Dear Laura:
It's so great to hear of someone who has found their calling. You are sure
to be a success if you keep this attitude and outlook. Here are a few
suggestions for marketing and pricing your jewelry:
Try to get hooked into the local artist's community in your area. You'll
meet people who can give you ideas for where to display your jewelry. Consider
giving a few of your best pieces to other artists and notable local celebs.
They will become walking advertisements for you.
Before you do this, though, you need to have one regular place where
everyone can find you. Try to find a shop that will commit to showing your
wares. You might offer them a deep discount as an incentive. If you'd like to
go global, get an e-commerce web site and include photos of your jewelry. Put
your URL on your jewelry cards so people know where they can find more. Put a
brief bio of yourself on each card with perhaps a statement of what art means
to you.
Consider asking a local museum or coffee house to let you have a
"showing" of your work. Be sure to send a press release in advance
letting the local media know about your showing. With all of your jewelry,
have nice cards printed up with your name, "Laura's Designs," or
whatever you decide to call your business.
As to pricing, pricing art is very subjective. It's worth what you say it's
worth. If your jewelry is especially nice (as it sounds like it is), price it
accordingly. This shouldn't deter your market. People are willing to pay more
for something that's a cut above.
Best of luck, Laura. It sounds like you've got a winning business on your
hands. (I can almost hear your future customers now: "My necklace? Oh,
thank you … it's a Laura Jenkins original."
About the PowerHomeBiz.com Guide:
Yvonne
Buchanan is a 20-year veteran of public relations, marketing and
advertising. She teaches public relations courses online for career changers,
freelancers and students through The PR Academy www.learnpr.com
