{Promotion} Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids

As seen in *Bespoke* Zine Issue 7

The Handmade Cooperative is a Shopping Blog that was formed in March 2010 by Dianne Fisher of Little Fish Creations.  Dianne wished to gather together like minded small handmade businesses together so that they could assit each other to feature and promote their work, whilst promoting other cooperative members at the same time.  Christine Percy of C Percy Designs took over the running of the HCH4K in 2011 and has continued on with Dianne's vision.

Each week the HCH4K puts together a shopping guide based on a theme.  Fortnightly we put together Shopping Guides that include items from our members and on the alternative week one of our members curates a selection of 6 items based on a theme of their choosing, we call this the Sensational Six. The member chooses items either made by our members or other Australian handmade businesses.  Both guides aim to highlight the diverse range of products the handmade community makes.

The HCH4K is not just a blog, its a community of creative poeple.  We have a facebook group where we encouage our members ask questions, show off new products, promotes sales, give virtual Hi5s, provide feedback, give advice and form friendships.  We also band together to share the costs of advertising in print magazines such as Bespoke, Multiplied magazine and soon you will see our advertisment in the print issue of Tickle the Imagination.

As you can see there are a number of benefits to being a member of the HCH4K
•    Promotion of your handmade business in our shopping guides
•    Your logo and a permanent link to your online storefront
•    Inclusion in our online forum where you can meet your fellow members, ask questions, seek assistance etc
•    Connecting with other handmade business
•    Opportunities to promote new products, sales, achievements etc to wider audience.
•    Affordable advertising opportunities
•    Improved SEO for your online business through backlinks from the HCH4K webiste

In September each year the HCH4K hosts its annum membership drive.  If you would like to apply to join the HCH4K we invite you to go to our membership page and complete our application process.  But you need to hurry, our membership drive concludes at Midnight 30th September.

www.handmadecooperative.com.au

Blogging scares the crap out of me

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Enrique on Pinterest

Okay I'll let you in on a secret - blogging scares the crap out of me.

I've been blogging for over 3 years now.  I started my first blog - C Percy Designs - after reading about how handy they are for your business within the DUST forum.  I then took over the reigns at the Handmade Cooperative in early 2011 and as you know, this year I took over the running of this thought provoking blog.  

Thats right I have 3 blogs, I post on average 3 to 5 times a week and they all scare me.

Why?

… because I'm a terrible speller and my grammar sucks.  

As a child I was diagnosed with a Auditory Processing Disorder and I was always well behind the reading level of my peers.  After a few years of private tuition I was able to catch up but there are still gaps.  I remember one lovely Special Ed teacher who told my Mum that I was working my hardest and to lower her expectations as she believed I wouldn't sit the HSC and it would be best for me to focus on getting into a trade.

I wonder if this teacher was simply projecting her own fears onto me. I did complete the HSC (with a good mark I should add) and I went onto further education which includes TAFE, the Mountbatten Internship Programme in New York and the completion of a Bachelor of Business. Even thought I have proven this teacher wrong many times, I still have the Thought Gremlins running though my mind telling me I shouldn't be doing this, that I can't do this, that I'm making a fool of myself.

I must admit what takes most people a few minutes to write, takes me 3-4 drafts.  I worry about blog posts - "Does it sound right?",  "Is that the correct spelling?",  "I wonder if they'll understand what I mean?", "do I sound stupid" etc. 

So why do I blog?  Why do I torture myself?

Good question.  I guess its because I like to challenge myself.  I like to face my fears.

I've been challenging myself all my life.  Facing my fears has always made me stronger and allowed me to dream big.  I'm not saying its been easy because that would be a lie, but conquering my fears has made me the strong person I am today.

Source: thatsamorex2.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

So is your fear of blogging holding you back? 

About the Contributor: 

Christine is a Wife and a Mum of 3.  She is the owner of C Percy Designs and the Editor of The Contemporary Handmade Alliance.  She is also the Editor of the Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids and is a little obsessed with all things crochet. 

To find out more about Christine go to her blog or follow her on Facebook.

{Blogging 101} Technical stuff

Source: shop.lego.com via Brendan on Pinterest

Once you have your blog up and running set aside some time to learn some technical stuff.

RSS Feed

Set up your own RSS feed for your blog.  There is some debate about the importance of RSS feeds (Short for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary).  Personally I like them.

RSS feeds are simple text files that, once submitted to feed directories, will allow subscribers to see content within a very short time after it's updated (sometimes as short as 30 minutes or less) [Source: About.com].

For me it basically means that blog posts from my favourite bloggers are sent directly to my inbox.

Note that GFC (Google Friend Connect) is only available to Blogger.com uses. Therefore RSS is important to capture Wordpress users.

Google analytics

Google Analytics (GA)is a great free tool. Set it up now because you can ignore it or starting using it. When you do want to use GA you'll be glad it was collecting data from the start.

GA is a service offered by Google that generates detailed statistics about the visits to a website... It is the most widely used website statistics service.
The basic service is free of charge and a premium version is available for a fee. GA can track visitors from all referrers, including search engines, display advertising, pay-per-click networks, e-mail marketing and digital collateral such as links within PDF documents. [Source: Wikipedia]

SEO

Get an understanding of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how it works.  SEO is the process of improving the visibility of a website or a web page in a search engine's "natural" or un-paid ("organic" or "algorithmic") search results. [Source: Wikipedia].

There are many companies out there willing to take your cash to assist you with your SEO.  Some of these companies aren't all what they say they are - see Google's Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide - know what SEO is will help you avoid these sharks.

HTML Coding

Learn some basic HTML coding. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the main markup language for displaying web pages and other information that can be displayed in a web browser. One website that I have found very useful is W3Schools.

By know some basic HTML you can easily link pages, insert graphics and tables, change font sizes etc.

CHA Blogging 101 Series: 

Week 1: Why do I need a Blog?
Week 2: How to start
Week 3: Rookie mistakes to avoid
Week 4: Content & Topics
Week 5: Photos can grow your audience
Week 6: Where do I find readers?
Week 7: If you build it, they will come
Week 8: Technical Stuff

About the Contributor: 
Jeanie is a curvy, accessory loving, blogger. Exploring colour and style to suit a plus size. Jeanie encourages you to be you. Jeanie is for positive body confidence, and wishes all women would feel beautifully confident. Jeanie also gets her geek on with blogging, photography, & photoshop.

Visit Jeanie at inspiredwish.com or follow her on Facebook.

{Blogging 101} If you build it, they will come

Source: Uploaded by user via Catie on Pinterest

Over the last 6 weeks we have been guiding you through the process of starting your very own blog, now its time to focus on your blogs growth.

Over time your readership will grow and your blog will evolve.  

Publish Content Frequently

First and formost you need to publish content frequently, you won't be able to grow your readership if you don’t have anything to give them. Work out how often you wish to blog and what your blog is about.  Once you have established the timing and purpose of your  blog then its time to create an editorial calendar and stick to it.

Use Google Analytics

While your blog is evolving you might like to consider creating a Google Analytics account and start tracking you blog.  You might not need this data now, but if you start tracking your stats now you will be able to use this tool to analyse your data later on.  This data can tell you a lot about your readers and can assit you to formulate strategies to retain your readers and attract new ones.

Follow trends

Use trends to grow your blog. People are currently falling for Instagram. Include a widget in your side bar, I suggest snapwidget.com and invite your readers to follow you. You can include blog topic photos plus personal photos, that seems to be acceptable by the bigger bloggers. Sydney based blogger Fat Mum Slim is a big fan of instagram and she shares many tips about using apps to improve your photos.

Commenting

Reward your commenter’s by always replying with a response. Acknowledging your readers is important for your blogs growth. Engage in conversation with your readers, by doing this you will encourage them to return.

Social Sharing

Provide your readers with opportunities to share your blog posts and connect with you on social media (Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, google + etc), this too will encourage growth.   

Suggested Reading
Why you need a Editorial Calendar, Epheriell Designs



CHA Blogging 101 Series: 

Week 1: Why do I need a Blog?
Week 2: How to start
Week 3: Rookie mistakes to avoid
Week 4: Content & Topics
Week 5: Photos can grow your audience
Week 6: Where do I find readers?
Week 7: If you build it, they will come
Week 8: Technical Stuff

Dress to Impress this Spring!

Why buy a store bought dress when you can buy one of these handmade beauties!

Black Dress by Hellpixie Designs

One Sided Dress by Verily

Amelia Dress by Carteisha

Summer Fun Spotty Dress by Annie Georgina

Ahoy hoy Dress by pretty parcel

Sunny Girl Dress - Coral by Sigrid Meleane

Norma Jean Dress by Audrey Lane

Waving Hello Bar

As you know I recently attended the Artful Business Conference.  At this amazing conference I had the pleasure of meeting Jess Van Den and took part in her excellent mailing list workshop.

This workshop has changed the way I now run the Handmade Cooperative and I strongly suggest that if you haven't already done so, you read her ebook "How to Run a Rockin' Mailing List".

One of the cool things I found out about when listening to Jess speak was this cool little widget called a "Hello Bar" (I've been saying like Joey from 'Friends' would say it).

I could write up a pretty post about how to add this bar to your blog or website but I won't as its really easy to do.  I've added this bar to the Handmade Cooperatives' website to attract people to sign up for our newsletter.

Do you have a Hello Bar?  What do you use your one for?

About the Contributor: 

Christine is a Wife and a Mum of 3.  She is the owner of C Percy Designs and the Editor of The Contemporary Handmade Alliance.  She is also the co-editor of the Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids and is a little obsessed with all things crochet. 

To find out more about Christine go to her blog or follow her on Facebook.

{Blogging 101} Where do I find readers?

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Here are some tips to help you find readers:

1. Be sure your blog address can be seen on your Facebook page and any other account you have, like Pinterest.
2. Include your blog address in your email footer.  I suggest you have a look at StampWise as there apps can help.
3. Different people prefer different mediums, such as text, video, photos. Try to include these mediums on your blog (not in the one post) to to cater to all readers.
4. List your blog on Bloglovin.
5. I also recommend you have Networked Blog button, along with a facebook button.
   
6. Use pinnable images in your blog posts. Include a 'pin me' button. Pin those images yourself too
7. Create Pin Boards in Pinterest that relate to your topic. EG Lounge room styling for a creator of pillows. Or latest colour in season accessories. People do click through from pins!
8. Use Instagram, its now available on android so you have no excuses.  Remember to link your profile back to your blog.
9. Always carry business cards with your blog address. I suggest Mini cards from Moo. They are professional looking, small/cute, and work a treat!
   
   During an interstate flight I was browsing a beading magazine. It was a great time to stop and relax. The lady beside me had been napping. When she opened her eyes she saw the beads and excited asked me if I made jewellery. She had something she wanted remade. You really never know where your next customer is coming from. Have those cards handy!

CHA Blogging 101 Series: 

Week 1: Why do I need a Blog?
Week 2: How to start
Week 3: Rookie mistakes to avoid
Week 4: Content & Topics
Week 5: Photos can grow your audience
Week 6: Where do I find readers?
Week 7: If you build it, they will come
Week 8: Technical Stuff

About the Contributor: 
Jeanie is a curvy, accessory loving, blogger. Exploring colour and style to suit a plus size. Jeanie encourages you to be you. Jeanie is for positive body confidence, and wishes all women would feel beautifully confident. Jeanie also gets her geek on with blogging, photography, & photoshop.

Visit Jeanie at inspiredwish.com or follow her on Facebook.

{What blogging really looks like} Maryanne from Handmade Kids

Blogging at Casa del HMK looks like this. Always on the lappy, usually either in the kitchen in between cooking or in the lounge room while the kiddos play. You see blogging is one of those things that you just have to do where you can, when you can or when inspiration strikes. I usually get one sentence punched out before Miss Sunshine (4) takes possie on my lap, followed exactly two seconds later by a jealous Mr Clumsy (21 months) pushing his way in. What would normally take me 10 minutes starts to take me at least 30 in between lots of little fingers having their input. I love blogs, I love blogging and most of all I love being able to do it all around my kiddos

Maryanne is self confessed handmade addict, mummy, blogger and want-to-be crafty lady.  She is the Editor of Handmadekids.com.au 

{Blogging 101} Photos can grow your audience

Source: google.com.au via Jess on Pinterest

Imagery is key! BIG TIME !!

Take you own photos

I believe it is best to take your own photos, not stock photos you bought, they can look cheesy and by taking your own photos you can stamp your blog with your style. There are a number of free online editing programs such as iPiccy, Pixlr and picmonkey.  Instagram is also a cool tool to use.  These programs can turn an average photo into something blog worthy. 

Size Matters

I have noticed my favourite bloggers have large images, usually 500px by 700 px wide. It has been suggested that images should be no bigger than 600 px.  If you want your photo to be larger so your viewers can see more detail, simply make the clickable to larger sizes.

It is also a good thing to keep all images the same width. Preferably the size of the column. Don't be afraid of big images, fill those columns. Also keep the side bar images the same width if possible. This will give your blog a balanced look which is more appealing to they eye. 

Using other people's images

If you do decide to use images that are not your own you need to attribute the image.  Bobbi Newman of 'Librarian by Day' suggests that  you:

1. Keep intact any copyright notices for the Work
2. Credit the author, licensor and/or other parties (such as a wiki or journal) in the manner they specify;
3. Include the title of the Work
4. The URL for the work if applicable
5. If you are making a derivative word or adaptation, in addition to the above, you need to identify that your work is a derivative work i.e., “This is a Finnish translation of the [original work] by [author].” or “Screenplay based on [original work] by [author].”
6. Let the author know. Leave a comment on the image, send them an email, a Flickrmail whatever.  Flickr doesn’t provide trackbacks, if you don’t tell them you used it they may never know.  People like to know when others are using their works or citing them.  Plus, it’s just nice.

You can find images in a number of places, Pinterest being one of them.  Christine (Editor of the CHA) likes to use Free Digital Photos.  Handmadeology has created a list of the 5 best places to find free images for your blog, this is a great list and its worth checking it out.

Copyright marks - Yes or No?

The debate about placing copyright marks has been around for quite a while now.  Some people  suggest that copyright marks should be left off images, as it interferes with the story telling. Some say that it's great branding. Make up your own mind.

If you are placing copyright marks make sure you are consistent. The image below has copyright marks (right bottom corner).  Personally I copyright mark the majority of my photos.

Using alt attribute

When saving your photos you should saved them as with a useful name.  For example '1 Plus size Aussie Curves Red Wearing Sara Tunic Virtu skirt Jeanie Inspired Wish'.

Source: Inspired Wish "Aussie Curves - Red"

You can view the html code for your posts and include 'alt' code reference for each photo. The 'alt' attribute specifies an alternate text for an image, if the image cannot be displayed.  It also provides alternative information for an image if a user for some reason cannot view it, because of slow connection, an error in the src attribute, or if the user uses a screen reader (Source: www.w3schools.com).   By inserting this code it tells Google what the image is. This is how your images come up in google searches.

Please note that Google says don't over pack key words in, apparently then can tell when it's over done and consider you a spammer.



CHA Blogging 101 Series: 

Week 1: Why do I need a Blog?
Week 2: How to start
Week 3: Rookie mistakes to avoid
Week 4: Content & Topics
Week 5: Photos can grow your audience
Week 6: Where do I find readers?
Week 7: If you build it, they will come
Week 8: Technical Stuff




About the Contributor: 
Jeanie is a curvy, accessory loving, blogger. Exploring colour and style to suit a plus size. Jeanie encourages you to be you. Jeanie is for positive body confidence, and wishes all women would feel beautifully confident. Jeanie also gets her geek on with blogging, photography, & photoshop.

Visit Jeanie at inspiredwish.com or follow her on Facebook.