The launch was largely successful, with only a few glitches found afterward that couldn't have been found until after going live, and they're being worked on. I also have to purchase another package to flesh out the check-out, giving customers the space to write in comments, tell me where they found me, and the like.
Overall, I'm really, really please, although I was apprehensive at first. I contracted Quirky Bird to not only build the web site, but to give me a new logo for a total rebranding. I felt I was at the point in my career, six years later, where I needed to get serious and "become".
When I first saw the proposed web site, I was afraid it looked too cartoonish, so I asked my best buddy Cindy Wimmer what her opinion was, without telling her what *I* thought. She loved it. I was worried that the look wouldn't be cohesive, but it's grown on me, and now I like it. I like the slide show (which I can change) and the blocks at the bottom with seasonal jewelry (which I can also change, and already have).
The company also gave me a crash course in SEO and how to write decent ad copy, and got me hooked up with a professional credit card processor for the site. In all, I had about five people working on the site since January. The web site would have been launched in the summer if it weren't for my migraines getting in the way -- I had a huge hand in doing a lot of the back end so I would be very familiar with how to change things down the road and not be beholden to paying an hourly rate to the developers.
The company also created all my print media, including this postcard. Again, they gave me the PSD file so I can make complete changes to it. I love this, because many companies give you a finished file that CANNOT be tampered with.
All in all, I'm quite pleased. Yes, it was very expensive, but it was worth it. It's been a long time coming. I'm waiting now for my booth sign, and am looking for small Chinese lanterns for my booth (I already have large ones but haven't quite figured out how to use them). I've also printed up t-shirts as well as tote bags for customers that have bought a gazillion things from me and brought in a lot of customers, but they can also be purchased here.
So one of the items on my Artist's Year Off list can be absolutely checked off!
Lori Anderson creates jewelry for Lori Anderson Designs and also writes the blog Pretty Things. She's also a contributor to Art Bead Scene.
