Sterling Swirls and the Blog Give Away

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Sterling Swirls and the Blog Give Away

by Lynda Carson
(Spring Valley, CA)

These earrings are part of Lynda's blog give-away

This is a simple earring design, made from sterling wire and blue fresh water pearls. The ear wires are also hand made. I do not sell online, but do have a blog site to record my jewelry making journey for myself and others who express an interest.

Thinking it would be a bit of fun to have a Blog Give-away, this is one of two pair of earrings in the give-away.

I'm interested in seeing how this goes. It is one way to get more visitors to the blog site, as well. Hmmm... you are welcome to give it a try, too.

Do any of you have experiences, positive or negative, to share??

Lynda Carson
Fresh Baked Designs

Comments for
Sterling Swirls and the Blog Give Away

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What Not To Do For a Blog Giveaway
by: Anonymous

You've made a lovely pair of earrings you are offering. I have participated in several Blog Giveaways, and I always try to leave a good comment and not just, "I hope I win!". I'm glad to see that you aren't doing any of the things that I find objectionable about the way some giveaways are done. One thing I'm not fond of is when they require you to follow their blog or friend them on facebook or whatever. I don't have a blog, so I also do not enter when they require you to post their give away on your blog. However, I understand they are trying to build up followers. I think when they have an end date for the give away, unless circumstances prevent, they should be prompt about having the drawing and then posting the winner when they say they will. I have entered contests where I have never even seen who won - or if they even had the drawing. That doesn't look good to the people who are following the blog, and it would certainly make me question their reliability or how important their followers are to them. Good luck with your giveaway.

I would like to add...
by: Anonymous

I have had several giveaways on my Facebook fan page, and I normally do NOT announce it ahead of time. When I have, I get a flurry of new followers that I doubt were ever really interested in my jewelry, but were just looking for a freebie. I would rather reward the people that appreciate my work, and comment on it on a regular basis.
What really irks me though, is when I send something out, I would appreciate a comment on my page, to let people know that I did indeed follow through. That's happened a couple of times, and I haven't done a giveaway since.

Giveaways are not a good idea
by: Carolyn Dargevics

When I started my first business, I made and sold holistic bath and body products. I had an e-newsletter that I published and would offer money off on orders, which didn't work. Then I offered a contest, similar to your giveaway. I found that people just wanted the free item. They weren't interested in clicking on to my website or in signing up or sharing my newsletter or website with friends. Now that it's been 7 years and I've evolved into making jewelry, in listening to customers at art fairs, I'm finding that discounts, coupons, buy-one-get-one, etc. offers are perceived by customers as junk. Your earrings are beautiful! I wouldn't cheapen my line or myself by offering them as a giveaway. I honestly don't think you're going to get the target market you're hoping for. And those who don't enter the contest may perceive your line as not worth their time. They ask themselves, why would anyone give away anything so beautiful?

Comments appreciated
by: Lynda

Thank you both for sharing your experiences and advice about conducting give aways. Being a first time for me, I appreciate what you have offered. My main goal is to keep it simple and maybe provide a bit of fun for the very supportive, generous on line community of jewelry makers out there. The advice and encouragement received has meant a great deal to me, as both a jewelry maker and business owner.

I was thinking
by: Ana

Funny, I was thinking about doing a giveaway. Now I'll re-think it. Thank you for your words.

Great topic !
by: Tina - CreatedWithFire Studios

I agree with Ana, great feedback from everyone, once I get my blog up and running, I hope people will stop in to enjoy the different types of post I have planned !

Great topic !

Reply
by: Anonymous

First off, thanks for this post! I have run two Fridays in a row a "Freebie Friday", which I would have them fill out a survey to get the free earrings. I had 3 people participate the first week and 0 this Friday. @Carolyn- your insight is making me re-think it! Thanks for your comment!

Value and Referrals
by: Cindi - WoodStone Jewelry

I agree with the note about "devaluing" your jewelry. But am always looking for ways to generate new interest especially today with everyone using social networks.
I have used a buy-1-get-1 approach to my earrings at some craft shows and it has boosted sales. I tried a raffle with $1 tickets to win a single item but found that I would break even at best.
Your eye for style is very nice and I would recommend a referral program for people who already are fans/customers. Maybe they get a pair of earrings for bringing a customer your way. Just a thought.
Thanks, Cindi

Blog Comments
by: Terri Jacoby

Instead of using a blog for feedback on a certain piece, I place the pec on Facebook, and ask for the comments, My friends are very helpful, and I don,t feel like they would lie to me. This helps alot

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