Some advice needed if possible

[BeadingMamma]

Hi all

I know I dont post often but I do read the posts when I can.

I realise that the summer is coming and I would see that as a quite time for some of us online. I do advertise in a magazine, a small banner type advert, and I do try and submit my site where possible. What else can I do?

I'm not on about anyone giving me there well sought out sites just a pointer. Hubby has really made me feel quite down about the site as he said it was a passing phase and I really cant get that comment into persepctive, especially as I thought he was being so supportive.

If my site is naf let me know. I sent out a e-mail "newsletter" but I think once a month is enough and did that the last two months.

Anyway, moan over and thanks for reading.

Francesca

[smirnoff]

francesca..

your site isnt naf at all, it takes a while to load for me though.. and the link in your sig doesnt work...

[BeadingMamma]

Naf is the wrong word. I know people are looking, quite a lot, but something is missing for them and I cant work out what it is.

I'm working on it which is why its taking a while to load as I am adding some new bits to it so that should settle down in a bit.

Just feel a little fed up, been a registered childminder since september and no joy either and I really do have adverts everywhere!!!!

I think I'm just fed up with everything!!

Francesca

[Tanya]

your site is not naf, the only concern I have is that it takes a long time to load, I've just been on it and then clicked away to go on another site (left it open) but then it didn't want to work for me anymore so I had to close it and it took a few attempts for it to work again.

I must confess that I have been on your site alot in the last week as I've started beading as a hobby (well I will do when I get some more beads lol). I haven't bought anything from you yet as I can't decide what to buy and don't know if I should sign up for a wholesale account (I will be selling my pieces when I get better at it so need a cheaper option) as I have found similar beads cheaper elsewhere.

don't give up and don't listen to your dh, mine is the same but I just ignore him LOL

[elkatie]

No its not naff at all. Sorry I have no idea where you could advertise, but be carful with mags, I found when I had my business they were expensive with little results, well not enough to justify he cost of the ad anyway.

The only comment I would have is the front page could have a nice pic on it? Something made with your stock to entice people in further? Just a thought, but I'm a right magpie attracted by sparkle! Oh and it loaded straight away for me, but we are on cable Broad band so its pretty quick with most stuff.

[Ravenfire]

I wouldnt say your site is naff either the only concern I would have is that it does have a similar template that I have seen to others. I think you need to "liven" it up in some way, maybe change the fonts and possibly the header as at the moment it just blends together and there is no main focal point.

It doesnt detract from the fact that you do lovely products but I do think the look of the site needs livening up a bit

HTH

[Chell]

I don't see anything wrong with your site. Did you look into changing it so your domain name shows and not the numbers in the link?

I looked at the lampwork beads, could you try to get a better image of the individual beads as they all blend into one at the moment.

Do you post on crafting forums where you might find potential customers? Have you tried blogging with lots of links in it to your site. Perhaps you could blog the things you make yourself with some instructions for people who want to get started. You could then link to the blog on forums as a subtle way of getting people to your site IYSWIM. That way you are offering advice and not tring to sell a product.

Your comp breaks the rules as there isn't a no purchase necessary entry route. if you added one then you could get it listed on Loquax, Ukwins, MSE, GGfree, etc. That would increase traffic and let people know the site exisits.

HTH Michelle

[BeadingMamma]

Thanks for the feedback, I feel a more positive.

We do know with some systems it takes a while to load and are trying to sort that too, though I cant change the numbers when the site loads something to do with the server its on.

I did do some more checking with the competition and have been told under the sales promotion law its ok as it is confined to the shop and I cover some key points which I did, and I havent advertised it anywhere, I took it off here as soon as you said I couldnt do it. Because it has skill involved the rules are slightly different.

Saying that, I didnt know there were places you could advertise your competitions as long as it wasnt a criteria for entering so will look into that.

It does look a bit bland, been scouring the internet sites for other sites so will be looking at that soon.

I do try really hard to make sure my prices are in line with others as far as I can so let me know what they are.

Thanks for the input though I have some things to work on which will keep me busy.

Thankyou

Francesca

[friendlybaby]

I would definately agree with changing your rules so that you can list your competition on the competition sites. I've had quite a lot of traffic that way.

[Ravenfire]

I definitely think it would be worth offering the free entry as well - you will get an awful lot of traffic through from Loquax and Prizefinder which is a great way to get your site known even if people dont buy there and then.

[BeadingMamma]

Will do that today then.

Thanks for the input I really do appreciate it.

Francesca