The Beginning of Adamma’s Notions

After 10+ years out of school I decided to go back.  I started a bachelor’s degree at the age of 29.  When I first started classes I only wanted to take an English course to help me improve my writing and thinking skills.  After I was done with English Composition 101 I was hooked.  I decided to stay in school.  My track of attending evening school full-time in the evening and working a full-time job during the day started.  I had this schedule for almost three years.

Going back to school felt liberating; I was on the path to improving myself and investing for my future.  During the last semester of my bachelor’s degree, I took a course on web development.  Our professor told us that we were going to learn to build a website, nothing complex something very easy to follow.

At this time so many ideas were going through my head.  I came up with the name of Adammas’ Spa and Beauty Salon for the web-site, my husband, who is a graphic designer; he designed the logo and a brochure for my business.

This is when the idea of Adamma’s Notions was born.  In June 2007 I decided to start an online business.  I name it Adamma’s after my baby daughter’s middle name Notions for novelties of all product type to be sold at the web-store.

 Admma’s Notions was launched; I was still working full-time and attending school.  Adamma’s Notions was a project that kept getting more real by the week.  I applied for a Federal State ID number as well as a Sales Tax number. With the Sales Tax number I can purchase from wholesalers and distributors without having to pay the extra tax.  I had all my marketing material going and the website was full of products to sell.

Was I in for a reality check?  Thinking of a business name, creating a web-site, uploads to the site and put them up for sale is the easy part.  Marketing yourself is the hardest part, but not impossible.  It is important to know where you want to go with your site, who is your audience and be selective about the merchandise you carry.  Remember you are only but a speck within the multitude of online business, you have to give the customers out there who are shopping a reason to come to your site and shop there. 

My site is run from home.  I have no mortal business where people can walk in, therefore, getting my brand name recognized, became an adventure.   Through trial and error I found some great sites that have helped me build brand awareness and in the process I’ve met some awesome people. 

1. Facebook is a great source of communication and great platform for building mutual connections.  By having a fan page on facebook you can interact with your friends and customers for a full-out social engagement.  Customers can see you are a human being outside work.
2.  Twitter is a great news tool, I called it a news tool because you can find out about news reports faster than you can through your regular news channel, plus you will know what Jane or Bob are doing today, and what ABC Company has on sale and what coupons XY companies is advertising. In addition, it is a great way tool to build your brand awareness, through posting articles and awesome conversations. I love twitter.  I’ve learned so much through all the postings that I’ve select to read, yes selected to read, because so much information is moving so fast through twitter you have to be selective on what you read; otherwise you will get caught in the mudslide.
3. Email marketing is a great way to keep your customers up-to-date with news, new product information and special coupon codes.  Please don’t abuse email marketing, I learned through trial and error.  There are many inexpensive email marketing applications out-there for your choosing.  I like using Mad Mimi; it is cheap, easy to use and fun.  However, search around for the best email marketing that best meets your business needs. Send email updates at least twice a month, don’t spam your customers and friends with unnecessary email marketing updates.
4. Marketplaces are an awesome way to expand your business name through the online traffic jam.  Marketplaces offer many easy to use tools to get your store noticed.  Three favorite market places were Adammas’ Notions sells on Addoway, Bonanzle and eCrater.  Each of these market places has its own unique way of advertising their clients; Addoway for example uses facebook to connect to customers and friends.  Bonanzle uses the slogan “everything but the ordinary” and eCrater well they have been around for some time now and almost everyone seems to be familiar with the name just like the “eBay” name.
5. Stay consistent on your web-store design and your logo; people start to associate your logo with your site.  When I change my web-sites template I try to pick a design that accommodates my logo.  I always make sure I use my logo anywhere I can.  That is one way I am education my customers with my brand.
6. People:  I always say that my friends, family and customers are my advertising approach I have, plus it does not cost anything.  When you provide great customers service together with affordable prices and a pleasant shopping experience, people will tell others about your business.  Always have business cards and flyers ready to hand out and send with your product.  You just never know.

Like I mentioned before it is easy starting an online business, getting noticed is hard, but not impossible.  With hard work dedication and lots of networking, you will have your business name being noticed from customers all around online communities.

Should you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them on the space provided below.