Twitter – Tweet Your Way to Sales

You may have heard of Twitter (unless you find living under a rock useful) and now you’re thinking, “How could this fit into my online shop’s marketing scheme?”

“What are you doing?” is the core question of the Twitter phenomenon.  You may be surprised, but as an online handmade items seller, people want to know what you are doing!  What type of products do you work with on your craft?  Have you posted any new items lately?  What’s on sale at your shop?  Where do you find your materials to make your items?

Moreover, potential buyers may wonder, “Who are you and why should I buy your product over the next handmade seller?”

Twitter gives sellers a unique opportunity to show who they are to potential buyers.  Yes, you only get 140 characters at a time to do it, but you’d be surprised how many people will follow your “Tweets”.

The trick is to try to keep the posts geared towards your handmade shop.  Here’s how to keep the focus on your craft, while making sure you are socializing:

“Love the bead shop I just found in Boston!  Can’t wait to find more for my online jewelry store’s new line!  http://aaa-shop.com”

In this sample “tweet”, notice how we were able to connect to the reader by including Tina’s passion (handmade jewelry) and a bit about her location (Boston).  This makes the post social.  However, we have Tina’s shop name (AAA Shop), and an appeal to potential buyers that they can see the handmade items Tina is “Tweeting” about on her shop’s page.  This helps Tina stay handmade shop-centered.

So, before you join the Twitter rush, remember to ask:

• How can Twitter help my shop thrive?
• What can I do to make sure I identify myself as an seller and direct followers to in every post?
• What are some different ways I can incorporate my shop without sounding non-social and all sales?
• What can I talk about that will get the attention of others?
• How can I work on my “Retweet appeal” and go viral on Twitter?

Tell us your ideas for making the most of Twitter!  Share how your handmade shop conducts online Twitter marketing.  If our editors like your tips, we will publish you in a HandmadeMarketing.org article and link to your online store or handmade blog as the source.