Your website is your most important business asset so make sure you’re using it correctly!  This week Paper n Stitch shared a guest post that warns about 5 Things Not to Do With Your Website.

I don’t need to tell you how awesome Seth Godin is!  He wrote a particularly mind-tingling post this week that explains why your business is An Endless Series of Difficult But Achievable Hills.

Writing good blog content that inspires your readers to respond and interact is tough!  Thankfully Spin Sucks released an amazing guide that shares 10 Content Ideas that Generate Comments and Shares.

If you want 2012 to be the year you make it big, you may want to check out this post by She Owns It.  She found a wealth of female business owners for her article: Girl Crush! 25 Sites for Women Entrepreneurs to Love in 2012!  You’ll find endless amounts of inspiration for these ladies!

We all deal with fear and frustration when pursuing creative goals.  (Believe me, I’m hiding from something right now…)  That’s why I’m so happy I found this blog post by Goddess Leonie that divulges 10 Ways to Fly Beyond Creative Dream Frustrations and Fears.

As a little extra special note, Ethan Waldman (one of our great guest writers) has a new free resource called The Automated Inbox Blueprint!  It shows you everything you need to create an inbox that organizes itself.  That certainly sounds magical to me!

{Featured image via Bookity}

Link Hype 2-3-12 originally appeared on Create Hype on February 3, 2012.

Okay, so you’ve been thoroughly convinced that building an email list is important. Now what? When I was first confronted with this question, I immediately wondered: Which one should I choose, and almost immediately afterwards, “how much is this going to cost me?”.

There are a lot of mailing list providers out there. You’re going to need to make this choice carefully though. Here’s why:

• Switching mailing list providers is a pain in the ass, and is often a hassle for your subscribers, as they may have to re-confirm their subscriptions when you make the switch.
• The bigger your list gets, the harder it gets to switch. You have more at stake to lose.
• Have you ever seen the sassy customer service sign that says says you can either have things Fast, Cheap, or High Quality, and that you can only pick two of the three? Mailing list providers are the same. Different mailing list providers have different strengths.

Your mailing list is going to be a sacred life-line for your business, so you’ll want to make sure you go with a service you like. Here’s a few of them along with a few pros and cons to help you decide.

Aweber – http://aweber.com
There’s a reason why all the top bloggers use Aweber. It’s powerful, full-featured, and offers dedicated tech support via phone and email. Autoresponders? No problem. Custom signup forms? Simple to create with a visual online editor. However, these features come with a price.

Pros

• Excellent email tracking – Like google analytics for your mailing list
• Great customer support
• Affiliate-marketing friendy

Cons

• Web forms from scratch can be frustrating- it’s easier to go with one of Aweber’s templates
• Cost- Your first month is $1, but then jumps up to $19 per month for up to 500 subscribers after that

Mailchimp – http://mailchimp.com
Mailchimp is usually what people go to for their “first” list, and then often times switch to other services later on down the road. Mailchimp boasts a really flexible web-form generator and autoresponders, all for free (up to 2000 subscribers).

Pros

• Free until you hit 500 subscribers. You’ll definitely be making money by then.

Cons

• Read the terms of service if you plan on doing any affiliate marketing
• 24 hour turnaround time for support
• Does not have a built-in web-form creator. You can use Wufoo to create web forms, but you’re limited to 3 freebies

Infusionsoft – http://infusionsoft.com

By far one of the most technically advanced list services, Infusionsoft goes beyond just email marketing. You can set up affiliate programs, track and analyze leads through sophisticated funnels, and integrate other tools and services such as shopping carts, embedded media, and other goodies. Of course, this comes at the cost of simplicity, and well… cost to use.

Pros

• Technically advanced
• Goes way beyond just list management

Cons

• Technically advanced
• Starts at $199 per month

Now that you’re a bit more educated about mailing list providers, allow me to offer my own recommendation: Go with Aweber if you are serious about building your list. $19 per month shouldn’t break the bank, plus I’ve found that when I pay for something I’m more likely to take it seriously.

In my other life as a musician, my list stagnates over at fanbridge because I never have to pay anything for it. If I saw a charge on my credit card each month, I may feel more compelled to use what I have. If you can’t afford Aweber or aren’t sure if your email list will be a major factor in your business, go with MailChimp. It will still give you Aweber-like features like autoresponders and custom web forms which will allow you to explore the features without having to pay until your list hits 2,000.

{Featured image via The Rubber Ducty}

How to Choose the Right Mailing List Provider for Your Business originally appeared on Create Hype on February 2, 2012.

In case some people don’t know the amazing work you do, would you mind introducing yourself and your business.

My name is Danielle Spurge. I am currently living and crafting in Boston, Massachusetts where I run my handmade mini business, The Merriweather Council, from my home studio. I use hoops and threads and fabrics to create one of a kind, handmade, small space decor. I also make embroidered pendant necklaces!

You embrace both home decor and wearable art with your lines.  How did you go about branching into these new products? 

For me, the necklaces are just another way to display my embroidery work. It is very approachable, people do not feel they need to “get” art in order to understand a necklace, but it is a little artsy, and all of them are one of a kind. I feel comfortable selling my necklaces side by side with my hoops because the colors, materials and method all go together. I also try to make my shop cohesive and uniform, despite having different categories of work, by photographing them all the same way, in the same style. I don’t think it would make sense for me to separate the hoops from the necklaces.  I started doing the initials after I got a lot of requests for it, which was after I started selling embroidered text hoops, so it really was a natural progression.

This last year you exploded onto the web, magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens, and even the Today show!  Did you have a marketing plan in place from the get-go or did things appear once you started promoting yourself?

I have no official “plan” for marketing. My main concern, the thing I concentrate most on, is cohesion in my photographs, and the quality of the product. I believe that well-made, unique, and different products that are displayed in their best light (i.e., good photographs) will generate their own buzz. I promote my work through my Facebook page and my blog and on twitter. I also make lots of Etsy treasuries and that has been very beneficial to me. I am constantly rethinking my online presence and tweaking my Etsy listings and trying new things in terms of marketing but I have no set plan.

Was there ever a time when you thought your business dreams might not be possible?  What did you do to overcome that obstacle?

Oh sure… I’ve had a few good cries about it too. I just have to remind myself that I’ve already accomplished many of my goals for my business, so as long as I am able to set new goals and stay focused I know I can meet any goal I set for myself…. well, within reason. However, I still tend to be a big thinker. I also have a really great support system of family and friends who really do understand what I am doing and get excited for me, with me, about what I am doing. It is okay to get down about it once in a while, especially when you start looking at numbers and money stuff. It can be scary to think about and very intimidating, but worrying is just time wasted.

Are you inspired to look at your shop now and check out your photography and branding?  I hope so!  Don’t forget to check out Danielle’s shop for inspiration and perhaps a Valentine’s gift. 

Interview with Danielle of Merriweather Council originally appeared on Create Hype on February 1, 2012.

1. Music – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve nearly spilt tea on my laptop because all of a sudden country music is blaring out of my speakers.  Music is not only distracting and heart attack inducing, but it will signal your boss that you are so not doing your job.

2. Blogger awards – You’re not in high school anymore so why are you posting your popularity contest winnings?  It’s time to show off that you’re a business owner, not a teenager.

3. Outgoing ads and links – You’ve worked so hard to get people to your site so why are you sending them away?  Unless you’re making a nice bonus from affiliate programs or your blog IS your business, you should make the links in your site bar inbound ones that show off your products, courses, or popular posts.

4. Contact information as a JPEG – When I’m flying through a site and want to contact you, it’s SO frustrating to highlight your email address only to discover it’s an image.  You’re then counting on my frazzled mind to correctly remember and type your email address.

5. Profile picture from your wedding – Unless you are a wedding planner or your business has to do with weddings, I really can’t think of you as a business lady if you’re in your white dress making out with your new husband.  (I know I’m going to get bashed for this one but if you’ve been married for five years and are still using that photo, it’s really time to get a new one taken!)

I know this post may make you mad and I’d love to hear your objections!  But remember, I look at over 30 creative business sites a day and I know the ones that are bringing in the money.  Yes, it may be hard for you to take down Johnny Cash’s, ‘Ring of Fire,’or your flashy GIF contact information image.  Keep in mind though that your site’s purpose is to show potential customers that you are a real business!

So take a long look at your site and see how many of these 5 things are lurking there.  Then kick them off and fill their spots with clean, in-bound links and professional photos!

{Featured image via Pink Tentacle}

5 Things to Take OFF Your Website originally appeared on Create Hype on January 31, 2012.

Product: How to Create a Profitable Online Store

Creator: Steve

Claim to Fame: Blogger behind My Wife Quit Her Job

Star Rating: 4 Stars!!

What it includes:

• Comprehensive course materials in PDF form
• 9 modules and over 50 lessons
• Spreadsheets to help you find your niche
• Worksheets
• Checklists for launching your site
• Questionaires to choose a shopping cart
• Over 30 hours of video
• Live Office Hours (Q & A calls)

What I loved about it!

Steve’s course is 4 years of college business classes and every business book at your library rolled into one program.  His analytical approach helped me hone even further into a niche market and find some wonderful new wholesale sources for my supplies.  Nothing better than cutting expenses!  His program covered everything from setting up an online shop to going through all the legal work for a small business.  There were entire modules devoted to marketing, SEO, and Google page ranking, things that had always seemed over my head prior to watching his videos.  In all honesty, I couldn’t believe how much information he fit into this one course!

What makes Steve’s course unique?

Steve comes at the online business world from the more traditional business field.  This offers a great new insight into running an online business and allows you to use the in-depth information whether you’re selling supplies, products, or services.  He also plays a huge role in the course with the Office Hour calls (what we often refer to as Q & A calls) and the ability to email him any question that comes to mind.  He’s really put everything he’s learned from helping his wife launch a 100K online shop (in one year!) into this course.  So you know you’ve got lots to learn.

Best of the best?

Videos!  This course has over 30 hours of videos that cover everything from the PDF lessons (the print forms of modules) but in greater depth.  He also converts the Office Hour calls into videos just in case you miss the live call.  Personally, I love videos because I can take my own notes and fit them into my day between other tasks or over my lunch.

If you want to jumpstart your online business or really just want one course/book/program that will tell you all you need to know, check out How to Create a Profitable Online Store.  While slightly less ‘crafty’ and ‘creative’ than other programs I’ve reviewed here, Steve fills his course with advice that comes both from the 9-5 work world and the solopreneur world.  It’s a wonderful mix that will give you a leg up so you can finally start the work life you’ve always dreamed of living.

How to Create a Profitable Online Store originally appeared on Create Hype on January 30, 2012.

Women constantly worry about what other people think of them, their business, and their decisions.  But that holds us back!  Rookie Mag shared a wonderful article that shares How to Not Care What Other People Think of You.

You already know that I’m a fan of Megan Auman of Designing an MBA (because she’s a marketing guru!) but this week I’m so excited to share her eye-opening post on how to Network Like a Rock Star!

This week Jen Neitzel wrote a fantastic piece that struck me to the core because it’s all about Facing Fear.  Let’s face it, we all have fears in lives and they’re holding us back from being our best selves!

Are you overloading your customers with choices?  Olive Bites shared the link to an amazing TED video that analyzes how to become Choosy With Choices – Cut, Concretize, Categorize and Condition.

It’s a fact that we’re all striving for more money and more profit for our business but this week The Work at Home Mom asked a head-spinning question, Do You Have All The Money You Need?  You may be surprised by the answer.

{Featured image via The Black Apple}

Link Hype 1-27-12 originally appeared on Create Hype on January 27, 2012.

Below I outline four areas that will encourage you to uncover what you’ve done well
before, what your strengths are, how to utilize them, and ultimately bring your most
genuine confidence forward. Genuine confidence is key–it feels so good and will
resonate with your customers. When who you are works well for your business, you will
go so much further. Confidence is not about gimmicks or quick fixes—it’s about bringing
what you know the best to your work, and that is you!

Here are four ways to spot your strengths and build on your most genuine self:

Stop trying to better your weaknesses
It’s easy to think about the things in our lives that we don’t feel strong in or confident
around–But can you recognize your strengths? Strength spotting is a wonderful habit
to bring on board to your business and to your life. If you can visualize how strong
you were in past situations, it’s easier to understand the possibility of you being just as
strong again. Acknowledge your strengths, whatever they may be.

Ask those around you
If you are unsure where to begin just ask those who you consistently surround yourself
with—friends, family, partner, even business friends. Remind them of a situation they
watched you move through or a new experience you took on. Then, ask them to reflect
on what strengths they saw from the outside. The best part is these strengths won’t seem out of place. As they describe back to you what they saw, be aware of how you react. Most of their reflections will feel at home with you.

Look for bright spots
Bright spots are those moments of success or opportunity. With a little practice you
will start to see more bright spots than failed attempts. How will you recognize them?
Because you will see some sort of return as a result of them. More balance, new
customers, more media outlets, more store accounts, or more time.

Reflect on what actually worked

It’s easy to look at what we failed at or didn’t do well in any given situation. How a
marketing campaign didn’t convert, why a product didn’t sell, people we didn’t meet
at our last network event, or the money we didn’t make last quarter. Then we want
to dissect each, find our weaknesses, and try and improve those areas. Right? What
if instead of highlighting where you can improve you highlighted what did work? This
isn’t as easy and will take some reflection but I encourage you to try it! It’s not possible
to go an entire year in business and not do something right. It is common not to give
ourselves due credit for it though.

In place of trying to improve your poor results, do more of what you did right! These four areas are all ways you can keep doing what you already do great, and ultimately grow your confidence from your most genuine self.

Here’s to our strengths,
Andrea

Strength Spotting: 4 Ways to Do More of What Already Works originally appeared on Create Hype on January 26, 2012.

In case some people don’t know how amazing you are, would you mind sharing a bit about yourself and your business?

I passionately believe that the more people we connect, the more people get involved. I am an ex-Director of Marketing who (at age 28) left my career to pursue my passion – using social media to build communities of raving fans for your business.

Marketing used to mean getting an agent, sending out press releases, and making lunch dates but your business really focuses on social media.  Why do you feel social media is so important for a creative solopreneur?

People have always preferred to do business with people they know, like and trust.

Word of mouth has always been the most effective marketing tool.

Whatʼs different is the power that Facebook and Twitter have for entrepreneurs. We can see everything that our friends and family recommend, like and share. We can talk to anyone and any level without going through gate keepers. We are simply connected.

So, I still do those things like lunch dates and pitching the media, but generally it’s with someone I found on Twitter and then built a relationship with.

Many of us think that we can do everything for our business ourselves.  What are the advantages to having a great marketer like you on our team?  Or, what can be gained from a few of your services/products? 

Thatʼs so common…wanting to do everything yourself, but the best way to grow your business is to do the things you are good at and the things that make you money. Creative entrepreneurs are very skilled at their craft, but they usually donʼt have much time to figure out their entire marketing strategy. Entrepreneurs (especially just starting out) are bootstrapping and they want to do everything themselves. The downside is that it takes away from their craft (their money maker). Social media strategist are able to really dig in and create a community of fans who love what you do and happily spread the word about your products and services.

You were an Award Winning Director of Marketing before you left the corporate world.  Was there any time when you struggled with your new business and thought of throwing in the towel?  How did you overcome that obstacle?

Yes. Starting is the bumpiest (those days when you have zero clients, zero confidence, zero fans, zero followers), but I know the exact moment when I knew the corporate world wasnʼt for me. Someone asked me, “So, how long before you get your bossʼ job?” I instantly gave a full bodied, “Oh, I donʼt want that.” But, if I stayed there, that was the path.

I am clear on the life I want to live. When you know that, itʼs easier to get through the bumpy times.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

If you are in one of those moments where you are struggling to find fans and followers, Iʼd love for you to read this blog post, Create Fans from Scratch, and sign up for our weekly newsletter, Smart Simple Social. Each week youʼll learn simple things you can do to connect with your fans.

For even more tips and tricks for marketing effectively with social media, check out Katrina’s blog!

Interview with Katrina Padron originally appeared on Create Hype on January 25, 2012.

Create new value.

Three words that are positively brimming with possibility.

As creative entrepreneurs, you are all uniquely positioned to define your own “new” value. You get to decide what sets you apart from the other indies in your market and build from it. The key to defining your value is connection. Find the thread of meaning that runs through your product, ties into your mission, and wraps around your people. Cultivate one-on-one relationships. Don’t be afraid to show everyone what you’re all about. Transparency taps into an aspect of human nature that’s been overlooked in the years of big-box stores and corporate dominance—that we all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s empowering. We realize that our individual efforts can create big change. (You might have heard about this concept during a little thing called The Occupy Movement.)

However, we also realize that with all this newfound power comes great responsibility. We built it, and now we’ve got to figure out how to sustain & grow it. The answer is deceptively simple—it’s (again) just connection, but of a different kind. When we defined the value we were essentially building our root structure; we built an identity for our business and ourselves as entrepreneurs. Sustainability demands that we branch out and build it bigger. We craft relationships with other indies. We cross-pollinate. We connect service-providers into the indie market and crowd-source for supplies, space, and the tools we need to grow. Co-working spaces such as 3rd Ward in Brooklyn are redefining artisan work, making craft mastery accessible, and becoming as much a part of the community as they are a community onto themselves.

If indie capitalism is the future of our economic growth, right now you’re planting the seeds of change.

You’ve got the power to create new value through connection, transparency, and depth.

Use it.

Hey Indies, Megan’s latest e-course, Leap 2012, is all about creating alignment between product, people, and mission that delivers profitability. The class is only open until January 31, 2012—get signed up today to craft your own profitable plan for the new year. Check out the details HERE.

Indie Capitalism originally appeared on Create Hype on January 24, 2012.

Product: Crafty and Connected

Creator: Jess Van Den

Claim to Fame: Jeweller, Creative Business Blogger, Publisher of *bespoke* zine.

Star Rating: 5 Stars!!

What it includes:

• 6 week course, 3-6 posts a week
• Videos and video tutorials
• Podcasts
• Worksheets
• 3 Q&A sessions

What I loved about it!

This 6 week course not only explains how to set up and run accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Flickr, and a blog but how to market effectively with them in just minutes a day?  (Don’t worry, she shows you how to do all of them so that you can then decide which ones fit YOU best).  She really covers all the basics and explains the purpose and use behind each one.  I also learned the best ways to establish trust and a sense of authenticity on each of the platforms.

What makes Jess’s course unique?

She covers them all!  By touching on all the major social media sites, Jess helped me decide which ones I loved and which ones I could care less about (sorry Flickr and Facebook).  I believed that I needed to be on all the platforms (which took way too much time!) or none of them (because it took too much time and I got frustrated).  Jess shattered that belief and showed me how effective social media marketing can be done in minutes a day.

Best of the best?

Videos and Q&As.  I’m a visual learner so the how-do video tutorials helped me immensely.  The 3 Q&A sessions were also extremely helpful because I could get all of my questions answered while getting to know my fellow classmates.  Jess is an amazing teacher!

You’re probably wondering if this course is really for you.  In Jess’s own words, “This course is for you if you want to get involved in social media but don’t know how to go about it.  Or, this course is for you if you’ve given it a go in the past (me!) but given into confusion or frustration and struggled to build a community and get quality interaction.”  If you’re still unsure, Jess has a great video on her FAQ page.  The course launches January 30th so if you pledged to make 2012 the year you conquered social media, check out Crafty and Connected!  And if you’d prefer to read rather than take a course, Jess’s books on Twitter and Facebook are still available!

Crafty and Connected by Jess Van Den originally appeared on Create Hype on January 23, 2012.