Finding your Target Market

Good Morning,

This morning I wanted to share some wonderful tips from another blog post on finding your Target and Niche Markets.  I have left out the personal story that accompanied the original post and have tried to leave it at just the tips.  Links are also included.  Originally posted by Brenda Lavell in August 2013, it has just been re-posted or circulated on Etsy as of last week. I hope you will find the information useful.

The Difference Between Target and Niche Markets

Target market is a group of potential customers who share characteristics related to your product. For instance, “knitters” could be my target market.

Niche market further defines a target market. For instance, “beginning female knitters who love Etsy, ages 20 to 35, living in New England” is more defined.

When you define and understand your niche market, you can target your marketing efforts to that group of people.

Narrowing Your Niche Market

Further defining your niche market is crucial to finding your actual ideal customers — those who will become true fans for your business and products. A true fan wants to hear everything about your business, including sales, tutorials, and new product launches.
Posting product links 24/7 to thousands of non-targeted social media followers is unfocused and not likely to attract very many buyers. However, offering Coupon Codes for your mailing list of ideal customers is targeted and very likely to result in many sales.
I don’t need to tell you that promoting your business all day long is exhausting — it’s a lot of work for little return. Promoting is about me me me — your products. Marketing is about you — your customers’ needs and problems. When you know who those customers are, you know or can more accurately guess their needs.

How to Find Your Ideal Customer(s)

A target market is a group of characteristics, not a person. You can personalize your target market by creating your very own ideal customer, a fictional character with individual, human characteristics — a true fan that  you make up on paper or just in your head.

Then, instead of marketing to a group of people, you market to just one person, your true fan.

Get the Ideal Customer Worksheet

To create this ideal person, you need to dive deep into this persona’s psyche. There really is no right answer to who this person is, as long as your creation makes sense (for example, “a super modern fashionista who doesn’t knit” does not make sense for my yarn shop). Use this target market worksheet template to help you create your own ideal customer.

Once you’ve created your ideal person to market to, make sure you truly understand your customer’s needs and problems. How do your products fulfill and solve both? Your marketing should successfully connect your ideal customer’s problems with your products.

Engaging With Your Ideal Customer(s)

Write everything specifically to your ideal customer, from product descriptions to blog posts to emails. Use your customer’s perspective and address his/her needs and problems in your own voice.

Let’s work through an example:

Jewelry is a huge category on Etsy. Jewelry lovers have different needs (for example, metal sensitivities) and problems (for example, the perfect earrings for a special date).

How do you connect with your ideal customer who is a true fan of your particular style and construction of earrings, while addressing both her needs and problems?

1. First, make sure your photos are truly stunning, and that your text and keywords are specifically written to your customer from his/her perspective, using your authentic voice. Success Tips: Read these photography pointers and How to Write Enticing Item Descriptions.
   
   
2. How do your policies and About page measure up? Make sure both are also primed for your ideal customer. Success Tips: Read Creating Policies That Work and Tips for Your Shop’s About Page.
   
   
3. Write blog or other social media posts that engage (about how you problem-solve, behind-the-scenes glimpses, etc.), with keywords specific to your customer and links to your products. Success Tip: Read these social media tips.
   
   
4. Use your mailing list to draw people back to those blog posts as well as to your products directly.
   
   
5. Balance links to your products with valuable content.

When your potential customer turns into a real customer, start building actual relationships. Learn about their interests and needs by talking with them via your Facebook business page or at craft shows. You’ll be able to further refine your niche market while turning one-off customers into repeat buyers.

I thought there was a “trick” to finding your target market, then learned that finding my target market is just a process. Defining my ideal customer was key, as well as effectively engaging via social media.

You can find your own target market by creating and engaging with your ideal customer — I’d love to hear your insights and questions in comments.

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Fun Art and Other Events in Boise, ID 4-11-13-2014

Good Morning,

Spring has sprung here in Boise and the populace has decided it is time for some fun and recreational activity. Whether you want to go and enjoy the weather or find something crafty to do have a look at what's happening.


This evening:

Sip Wine & Paint a 'Mod Martini' 04.11.2014
7-9PM My Masterpiece Parties 208-938-1370 http://bit.ly/1d5SbTk The sip wine and paint concept has come to Eagle! No experience needed at all. We're about having a fun time out! We'll show you step-by-step how to paint 'Mod Martini'. We provide everything you need to create your painting, you just bring any refreshments (even beer or wine for the over 21 crowd) you'd like to enjoy. Reserve online to guarantee your seat. We schedule our unique social painting classes throughout the month. Check our calendar for other dates. MyMasterpieceParties.com Up for some nostalgia Grrl style?  Check out the all female AC/DC cover band "Hell's Belles" tonight Hell's Belles 04.11.2014 8:30 pm The Knitting Factory (416 9th St., Boise) All-female AC/DC tribute $13 TicketWeb  No?  How about a little bit of culture? Ballet Idaho presents Alice in Wonderland "Alice in Wonderland" 04.11.2014 - 04.12.2014 See Description Morrison Center, 2201 Cesar Chavez Ln 426-1110 Ballet Idaho. Season closes with the whimsical tale, choreographed by ballet master Alex Ossadnik. 8 pm April 11, and 2 and 8 pm, April 12. $38, $43 AND $58.BSU students receive a 50% discount; faculty and staff receive a 25% discount. balletidaho.org And for those of you that have little one's Easter is almost here and there is a cool event at the Zoo tomorrow. Zoo Boise - Easter "EGG"stravaganza 04.12.2014 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoo Boise 208-608-7740 http://www.zooboise.org Get a jump start on spring at Easter EGGstravaganza. Join the Easter Bunny for fun activities including Egg Scrambles, photo ops, face painting, Easter Egg toss, animal enrichment activities and, of course, the zoo. Last admission at 4:30pm.

Monday - Five Fabulous Finds From Etsy

Good Morning,

I hope all are settling in to the new year and getting back to the "norm" after the holidays.

This Monday has caught me ill-prepared and unawares of something to discuss.  So instead, I'm going to fudge the schedule a little and show you five fabulous items from three of my favorite shops on Etsy.

I like this woman's art style, and she has chosen one of my favorite books as inspiration for the first collage. 

From: Emily Andrews 

Far From Ordinary - Photo Collage (Print)

 

A high resolution print of a photo collage I made using images from different magazines and books. This scene has an Alice in Wonderland theme wherein the exterior becomes the interior and it's hard to say what's really going on.There are two llamas sitting down for a cup of tea while little Alice gazes off into space and long, tall Alice tries to makes sense of the situation. There's a clown fish swimming in a china cabinet and an owl perched on a curtain rod, watching the whole situation. This scene includes many references from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, such as the clock, the fan, the tea cup and bottles and of course, the Cheshire Cat peaking through a looking glass above the mantel. It's no question, this scene is far from ordinary. This print is 5in x 7in and is printed on glossy photo paper.
Other sizes are available for every print.

What If... - Photo Collage (Print)

 

A high resolution print of a photo collage I made using images from different magazines. In a "what if" kind of world, you might feel inclined to dance through space while a couple of walruses and a penguin look on. A camouflaged horse tries to catch a butterfly and a hot air balloon travels safely, steering clear of the floating furniture. This print is 6.5in x 6.5in and is printed on glossy photo paper.
Other sizes are available for every print. 

A new Shop to my team on Etsy, this gal has some super lovely all natural handmade goodies for at home Spa days!  You can catch the scent just looking at the pictures.  Some of them look good enouhg to eat, but I wouldn't recommend doing that.

From: Stripped Soap Company
  
Toasted Oatmeal, Sweet Milk, and Warm Honey Cold Process Bar Soap - handmade & natural - almond, vanilla, and anise scented or unscented

 

The net weight of each bar is approximately 3.5-4.4 ounces. All of my soaps are made using the old-fashioned cold process method in small quality-controlled batches. They are then cured for weeks to ensure that they reach the peak of their quality. This soap is available in both scented and unscented versions. The scented version smells like sweet milk and honey blended with oatmeal, almond, vanilla, and anise.The unscented version has the natural scent of toasted oats and milk. The lighter color seen in the unscented bar is natural while the darker color seen in the scented bar is the result of using the fragrance oil.
 

Terra - African Green Rooibos Tea, Australian Olive Green Clay, Ginger, and Lemongrass Cold Process Bar Soap - handmade, natural, & vegan

 

"Terra," Latin for 'Earth,' is one of 4 soaps that will be in my Elemental Clay Soap Collection.

The net weight of each bar is approximately 3.5-4.4 ounces. All of my soaps are made using the old-fashioned cold process method in small quality-controlled batches. They are then cured for weeks to ensure that they reach the peak of their quality. This soap is scented with ginger and lemongrass essential oils. The scent of lemongrass is dominant. The colors seen are natural as well.

Made with extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, organic raw unrefined golden shea butter, castor oil, organic African green rooibos tea-infused sweet almond oil, Australian olive green clay, the essential oils of lemongrass and ginger, organic African green rooibos tea and ground tea leaf, zeolite clay, spirulina powder, distilled water, and lye.

And from our temas Fearless Leader, Captain Sue Abraham of

From: Sues Arts

Glasses box/case/eyeglasse carrier

 

Stunning glasses case in chocolate brown decorated with sparkly embellishment for added glamor.

Very attractive and unique one of a kind piece.

DELIVERED IN A GIFT BAG

CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME

♥ LIVE LOVE LAUGH ♥ 

Thank you for stopping in and having a look.

The Alchemists Vessel would like to wish you a pleasant day.

Friday Links, Promotions and Facebook

Hello, 

Friday is here!  Happy Day!  Today's blog is packed with links and pictures and a look at the new Facebook Time Line for Fan or Business pages.  Some of you may have read the post on the new Etsy Theme Shop application that Facebook has rolled out, and we'll get you the link for that, too.  If you're an Etsy Shop owner click on through and check it out.  I know many users are unhappy about the constant changes that Facebook forces on the site and people's profiles.  This isn't so bad, really, it just takes a minute to get used to, once you have discovered where they have hidden things, you'll be cruising the pages like a pro again in no time.

Let's take a look at the Header first.

The large photo at the top is called the Cover.  You may change this picture at any time by clicking on it.  Your Cover Photos will be stored in the Photo Albums of the page automatically.

Next up, the new Link Buttons, this is where you can place the applications you like, such as Events, Photos, Notes, Maps, Favorite Games, etc... 

This area is also where your new Etsy Theme Shop Button goes.  Mine can be found at the right hand top of the row.  If you would like to have the app for your Etsy Shop you can follow this link: Etsy Theme Shop App

If you would like to see what a Shop looks like before clicking Add To Your Facebook Page, you may follow this link.  

The Alchemists Vessel Etsy Theme Shop on Facebook.  

You will have to log in to see the page.  You, too, can create your own shop's look, discounts, coupons, or promote another shop!  Yes, you can do that, as well!  Shop from this page and receive an automatic 10% off the regular Etsy price,  (Your price is shown in green.)  The simple page looks like this, page 1 on top and a menu at the bottom that will continue with your entire Etsy Shop inventory.

Are you having trouble finding your comments or posts?  It's not a wonder.  Some one decided that it would be an excellent idea to stuff them in a box at the top of the page, where no one can see, find or read them.  There is no changing this, and yes, I, too, am not happy about it.  But if you are looking for a comment or post from a a fan, customer or friend this is where you can find them now.  This box is permanently "pinned" to the top of your page.

The box beneath the Posts and Comments is where you will find the "Likes".  These are the pages that you have liked while logged in as the Admin or while  using your Fan Page to peruse Facebook.

Everything else works pretty much the same.  You can post a status update, link to your Etsy Shop items, post pictures, and keep track of your activity and insights.  

Happy Facebooking!

Here is the link to a new open group on Linked In, Northwest Artisans Guild. I started the group in hope of connecting and networking with people closer to home.  I am the only member so far.  The purpose of the group is to network, connect, showcase your art, work, wares, photography, what have you, and most important it is to share and exchange ideas and to have fun!  Help will be offered to all who ask.  Jewelry designers, painters, sculptors, artists, artisans, craftspeople of all kinds are welcome.

We have launched Ravens Nook!  There are items up for sale on the site and as always custom work is welcome.  We take requests.  This weekend I will be chained in the dungeon, I mean sitting at the work table crafting some new, dark and unique items for your perusal.

 Macabre, Magical and Metaphysical Jewelry

Did you know that there is now a Youtube Channel for T.A.V.?  That's right.  We have created a Youtube channel for Jewelery Tutorials.  There is only one video up now, but we plan on adding some basic ones soon.  In the mean time you can check out Jump Rings 101, it is uploaded, and playable.

Remember you can find any or all of these links on the right hand side menu bar.  We even have a video bar, right on the menu, you can watch the video without leaving the page. How cool is that?

What Customers are saying about the Alchemists Vessel: (remarks taken from Feedback on the Etsy Shop.)

"Just received my order today, and I simply couldn't be more satisfied! The packaging and shipping protection was great, the product was in perfect condition and appeared exactly as it was shown in your shop. I received my package in a timely manner and was given a printout of my order. Thank you so very much for your professionalism! I will be sure to recommend your store & products to every crafter/beader/maker/creator I know! I also plan to buy again and often in the near future. Again, many thanks and much appreciation for your excellent service and quality!" ~ Sincerely, Rainbow C. Lavendar

"Beautiful large beads! Thrilled with my purchase!!! Thank You!"

"The cinnabar pieces are awesome!!!!" ~ C.R.S.

If you made it to the end of this blog, CONGRATULATIONS!  As a special Happy Ending, if you enter the Coupon Code: LUCKYME, now through March 18th, on The Alchemists Vessel Etsy Shop you'll receive 10% off your order.  Keep an eye out, for more incentives and sales available only to those that read the blog, you don't have to follow it, but you have to read it to find those goodies!

 

As always,  thank you for stopping in and having a look.  Since it is Friday as well, we would like to wish you a pleasant and wonderful weekend.