Top tips for a successful Website

53 replies
So, I'm a crafter and I'm just planning to set up a website to sell my product on, what would be your top 3 tips to help promote my business?
#successful #tips #top #website
  • Profile picture of the author ItsDubC
    Since this is a site solely dedicated to selling your products (and not a blog), I would:

    1. Consider using an established e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento for your site. Crafting is your passion and your edge, so you don't want to be spending a ton of time maintaining a site, manually dealing with payments, etc. In fact if you just want to get a website out there the easiest way possible, you might want to just outsource it on Fiverr or something.

    2. Learn about paid advertising on social platforms where your customers are most likely to hang out. For example as a crafter, Pinterest would probably be a good place to run ads because it's very visual.

    3. Eventually you should have a way to capture leads on your site. This would allow you to follow-up with potential customers who weren't ready to buy the first time they came to your site but did express interest in the kinds of crafts you have to offer. Having an email list also gives you the opportunity to run sales campaigns and bring attention to your new products.

    Hope that helps!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11603909].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Montysmam
      Thank you. I have sold on Etsy in the past but it's become increasingly difficult with their rules and regulations changing so much. Great advice here appreciate it.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604408].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jacko308
      Hi as a new person to marketing websites I was just wondering how you capture leads on a website.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604971].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author abbe77
        Originally Posted by jacko308 View Post

        Hi as a new person to marketing websites I was just wondering how you capture leads on a website.

        You can try these:
        1- Newsletter Boxes , e.g. Subscribe and get free updates
        2- Give away free guides, courses, and ebooks at sidebar opt-in
        3- Clean popups with a good offer
        4- Use header opt-in
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604975].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author jacko308
          Thanks for the reply. I like the idea of clean popups, do you have to get a website designer to do that.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604990].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author abbe77
            Originally Posted by jacko308 View Post

            Thanks for the reply. I like the idea of clean popups, do you have to get a website designer to do that.
            It depends what kinds of popup or design you want. Check this plugin if it helps https://sv.wordpress.org/plugins/popup-maker/


            Here is tutorial to create popups by above plugin
            https://wpforms.com/how-to-create-a-...-in-wordpress/
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605299].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author jacko308
              Thanks for the information. I will go and have a look and see if i can download the plugin and get it to work.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605337].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author jacko308
              Hi abbe77 I have installed a popup on my website with the tutorials you posted. Thanks for the information it is appreciated.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605810].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author abbe77
                Originally Posted by jacko308 View Post

                Hi abbe77 I have installed a popup on my website with the tutorials you posted. Thanks for the information it is appreciated.


                You are welcome
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11606781].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TobiMDD
        Originally Posted by jacko308 View Post

        Hi as a new person to marketing websites I was just wondering how you capture leads on a website.

        it's a lazy answer right now, but there are many ways to do it..just search for it on youtube for example, you will see a lot of tutorials
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11606839].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Gaarg
      Originally Posted by ItsDubC View Post

      Since this is a site solely dedicated to selling your products (and not a blog), I would:

      1. Consider using an established e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento for your site. Crafting is your passion and your edge, so you don't want to be spending a ton of time maintaining a site, manually dealing with payments, etc. In fact if you just want to get a website out there the easiest way possible, you might want to just outsource it on Fiverr or something.

      2. Learn about paid advertising on social platforms where your customers are most likely to hang out. For example as a crafter, Pinterest would probably be a good place to run ads because it's very visual.

      3. Eventually you should have a way to capture leads on your site. This would allow you to follow-up with potential customers who weren't ready to buy the first time they came to your site but did express interest in the kinds of crafts you have to offer. Having an email list also gives you the opportunity to run sales campaigns and bring attention to your new products.

      Hope that helps!
      good tips! It should help
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11610839].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author RuskinF
    Build an eCommerce website using Shopify or Magento.
    Then focus on developing the website using a blog.
    In the end, Focus on bringing backlinks using forums and press alerts.

    This is how simple it is. It is the execution stage that would cause you effort.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11603918].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Monetize
    Hello!

    I am not trying to talk you out of setting up your
    own website but unless you have an established
    following and/or your items are in great demand
    you should list them on crafter sites like Etsy.
    You would probably get more sales that way.
    Whatever you decide, let us know how it goes.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11603947].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Originally Posted by Monetize View Post

      I am not trying to talk you out of setting up your
      own website but unless you have an established
      following and/or your items are in great demand
      you should list them on crafter sites like Etsy.
      You would probably get more sales that way.
      I agree with this. Start by promoting your products on platforms that already have existing, buying traffic. Using Etsy, for example, will give you valuable experience in crafting a compelling listing, as well as giving you feedback on the popularity of specific products. Supplement this with a social media presence, including a YouTube channel and grow your base of followers.

      In due course, you can build your own site while continuing, if you wish, to run your business on multiple platforms.

      Good luck!
      Signature


      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11603976].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Montysmam
        As I mentioned to Monetize, I have been selling on other platforms, just getting itchy feet to step out on my own now - nervous though because of the current market situation.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604410].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Monetize
          Originally Posted by Montysmam View Post

          As I mentioned to Monetize, I have been selling on other platforms, just getting itchy feet to step out on my own now - nervous though because of the current market situation.

          I'm so glad you came back, I thought we drove you away.
          If you are ready for a website then go for it. You can set
          it up yourself as others have stated, or you can hire a web
          developer to fix one up for you. If someone does it for you
          please try to learn a few basics like how to upload pix etc.
          so that you aren't relying on anyone for updates.

          I can relate about Etsy. I used to sell on eBay years ago
          and every time you turn around they were increasing fees
          or changing their rules making it difficult for the little guy.
          Maybe just list a few things there to re-direct traffic to
          your website.

          Have you heard of Barbara Brabec? She is an author with
          several books about the crafting business. Her books are
          from before online marketing but you could apply them to
          work for you online. Her information could help anyone.

          Since you have a following already, you should be able to
          sell from your website with no problems.

          Good luck!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605015].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Montysmam
      I have been selling on Etsy and NuMonday, I have a following on Facebook, and am now looking to have my own site so no-one is taking a cut, because margins are tight anyway when crafting. With the pandemic going on my craft fairs have all cancelled, so though this might be the next best step?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604409].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author EPoltrack77
    Understand your demographics of your targeted audience. Split test with a couple of different landing pages and work on optimizing for the conversions. Build leads to help warm the traffic and increase conversions.

    Build a facebook page and join groups and try some sponsored post. You can also use ppc traffic to test for conversions.
    Signature
    Working to achieve higher results...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11603957].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author spartan14
    Well if you have a budget then get all the keywords in your niche and start learning how to promote with paid traffic like bing ads ,adwords facebook ads etc .If not you can build a youtube channel in your niche ,a blog be active on social media etc
    Signature

    Admin note: Affiliate links are not allowed in paid user sigs

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11603969].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Montysmam
      I'm currently honing my blog writing skills so I'm confident this will help too. Thank you.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604411].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Anna Athan
    Top 3 tips:

    1. Have a passion for your niche (it will show and people will start recommending you).

    2. Create (a lot) of quality content on your blog that's linked with that website.

    3. Create giveaways (if possible) and promote them on social media to grow your pages.

    Good luck with your business. I would love to see it grow.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11603977].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
      Originally Posted by Anna Athan View Post

      Top 3 tips: ....
      FYI - If you do not have a way for someone to make a purchase on your website all that stuff is useless.
      Signature


      You can earn 10% average annual returns on your investments - https://app.groundfloor.us/r/m2aa7b
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11603984].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author surfer30
      Anna gave you a good answer to start an online business. Focus on these top steps and do the work
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604014].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author klixion
    Have you tried selling your products on Ebay, Amazon, Etsy or similar platforms? I'm assuming your products are physical as you mentioned you're a crafter. I would start there first, if you're successful, then consider selling on your own website.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604042].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Montysmam
      Yes, should have said I have been selling on other platforms for a few years - with craft fairs all cancelled I'm just wondering if now is the time to launch my own website and go for it!?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604412].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nonin
    brand yourself as much as you can
    Signature
    Shared Hosting & Dedicated Servers HostMaria ||| 22-24 Aug Domain Summit in London
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604153].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mandiradebnath
    Assuming you have created an E-Commerce site and you have specific category/products pages for all your product.
    1. Do the Onpage Optimization
    2. Competitor Link Analysis
    3. Promote Products in Social Media
    4. Submit Press-release to inform the people about your newly lunched product.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604163].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    It seems that nobody has really mentioned one list that you should have, and use.
    It's the list of all family members, friends and any work colleagues, hobby people, and anybody else you come into contact with. That is your captive audience.


    I believe you do need a website because it will be your home base.
    Post your blog posts on it as a way to increase its value. Get some feedback (testimonials from happy customers), etc and you will quickly build your business.


    If you don't have sufficient time and/or experience creating websites and writing material for your site, you can outsource that sort of work to others, allowing yourself time to focus on what you do best.


    If you have questions, you're welcome to ask me and I am sure there will be other members who would offer their assistance as well. That's one of the many benefits of being a Warrior.
    I wish you success in your ongoing business.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604556].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author abbe77
    1- Develop a professional look website with lots of quality pictures of your craft.
    2- Implement highly trusted payment solutions so customers don't hesitate to put their card details.
    3- Use local listings (Google places, yahoo local), social media, youtube, press release (prlog.org), join online community related to your niche and contribute actively.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11604947].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ph1llis90
    As someone above already said - after you settle with basic SEO and content, etc - try to monetize it with some ad network. Adsense, Adsterra - both are fine for a start.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605131].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author akolipenoukou
    Many people have given awesome answers but I don't think one more will do any harm, even if there is risk of some repetition.


    My 3 tips are:


    Use E-commerce Websites
    You're right for wanting to use a website for promoting your craft business because it is essential to start building a brand that you can promote.


    I would suggest using an e-commerce website.


    Why?


    It enables sellers not only to promote their brand but also to sell products in their own online shop. Such a website would enable you to manage orders, track purchases, offer deals to customers, manage SEO, and get other useful information from the traffic to your store.
    Use Product Photos, Names, and Descriptions on Your Website

    Having great product photos, names, and descriptions of your craft items is good for driving sales. You can also use them for marketing your brand which could help you make sales. Such items let your brand shine and thus people will share them and talk about them.
    Reach Out to Other Bloggers and Influencers

    To promote your blog, submit your e-commerce website to craft and lifestyle blogs. This is especially important if there are calendar events. Inform bloggers in your niche about your shop.


    Don't hesitate to reach out to people blogging about handmade and craft entrepreneurial stories. Let them know about your shop. This strategy will create thought leadership and elevate your personal brand.


    I'm tempted to add Guest Posts but I realized you wanted 3 great tips.


    I hope these help you in your quest to sell craft products on a website.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605174].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 0Mike0
    Ensure you regularly add fresh content.
    Do SEO research.
    Looks for the trending topics around your products.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605177].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Robtheaffiliate
    Building (new) website and selling through it is probably a long term project.

    If you are a crafter and can show (great images) that would showcase quality of your products, I would recommend:
    - getting into Facebook organically (create a fanpage, show your products, go to topically relevant groups, comment, show what you are doing)
    - same stuff with Instagram
    - learn about paid facebook ads (you really can target people very precisely based on their interests, age, location and much more).

    As for Google ads, I think it is harder to differentiate yourself from others in that channel.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605184].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author luciesmazanska
    Originally Posted by Montysmam View Post

    So, I'm a crafter and I'm just planning to set up a website to sell my product on, what would be your top 3 tips to help promote my business?
    i woudl use Etsy thats a right place to start for a crafter
    Signature
    ★★★★★
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605349].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author liverpoolio
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605474].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ElsnerStore
    If you don't know anything about web design or HTML, then building a website can seem like a daunting prospect. But getting all the elements of a successful website into place is just a matter of knowing the right steps to take and tools to use.
    • You're starting a website for ecommerce and Magento is well suited to bring magic to an ecommerce store.
    • You also need it to be organized well for SEO.
    • You may also want to consider using tactics like paid advertising, social media marketing, and content marketing to get users to your website.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11605944].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author xesports
    Work hard and work with partners.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11606280].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Profit Traveler
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Montysmam View Post

    So, I'm a crafter and I'm just planning to set up a website to sell my product on, what would be your top 3 tips to help promote my business?

    I say this alot but only because it is so Powerful. Study Sold Auctions. They give so much detail on how they made money virtually every category covered.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11606330].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author klixion
    The domain name is very important. Find one that you are 100% satisfied with. Don't even think about using one just for now and you'll re-brand later, that would be a huge mistake.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11606546].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BloggerDeen
    For me top 3 tips would be:
    1) Choose platform and hosting you are are using very carefull woocommerce is ok if you are new or on low budget, other option is shopify which is more new friendly but cost. Bad hosting will literally cost you money and could break your business.
    2) Traffic source: How you are plainning to get traffic is it paid, ppc or seo? I would say this is the most important one as that will decide the landing page or product page you are creating.
    3) Remarketing: For ecommerse this is a must and surprisingly ignored by even veteran marketers. A lot of time people are not going to buy the very first time they land on your website so remarketing is a must.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11606905].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author melanikoko
    They have given you good advice, I think that having a segmented market where you are going is essential in your conception of your website
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11606935].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Primitivesense
    - Find your platform first like others have mentioned

    In terms of promotion,
    1) Consider utilising forums and social media as brand awareness and for back linking to your site/ Anything like this to expand your potential audience.

    2) Paid ads, if you have the budgets to use this. If you use social media like i mentioned above, you could also do ads via social as well as Google.

    3)Use email marketing - a good tool we use is Mailchimp. Use a CRM, like HubSpot, to hold a bunch of contacts and manage leads.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11607046].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author manifestsuccess
    Hey there!
    A simple but powerful tip for success is CONSISTENCY.
    Smart choices + consistency + time = RADICAL CHANGE FOR SUCCESS.

    No matter how hard things get, keep it up!!!

    You WILL succeed!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11607681].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 0Mike0
    If you use Wordpress, it is well worth downloading Yoast, which is free and will help you with getting the SEO right on the website.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11607780].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author katie m
    I just want to add since these are creations by you, using your name as the domain name will help to get YOU recognized and start building your brand. Of course, if your username on Etsy is a form of your name and not too unrecognizable you could try to buy that domain so it is consistent with people who are already familiar with you.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11609185].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author starbaby
    Make sure that when someone clicks anything on the site everything works
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11610021].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Webrowdy
    For a successful website always focus on website design & speed, write expressive content, apply best SEO practices, focus on digital media optimization, create unique landing pages, include call-to-action, etc.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11615772].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sunshine01
    As the other warriors have given enough tips, my supplemental tip would be "promote your product" on Pinterest and Instagram. Crafts category does well with Pinterest.
    Signature

    Learn more about blogging tips, tutorials and deals
    https://bloggingtek.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11615924].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sambrown95
    Well, firstly you should clarify - are you selling just 1 product or there are several. This is what you will understand - you want just a landing page or like an online store. This is just a form of technical task for any client. But I know it's pretty challenging when you are not completely IN today's fashion,updates and news on the media. That's why there is such a great eye-opener that claims responsibility for taking your product to the highest level. So, it is amasty.com, they will help you get a fairly good e-commerce platform to launch your product and have a good conversion from it. Not every service can guarantee this, so they are second to none in helping their clients.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11627693].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Adam Kostka
    For eCommerce websites, I personally use WooCommerce for my personal and clients websites, because [Link removed by moderator ], it doesn't have any recurring cost like Shopify.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11634006].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Stanley
    in case you've not seen, Savidg4 dispensed some invaluable wisdom on setting up sites generally, as well as lots of nuggets on image best practices (white backgrounds!) in this thread:

    https://www.warriorforum.com/main-in...ments#comments
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11634009].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Luka19
    1. TOP SEO
    2. TOP Google Adwords
    3. Be smarter and better than your competition.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11634110].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Adelia Askarova
    1.Create an excellent branding - logo, layout, and design of the store.
    2. Choose the right engaging images of your products.
    3. Come up with a marketing plan - how you are going to make ads, and what channels are you going to use.
    4. Add a perfect app, that will implement key features for your store - Reviews, Wishlists, Loyalty and Rewards, Instagram galleries, Referral program
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11634120].message }}

Trending Topics