I’m a sucker for paper products. Stationery, greeting cards, personalized notebooks. You got it? I’ve probably stalked it on your site, liked it, pinned it, shared it, followed it. And every once in a while, little unique gems pop up on my radar. Most recently, I found Oh Geez! Design, a quirky, fresh shop that specializes in greeting cards and recently expanded to sell pinback buttons, tote bags and magnets. Jammed with personality, I had to reach out to the owner, Becky Tomac, to get her inside scoop on the biz, especially the social media strategy!
What started as a freelance venture for a few friends that grew by word of mouth and referrals has sprouted into a small business on Etsy and now provides wholesale to local and national stores. The continued growth and success is supported in part by Becky’s marketing efforts, which of course include online marketing – more specifically, the use of Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.
So, let’s get into it – what is Becky’s strategy for success?
We all have fallen victim to this site at one time or another. It’s just so gosh-darn addicting! And Becky had the Pinterest fever before this site was even born! “I have folders and folders full of images that I collected from the Internet so when I found Pinterest I was immediately addicted.”
She shared her products and design on the popular site, and soon realized the amount of awareness that her shop could generate just from this one single channel.
“At first, I really just wanted to get a few re-pins and gain some followers, but as I continued to use Pinterest, I saw how much traffic was coming to my shop and started to see how Pinterest could be a valuable marketing tool.”
Becky’s tip for fellow pinners:
“I recommend following and repining other designers, bloggers and business owners, that have similar interests. It’s a great way to keep current with your industry’s trends, and it’s a very enjoyable way to do market research.”
When it comes to Twitter, Becky points out the importance of using this tool to reach a local, targeted audience. For example, when she participates in a local art show, she makes sure to check out the Twitter action and join in.
Becky tweets some insight:
“I think tweets also work great to connect with your local market when you are at an art show. You can invite specific individuals to visit you at your booth, or thank them for stopping by.”
Adding a personalized touch helps further the brand of Oh Geez! Design.
Facebook is the primary social source for Oh Geez! Design (…so you should check it out here). She uses this platform as a one-stop-shop: she connects directly with her followers, lists and introduces new products, alerts her audience to upcoming sales, lists upcoming events, and, most importantly, giving those followers the “behind-the-scenes” tour. She may post pictures of a design in progress as well as post “images of myself getting ready for the event, my booth, and most importantly of customers interacting in my booth at the show.”
Becky’s feedback on Facebook:
“Facebook is a great tool to connect to customers and let customers see a more personal side of my brand. I think it’s very important to quickly respond to comments or questions on your page. The feedback that I have gained through Facebook has been very valuable and it only costs me my time.”
So, how does she get the exposure on social media? Does she captivate the audiences organically or does she reach out to potential followers? The answer: Both!
“I try to list and link to my Facebook and Twitter accounts whenever possible, just letting people know where they can find you is important. Another way I have gained followers is by following other people or businesses that I would want to promote my designs. Getting recognition or a recommendation from that right person can have a significant impact on your business.”
And there you have it! A little insight into a great shop that knows the value of her social media audience and actively engages her followers to make sure the experience fits the social platform.
Interested in learning more about Becky and Oh Geez! Design? Check out her store and treat yourself!
Happy Shopping!
Becky
July 30, 2013Thanks so much for the feature Ann! Now off to Twitter and Facebook to do some sharing! 🙂