svp, laissez un courriel ou un site web pour que je puisse vous contactez si vous gagnez.

And the winner for June 15th Give Away is Paige from Plenox

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Ten Tips For Marketing Your Crafts Business On A Shoestring Budget

lesbijouxcrealune@live.fr (Les Bijoux Créa-Lune) — Sat, 30 May 2009 01:45:00 +0000

If you're like most people just starting to sell their crafts, you don't have a lot of money to spend on marketing. Well, you'll probably be surprised to learn that there are many low-cost and even free ways to market your handmade items. Here are ten tips to get you started.

1. Be A Human Billboard

If your handmade items are meant to be worn, wear a piece of your work whenever you go out. You'd be surprised how many people will notice it, and compliment you on it. Don't miss the opportunity to graciously whip out your business card and give it to your admirer.

2. What, You Don't Have Business Cards?

Business cards are a must for anyone who's serious about marketing. You should also have letterhead stationery and fliers, all with your eye-catching logo. It won't take long for people to start to thinking of you whenever they see your logo.

Don't be satisfied with plai-old, boring, white business cards. Moo is a great place get bold, attention-getting business cards, stickers, and other promotional items for your business at affordable prices.

3. Leave A Trail Of Flyers Behind You Wherever You Go

Post your flyer or business card on every public bulletin board you find. Look for them at grocery stores, libraries, schools, laundromats, colleges, and a host of other places. Leave them at welcome areas along the interstate to draw in tourist traffic.

4. The Press Release Is Your Friend

Get free publicity by sending press releases to local newspapers. Think out of the box. The electrical co-op where I used to live in Tennessee published a little magazine that often featured local artisans on the cover with a nice write-up inside. This went to thousands of homes across middle Tennessee every month. Is there something similar in your area?

5. Join Your Local Chamber Of Commerce

You should also join local and national craft organizations. Take plenty of business cards along when you attend meetings as these are great opportunities to network with other business owners and crafts artists in your area. The Chamber of Commerce may also publish a list of its members, which will be handy for contacting local organizations.

6. Overcome Your Fear Of Public Speaking

Once you have the handy list of local groups, you can contact them and offer your services as a speaker. Non-profit organizations, the Rotary Club, the YMCA, and local civic groups usually need speakers to jazz up their meetings.

7. Teach Your Craft

If you're a bead worker, organize an after-school class at the local library for teenagers (and their moms) who want to learn to make earrings. You'll be popular and well-loved. Not only can you charge for lessons, but you can sell books and supplies, too. Once you get them hooked on making these things, they'll be back to buy more supplies from you.

8. Make A Donation

A great way to get lots of publicity locally is to donate a piece of your work to a charity auction or fundraiser. The organizers usually promote their sponsors in their ads and brochures, which can give your business a nice boost.

9. Set Up A Special Showing With Another Crafter

Look for someone who produces handmade items that complement yours. If your specialty is handcarved picture frames, perhaps you can team up with a watercolor artist to do a special show during the holidays. You may want to include other crafters, too, to keep your costs lower, and to draw in a bigger crowd.

10. Write Articles About Your Craft

Your local newspapers are always on the lookout for story ideas. Avoid blatant self-promotion in your article, but mention your business at the end.

Look for online ezines that are related to your craft, and offer to do an article. You'll get a link back to your online store in return. There are many article directories online, too. Write interesting, informative articles, and you'll probably develop a following. Be sure to include your store link.

There you are -- ten ways you can market your crafts business for free, or at very low cost. What are you waiting for? Get busy!

by Darlene Norris