{"id":584,"date":"2021-03-18T22:10:04","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T04:10:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/?p=584"},"modified":"2021-03-19T00:41:33","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T06:41:33","slug":"how-to-submit-your-shop-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/how-to-submit-your-shop-story\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Submit Your Shop Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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How to Submit Your Shop Story<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Craft a shop story to stand out from the rest<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Let\u2019s face it\u2026 right now, more and more people are starting to look at the internet to buy everything ever since the pandemic of 2020 hit.\u00a0 If you are online, you might be seeing an increase in sales, or you might have seen a huge decrease.\u00a0 This is because both buyers and sellers are jumping online.\u00a0 If you are not online with your products, you NEED to be!\u00a0 Here at Crafty Universe, we want to help the crafters get seen, so we are putting your \u201cshop stories\u201d on our website and driving traffic here for people to see those stories.\u00a0 In order for search engines to find those stories, though, there needs to be enough of a story to be found!\u00a0 Below, we are giving some guidelines on how to write up your shop story and how to get it submitted to our site!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Top Tips for Writing Your Story<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In order for search engines to find the information they need to identify what a page is about, there needs to be a minimum amount of words in general as well as specific words.\u00a0 \u201cKeywords\u201d are used by people to search and by the search engines to identify what is on a page.\u00a0 Search engines are not people, so there needs to be enough words on a page for the program to be able to identify the theme of the information.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

There is a lot of debate on the number of words that is best, but typically a post needs to range between 600 to 3000 words.\u00a0 Preferably, the best posts will be between 1500 and 3000 words.\u00a0 It\u2019s ok to go a little over that, but in reality it is not necessary because programs will not read past 3000 words.\u00a0 Even if you get someone reading your post, they probably will not want to read 3000 words or more (unless maybe if you are Stephen King!).\u00a0<\/p>

The guidelines will undoubtedly change in the future, but for our website, we\u2019re asking that people submit their shop stories with a minimum of 600 words and preferably around 1500 words if possible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What To Put in the Story<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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There are many different approaches that people take to writing their story.\u00a0 Some people have a natural story to tell.\u00a0 They made a product, they showed people, everyone wanted it, so they started a business.\u00a0 Some people have a family tradition that they wanted to share with the world.\u00a0 I think I heard a story about a person that found a picture in their attic that was left behind by a previous owner.\u00a0 The picture was so hideous that they decided to paint something of their own\u2026 and that started their business.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

You don\u2019t have to have a gimmick to tell your story.\u00a0 I definitely wouldn\u2019t make something up (unless you have help from a certain someone that I already mentioned).\u00a0 Just tell your story.\u00a0 If that means saying something like \u201cHi I\u2019m Blah Blah and I live in Joeschmoe City. I make knickknacks in my garage and am hoping to get one in every house in the world one day.\u201d Well, go with that and then tell about what your product is used for or why it is needed in the world.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Basically, figure out what you want to tell the people that see your story on here.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t have to be the same thing as what is on your website. It can be specifically geared to one product that you are proud of or your best seller.\u00a0 A story is good to help people to identify with your situation, but it is not the only way to reach people.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Break It Up<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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It\u2019s pretty easy to get lost in a sea of words on most blog posts.\u00a0 Make sure to use paragraphs and break up your sections.\u00a0 It can be difficult to break into sections when you have a story because you just want to tell your story.\u00a0 Well, break it up with an image then!\u00a0 It is definitely NOT a requirement to break up a post into sections, but it helps the reader when the post is longer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

If your posts end up way longer than 3000 words, then consider making your posts into \u201cparts\u201d instead.\u00a0 Like \u201cVisiting the Craft Store \u2013 Part 1\u201d.\u00a0 (I fully plan on using that title at some point because there are so many changes happening on craft stores right now that are amazing!)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Don't Forget the Pictures!<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If you didn\u2019t use a picture to break up your sections, don\u2019t forget to add in at least one or two images!\u00a0 At the very minimum, you should have an image to express your shop or brand in some way.\u00a0 Even if it\u2019s a logo (which can also be told in your story if you just cannot come up with anything to write about)\u2026\u00a0something<\/em>\u00a0should be included as an image.\u00a0 In fact, when submitting on our page, you might want to have a couple of images available just in case something doesn\u2019t work.\u00a0 If you are posting on your own page, try to have at least 2 images on the page that relate to the post in some way.\u00a0<\/p>

Taking your own pictures for your own products is a MUST when selling.\u00a0 If you are trying to explain about your product, use an image that shows what the product is and show how it is used.\u00a0 If it has multiple uses, take a picture of each use individually.\u00a0 I know this takes time, but if you want to sell the item then you want to make sure the buyer knows what the item is and how to use it!\u00a0 Of course, if it\u2019s something simple like fabric, you don\u2019t have to show its uses.\u00a0 Sometimes that can be confusing if you show a product with a specific design that comes in many types of fabrics and the buyer then thinks they can use a knit for a project that specifically needs quilting cotton.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What Links to Include<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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We highly believe that linking over to the different online sources that you have can be very beneficial for your business.\u00a0 So, make sure to include any shop links (Etsy, Facebook, regular website address) and any social media sites (Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, etc.).\u00a0 There are some people in the craft world that swear by a particular site while others stay completely away from it.\u00a0 Everyone is different in their preferences, so whatever you use, make sure those customers can find it!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What to Leave OUT<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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There are many reasons to NOT post about a product.\u00a0 Sensitive products and illegal products are ones that should not be blogged about unless you are discussing why your product is better than that.\u00a0 However, when you talk about illegal products on your site, they can be blocked and your IP address can be banned from search engines.\u00a0 I could get into the many different ways of why your site isn\u2019t being viewed, but there are a lot of variables so that will be in a post all by itself.\u00a0 Just remember that anything that is illegal, unethical, or even just borderline wrong should not be mentioned on your website.\u00a0<\/p>

Another thing to consider is to NOT include trademarked or copyrighted materials.\u00a0 For instance, if you are selling a \u201cfan created\u201d or \u201cinspired\u201d item from a game, show, movie, etc., make sure you don\u2019t claim to be selling officially licensed products unless you have the right to do so!\u00a0 We all know that there is a fine line between selling inspired products and intellectual property infringement.\u00a0 I\u2019ve consulted with a lawyer about my own designs because large companies refuse to take on anything that is even remotely close to a licensed design\u2026. even if it\u2019s not protected in the craft industry!\u00a0 ALWAYS consult a lawyer if you have questions.\u00a0 Yes, lawyers are expensive.\u00a0 I highly suggest a legal services company such as the one that I work with. You can find more information at my\u00a0LegalShield<\/a>\u00a0site where you can find options for personal and business.\u00a0 (Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll cover many ways to protect yourself, your business, and your products in other posts.)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Just Keep Writing<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Well, write up to 3000 words (I\u2019ve tried to keep this short but close to the 1500 goal). If you get stuck and cannot write anything, browse the other shop stories that have already been submitted. (You can see those in the\u00a0shop stories<\/a>\u00a0section on our site.)\u00a0 We try really hard to help out when possible, but in reality you know your shop and what you want your customers to know about you, probably more than we do.\u00a0 At minimum, get started writing something and see where it takes you.\u00a0 For now, submitting a shop story is free, so make sure to submit it while we can still take them for free!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How to Submit Your Shop Story Craft a shop story to stand out from the rest Let\u2019s face it\u2026 right now, more and more people are starting to look at the internet to buy everything ever since the pandemic of 2020 hit.\u00a0 If you are online, you might be seeing an increase in sales, or …<\/p>\n

How to Submit Your Shop Story<\/span> Read More »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":488,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/584"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=584"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/584\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/488"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyuniverse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}