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#1 thing you should do before pitching to retail stores…

retail recipes
Hey there!
Did you know that over 2 billion people around the world are using the internet and spend approximately 32.7 hours per week online? They are connecting with people, browsing for information and going shopping. Do you want to be part of this phenomenon?If you are launching a new business or have a product to sell, the first thing you need to do is create a website.If you don’t have a website yet, you need to go and create one now. It will become your most powerful tool for reaching customers, stores and build community.Unlike other forms of publicity, which can be good or bad, you have complete control over the tone and look of your website. You control what content gets added, how often it gets added and how that content is displayed. You can share your story get your name out to people all over the world. It’s also a great way for potential buyers and media to check you out! As a retail buyer, the first thing I do when I get pitched or see a new brand is go check out their website. It usually takes about 10 seconds to grab my attention. If it impresses me, I will dig further and proceed to next steps. More on this in next week’s post :)Here are three examples of businesses who are rockin’ their brand and have utilized their website to their advantage… and surely got my attention!

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Five key elements that make these websites really SHINE:

1. Know your customer well – If an artist or designer knows their ideal customer well, they can create a website that really resonates with them on a personal level.

2. Take gorgeous photographs – Make sure you have absolutely gorgeous photographs of your brand. Invest in hiring a good photographer to not only take beautiful shots of your products, but also of lifestyle shots as well. You want to create a great first impression, while maintaining that quality throughout the site. Since a customer or buyer isn’t with you in person, your photographs have to just as impressive.

3. Be consistent with your branding – Your branding should be consistent throughout not only your website, but also your packaging and any promotional materials. Your logo, color, voice, everything should speak to all that your brand represents. If you stay consistent, customers and potential retailers will begin to recognize your brand no matter where they look for it.

4. Be user-friendly – Your website must be user-friendly. I understand that many people are very tech-savvy today. While it is fun and impressive to have a lot going on, it can also alienate those who don’t know how to navigate your website.  Simplicity will go a long way and will also better show off your branding and products. Make all of the product information clear and easily accessible.

5. Be easy on the eye – The last and possibly most important is that your website must be easy on the eyes.  You want people to want to keep clicking, and stay on your website for more than just a few seconds. You want them to want to keep coming back for more. A simply beautiful website will be your most powerful tool in striving for success.

Are you ready to create your website or have one for your business? Please comment here and tell me about your brand. Next Wednesday, I will announce one lucky winner who will receive a FREE website critique session with me.

9/21/11 – And the winner is…..
Last week, I wrote about the #1 thing you should do before pitching to retail stores. Thanks for all your comments and tweets. The winner is Dana from patternedpeacock.com. Please email hello@retailrecipes.comto schedule your free website critique with me!

winner

xo,

Grace Kang
Your Retail Product Mentor
p.s. A BIG, warm welcome to all of the new readers who joined our community! You are going to love the resources you will find here to help you make your product retail-ready… Enjoy!
* internet usage date as of March 30, 2011 by Nielsen Online and podcastingnews.com

photo image by: Design Garden

 

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Let’s Rock Your Brand with OMHG!

Have you ever noticed that the people in your life who are the most inspiring are also truly genuine in what they do?  Not only do they spout words that inspire, but they actually LIVE like that too! As the saying goes, “Actions (and visuals) speak louder than words.” But living it is another story. The same goes for branding.

You are your own brand. Your brand needs to be seamlessly woven into both your personal and professional life. Don’t try and pretend to be something you’re not, and don’t try and hide who you really are. There is only one of you and showcasing your unique ability is crucial in building your brand.

Join me and the gals over at OMHG! for another twitter chat on Thursday, September 15th at 1-2pm EST to discuss how we can rock your brand! Stop by, join the conversation and speak your mind! :) I look forward to “meeting” you online!