Come Join Us At Indie Junction!!

Indie Junction is a new social networking site that provides a place where indie artisans across all genres form a synergy that helps each individual achieve their goals within the handmade industry. This network was the brain child of two indie artisans, Nicky of Ambient Girl Designs and Deb Hall (me) of Zur Designs. Together we had a vision of a gathering place for artists to share, collaborate, and support each other through cross-promotion and sharing of resources and ideas. That's why the key words for this site are: Create. Love. Explore. Collaborate. Support. Learn. Grow.

The site is a bit over a week old at this posting but already boasts over 130 members! Already when you log on there is a feeling of excitement! There are photos of new artisans every day, people are gathering in Chat to exchange ideas, take a break while they are working, or even eat lunch together...virtually. The discussion forums are active and already filled with useful information; anything from marketing strategies, getting more fans and followers to Facebook, Twitter, and blogs, to photography tips that are useful for all of us selling through an online venue as well as the array of talented photographers gathered there. There is even an Indie Cafe in the discussion forum where people talk a bit about what's going on in their lives whether it has to do with their art or not. I am here to report...these people are hilarious!

The Indie Junction Blog is part of our plan to feature all of the wonderful artisans that join Indie Junction. We are in the process of creating a schedule of artists and three will be featured each week! It's such a talented group...you are going to be amazed at the work you see here! Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we will begin these features starting the week of January 17th...so be sure and check back there soon!

You can also follow Indie Junction's Twitter Channel! We will be keeping you up to date on the features and all the new exciting things ahead for our site and its members!

Membership at Indie Junction is open, so simply click here, sign up, and start customizing your own page with photos, music, and depending on your selling venue, a little version of your shop! Once you're settled, come over to Chat and exchange ideas with other artisans or just hang out! Or join in on the forums, start your own discussion, or chime in at the Indie Cafe! Come join us at Indie Junction! We'll be waiting for you there!

Spreading "Link Love"!!

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!