Thursday, July 9, 2009

Getting Your ETSY Shop in the Newspaper





Trace, of Itsalljustmenagerie, recently posted on her blog, a great article about how to get your work featured in your local newspaper. I know for alot of us, being young and being newer to the handmade community approaching local newspapers, news, and other medias can be a little intimidating. She makes it easier on us with this helpful blog, and wonderful tips! Thanks Trace.




"The article about my Etsy shop was in the newspaper today! I swear, I couldn't stop smiling for the first ten minutes I had the newspaper in my hands. From this experience, I thought I'd share some ideas and tips for anyone who might be interested in getting featured in their local newspaper.



The lady who was conducting my interview said that newspapers are always glad to hear from people with their 'stories' because they can't know about everyone. That being said, don't be afraid to contact them!



The first thing I did was sit down and write a letter. Yes, the thought of sending an e-mail crossed my mind, but that just didn't appeal to me. I thought something more personal would be more appreciated. Right at the start of the letter, I said that I had recently read an article about a woman making handmade jewelry, and it motivated me to send in a letter telling my story. From there, I basically just talked about my shop. I answered the basic questions like: What made me open my Etsy shop? How did I learn my craft? For the closing, I threw out a general thank you for the newspaper supporting handmade and local artisans.



Before sealing up that envelope, I threw in some business cards so that the newspaper could contact me or check out my goods. If you don't have business cards, don't forget to include your phone number, e-mail, and/or web address in the letter.



Within a week I received an e-mail from a writer of the newspaper and she wanted my parents to call her to set up an interview. While talking to my mom, she asked that I bring samples. If the representative of your newspaper doesn't ask for you to bring samples, I think it'd be a fantabulous idea to do it anyway. This opens up opportunities for pictures and really lets the writer see and feel your goods.



During the interview, I was just asked some basic questions, such as: Define your style? How do your friends react to your online shop? What got you started? Just little things like that--Nothing I had to take ten minutes to reply to (a little less nervous now?). After the interview, I gave the lady interviewing me a journal I had made just for her. A little thank you gift doesn't hurt, and is kind of like a trade-off for putting your shop in the faces off a lot of people. Then, a few pictures were taken and that was that.



There is seriously no reason why you shouldn't look up your local newspaper's address and send them a letter, that is, unless you don't have a local newspaper... Anyway, good luck, and don't be shy or nervous! Its only going to bring more traffic to your shop and more awareness for the handmade movement."

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for this article! I never thought about sending in to be in a local newspaper.. but that is SUCH a great idea.

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  2. Awesome advise! I'll have to think about doing that!

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  3. Great article! We have not done newspapers yet (we will after reading this) but we have had good luck with magazines. Most larger cities have a few so check those out too.

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