This week I participated in an interesting discussion at the Creative Wire Jewelry forum (click here if you want to join this fun discussion group) on how to market your jewelry making site on the internet.
Some of the conclusions were the following:
Many jewelry makers do not regard their sites as vital and serious selling tools -- most just use it as an electronic portfolio.
** Selling via a website depends largely on the type of person: knowing how to design and maintain your own site, using html and e-commerce tools properly are vital for the small business owner. Depending on an external web designer can be done, but it does not allow as much flexibility.
** Maintenance needs to be done almost every day, and serious investigation on Search Engine Optimization is vital.
** Creating links with other jewelry designers is important, to increase rank and popularity.
** Adding *quality* photographs and close-ups of the jewelry is also important, and if possible adding a sense of scale.
** Using a soft or light colored background helps to visualize the jewelry better.
** Having an easy to remember website address and adding it to every single piece of business paper possible can increase traffic as well.
Send comments or questions to Eni Oken at
