Business Guide for Jewelry Makers: Marketing Your Business on the Internet

If you are starting a handmade jewelry business or are running one, one of the best places to market your products is the Internet. There are a variety of ways to market a business on the Internet such as creating a newsletter, participating in message boards, selling online or creating classified ads. With the availability of the world wide web, you are able to attract customers who are interested in unique handmade jewelry all over the world.

One way to introduce potential customers to your jewelry products is to start a newsletter. Include a link on your website or place where you sell your items so that customers and others can subscribe. In your newsletter, you can include information such as new product lines, secret sales just for subscribers, and upcoming events for your jewelry business. If you would rather not send out a newsletter, there is also the option of blogging. You may start a blog for free at websites such as Blogger and Word Press. On your blogs, you can include new jewelry listings or articles of interest too.

To reach millions of online viewers, list some of your jewelry items on popular auction websites such as eBay. The popular online auction house literally has millions of visitors each day. Selling on eBay has become increasingly affordable as well. If you begin your products from 0.01 to 0.99-the upfront listing fees for the first 100 items are free. Anything listed on eBay from $1.00 to $9.99 is only a quarter per listing. After an item has sold, eBay will collect 9% of the sale price.

Another place to list handmade items is Etsy. Etsy is somewhat like eBay with a similar listing platform, but they are not auctions. At Etsy, all of the products have been handmade and are sold as a "buy now" type of listing. You may open a shop at Etsy for free, although listing fees at Etsy are $0.20 per item. You may pay your listing fees at the end of each month.

Other ways to reach potential customers online is to create classified ads. Use websites such as Craigslist to include your jewelry products. You may include images and details for free. Include a link to your website for maximum exposure.

A personal way to speak with possible customers is to participate at message forums. Find crafting, jewelry boards or even those who work at home. Find out how others are running their online businesses or selling products. Barter with other business owners for services or products. You can also offer special sales for those who see your posts at specific message boards. Include a link to your website or auction listings in your signature line. One last way to share your website is to include a link in all of your emails. If you email daily, there will always be the possibility that one of your recipients will click on that link.

So if you are already selling at festivals and local stores, you can also spread your wings on the Internet. The Internet offers a variety of possibilities to find customers who are interested in your jewelry. While there is a lot of competition in the jewelry market on the Internet, you can offer something unique and special that perhaps other designers aren't offering.

http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/fees.html#if_auction

http://help.etsy.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/136/c/8%2C29/r_id/162

http://www.sentimentaljewelrycreations.com