Originally Posted by brezofleur (Post 4248819)

And another thought......do you make your own tags? Purchase them? I would recommend a QR code on that. I can't tell you how many times I've had people ask me where I got something and they're always surprised when I tell them it was made by a friend. I don't carry a purse so I don't always have business cards on me, but I always have my phone and they always have theirs. "Who made that?" "My friend, Dawn! The QR code [to her site] is here on the tag." "Cool!" Bam. New like and potential sale.

Maybe it's a regional thing, but here, the vast majority have smartphones and know exactly how to use a QR reader. Saves from going into notes AND it will drive traffic/likes to your FB page. :)

Total side note...posted this exactly 12 hours after the previous! HA HA

Originally Posted by brezofleur (Post 4248429)

I've read a few of the posts and totally agree. Social media. Social media. SOCIAL MEDIA. You CANNOT overdo social media. Plus, it's FREE!! Now that you've got something on FB, set up a twitter account. You can connect your FB to Twitter and it will automatically post on your behalf. But you will need to do the appropriate hashtags on separate posts too in order to gain followers. Follow dog lovers and have others follow you.

Instagram and Pinterest everything you do. Again, use appropriate hashtags on IG.

On ANYTHING and EVERYTHING (business cards, handouts, flyers, ads, etc) that you print out, you need to have a QR code leading back to your main business page (sounds like FB), along with your Twitter, IG, etc handles. I use qrstuff.com to generate them when I need it (free).

Most importantly though, scout threads and give people what they want. There are SO MANY similar designs out there so make sure that yours really are different. Get feedback and suggestions and don't take them personally if there is any criticism.

Go to local boutiques and groomers and show them clothes you have already made (shows quality). Keep a portfolio and show managers/owners other designs (shows variety).

If you have enough stock, go to shows (crafts, dog, pet, flea, etc). Always carry your business cards (hand them out to owners whose dogs are wearing clothes) and have an elevator speech ready.

:D Basically, pimp yourself out and have patience and persistence. :)

Originally Posted by brezofleur (Post 4248434)

On yeah, also post flyers at dog parks. Any place you think dog owners go should have your posters/flyers up (with approval). I've never seen any dog apparel adverts but if I liked what I saw, I would definitely order. Local would be a huge plus for me.

Originally Posted by dawn27 (Post 4248839)

That QR code is Awesome and its totally FREE ?

Originally Posted by dawn27 (Post 4248837)

All really great advise, I will have to look into the site you mentioned. No smart phone to do any of that Pinterest or tweeting, hashtag stuff but I Like the photo book idea for sure.

Originally Posted by dawn27 (Post 4248948)

Ok 3rd time is a charm Oh or is this the 4th time !! :p

This is the design for the post cards / flyers that I will have printed as 5X7 photo print cards and post in local Pet style businesses around town.

Lets hope this is the last time I re due it . . .

Thanks so much Heather & Priscilla for all of your help, very much appreciated ! I think once I get these printed and posted I should see some orders coming in. I have an order in the process of being finalized so that I can get to work on it.

Originally Posted by capt_noonie (Post 4249327)

Ok two minor tiny things. :)
The QR code I would align it with the bottom of "Lima, Ohio", or align it with the bottom of the square with the cute baby in it. Right now it's halfway inbetween.

Also, there is a comma after Ohio. I would scrap that. Oh one more, so I guess that's three: You have two periods in "facebook.com"

Originally Posted by brezofleur (Post 4249333)

Agreed.

I would also say go ahead and make the QR code a little bigger. Just a personal preference, but I would make the space between the QR and the image the same as the space between the QR and the end of the yellow.

Another personal preference, TOTALLY not a big deal, but I would get rid of the / and replace with | in between your phone and email. / in this day is typically reserved for web addresses.

What company are you using to print? :)