“The customer is always right.” How many times have you heard that? I used to work in the retail industry, and I always rolled my eyes when I heard that speech. At the end of the day, I think every corporation, small business, and individual maker of handmade goods will tell you that customers (and blog readers) are the #1 most important element to their business (or blog).
I know, you don’t need to hear from me how important it is to appreciate your shop customers or your blog readers. Crafters are kind folks by nature, right?! Just look at the steady list of giveaways taking place every single week as proof of that.
I am not an expert in marketing, and I am generally a shy person when it comes to marketing, making it hard for me to drum up new customers or new blog readers. I try to appreciate the ones I have. I just wanted to share a few of the things I try to do, especially here with my blog.
Comments
If you have ever left a comment on my blog, you have most likely received an email from me thanking you for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. I love comments. I love hearing from readers. That has also been the start to a few email conversations that have led to great friendships I cherish.
Offering Tutorials
I think tutorials are a cool way to offer your readers something for free. Who doesn’t love a free pattern?! I wish I were better at offering more tutorials!
Participating in Swaps
Exchanging supplies or handmade goods through swaps is a great way to meet people and share similar obsessions. Some of my blogger friendships began from swaps. (That reminds me, don’t forget about our Christmas in July ornament swap coming up.)
Interact and Engage
Sometimes I can be indecisive, so it’s good to know I can ask you all for advice, such as with my recent patchwork arrangements project. I loved reading your thoughts on which half-square triangle arrangement you liked best. I like it when other bloggers ask for an opinion or feedback because it initiates in a creative conversation, which is beneficial to all of us.
Surveys
Amy frequently posts surveys on her blog, seeking feedback on sewing topics or ideas for content she could offer. I love that! Personally, I think surveys are fun to participate in because they make me feel like I have a say, like I’m contributing to the success of another creative person. I’m all for that!
Giveaways
I adore this little matchbook notepad I got from Randi’s shop with a recent fabric order!
I am going to make a supply of these little drawstring bags to include in orders from my shop. Just a little something extra.
I mentioned above the number of giveaways that take place every week. I’m not telling you that you should do a giveaway. Just saying I like doing giveaways, whether it’s an extra goodie with an order, a giveaway for a blogiversary, or participating in a sponsored event like the upcoming Sew,Mama,Sew‘s May Day giveaway. (Be sure to check back next week for the giveaway I have to offer!)
This series has been fun for me to do. It has challenged me to take notice of and share the things I do to keep myself organized and to keep life running smoothly. It’s also been good writing practice for me. I hope you have found it to be useful in some way too.
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Previous posts about my Best Practices:
Terri's Notebook 
I really appreciate that you are engaged and interactive with your readers — responding to questions and comments and also visiting my blog as well. I love blogs with wonderful fabrics and quilts, but the best blogs are the ones where the writer is engaged. It’s more like a conversation than a monologue. Love your blog, Terri!
That’s a great list!
And I love the little bag you came up with for your shop. It will be much appreciated by your customers.
You are absolutely right Terri! Friendships, blogs, any relationship worth having with anyone, is worth culturing. You are a wonderful example, and I am glad that we are blogging friends! I have missed visiting.
This is interesting timing to write this. Today, I called our city library’s head librarian because for the past two years we have given donations to the library and not only never received a thank you, we didn’t even get a tax receipt in the mail. It’s hard to say you need money and then not acknowledge it.
Our local quilt/fabric shops are kind of similar. Most of the time when I go in, they make no attempt to engage me or other shoppers that I’ve met. It means that a number of local quilters don’t frequent those shops very often.
The little drawstring bag will feel like the “something extra” that people will enjoy. Anthropologie puts their customer cards in a pretty little drawstring bag and it is fun to get.
You’ve done an excellent job with this series, Terri! Very enjoyable and informational reading.
Replying to comments is a big deal for me. To know someone has taken the time to acknowledge your opinion is a good feeling. Even if it’s two week later:)
The drawstring bags are a great idea!
Terri, this is an awesome post! I’ve loved reading this series of your’s…
Nice post. . .love the quilt and that sweet-pink bag! But most of all, I’m thankful for our friendship! You’re awesome!
Great post Terri and your projects are beautiful. I love it that you care and interact with your readers. Your little bag is adorable and your customers will appreciate the added bonus. Service like this, will bring them back for another purchase.
dearest sweet terri, this is such a wonderful post!! I could relate to so many of the things you mention in your list! Thank you so much for sharing and i too adore and appreciate that you are engaged and interactive with us! Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!
Another great post Terri! You’re a perfect example of the treating customers or your readers #1. You always leave great comments. And, I can’t wait for your Christmas swap in July! Looking forward to participating and making new blog friends!
I love your blog :), I love hearing back from you…whether or not you know it, you keep me going! What a beautiful post! Your readers adore you and your blog as much as you adore our reading your blog-and it shows!!