HOW TO GET YOUR INDIE BUSINESS NOTICED

by Nicole Abbott

We all want to GET NOTICED.

We create a fabulous product/service/article and we want to be recognized for our efforts.

Getting featured in a magazine or high-traffic blog is a HUGE metaphorical “pat on the back” but time and time again, you create something fabulous, you put it out there and…. nothing but crickets!

So you scratch your head and wonder, “what am I doing wrong“?

Instead of giving you a traditional “top 3 list” I thought it would be more insightful {and fun!} to do an informal “case study” of a shop that’s doing everything right to GET FEATURED.

Below is a case study of Perideau Designs, a small home-based modern stationery and accessory design boutique run by Bridgett Edwards.

And by great photographs, I mean GREAT photographs.

Showcase your work in the best way possible! Think high quality images AND presentation.

Take Perideau Designs‘ new whale collection, for example. Bridgette could have taken simple shoots of her products individually. But she WOWED us with a set-up using her designs and even had special cookies made to match her new line!

A well thought out, and detailed, product description can go a long way.

Have fun with it!

For their muslin gift bags Perideau Designs provides an “editorial” copy that can be easily copied and pasted. Perfect for an editor or blogger in a time crunch looking for a special feature.

There have been thousands articles written about the benefits of branding. And if you still don’t believe it, did you read this article? If a success story like that doesn’t make you a believer, I don’t know what will!

I know that many of you will think “but I’m just starting out and I don’t have any money to invest in graphic design.” And that’s totally fine. As a fellow entrepreneur, there are many things that I wish I could do to take my business to the next level that I just can’t afford.

But for the love of all things hand made do not, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, make an etsy shop banner with a blurry photo and your shop name in Comic Sans. I’m serious. Don’t do it. Your shop name in a stylized font will suffice.

Perideau Designs‘ logo isn’t what one would call “elaborate.” It’s simple and modern. Just like their designs!

Nicole Abbot is the editor of Chic Cheap Nursery a site that empowers moms (expectant, new and veterans) to create unique and affordable spaces for their children that reflect their style, by inspiring them with beautiful finds and creative design ideas. You can also find Nicole on Twitter & Facebook.

19 comments

    • Jessika says:

      You really do have a beautiful brand & product Bridgett-add in that you are so fabulous & it’s a pretty incredible package: ) Good work Nicole! Thanks for a great first post!

  2. Isa says:

    Fantastic case study! I’ve been a fan of Bridgett’s work for some time. I love how the whole brand works together and she really is doing everything right. I think small businesses do fear investing in graphic design and other professional help and it’s understandable but it will be hard for your business to be taken seriously if you do not present it well. So great photos, great branding and design AND great products are essential. If you can’t afford to invest in it all at once (and who can?) then save a bit each month and put towards your business fund. Also when you do start getting sales try and reinvest some back into the business so you can upgrade when possible.
    Great article, Nicole!

  4. Bridgett says:

    And to add to Isa’s advice, look to trade. It’s an untapped resource! Find someone that has the talent you don’t have and offer to trade services. It’s an excellent to way to get your brand and business off the ground without have money leaving hands AND a way to get to know people in your community.

    • Jessika says:

      Thank you so much Jane! I love your magazine and am excited you are visiting us: ) Thanks for sharing Nicole’s wonderful post, wonderful to know you can identify as an editor, hopefully we can connect again!

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