The Shop Files

marketing for shop owners, makers, and etsy sellers

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  • because i think we all could use this reminder ever few weeks ✨ I found a new podcast yesterday that I'm in love with 😍 it's from the ladies behind @thinkcreativecollective , Emylee & Abagail. they're such encouraging open books in a place where it sometimes feels like everyone's holding back their best secrets. if you need to find some new inspiration to dig into before the crazy holiday season comes... I recommend you check it out! #tcctribe What are your favorite podcasts?? (any other MFM lovers out there? 🔪⚰️😱)
  • for the past few weeks, the blog posts have been focused on passive income and creating new streams of income for your business. why? well the biggest reason (aside from the whole cash is cool thing) is that having that extra wiggle, that "breathing room" in your business allows you to make much clearer decisions that will support you long term.⠀⠀ When we feel strapped for cash or panicked that we haven't seen a sale in a few days, we start to make a few choices we wouldn't otherwise have to make.⠀⠀ - we plan a quick flash sale at prices that devalue our work⠀⠀ - we throw together a last minute weekend sale at unsustainable prices⠀⠀ - we start to feel that quiet desperation in our work which leads to doubt and a whole spiral of other feelings... ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ If you missed one of the posts, I have a 3-part series up on the blog... starting with the big news that Etsy now fully integrates with Printful (a print-on-demand + fulfillment service), so if you haven't yet -- go check it out. I'd love to hear your thoughts...⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ And lastly, can we please talk about how golden delicious these monstera earrings are by @rarebirddesigns? Pauline has a whole ton of lovely pieces, including a monstera leaf hair pin that is just 😍
  • frankly some days I wouldn't mind being what I eat (🌮🌮🌮 everybody f'n loves them)⠀ ⠀ but since we can't show up to our customers as their favorite food (although you are MORE THAN WELCOME to show up + buy me tacos), we instead have to choose what we do want to stand for.⠀ And those little tasks we choose to do consistently - how we communicate to our customers, how we handle a rough customer service issue, how we consistently serve our audience - is what we'll become known for.⠀ ⠀ So tell me...⠀ If we are what we EAT, what would you be?⠀ If we are what we DO, what would you be known for?⠀ ⠀ (and I'm serious about those tacos. tell @doordash my address is... 😂)⠀
  • that GoT!!! if one of them has to win, who would you rather, queen of dragons or jon snow?? i'm personally a real big fan of that bastard 😍⠀ I shared yesterday that it's actually been 2 months (two!!!) since my last post.... and some of the responses i got both surprised and proved to me my earlier thoughts. ⠀ ⠀ we're spending too much time focusing on the wrong things here.⠀ ⠀ i'm NOT telling you instagram is not important, no longer relevant, or not a worthwhile way to build your business. ⠀ it's still all of those things. but we gotta start changing our approach and expectations of how we use it.⠀ ⠀ i'll be sharing more in upcoming days as my little two month vacay started as a "break" and morphed into an experiment.⠀ ⠀ but for now i'll leave you with this: ⠀ It was incredibly different and fulfilling to interact like a more normal user. Focusing on my audience, instead of myself or worrying about the number of likes.⠀ ⠀ that cliffhanger is 💩 compared to jon snow marching.... *shhh no spoilers here* but eh, i tried 🤷🏼‍♀️⠀ ⠀ i'd love to know, have you ever taken an extended instagram break? how did you feel? this hilarious amazing shirt is from @nixxenrayneboutique!! if this were true, i'd be the worst mom 🔪🌱 😭
  • Brainstorming a little something fun (and sorta top secret? and also totally off the cuff like I just decided right now) but anyyyyway.⠀ If you could ask a fellow shop owner or maker anything you wanted... what would you ask? like ANY-THING.⠀ ⠀ • liiiike how long it took to make their first sale? when did they decide to expand their product line? are they making the same thing as when they started? but seriously, what's the best shipping option? how do you....? let's hear it below (and if you wanna chime in with an answer too, feel free!!)⠀
  • the best part of running your own business? writing your own story.⠀ ⠀ you get to decide how to present your products, the way you talk with your audience, and how you share the things that matter to you. ⠀ ⠀ and while much of your brand is also determined by what your customers think, you do have control over the initial narrative. ⠀ the things you continually put out and do consistently will become your calling cards. so what do you want to be known for? ⠀ ⠀ what makes you stand apart from your competition? how do you make your customers feel part of your story? ⠀ ⠀ i'd love to hear what you stand for in your shop + something you admire of a fellow shop owner! amazingly gorgeous stock photos from @skyladesign! go check her out!!
  • simple shifts sometimes make all the difference.⠀ build it and they will come is as outdated as it gets... but when you change it slightly, it perfectly supports the kind of business we all want to run = a happy and healthy community of babes that get excited for you, want to support you, and can't wait to buy what you create next!⠀ ⠀ So today let's talk about letting GO of the stress on growth.⠀ ⠀ For the next week, just focus on pouring everything you can into your current community + followers. (and because stats are fun, did you know it costs 5x more to sell to new customers than it does to earn a repeat customer? so focusing on your community literally pays off!)⠀ ⠀ On Instagram:⠀ That may mean spending extra time responding to comments or questions left. And I mean REALLY responding - with intention, with care, as if that person was really standing right there sharing their thoughts with you.⠀ Or it could mean spending some time checking out your followers feeds' and leaving a thoughtful or supportive comment (that of course has no plug to your business, just genuine conversation!)⠀ ⠀ For your email list:⠀ That may be coming up with a fun freebie or printable for them to kick off the summer months ahead! 💌 ⠀ For past customers:⠀ What can you offer them to show your appreciation - early access to new items? an exclusive discount? a free shipping offer?⠀ ⠀ Instead of chasing new followers or finding new customers, how can you give back to the ones that already choose to join you?⠀ ⠀ *Build it and they will stay* is your new mantra. Repeat it. Think of creative ways to give back. Focus on giving and be happily surprised what you get back.⠀ ⠀ Tell me below - what are some ways you give back to your audience/customers? ❤️ ⠀ (and pssst. there's a new Instagram freebie for anyone interested in getting clear on the basics. 30 tips to improve your Instagram, starting with the basics and working up to growth strategies! Link in bio to grab today!) 👆🏻
  • happy happy monday!! i'm actually feeling ready to tackle this week and really excited about my to do list (whhhhat?) if you've been waiting on an email back from me, get ready! cause i'm feeling chatty 😜⠀ Using just emojis, how would you describe your to-do list this week? ⠀ mine are 💇🏼💌💻📸🛍📦🏃🏼‍♀️⠀ #thecreativegrid⠀ ⠀ ⠀ gorgeous home space and 📷 by @almostmakesperfect

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