Hello peeps!
I have been thinking about my little business alot this week. Obviously, as a one woman show, I produce all the content I share and the products I sell. I am also the only person who is truly committed to promoting and growing my audience. I like to get to know the people I work for and bring them what they need, I like to chat with fellow makers, and get inspired by companies doing new things in my industry.I use social media almost everyday for this purpose. I share my products on Pintrest. I ask questions to my customers on my Facebook page. I share pictures and follow many other makers on Instagram.Recently I started a Tumblr blog. It's ALOT to cover. Add to it, I am generally a social person and I enjoy chatting with my friends/family, talking pop culture/politics, sharing stories. Sometimes I worry about over sharing. I worry that something I say/post will turn off one of my Hot Wheels peeps...but then I worry about coming across as phony or insincere.
So, today I'd love to get some thoughts from you lovely people. This blog is a mix of my IRL friends, Hot Wheels customers, and maybe a few fellow crafty people who enjoy DIY ideas as much as I do? I'll share my thoughts on the social media sites I use and how I use them, and in the comments you tell me what you think!
Facebook- I consider this my social media gateway drug. I originally only had a personal page, and I still LOVE keeping up with my friends and family. It's my #1 place for keeping up with my IRL peeps. Last year, I started a business page, to share what I sell in my Etsy shop and chat with people who support my business. I get a lot of referrals and custom order from Facebook. I post business related stuff 4-5 times a week. I schedule/edit what I post more here than what I do on other sites, which can be tricky.
Twitter- I started my Twitter as a way to follow: companies I love, tv shows, celebrities, its also a great way to follow news events. Last year I started sharing new listings in my shop and every time I write a blog I share it once or twice. To be honest, I don't get a ton of traffic from Twitter, but enough that it's worth posting. I plan/edit some of what I post, but honestly-the temporary nature of tweets makes me feel like I don't need to edit myself so much. I also feel freer to tweet about politics and pop culture. Hopefully, that doesn't turn off potential customers? I honestly don't don't think it has so far.
Instagram: I post at least once a day, most days. I try to be concience of what I share there, with bright, clear pictures. My posts here tend to be all over the place-pics from my real life, pics of projects I am working on, and pics of my products/services. Like FB, I take more time to edit my pictures and choose my words carefully. I love the visual nature of Instagram, and I want to add to that in my own small way. And where else is it acceptable to share a snap of your favorte local ice cream place? #importantstuff
I purposely didn't link to any of my accounts in the post. You can find me using the links in the right hand sidebar. Like I said before, I am a social person-I would love to connect with you on any of these websites! But, I don't want this post to be about me promoting myself. I want to hear from you!
Here's what I want to know. If you have a minute, leave me a comment! (or send me a tweet or FB message if you prefer) and tell me:
-are you a business owner? What social media platforms do you use and find the most successful
- are you a crafter? a maker? which platform do you visit most often to share ideas and find inspiration?
- Are you one of my customers? Do you buy from other local/handmade businesses? Where do you follow your favorite companies? (bonus question: How often can a business post without seeming 'spammy'?)
-I also have Tumblr and a Snapchat account, but I don't do much with either. Do you?
I know y'all are busy just like me, but I so appreciate our thoughts. Social media is such an awesome thing, but it has gotten so BIG it can feel like another part time job keeping up with it.
Of to like some pretty Instagram photos......
Michelle