New updates are being released with the next day. Included in the update is modification to one payment method, addition of a file, and removal of an obsolete function. Please contact us at support@gracefulhosting.com with any errors or issues.
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UPDATE!!!! All updates have been released.
Craft shows, wholesale markets, and other vendor style venues are becoming a big thing in today’s dwindling economy. Small (and large) business owners are using these venues to reach markets they normally would not. We decided we would offer up a few tips and hints to assist you in achieving success at these challenging venues.
1. Do Your Research Never choose to participate in a show you’ve never attended before as a buyer. Attending a show will allow you to scope out the competition, find the best booth locations, get a feel for the crowd, noticed the positives and negatives, and more. You might even get a few ideas on ways to display your items. Also, note pricing strategies, marketing materials, utilities, etc. You want to make sure you won’t be over or under priced. You also want to make sure you have the right signage. Those utilities are going to be important….you can’t plug in that credit card machine with no power.
2. Do the Math Make sure you can afford the show and, even more important, that you will gain something from participating in this show. Some shows can cost you as much as $500 to participate in. On top of that you have traveling expenses, advertising, equipment, merchandise, and so much more. When you Do Your Research ask vendors how well they do. Most vendors will have no issues telling you how the turn out is if you explain why you are asking. Figure up your “break even” point and keep it in mind while you are at the show. You want to at least break even. Even though you are gaining exposure you don’t want that exposure to cost too much.
3. Start Small Choose smaller shows with which to begin. This will allow you to “get your feet wet.” It will also help build your client base.
4. The Price is Right Shows vary in attendance and price ranges. For example, you wouldn’t take a $10,000 painting to sell at the local craft show where the average item is priced at $10. Make sure you price your items for the show. If you have to shave three dollars off of your price to be competitive, do so (if you can afford to.)
5. Take a Friend (or two) Shows are a lot of work! You have to unpack and setup. This can wear you out on its on. Then, you have hours worth of customer service to provide. Answering questions, ringing people up, packaging, restocking…. On top of that, what if you have to go to the restroom? to grab a bite to eat? Friends are going to be a great help. Make sure you choose carefully. You want someone who will represent you and your business well. Make sure they are reliable. Drill your product knowledge and sales technique into their head.
6. Look Busy and Professional Always appear attentive and busy. Forget books or portable media or things of that sort. If possible, take a few raw materials and work on some of your items. If that’s not possible, stay on your feet and offer your customers assistance. Smile and greet all customers. Look nice, wear comfortable shoes. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before. Keep your breath fresh!
7. Build a Marketing Database Offer people the chance to add their email address or mailing address to your list. Even better, offer a drawing for a gift basket or a gift certificate. This is a good way to obtain mailing and email addresses.
8. Its All About the Looks Yep, that booth has got to look nice. You need to look professional but unique. Set yourself from others somehow. Dress nice. Make sure you have plenty of merchandise for you customers to see, touch, interact with.
9. Bring the Right Stuff This is the most important part. Remembering to bring everything you need. Below is a brief list of the things you might want to bring along.
10. Things to Leave Behind There are things you should never bring to shows. Here they are.
11. Count your PROFIT Count your money and make sure you made a profit. If not, reconsider doing this show next year.
Hopefully these hints and tips will help you out. This list is by no means complete. Feel free to make additions in the comments area!
Several months ago we published an article regarding low cost marketing tips and strategies. Over the past few months things have changed alot and new venues for advertising have opened themselves up. We decided we would like to add a few of those venues to our list.
12. Facebook- I know, I know. Facebook is for kids, right? Not in these days and times. Adults around the world are using Facebook to keep up with old friends, family, and life in general. Why shouldn’t they use it to keep up with their favorite small business? Thing is, they are. People are becoming “fans” of business facebookers everyday. Not only can you use the business profile to announce sales to your current clients, you can make new acquaintances. Its free to setup! Feel free to checkout our page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Forest-MS/GracefulHosting/70715118095?ref=GracefulCart.com
13. Twitter- I just recently setup my twitter ( @gracefulhosting .) I can’t say that I’ve seen an increase in traffic but I’ve only been tweeting every few days and my profile hasn’t been setup but a few weeks. People who are hardcore twitterers are seeing tons of traffic coming from their profiles. Twitter is another way you can market to you current clients as well as meet new people.
14. Link Directories- Honestly, link directories really won’t gain you much direct traffic. Not many people decide, “Hey! I’m going to find a link directory to shop from.” Most decide to shop around at businesses they already use or ones they find using a search engine. Here is where directories help. Link directories help improve your search engine rankings so people are more likely to stumble upon your site. Now, I don’t suggest going out and dropping $30-40 to list your site in one directory but a nominal fee of up to $5 is very reasonable. One thing to keep in mind when listing your site in a directory is the directories rank in search engines….stray away from lower ranked directories.
Maybe these few new tips will boost your business during this difficult time.
After much ado, we have finally finished our new cPanel design. The layout is the same as what you are used to, the colors and images are just different.
We also made a few updates to our twitter profile. Feel free to check it out by visiting www.twitter.com/gracefulhosting
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In the hosting industry today there are many control panel systems available. They’ve pretty much become the standard but there are those web hosts that just don’t offer them. If you are with a web host who doesn’t offer a control panel system or won’t give you access to yours then you should take your business else where. Here is why:
1. Control! What is a control panel for? It is there so that you can CONTROL your website and features! If you don’t have a control panel how do you add email address? Email the hosting company and wait for them to add one for you? I think not! Exceeded your own email storage limits and need to give yourself more space in hurry so you don’t miss out on emails? You can give up on that one if you don’t have control panel software. Your going to have to wait for your hosting company to do it for you. Having a control panel allows you to configure what you need to when you need to.
2. Web Stats! If your with a hosting company that doesn’t offer a control panel then you are probably using a third party stats system that requires a backlink, etc. If you have control panel access you more than likely have the opportunity to choose from upwards of three web stats programs that require NO back link. These system are way more powerful and offer tons of different views that you won’t get from a third party system.
3. File Access! The standard in control panel software these days includes a built in file manager. This is great for on the go uploads. Need to add a few pictures or a couple files? No need to pull out the FTP software. Just log into your control panel and upload them right from your browser.
4. Speaking of FTP, what if you forget your password? You can just log in to your control panel and reset it…if you have control panel access. If not, your probably going to have to wait for your web host to do this…
5. Features! Many of the control panel systems out there offer a script installer which allows you to easily install things such as forums, blogs, calendars, and more. No control panel? Ask the host… and you’re probably going to have to pay for them to do it.
6. Security! Most control panels systems includes features such as password protecting directories. Great for those who want to upload files for family or friends only. Just give them the password. Noticed a suspicious IP address. One click IP banning will keep them from doing harm. No control panel? Email your web host…
7.Knowledge! You want to keep up with your bandwidth and storage space, right? With no control panel what are you to do? Email the web host?
WE are GLAD to offer one of the best control panel systems in the industry, cPanel. cPanel includes all of the features listed above and many that aren’t. Don’t get us wrong, you can email or call ANYTIME with one of the above requests but we want you to be able to do this when you want without having to ask anyone. We like foryou to have control.
So, if you are with a web host who doesn’t offer you a control panel system, we suggest you switch to a web host that does. You probably won’t pay anymore that what you are paying now. Have questions? Just email us…Support@gracefulhosting.com . We would be glad to assist you, even if you don’t use our services!
Thanks,
Adam Grace
GracefulHosting