| Textile designer makers get web-savvy
This month we have been looking at various options for setting up websites with an e-commerce facility, without going to the expense of a professional web designer. Below you will read three different stories from designer makers who have each gone about this in a different way.
The Retail Website – Sue Allan (Sew Sister)
www.notonthehighstreet.com/sewsister
Sue Allan is a textile artist who produces fabulous handmade dolls, as well as buttons, bags, cushions and other accessories. Sue sells her products through online retail store Notonthehighstreet.com, which was set up in April 2006 to help small businesses sell their products online. Each company has its own homepage and a dedicated space for up to 30 products. Here is Sue’s account of her experiences so far:
How easy was your website to set up?
It was all set up and in place as a site, but once I registered I needed to upload all of my information and images. After I had read all of the info they provided and done a couple it was pretty easy but I'd say that you need to be comfortable using many aspects of your PC!
Has it increased your sales?
Yes it has increased my sales but I think I could do more now that I am in a position to spend the time required to increase my sales even further, and I intend to do it!
Do you consider the website to be cost effective?
It is only just becoming cost-effective now because I had to pay a one-off joining fee and an annual subscription fee, but it is working out now.
How long have you been selling online?
I have been selling online since January this year.
Do you find it easy to attract visitors to your site?
The subscription fee pays for the work of many other people to ensure the smooth running of the site and the marketing team are excellent and ensure that the site as a whole has a good deal of publicity. I was in EVE magazine last month and will be in Good Housekeeping in November.
The Startershop – Alison Daykin (Pure Tinctoria)
www.pure-tinctoria.designsales.co.uk
Alison Daykin is a textile artist who produces bespoke handwoven fabrics, specialising in wall panels, cushions, throws and rugs. She also runs Pure Tinctoria, a company selling natural dyes online through her Startershop. A Startershop is a fully functioning online store that can either stand alone or be added to your current website to provide an e-commerce facility, all for just £199. Below is Alison’s account of her experience of Startershop:
How easy was your website to set up?
It was very easy, I just had to download all the products to the site.
Has it increased your sales?
Yes
Do you consider the website to be cost effective?
It is very cost effective. I paid £199 initially and now I pay £10 per month admin costs. For that you can have as many pages as you like. I have about 6 pages altogether, so it’s just like having your own fully functioning website. I am also considering getting another Startershop for my other website, Alison Yule Textiles.
How long have you been selling online?
Since October 2006.
Do you find it easy to attract visitors to your site?
No, it's a problem with all sites to hit on the right words and phrases that Google and the other search engines find. I have linked to a number other sites that I hope will help with this.
The Self-designed Website – Barbara Meynell (Scenic Silks)
www.scenicsilks.co.uk
Barbara Meynell is a batik artist who also creates hand-painted designs onto silk scarves and ties. She created her own website about five years ago. Below are Barbara’s experiences of setting up a website alone:
How easy was your website to set up?
I had help from a friend at the beginning, about six years ago, and then with each new version of my site I learnt more about code and design. It has been a lot of hard work but I have enjoyed the challenge.
Has it increased your sales?
Yes, I have had mostly commission work and it has come from Europe and the US as well as all over Britain.
Do you consider the website to be cost effective?
The cost has been in time and effort which I could have spent in making, but I pay only £20 a year to my provider plus a small amount to a counter company. I publish directly from my front page editor to the server so changes can be made very quickly.
How long have you been selling online?
I set up a PayPal facility about four years ago and now this method is well known, customers are happy to use it.
Do you find it easy to attract visitors to your site?
I’m on page two of Google for hand painted scarves but I would like to be on the first so I’m working on it. I have a links page so many hits are from artists and organisations such as the Batik Guild. When I approach people about my work it’s good to be able to direct them to my website. I’m confident that the images are good and the site acts as a showcase for my work.
Notonthehighstreet.com carefully chooses each small business for its innovative, well-made products to inspire shoppers looking for style, originality and quality, but who never seem to be able to find it on the high street. If you would like to be considered by Notonthehighstreet.com, please visit www.notonthehighstreet.com/join and fill in the contact form.
Or if you would like more information about setting up your own Startershop then please click here.
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