If you are not sure what we are going to talk about by looking at the title of this post, you aren’t alone!  “Vlogging” is short for “video blogging”.  It is similar to the normal blogging we are used to seeing, but with a twist… video is the medium rather than text.

The first Video Blog entry was in 2000, but the medium didn’t quite catch on in the mainstream until the end of 2004. Vlogs are less prominent than blogs, but that trend is sure to change with websites like YouTube and Google Video offering free storage space for videos.

The HandmadeMarketing.org team thought this would a great marketing tool for handmade sellers for a number of reasons:

• Not many vlogs current exist, so this could be a great way to market your handmade items in a fun and exciting way!  It’s only a matter of time before static text blogs are replaced with visually appealing vlogs.
• Sellers can really benefit from this technology.  Handmade artists have a unique opportunity to showcase their items, passion for crafting, and the idea of “handmade” as a whole utilizing vlogs.  Think about it – you could come up with a dozen ideas for what you could show potential buyers in a vlog.  Everything from how to make your items to a clip of your latest trip to a craft show!
• Vlogging is delivered directly to potential buyers.  With technology like the iPod and Blackberry becoming more and more common, you have a unique opportunity to connect a potential buyer with your handmade shop in a personal way.  Updates to the vlog can be sent directly to the interested viewer, making marketing a bit easier.

Selling handmade may be easier by utilizing unconventional technology.  With the handmade community growing more and more across the Internet, making your shop stand out is vital to sales.  Try vlogging… and tell us if it increases handmade sales!