{Blogging 101} How to start

Source: happythings.tumblr.com via Esther on Pinterest

The best blogging advice I received in the beginning was: Just start!

It’s was true. I started. Later tweaked, amended, changed direction, regrouped. ‘Just start’ was good advice. It didn’t have to be perfect. By not starting, I was missing out on capture readers, potential customers. Missing out on fine tuning my blog writing.

To start you’ll need:

A blog name – make it something easy to find. Make it relevant to your brand name. Make it searchable. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same as your store/brand name. Complimentary is okay. As an example a person who sews might have a blog called, Bobbins and beyond.

I stuffed up on this one. The name 'Inspired Wish' does not tell you what my blog is about. It’s too vague. It’s wishy washy at best. I started out as a handmade jewellery maker. I don’t create jewellery to sell anymore. At least my blog name still suits my current focus. However, if someone searches for 'curvy fashion' they won't find me.

Take the time to ponder and consider your blog name.

A blogging platform – pick one that appeals to you.

Blogger is my personal favourite because it’s easy to use. I tested out wordpress and blogger and blogger just felt easier for me to use.

Others are Typepad, Tumblr, Weebly. Note there are two types of wordpress. There is Wordpress.com which is free. WordPress.org requires some technical know how and a hosting fee. Google blogging platform to find your preferred one.

Make sure the platform you choose can do all the things you want it to. If you want to add a shopping cart to your blog, do your research to work out which allow for that.

Existing Content – this goes beyond adding an ‘About Me’ page. I’ve seen many struggle with this concept. Please believe me this IS important. Once your blog is set up, the first post written, you’re excited. You’re busting to share it with people. Please, for the love of kittens, resist that urge. Hear me out.

Chances are people will visit. They’ll say nice things about your blog. However, most won’t hang around. IE won’t sign up to follow your blog. Why? Because there wasn’t enough to tell them what to expect if they did.

Solution; write 5 to 10 blog posts BEFORE sharing your blog. This way people know what they’re signing on for.

There you have it. Just start.

Start with:
1) A blog name
2) A place to blog
3) Write a few blog posts



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




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.

Winner :: Your Favourite Blog

The winner of our 'Your Favourite Blog giveaway' is Rebecca at Mellebug.

"I love Danamadeit, great tutorials and know hows."

Rebecca your free copy of the latest issue of *bespoke* will be sent to you early next week (when I get your address).

Click here to purchase your own copy of this great magazine

Thank you everyone who took part in this giveaway, its been fantastic finding out about all these great blogs.

Christine

My Favourite Blog:: yes, dear

I love Yes Dear...I was first drawn to the blog by a friends personal recommendation of this lovely lady she knew who liked to blog and the amusement of seeing my fathers favourite phrase to use to my mother ;) as a blog title! 

But then Ang's raw, open, witty, eloquent way of writing what so many of us mothers, women and parents, working or stay at home feel on a daily basis through her own eyes and experiences...she makes me cry,sigh,smile, snort and laugh so hard I have to cross my legs! 

Whilst reading her posts I get angry, bereft, emotional, feel empowered and joyous through reading her daily posts but more often then not I say to myself thank GOD its not just me or us ;) ...and whats the cherry on the cake for me os she is the most amazing supporter of handmade here in Australasia :) she manages to engage both up and comingn ad established handmade designers local to her in Tasmania but also across the continent in her giveaways and she has has engaged so many of us folk with her daily chats :) 

www.isaidyesdear.blogspot.com.au 

Georgie from Monkeys Over the Moon

We received this comment at the base of our Your Favourite Blog post. It was so wonderful that we had to share it.

{Blogging 101} Why do I need a Blog?

You’ve heard that blogging is good for business. That voice inside your head begs to differ.

Do these sound familiar?

1)  It’s extra time away from creating.
2)  My life is already busy enough.
3)  Every man and his dog has a blog.
4)  I'm not that sure I have that much to say.

We're here to explain in simple terms why having a blog is important?

You need a blog for the BENEFITS:

HUMANIZE your brand. People love storytelling and being able to relate to others.

People prefer to buy from those they know and TRUST. If people already know your face, then simply keep the relationship alive.

VISIBILITY. A blog is a place for people to connect with your voice & images.

Powerful tool for real time DISCUSSION with your community.

BE FOUND. Appear in search engine ranking.

A blog is a LOW COST marketing device.

SIMPLICITY. Setting up a blog is much easier than setting up a web page.

Gain EXPERT STATUS. Chances are you know your stuff. Sharing some know-how or tips, people will realise what a gem you are.

PROFESSIONALISM. Handing out business cards and saying “I don’t have a web site yet” sounds lame. I've heard this too many times. Today there is no excuse not to have an online presence. It is social proof that you ‘get’ social media.

BOOST TRAFFIC. Fresh content may inspire people to visit your store.

Blogs are great example of CONTENT MANAGEMENT Systems.  You'll have the ability to appeal to all readers preferences; text, video, audio, pdf, etc.

RESEARCH. Blogging allows you to work out what is popular with your readers. You can conduct polls to get to know your audience and their preferences. Test ideas with your community.

You can respond to negative press and MANAGE your reputatoin. I’m reminded of, 'be so awesome that people will never believe a bad word about you’. If there is a crisis to manage, you can put the fires out on your blog.

POINT OF DIFFERENCE. Chance to show what makes you so special and different.

You can blog about common customer questions with a Q & A section or various blog posts.

Be a NETWORKER. Opportunity to bond with other bloggers, attend blogging conferences. Blog connections can lead to suppliers or partnerships.

SELF EXPRESSION and fulfilment. Blogging is a fun way to explore what you do, and why you do it.  

MEDIA / PR attention. A tweet or facebook status probably won’t attract the attention of reporters. A tweet with a great blog post attached has a better chance.


How do the benefits stack up? 

If all of a sudden you find yourself curious about blogging, stay tuned for our Blogging 101 series. We'll answer some of the common blogging questions, and help you avoid rookie mistakes.


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




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 does blogging look like?

This is what blogging looks like at my place.

Our cat Liam, a very affectionate Red Burmese, thinks he's a parrot at times and the rest of the time he just wants to sit on my hands, the keyboard or on my lap.  As a full time Mum and a part-time blogger/small business owner I usually blog around family activities, this is Miss H who decided she was bored with her fairies and she wanted her photo taken too!

Christine

Your favourite blog!

We would really like to know which blog you would call your all time favourite and why.

Seriously, we would really like to know and to entice you to tell us we will be giving away a copy of the latest issue of *bespoke* (Issue #7)!

*bespoke* Issue 7 is packed with inspiration for the crafty and creative.  This issue is great for CHA readers as it is devoted to creatives who want to make some money from selling their craft.

So tell us what is your favourite blog is and why by leaving a comment below.  The winner will be randomly select from the comments below.  

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Details:
1. Giveaway ends 9th August 2012.
2. The winner will be randomly select from the comments below.
3. Winner will be announced on Friday 10th August at 6pm.
4. Multiple entries can be made if you can't decide on just one.
5. Pay it forward, let the world know which blog is your fav through your social media networks.  Remember to link it back to the CHA so I can see who agrees with you. (#ContempHandmade)

PayPal Chargebacks

Personally I haven't had any issues with fraudulent buyers nor have I had any major postage wows, sure I've had the odd parcel get delayed in the Australia Post system, but then again who hasn't! {touch wood}

Source: e-commercefacts.com 

via Christine Percy on Pinterest

I have heard many horror stories about Fraudsters using chargebacks to commit credit card fraud.  They do this by completing a legitimate transaction using PayPal, they receive the goods and then they dishonestly request a chargeback from their credit card company by either:

1. Claiming that someone has illegally used their credit card; or 
2. That the item was not received or that the item was does not meet their expectations or arrives damaged.

To learn more about this I've spent today reading through PayPal's Business section and other online resources.   Its been an enlightening experience and I have shared my findings below:

Safeguarding your business

If you are using PayPal to sell your handmade items I strongly suggest that you review their Business section and if you want to safeguard your business from these evil doers, take on board the following tips:

• In your product descriptions describe your item in as much detail as possible and as accurately as possible. Include pictures, measurements (if applicable), and other relevant specifics.
• Make every effort to know your customer including their feedback from other ecommerce sites.  If your gut says 'don't deal with this person' after looking at their feedback, then walk away.
• Respond promptly to any customer service requests and get answers to any question you may have by emailing the buyer directly or via your third party selling platform aka Etsy, Madeit, hand-made etc. Keep copies of this correspondence.
• Keep as much information as you can about the transaction and your customer, including email correspondence.
• Be aware of unusual requests such as rush shipments at any cost, partial payments from multiple PayPal accounts and Payments not received in full.
• Be extra cautious with high-priced items - it is fairly common for shipping addresses to differ from billing addresses. However, be extra cautious when sending high-priced items, especially if payment is received from one country and sent to another.  From my research this is a very common way for Fraudsters to commit their crimes.
• Publish your return policy in your listings or on your website. Also include your return policy in email correspondence with your customers. Please note that certain laws and credit card issuer policies provide that buyers may have chargeback rights for merchandise that is not delivered or is defective, even if your policy indicates that all sales are final and that you do not allow returns.
• Keep your buyer up-to-date with the delivery of their item - make it clear to the buyer what the estimated delivery time is (its always best to overstate delivery times) and if for some reason you are unable to send the item in time, then tell the buyer. Honesty is the best policy.
  A buyer is less likely to report a dispute if you have been clear about expectations and have been upfront with the buyer.
• Always send orders to the buyer's address listed on the Transaction Details Page and retain proof of postage.  This can be difficult when you are using Australia Posts regular  delivery service, simply providing a receipt from Australia Post may not be enough as it does not state the delivery address of the buyer.
• Ideally only send to 'confirmed' PayPal postal addresses. According to PayPal a confirmed address is an address that has been verified by PayPal, that is the buyer’s credit card billing and postal addresses are the same or in some cases, when PayPal has examined the buyer’s PayPal account history.
  Confirmed address help to guard against stolen credit cards, Prevent identity theft and decrease the chances of receiving a chargeback.
• Track your packages and provide the buyer with this tracking number.  If there is a dispute with the delivery of your order you will need to provide PayPal with proof that the item as sent and received.
• It is also a good idea to send items via registered post and that you keep the proof of delivery notification and that you insure your packages so that you are protected in the event that the item has been lost or the user claims that is was never delivered.

PayPal's Confirmed addresses

As stated above confirmed addresses are ones that have passed PayPal's confirmation process.  PayPal admits that most unconfirmed addresses are not fraudulent, and sellers don’t usually experience problems with them. To check that they are 'confirmed' simply check the transaction details page by:

1. Log into your Paypal account
2. Click "Details" next to the payment received in the section labeled "My recent activity." This is on the default "My Account" tab.
3. Find the shipping address on the details page, and look for "Confirmed" or "Unconfirmed" for the address' status.

Or simply review the email confirmation you received.  It will state in green if the seller is confirmed or unconfirmed.  Its always a good idea to make your buyer aware that their address is not confirmed and direct them to log into their PayPal account and go through the simple process of confirming their address.

Sending to Unconfirmed addresses

If you decide to send items to an unconfirmed address PayPal recommends that you are alert and minimise risk by following their Security Tips for Sellers.

Also make sure that the value of your item is no more than you are willing to lose and its always best to track these orders and obtain a signature confirmation.

Further Reading

I hope you found this to be informative.  I've listed below some further reading on this matter inclulding the CHA's post on Shop Policies. 

Missing Pieces: Shop Policies
PayPal Australia Business Pages
PayPal Problems Australia: Information, Resources and Contact Information

About the Contributor: 

Christine is a Wife and a Mum of 3.  She is the owner of C Percy Designs, the co-editor of the Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids and is a little obsessed with all things crochet and not Pinterest.

To find out more about Christine go to her blog - cpercydesigns.blogspot.com or follow her on Facebook.

Collaborate 4 a Cause: 27-29th July

A few months back we had the honour to have Collaborate 4 a Cause as our Blog Sponsor.  Back in ? C4C was calling for handmade businesses to gather together to make something unique for the C4C annual Auction.  

Well the collaborations have been done and some truly amazing items have been created in the name of charity.  Here are just a few examples of the wonderful creations up for auction.

NB: If you would like to bid on an item you see simply click on the photo.

Collaboration between tillytom & Two Little Monkeys 
with all money raised being donated to Diabetes Australia.

Collaboration between C Percy Designs & Little Toot Creations
with all money raised being donated to Noah's Shoalhaven http://www.noahsshoalhaven.org.au/.

Collaboration between Little Sew & Sews, My Obsession & Puppy Dogs Tails
with all money raised being donated to Heart Kids Qld http://www.heartkidsqld.org.au/

Collaboration between AnK Bowtique & Georgie Girl 
with all money raised being donated to ICPA QLD INC - Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association Queensland Inc.

Collaboration between Sugar Plum Tree, missy melly, appleberry kids, Little Lee, Creative Butterfly Designs , Elocin Designs - Nicole Pomeroy
with all money raised being donated to Make A Wish Foundation
(http://www.facebook.com/MakeAWishAust or http://www.makeawish.org.au/).

Collaboration between Tea for Evie, Verri Charmed & Or Elsie
with all money raised being donated to The The Benevolent Society
http://www.bensoc.org.au/.

Collaboration between A Lillie Bug , giggleberry creations, Boondie Baby and Puddin's Retreat
with all money raised being donated to Epilepsy Action Australia

Collaboration between tillytom & Two Little Monkeys
with all money raised being donated to Diabetes Australia.

This is the second year that Collaborate 4 a Cause has been run.  It was a very successful inaugural event in 2011 which saw over $18,000 raised for many different charities across Australia.  In 2012 C4C has had over 380 creatives involved come together with more than 200 auction lots being donated.

All the donated items are Australian handmade, and are made to match/built around a theme.  C4C encourages participants to meet new friends, share ideas, help each other and collaborate - whilst supporting many different and deserving charities.


You can find the Facebook event listing here: https://www.facebook.com/events/440945855950565/


This auction start tonight (Friday 27th July) at 8pm EST and ends this Sunday at 8pm EST.

{Promotion} Introducing NOOKROAD

NOOKROAD, a Sydney based start up, is building an online community for creative people to share the stories behind the products they make, enhancing the sale of handmade, homegrown, vintage and designer goods.


The site gives users the opportunity to earn a living doing what they love. With no listing fee and only a 5% commission on sales, NOOKROAD is committed to seeing creative people turn their talent into turnover. Contemporary Handmade readers have a unique opportunity to be among the pioneering members of this creative community — commission free sales are available through NOOKROAD's crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.

NOOKROAD allows users to display their Portfolio; demonstrate a Work in Progress; or present a Product Story that explains their creative process in a marketplace setting. "Everybody makes something," explains co-founder Keren Moran. "We wanted to provide a platform where users could do all these things in one place no matter what level they are at."

The site aims to promote transparency in production and to encourage thoughtful consumption. "We care about the inspiration behind products," says co-founder Matthew Williams. "We care about quality craftsmanship, where materials come from, and about the ethical considerations that have gone into the production process."

Users of the site can display their ethical commitments in their store or studio if they wish, and buyers can refine their search by ethical cause. NOOKROAD also gives 5% of profits to a charity chosen by its online community.

For more information:

Indiegogo Campaign
NOOKROAD
Facebook 

Note: This is a promotional post.  The Contemporary Handmade Alliance has no affiliations with this business and has provided this information as a community service announcement  for the greater Australian handmade community.