Marketing

At last I have managed to put some of my wedding collection up on my website. http://www.bohochicjewellery.co.uk/. Now it is just a matter of letting everyone know that I'm here and they can buy wedding accessories and gifts from me. Where do I start ? The list of options is endless

• Listing Websites


• Advertising in magazines/papers


• Craft fairs


• Wedding fairs


• Mailing lists


• Search engine optimisation and Ad words


• Leaflet distribution


• Word of mouth


• Contacting people already in the business - wedding planner, bridal shops, Wedding dress makers.

So I suppose the real question is how much do I want to spend. My first view was as little as possible but if I want this venture to work then I have to put something into marketing and getting the word out there that I exist !!

I've done the things that I can do 'free'. There are a few craft and wedding websites that have free listings that I have found so have added my name to the list and I have e-mailed local shops and suppliers to tell them I exist. I intend to also give them a call later in the week and see if I can visit them.

I attended a local wedding fair the other week. It was quite a large fair with lots of stalls and two fashion shows. There were also a lot of people there, it felt a bit like a cattle market and you had to go with the crowd. I felt a bit overwhelmed by everything so have decided to attend a few smaller venues where I hope it is easier to get to chat to the brides. I have also gone for the 'leaflet distribution' option at some fairs where they distribute your leaflets in their 'goodie' bags and you get a contact list of attendees. To encourage people to visit my website I have a competition going on until 30th April to win £300 of jewellery and hair accessories.

I'm excited and scared at the same time. I'll let you know how I get on.