by 59 people |
With millions of people on MySpace, it's no wonder why any ambitious CafePress shop owner would want the opportunity to market their store here. Find information about setting up your account, customizing your page, using your blog wisely, and joining the most appropriate groups for your merchandise.
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Step One: Signing up for an account
Some of the basics you'll want to know about getting a MySpace account.
Signing up for MySpace is fairly easy, in fact, the first step is to simply go to MySpace.com and fill out the membership form.
Once you have registered, you will have the opportunity to choose a MySpace URL. If your shop name is Tons-o-Fun, for example, you may choose to use http://www.myspace.com/tonsofun as your URL. This is a unique address that people can use to find you. Why would you want to use your shop name? It is the easiest thing for your friends to remember, and will look good on your business cards.
Once you have signed up for an account and confirmed your email address, you're ready to start playing with all the functions and features that MySpace has to offer. Even as a 10-year Internet veteran, MySpace was not immediately obvious to me. Not everything is as quick to get to as it could be, and some things aren't labeled as you might expect them. Spend a little time clicking around and learning what each of the terms mean. Do a few test searches to learn how their search feature works. Visit some groups and view the forum and bulletins to get an idea of what people are talking about and promoting. Once you are comfortable with how things are laid out, you can start updating your own site.
Once you have registered, you will have the opportunity to choose a MySpace URL. If your shop name is Tons-o-Fun, for example, you may choose to use http://www.myspace.com/tonsofun as your URL. This is a unique address that people can use to find you. Why would you want to use your shop name? It is the easiest thing for your friends to remember, and will look good on your business cards.
Once you have signed up for an account and confirmed your email address, you're ready to start playing with all the functions and features that MySpace has to offer. Even as a 10-year Internet veteran, MySpace was not immediately obvious to me. Not everything is as quick to get to as it could be, and some things aren't labeled as you might expect them. Spend a little time clicking around and learning what each of the terms mean. Do a few test searches to learn how their search feature works. Visit some groups and view the forum and bulletins to get an idea of what people are talking about and promoting. Once you are comfortable with how things are laid out, you can start updating your own site.
Step Two: Your MySpace Interface
Editing the look and feel of cotton, er, your MySpace page
MySpace has made it so incredibly easy to alter the look of your page that as a 9-year web design expert it took me four hours to figure out. If you have done this before, you know what I mean. There is no secret button or link that will allow you to change the look of your site. You simply pluck your code from a free site and put it ANYWHERE in one of your MySpace info fields.
There are so many thousands of websites that will help you set this up and give you free images that I won't be covering most of that here. Below are some links were you'll find the best info on overlays and graphics. It still helps to have some experience with HTML, or a friend that does.
There are so many thousands of websites that will help you set this up and give you free images that I won't be covering most of that here. Below are some links were you'll find the best info on overlays and graphics. It still helps to have some experience with HTML, or a friend that does.
- MySpace Made Easy
- Easy CSS code that you can "plug and play" to make design and functionallity changes to your MySpace page.
- Create a custom MySpace overlay
- One of the most popular Squidoo lenses, both as a MySpace resource and overall. Covers the basics of good MySpace design and HTML authoring.
- Customize your MySpace Page
- This lens has LOTS of great links to websites that will help you with graphics, codes, video, and more.
- MySpace News
- This is more of a news site than a coding site, but still offers some good links to resources.
- MySpace Layouts on Google
- A simple search on Google reveals over 28 million results. You're sure to find something you like.
Step Three: What to put on your MySpace Page
What do customers want to know?
Anyone who visits your MySpace page is looking for one or both of two things:* They want information
* They want to be entertained
Most likely on MySpace, they want to be entertained. How can you entertain them using what you sell on your CafePress Shop? Here your opportunities are endless, and while I can give you a list of ideas, I can't tell you which ones are the most effective for two reasons. One, I'm still building mine and it's a learning experience in progress. Two, by the time something became effective, something else would be invented and the rules would change. Make it fun! Don't worry about making it perfect.
"What am I looking at?"
Some MySpace pages obviously belong to a band or a teen. When someone visits your page, they want to know what they are looking at. Don't hide the fact that your website is about your store. The page should be dedicated to the business and not pull double-duty as your personal site. Don't make people guess.
"What do they want me to do with it?"
Unless you create a call to action for your visitors, chances are small they will take any action. Don't be afraid to tell people (or ask them) to visit your store, or bookmark your page, or email for personalization details. Whenever you describe a product, link it to the product. People can see it right away and make impulse decisions more easily.
"Ugh, this is taking forever to LOAD!"
Some shopkeepers and group leaders get a liiiiiiiiittle overboard on their photos. They have too many, they're too big, or both. Try either using Slide.com for a cute and quick slide show or reduce the size of your images. Showcase a few each week and change them up often.
Don't forget to link to your shop!
I recently met one person on MySpace who talked up an absolute storm about their CafePress shop. They announced it on their MySpace page, in their blog, on comment boards and in forums. I had to send them a message to get the link. It was nowhere else to be found. Most people aren't that ambitious - they simply have too many other priorities to care. Don't make it hard, put your links everywhere!
Step Four: The MySpace Blog
Using the blog to reach more people
Even if you have another blog or website, consider using the MySpace blog as well to reach more people. It is fairly simple to use if you don't know HTML, and if you do, use the "If you can't input your Blog, click here" function. You'll go straight to an HTML friendly field. (Cut and paste works a lot easier here too.)
One of the advantages of using the MySpace blog is that you can easily edit your entries and use images. There isn't a lot of extra clutter to deal with and all the tools are in one place.
Another advantage is that MySpace users can very easily add your blog to their list of blogs to keep track of. They'll get instant updates when you post new messages to your blog.
You can also create and visit blog groups. This works well if you are interested in learning about other CafePress users to take advantage of the affiliate program or co-op advertising.
One of the advantages of using the MySpace blog is that you can easily edit your entries and use images. There isn't a lot of extra clutter to deal with and all the tools are in one place.
Another advantage is that MySpace users can very easily add your blog to their list of blogs to keep track of. They'll get instant updates when you post new messages to your blog.
You can also create and visit blog groups. This works well if you are interested in learning about other CafePress users to take advantage of the affiliate program or co-op advertising.
Step Five: MySpace Groups
Join the discussion on sales and techniques
Part of the interactivity of MySpace comes from the groups. Groups here are like groups on Yahoo! They offer a variety of functions that you can enjoy with one membership.
Groups have forums and bulletins. Forums are the section where you can discuss information back and forth between two or more people. Bulletins are used to post announcements but not geared towards discussion.
There are several CafePress or t-shirt related groups that you can find through the links below. To join a group, click on the blue "Join Group" button. Most are public, meaning anyone can join. You will instantly become a member and have access to the tools on that group.
Have you come across a group where there is no discussion taking place? Start some! What can you talk about? Try not to make your announcements and questions too sales oriented - that is, no one came here to be sold to. Talk about current events you've designed your shirts for, or special occasions that are coming up and remind people to get their personalization orders in early. Ask for help or advice, and share marketing or how-to information. What do YOU want to see? Chances are good other people want to see it too.
Groups have forums and bulletins. Forums are the section where you can discuss information back and forth between two or more people. Bulletins are used to post announcements but not geared towards discussion.
There are several CafePress or t-shirt related groups that you can find through the links below. To join a group, click on the blue "Join Group" button. Most are public, meaning anyone can join. You will instantly become a member and have access to the tools on that group.
Have you come across a group where there is no discussion taking place? Start some! What can you talk about? Try not to make your announcements and questions too sales oriented - that is, no one came here to be sold to. Talk about current events you've designed your shirts for, or special occasions that are coming up and remind people to get their personalization orders in early. Ask for help or advice, and share marketing or how-to information. What do YOU want to see? Chances are good other people want to see it too.
- Success with CafePress
- The new group I just started to focus more on the marketing and business building aspects of being a CafePress shopkeeper.
- CafePress Designers
- One of the more active groups that relates to CafePress.
- CafePress People and Shops
- A group specifically designed for CafePress shop owners.
- CafePress Heroes
- Another place to share your designs.
- TEAsigns Presents TEAshirts
- A shopkeeper's group.
- All MySpace's Clothing Co's
- A very large group that discusses clothing produced anywhere, not just through CafePress.
- Funniest T-Shirts
- A place to share funny shirts you've made or found.
- Awesome T-Shirts Club
- Encourages posting images of t-shirts being worn. Ask someone for a photo of them wearing yours!
- I Love T-Shirts
- For the t-shirt lover.
- The Trend Setters
- Find out about new ways to promote your shop.
- I Love Great Gear
- Focuses on CafePress but doesn't discriminate against other companies and groups.
Step Six: Adding Friends!
Everyone needs a friend...you can find 50+ million here!
Having a huge friend list is one of the things that makes MySpace what it is. Adding friends is simple. Go to someone's page and request to add them. They will confirm or deny, and the process is done.
However, as simple as it is to add a gazillion friends, once you add friends you have some friendly responsibilities.
Don't be shy, say hi!
The comments board on a friend's MySpace page is the perfect place to say hi and introduce yourself.
Don't ignore them!
Some people just have a thousand friends to feel popular and get linked up. However, to be a true friend and networker you need to follow up. This can be as simple as you want to make it. One idea is to use your holiday themed products to leave a comment for them. They're fun, festive, remind them you exist, and let them know you haven't forgotten about them.
However, as simple as it is to add a gazillion friends, once you add friends you have some friendly responsibilities.
Don't be shy, say hi!
The comments board on a friend's MySpace page is the perfect place to say hi and introduce yourself.
Don't ignore them!
Some people just have a thousand friends to feel popular and get linked up. However, to be a true friend and networker you need to follow up. This can be as simple as you want to make it. One idea is to use your holiday themed products to leave a comment for them. They're fun, festive, remind them you exist, and let them know you haven't forgotten about them.
Step Seven: Get Connected!
A journey of a thousand sales starts with a single click.
Get a jumpstart on your MySpace experience by using the links below to connect to people who can help you.
- Elegant Mischief on MySpace
- My CafePress shop page - get ideas about layouts and uses here. Add me as a friend and I will return the favor!
- Success with CafePress
- The new group I started to put more of a business, marketing, and networking focus into CafePress related groups on MySpace.
What's going on at Success with CafePress?
Lots of great conversation is taking place at the Success with CafePress group on MySpace. Stop by, join the group, and get involved!
- List of Free Programs and Tutorials
- Sonia has a great list of free graphics designs programs and tutorials to make your CafePress designs extra snazzy.
- Recent Additions to your Site
- Find out what people have been adding to THEIR CafePress shops.
- Who has used Google Base (Formerly Froogle)
- Find out who's using it and how to make it work for you.
- Which graphics design program do you use?
- There are many great programs out there - some are free! Have fun testing them all out.
Books and Articles on MySpace
MySpace For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))
Amazon Price: $10.26 (as of 12/09/2009) 
Hacking MySpace: Mods and Customizations to make MySpace Your Space (ExtremeTech)
Amazon Price: $21.36 (as of 12/09/2009)
MySpace Visual Quick Tips
Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 12/09/2009)
Guess why they call it MySpace? It's time for adults to grow up.: An article from: District Administration
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/09/2009)
Are you a CafePress Shopkeeper?
What would you like to know about promoting your shop on MySpace? Let me know and I'll add the info!
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- tjustleft tjustleft Aug 28, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
- Wow Kimberly! I read your bio. You are one busy lady. Very accomplished at that. Are your days 48 hours instead of 24? :)
http://www.cafepress.com/Brake_For_Geeks
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- pookybot pookybot Aug 12, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
- Very helpful! Thanks for the tips!
http://www.cafepress.com/pookybot
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- unique_freak77 unique_freak77 Apr 8, 2009 @ 9:18 pm
- Great lens! Welcome to the CafePress Tips and Tricks group! :)
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- FunGifts4All FunGifts4All Mar 8, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
- Thanks for the info. I started a myspace site on my cafepress store but haven't touched it in quite some time. Wasn't quite sure how to make use of it for this purpose. You have some great information here. Thanks for the info.
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- razorbackdesign razorbackdesign Feb 27, 2009 @ 9:48 am
- awesome stuff i've taken alot of ure advice when creating my shop at www.cafepress.com/razorbackpro
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- diva diva Dec 19, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
- I'm reading and checking on ways to promote more seriously instead of the occasional sales...
http://www.cafepress.com/bride_diva
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- mbgphoto mbgphoto Oct 28, 2008 @ 9:33 pm
- Great lens. Sounds like I need to check out MySpace.
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- MigraineChick MigraineChick Oct 16, 2008 @ 6:09 am
- This is great information. I'm going to start using my MySpace account to promote my shop.
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- beckywilson85 beckywilson85 Aug 22, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
- Thank you for the information! I just started my myspace profile for my cafepress store for military and family designs All My Loves after reading your lens!
www.cafepress.com/allmyloves
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- NotChris NotChris Aug 4, 2008 @ 9:22 pm
- Thanks so much for this helpful information. I need to do this.
http://www.cafepress.com/oneracehuman
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by KimberlyDawnWells
I've been using CafePress for a few years and it takes a while to set up and get going, but after a year my sales rea...
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