An interesting and exciting phenomenon has been happening over the last several days on Facebook, amongst the pages of the handmade indie artisans that comprise a rich and robust community.A few months ago I began offering on the discussion page of my fan page a place for other indie handmade artisans to post their links: Facebook Fan Pages, Twitter Channels, Blogs, and URLs for their Etsy Shops. It was in an effort to both meet some interesting and talented artisans and also to give some of the new artisans to the online venue a good start at gaining the community presence necessary to be successful online. Most importantly, I thought it would give my Facebook Fans added value and ultimately entice them to return to my fan page on a regular basis.
My little initiative was going very well. People would post their information, and would follow the others in the thread and several people would check back and catch up with any new posts. At periodic intervals I would post a little reminder to folks to leave their links on my discussion page and I would tweet that same message frequently. I would usually greet new fans and tell them to post their links to my Discussion Page.
Then shortly after Christmas, I received a couple of messages on my fan page from Runway Crochet and Paper On Parade saying they were going to do a similar thing on their pages. I was really happy and made a note to myself to check back with their pages when I had a minute and post my information to show my support. Well, things happen and the holidays were a bit crazy so by the time I got back to do that little task...the entire idea had spread like wildfire!
There is even a directory on many of these pages now call "List of Link Love" Fan Pages! This allows anyone coming to one particular Discussion Tab on one particular fan page and see where else they can leave their links. This list is by no means complete because this popular trend is still continuing.
Aside from the fact that it helps everyone increase their fan base, exposure, and social proof; the love and excitement this entire thing has generated makes me happy and proud to be a part of this wonderful handmade community!
Thanks to Runway Crochet and a growing list of other who are participating in this wonderful endeavor...it's viral marketing handmade style!
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23 comments:
So excited to be part of this special group of artisans. May we prosper in 2010. Thanks for a great blog post, and BTW, I missed becoming a fan of your blog yesterday, so here I am today! Patricia
Somehow I missed your blog link until I visited your Etsy shop. Great post BTW. I couldn't agree more with Tippy Stockton. It's so exciting to be part of this special group of artisans. Best of Luck to all this year and many more years to come.. :)
I too am taking part in the 'link love' on Facebook, it's exactly as you say - spreading like wildfire! I have so many new fans and followers thanks to you :) I saw it first on your page after reading your article on the Artists in Business blog.
That is sooooo awesome! I am excited to be involved! Thanks for idea and sharing, Zur! And Runway for the link love idea! Now let's get 1,000's more:)!!! My new goal is.....Bye, bye "big box"! :)lol
Great post. I started my discussions on Facebook mid December but the numbers have really shot up recently. I'm enjoying this link love. I've found so many lovely people through it.
Heather
Great blog! Link love is turning into such a fun and popular project, its really cool to meet such fun people! <3
http://latenightdesigners.blogspot.com/
I too am SO excited to be a part of the "link love!" Thank you to you and Runway for getting it all started! My fan page has taken off and I have discover so many wonderful artisans, it has been a blast!! Can't wait to "see" who else is still out there for me to discover!!
~Michele from By Your Side
It was fun to be a part of this. I didn't even know I had a Discussions tab! lol May 2010 be a productive and creative year!
Wonderful write up, Deb! Let's keep the "Link Love" flowing 'til the cups runneth over!
Everyone knows a good thing when they see it..."thank you," and all the others for putting it out there for the rest of us to take part in. It's amazing, and shows what can happen when so many people come together. It's a great start to a New Year!
In such a short time, this idea has caught on and so many new artisans are getting on the band wagon. I'm truly excited to be one of them. It's been fabulous to see so many different 'works of art' and meet so many genuinely supportive artisans. Let's keep promoting each other and what comes around goes around, so it should be a VERY good year for us all ♥♥♥ Thanks so much, Elfie Morgan
This is such a great idea! After dinner tonight, I hope to catch up on everyone who's added their links to my discussion page. I've gone to every single website and blog -- and of course, I fan back everyone! I love all the creativity I've seen. If you're not yet on my list, click my name and post away :-)
It is amazing! Runway is wonderful to continue what was so awesome of you to start! Thank you so much! This community is the BEST, the absolute BEST at supporting other artisans. It is a joy to work with all of these wonderful people I have met through Facebook and Etsy! I will continue to spread the 'link love' and have a great time doing it! Thank you for starting it!
Although I don't have an Etsy shop going yet, (yes, I know I should), I have also started the "link love" on the discussion tab on my Facebook Fan Page. Thank you very much for the suggestion a while ago, mine has flourished too! Mainly posts of blogs, websites and FB Pages having to do with basketry or chair caning, but many others, too!
The Wicker Woman® - Cathryn Peters
http://facebook.com/thewickerwoman
http://www.WickerWoman.com
Thanks everyone for your comments, for posting and making Link Love such a wonderful experience!!
Thank you and Runway! This was a ingenious idea!Handmade marketing at it's finest!
It really is...viral marketing...Handmade Style!! :)
I've just added a link love page on my fb fan page www.facebook.com/haptree Thanks for explaining it here!
Aha! So it's your "fault" :) What a BRILLIANT idea!! I have just discovered this trend tonight, and I'm having a blast! Overwhelming? Yes! Fun? Bigger yes! :)
I have discovered more wonderful shops tonight than I could have in a year without this link love. And I'm about to go discover some more, but I wanted to drop by and tell you what a wonderful blog you have :)
Thank you for spreading the link love!
--Love, mv
That is one of the best things about "Link Love"...all the beautiful shops you get to see!
And now Runway has added a new piece to all this...a milestone celebration complete with video!!
I love this Handmade Industry!!
Thanks everyone!!
This is such a good idea. I've just got involved and started a link love discussion on my Facebook page, please feel free to add your links :)
http://www.facebook.com/minifelts
I'll be over to visit!! :)
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