Do The Footwork – Look to Bloggers for Press

Thanks to Tara Gentile from HandmadeInPA, we now know how to “Do the Footwork – Make Your Own Press” by writing press releases.  In another tip submitted by Tara, take what you have learned about being pro-active about press and contact bloggers.

Tara writes, “While blogging for yourself will allow potential customers insight into your creative process and daily life, being featured on a major craft blog will be sure to direct new virtual footsteps to your Etsy shop!”

Tara’s first suggestion is to get familiar with some of the wonderful blogs out there.  “Look around for some well-designed sites that feature work you’d like yours to be seen alongside,” Tara writes.  “Get to know the site, its weekly features, and its personality. Find out about the editor of the blog.”

“Once you find a blog or two that seems to be a good fit for your work, use the blogs “contact” or “about” page to contact the author,” Tara tells us.  “Just like writing a cover letter, always use the author’s name. Unlike a cover letter, keep your email personable!”

*As a side note to bloggers – make sure you have a contact listed on your blog in case a reader is trying to contact you.  Our team often comes across Etsy blogs that are informative, interesting, and irresisitble, but we can’t find a way to contact the writer!

Next, get your game plan for how to get press for your shop.  When writing to a blog, Tara suggets to “briefly explain your work, how you see it fitting into the blog’s style, and include a photo or two. Give the author links to all your websites (shops, blogs, etc…). And if you’re debuting a new item or having a sale, give them the chance to “scoop” it! Let them know that you really appreciate their time and that you’ll follow-up in a few days if you haven’t heard from them.”

Our HandmadeMarketing.org team has another idea to add to Tara’s.  If you from Pennsylvania and are planning to send an email to Tara’s HandmadeInPA blog, consider doing the footwork for Tara.  For example, Tara does a “Giveaway Monday” on her site each Monday.  You will notice Tara conducts a small interview – email a brief bio with some answers to questions you think she would ask.  Most bloggers wouldn’t turn down a half-created blog post!

This suggestion is not for all blogs, so don’t be offended if you get a “thanks, but no thanks” email back.  However, many bloggers who have a certain format for posts would welcome the email!

Etsians forget that a blog is often times searching for much of the day for something to write about that will appeal to their readers.  Some blogs have news handed to them, but smaller blogs are looking for fresh ideas for posts.  Tara’s suggestion here is like a mini-press release, and doesn’t require contacting a local publication.  Don’t be intimidated!  The worst a blogger could do is choose to not return your email.

Just ask a blogger!  Jackie, who writes an Etsy blog, tells us that being contacted by sellers is a treat.  “I appreciate when Etsy shops take the time to contact me,” Jackie says.  “It’s fun to see new shops and feature items I didn’t even know existed on Etsy!  I would also recommend sellers who want blog press for the Etsy shop make sure to comment on their feature on the blog.  I think connecting a person with a shop is crucial for sales. Also, if a seller has a blog, they should show off their press so people know they are getting some attention !”

Think about it… this could turn into a great shop marketing strategy.  “Getting picked up by just one major blog gives you a great chance of being picked up by more,” Tara says, “and without you having to do anything more!”

HandmadeMarketing.org reader Fernanda Frick, from Etsy shop FernandaFrick, seconds Tara’s idea to look to bloggers for Etsy shop press.  “Shamelessly promoting may seem a little desperate sometimes, but it’s not wrong to ask for exposure from time to time,” Fernanda tells us.  “It’s a good idea to look for blogs that specialize in your category (jewlery, art, illustration, children etc.) and ask them kindly if they can publish you.  Probably of 10 emails you send, you will only get one or two responses, but it’s worth it!  I discovered this since my category is very unique (animation) I found out that asking design, animation and cartoon blogs helped a lot.”

Do you have ideas about how to get featured in blogs? Have you been featured and would be willing to show others in the Etsy community how you did it proactively?

Share with us at HandmadeMarketing.org!  Suggesting a tip about the importance of shop press when you are marketing your Etsy, Artfire, or other handmade shop. If our editors like your idea, we will feature your tip and cite you as the source.