Word of Mouth

"They" say that word of mouth advertising is the best advertising going, and I have to agree because it's free and effective. At this stage of the game (two months into making jewelry) it's my mouth that's doing the advertising.

I went into the local pet food store today and chatted to the clerk while she tallied my purchases. She asked if I had anything interesting on today and I simply said I was going home to feed my cats and then I'd make some jewelry. She asked me for my card but I haven't gotten them made yet. I gave her my name and number on a piece of paper instead. She phoned me about a half hour after I got home and asked if she could see some of my necklaces. I gathered about ten different ones and shoved them into my bag and out I went. Linda, the clerk's name, bought two straight away, and she asked if I could make another two necklaces for her - one in purple and one in pink. Well of course I could!

While Linda was looking at the necklaces I brought to show her, she said that she loves to buy from individual craftspeople instead of shops because she believes that the quality is better and that she knows she won't see a lot of people wearing the same thing.

I think that's the biggest selling point for crafters who make jewelry - most pieces are one of a kind and folks like to think that something was made just for them. And that is priceless. If you are a good craftsperson, you're reputation will hold you in good stead and your customers will be the ones spreading the word about you and your work.

Until you build up a customer base or start selling to stores on consignment, you'll have to be the one to spread the word about your jewelry-making business. And there's no reason to be shy about it. You don't have to go accosting passersby but once someone gives you an opening, there's no reason why you shouldn't take the opportunity to tell people about your jewelry. You never know. Linda from the pet store will probably tell her friends who will tell their friends and on and on it will go. The same could happen to you. Chat up your hairdresser or the lady at the coffee shop who always serves you and get that word of mouth going in your favor.