Monthly Recap, Upcoming Improvements
By · Comment HugsIt’s been a busy (and hot, wow!) month here at AAO with the ’soft re-opening’ of the existing store. We’ve been taking and fulfilling orders as usual, while working on new templates and a new store.
One of the big changes you’ll see (a few now, more when the new store opens) is the consolidation of the categories for templates and other add-ons. We are aiming to have about four simple categories. When shopping for a template, you’ll have a better ability to browse by theme, brand (ebay, etsy, bonanzle, 1000 markets, etc), as well as search by color. We’re hoping to offer a much more streamlined pricing, especially with regards to banner logos. Here are the initial categories we’re discussing:
1. Listing Templates – any auction or store listing template, whether it’s eBay or Bonanzle– templates will be (almost) one-size-fits-all. Not all sites allow the same uses of HTML, e.g., eBay is far more accepting of some template designs than, say, Bonanzle, who is much more strict with how templates are handled.
2. Storefronts – eBay storefronts are by far the most popular and we’ll continue to have these, as well as templates for most storefront-friendly services.
3. Banner Logos – A banner logo is a ready-made logo that that can be personalized with your store name or other custom text. These banners are used on virtually all sites that allow sellers to upload a store graphic. What’s even better, is that there will be one price– regardless of size. (Did you notice? Our Etsy banners dropped in price from $20 to $5 USD!)
4. AddOns – This is the ‘everything else’ category, ranging from icons, avatars, and banner ads, to widgets, web stickers, collages, Twitter backgrounds– all those accoutrements that show up everywhere. Sometimes, these are the most important pieces for your online store!
A word on website store templates:
There’s no question that choosing to sell direct from your very own web store (instead of using one of the online services) can give you incredible control over your store. The challenge with this approach is the various levels of pricing for web hosts/store software or the level of technical expertise required to get a store up and running. We’re currently evaluating how to proceed with website store templates and installation services to accommodate as many needs as possible, while also looking at options for those that may want to attach store widgets and addons to blogs and social networks. Please bear with us as we test out a few models, so that we can provide the best possible solution!
A note of thanks
Thanks to everyone who commented and emailed about what you’d like to see in the coming months from our template catalog. We’ve had suggestions such as more storefronts, more eBay, more Etsy, more limited editions, less polka dots, more grunge, more photorealistic templates, more WAHD styles, more butterflies (okay, we made that one up, we just love the butterflies!)– the list goes on and on! Thank you!
Hello! It’s Transition Thursday!
By · Comment HugsHello everyone! As many of you know, Auction Add-Ons was recently sold and it’s an honor to be part of a wonderful site and community that Angie (and Melanie, too!) has built over the years.
A few brief updates that may answer initial questions about AAO’s future.
What will change? First, it’s our intention to keep most of the site the same– art, themes, templates, and add-ons for your online stores, auctions and boutiques, as well as a wide variety of articles and resources. Since we’re working around the clock to learn everything there is to know about AAO, changes will happen slowly. Your feedback (and understanding) is super-helpful. Feel free to leave comments on our blog posts, or send us a message on Twitter: @auctionaddons
When will the store re-open? We don’t have a specific date set, since the sale of AAO just happened in the last week– however, since it’s still early in the month, you should see a soft re-opening in June. It’s important to us to ensure we can get everything running smoothly behind the scenes, and continue the tradition of great products and great customer support.
One more thing before we get back to work: if there’s something you’ve wanted to see (more Etsy, more banners, more of this style/less of that style, more articles), please let us know! It’s a pleasure to serve you and carry on the good name of Auction Add-Ons. 
Auction Add-Ons is For Sale
By · Comment HugsI hope you are doing well! Things are hectic as always on my end. Can you believe school is almost out? Only 8.5 days left for us, but I am not counting right?? I am not writing you today for small talk so I best get to it!
I am placing Auction Add-Ons for sale. There I said it out loud to the world. Yes, I am a little shocked but I know it is the best thing to do at this time. Since you are my valued customers but most importantly many of you are my dear friends I want to make sure you hear it directly from me and not through rumors online.
Why am I selling?
There are a lot of factors playing into this. A move for my family is in the near future. My husbands job is in the oil industry and Colorado has been hit very hard with new regulations all but forcing most companies to shut down. We will be accepting a transfer to another state, it looks like North Dakota at this time.
Most of you know that my best online friend, confidant and all around cool gal pal Melanie also sells on AAO. Melanie is leaving soon too. Her family are becoming missionaries and will be completely leaving the country. I honestly don’t know how I could manage AAO without her. She is my backbone in this business and literally helps keep me sane.
Those are the two main reasons fueling the sale of AAO.
How will this affect you?
I will continue operating AAO as it currently is. All material will remain for sale, being filled and delivered by Melanie or I until the sale of the business is complete. You can expect no noticeable changes during this period.
How will you be selling it?
I think I am going to try eBay first. We will see how it goes, if that doesn’t work I am going to find a broker. I hope to have it listed on eBay later this week, I will post a link on AAO if you would like to have a look or let a friend know about this fantastic opportunity for a profitable, turn-key website.
This has been a fabulous business that I am so very proud of. I never thought a work at home mom could build such a successful business from the ground up in such a short amount of time. I have been so lucky to meet so many wonderful people and create lasting friendships! It honestly is a hard decision to make but I feel now is the time. All signs are pointing me in this direction, it is time for a new creative energy to take the reins and grow this business up, up and away!
I would love to keep in touch with ALL of my friends. If you are on Facebook please add me so we can stay in touch with each other. http://profile.to/angiesandy/
If you have any questions please let me know.
Make it Personal – Brand your Twitter Account
By · Comment Hugs
Twitter profiles are far more then just “your” page on Twitter. They server as a window into your life and business. Without a proper and effective profile, jobs can be lost, money can be washed down the drain and clients can be swayed to another profile that provides more of what they are looking for. A Twitter profile is just like a marketing campaign for a company. A proper Twitter profile should effectively provide a snapshot of your brand.
Twitter is a wonderful tool to implement into your marketing strategy on the web. As such, the same branding rules apply to your Twitter profile. Your profile does not just include the wording on your Twitter account, but also the background on your Twitter page. There are applications you can use to develop free backgrounds for your Twitter account if you are on a budget, but in order to properly brand yourself, spend the extra money and develop a personal background the same way you would for a website. It will pay dividends in the end.
Here are a few tips to follow when creating your profile on Twitter to help develop your brand.
Be Consistent – Keep your message steady. If your business is about making fabulous children’s clothing make sure your Twitter profile falls right in line with it. As enticing as it might be to add a few pictures of your kids or fishing with some friends, keep your message relevant.
Angie's Twitter Background
Add Pictures – Many people want to see actual pictures of who they are talking to, not avatars or logos. As tempting as it might be to put your company logo up as your profile picture, save your logo for your background and put a picture of you on the profile. This will let people know they are talking to a real person and help your marketing efforts tremendously.
Frequently Update – When you have something new, make sure you update your profile. This lets people know your business is changing and growing. Your brand depends on it. Remember to keep it a consistent message, but also to keep it filled with fresh content.
Give Readily Available Contact Information – When branding yourself or your business on Twitter, one of the most important things is to make sure people know how to get in touch with you. Be sure to include applicable links to your website or any other methods of contact you might have such as email and phone. Specify how you prefer people reach you and list your business hours, if you use them.
Stick with Simplicity – While you only have 140 characters to develop your profile, treat it as though it were SEO copy. You only have a few seconds to get your brand across before the potential client becomes bored and goes elsewhere, so be brief and chose your words wisely.
Value Time – Take your time. Developing your brand on a new social media tool can be exciting and a lot of fun, but don’t let the excitement go to your head. Take your time and if you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a 5-minute break and go grab some coffee or a soda. If you take your time, you will be able to get out exactly what you want to say. You won’t need to go back and change your message 10 minutes after you have published it because you left something out or didn’t get your point across.
Branding your business took time, possibly even months. Give your Twitter profile the same attention you did to the initial branding efforts and it will pay off. Follow these steps and you will have a good understanding of how to use your Twitter profile to brand your business properly and effectively.
Follow me on Twitter, @angiesandy
How To Successfully Start A Home Business
By · Comment Hugs
Starting a home based business can be both exhilarating and overwhelming at once. If you’re considering opening a home business here are a few steps which will ensure your success.
Step #1 Make sure you have a home business personality. The most important trait any home business entrepreneur needs to have is self motivation. You also need to be organized and able to work by yourself. Are you able to manage tasks? If you have these traits you are sure to be a success!
Step #2 Decide what type of business suits your needs and personality. There are a large number of home based businesses you can open up, everything from a transcriptionist to a massage therapist, from a ghostwriter to an eBay store owner. Spend a considerable amount of time learning about the types of businesses which are available and what fits your needs, interests, and personality. Ideally your home based business will be something you can profit from for years and years so you want to make sure you’ll enjoy it.
Step #3 Learn about the technology and resources available to you. The internet and related technologies have made owning a home based business accessible by most everyone. Email makes it easy to communicate with customers all over the world. A system like the Easy Boutique Builder makes it easy to manage a website, make sales and accept payments even while you’re away.
Step #4 Plan, plan, and plan. A business plan isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity. You’ll want to outline your goals, your reason for being in business, your budget and start up finances, your assets, your strengths and weaknesses, your competition and your marketing strategy.
Step #5 Operate your business as if you were in the office. It’s tempting to work when you feel like it, to stay in your pajamas all day and to not hold yourself as accountable as if you were in the office with a boss peering over your shoulder. Yes, the freedoms of owning your own business are great however you’ll be more productive, professional and profitable if you keep regular business hours, you can set these hours to fit your needs of course. If you get dressed and brush your teeth in the morning you’ll just feel better and more productive and if you treat your business and your customers as you’d like to be treated. It helps to have a designated work space in your home, a home office, where you’re able to close the door and focus on business.
Step #6 Know your role. When you own your own business, especially in the beginning, it’s easy to try to be everything. You’ll be your own accountant, your own lawyer, your own fulfillment center your own sales and marketing team – you’ll wear all the hats. However this isn’t the best way to be productive and profitable. Outsource what you can and focus on your strengths and the tasks which bring in the most profits. Above all, remember that you are the CEO and it is your job to be the person who builds and grows your business.
Step #7 Remember to maintain a balanced life. Make time for fun and self care. It’s all too easy to let your business consume your life 24/7. Burnout occurs and you start losing interest in your business. Profits suffer and so do your loyal customers. Take time to celebrate life, your successes and your friends and family. Balance is essential for a successful home based business.
Knowing and keeping these seven steps in mind before you start a business will help you successfully get it off the ground and to keep it running profitably for as long as you desire.
The 3 Best Business Practices for Twitter
By · Comment Hugs
If you’ve been around the social media circuit for any time, you know Twitter is the phenomenal micro-blogging platform revolutionizing the way people network and market their business. Twitter gains somewhere between 250,000 and 500,000 new users every month. The recently elected American President, Barak Obama, made Twitter a household name as the political pundits across the country marveled at the way his campaign team used the tool to reach millions of American’s with Obama’s message.
For all the people using Twitter effectively, there are also huge numbers of people who either don’t make good use of it at all or who try to overpower the platform and its users with unwanted spam. IN either case you can learn a lot on Twitter and these three tips will earn you a great network of friends!
Here are three of the best business practices for using Twitter effectively:
- Use a complete profile. Twitter gives every user a profile page. Use this space to it’s highest potential! Try to stand out in the crowd with a unique and memorable avatar. This could be a photo or logo. Provide your real name in your biography along with a snippet about you, your life and your business. Add a link to your website or blog in your profile.
People look at your profile page to decide if they want to follow your updates. They may also take a look when you post a message particularly relevant to them. When they get to your profile on Twitter make sure you give them what they need to make an informed decision about your business. It may be the only shot you get.
- Interact. Don’t just broadcast. Twitter is a social networking tool with the operative word being social. Don’t just blast your site information or the link to your sales page every time you use Twitter. Talk to people. Ask them what they do and how you can help them or ask about their family members or interests.
Twitter is great for conversations kept open enough for everyone to join in. General talk about a specific industry, process or training is a great way to get others involved in a discussion. If you engage in banter and chat on Twitter every time you use it, you may even find it a bit tough keeping up with all the followers you gain.
- Share your expertise. The people with the highest rankings on Twitter are the ones who aren’t afraid to give away some of their best stuff.
Share tidbits of real information related to your area of expertise. If you’re a marketer, don’t just push products. Instead offer tips on how to build your list or ways to help your affiliates. If you’re a writer, offer tips on how to write an effective headline or what to say in an email campaign. Share enough of your knowledge to let people know you’re the real deal. It’s the fastest way to draw them to your website where you can sell then sell your products.
?If you consistently follow these three business practices while interacting on Twitter, you are all but guaranteed to grow your business. Twitter is really all about interaction and relationships are all about give and take and showing respect. Using good business sense and common courtesy in your Twitter affairs will gain you not only followers and clients, but respect for your business as well.
Follow me on Twitter, @angiesandy
Wish List Wednesday Winner
By · Comment Hugs
Congratulations to comment #1, you were the big winner this week!
Wish List Wednesday
By · Comment Hugs
It is “Wish List Wednesday”. You have probably heard of the old adage “pay it forward”. Well this is the idea behind WLW. I have been very blessed in my business and I am always trying to help people create the most of their business. With that in mind WLW has been started.
How do I participate?
It’s so easy! Everyone has a wish right? Think about one thing you have been wanting or needing. Something that might make your business better or easier. It might be a graphic you need, banner ad or business card template. Maybe you want to start a blog or a new website. Or perhaps you have a theme or design idea you would like to see us do. Keep in mind these are just ideas! Make your wish something that would help you! Once you have come up with your wish leave a comment below with the wish you would like granted.
How are winners chosen?
One winner is chosen every Thursday. Winner selection is totally random, random.org will be used to pick the winner!
Entires may be submitted from 12:00 am Wednesday to 11:59 pm each Wednesday, mountain time zone. If you miss out check back in two week to submit your wish!
