Help MOMpreneur save the needlework industry using the web
Loose Thread Stitchers is a one-of-a-kind online needlework community that creates a dynamic exchange between needlework industry professionals, stitchers and small businesses nationwide and abroad. This unique exchange creates energy and subsequent growth within the needlework industry.
Q1: How do you create a buzz about your products and services on a shoe-string budget?
Idea Description
It is no secret that the internet connects people. Nor that needleworkers (NW) and industry professionals (IP) are using the internet to buy, sell, research, promote and find what they need. To date no singular site or business exists that unites the needlework industry and the needlework community in a centralized environment.
LTS Objectives:
• To ensure all web savvy IP, NW and Small Businesses (SB) can locate industry information in 1 place
• To ensure all information is accurate and current
• Create loyalty to shops, designers, brands within the industry
• Create Buzz within the 6 subset needlework communities for new products/services
• Make LTS affordable to all members
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
• Execute outreach to industry professionals for population of the site
• Create visibility and drive sales across markets
• Showcase LTS as an online business that connects business and consumer industries as the go to resource for information, trends,reviews and knowledge
• Develop corporate materials that delivers LTS’s value proposition
• by market and business objective
• Conduct proactive media relations as needed for promotion and advertising placement revenue
• Create corporate and vertical press releases and media updates
• Develop cohesive messaging and train media spokespersons
Vote for it now.
For one your community MUST be free to join otherwise no one will join!!!
To start you need to make sure your site is connected to all major social networks. Here is a list from Feb 2008 of the most trafficed social networks:
http://blog.compete.com/2008/03/07/top-social-networks-traffic-feb-2008/
Create Myspace page and a Facebook group called "Loose Thread Stiches." Search for people who are interested in needlework, knitting, sewing, ANYTHING related and invite them to join your group or be your friend. Once you have contacts you can introduce them to your community.
I would also suggest taking some time to learn some SEO (search engine optimization) stratagies. Google has a few series on YouTube, that might help. Go to :
http://www.youtube.com/profile_play_list?user=Google
I recommend you watch some of the "Google Aps" and the "Google Conversion University" videos. The "Google Aps" videos will help introduce you to all of Google's free products that can help business and the &quo…moret;Google Conversion University" will help with your sites search ranking.
Once you get traffic you can install Google Adsence which display Google text ads where the advertiser is paying on a cost per click. Google splits the ad revenue 50/50 with the site owner. It might not be much money to start but it might help. Another thing you can do is look for an affiliate program related to needlework and you will collect money for each sale that came in through your site.
Goog Luck!