Promoting Jewellery & Beads 20 years ago (pre-Social Media!)

Whilst I've been busy creating, curating, and managing the launch of Mintage Jewellery these past few months, I've been reminiscing on the huge differences between promoting a business in this modern age compared to 20 years ago.

A Journey Through Time: From 2005 to Today

Back in 2005, I began my journey into the beading and jewellery industry. It started with selling handmade jewellery at local markets. Over time, this evolved into offering a range of beads, gemstones, crystals, and findings. Eventually, I created many DIY kits. In my first year, my stall won the "Best Accessories" Award, which led to opening a retail shop in 2007. I had managed to collect a rather large 'stash' over the years, with DIY kits becoming my forte, created as a necessity for the classes I was running two or three times a week.

The Old Way of Marketing

During this time, advertising in local newspapers and Australian Beading magazines was the norm. Many tutorials from our range of kits were featured. I was fortunate to have several covers showcasing my designs, which helped us build a growing customer base across Australia. This is an old (low resolution) article in Australian Beading from 2009 (Vol 4.1) where I was featured as the Designer of the Month.

There was also a necessity to travel to various craft shows held in most cities throughout Australia. These events lasted four or five days and were essential for engaging the public. I ran classes, which led to many sales of kits and beading supplies. Those were crazy times! Long hours and kit-making sessions filled my days.

The Rise of the Internet

Having a website was quite a new concept back then. Luckily, I worked in IT, and my husband was a software developer. I had his assistance and some basic know-how to set up a fairly basic version of a "website." This platform allowed me to promote new products and highlight activities related to the retail outlet, including local classes and craft shows we attended.

Embracing Modern Marketing Techniques

Fast forward to this year, where social media and website design are integral to the promotional success of any business with physical products to sell. I knew that jewellery is a highly competitive market, with many low-priced, low-quality products available. Therefore, it is crucial to find a way to stand out from the crowd.

In terms of setting up the website, there was a steep learning curve on how to launch my business in such a high-tech environment. There are countless avenues and marketing techniques available, not to mention the advent of AI, all at the click of a mouse—quite scary!

Capturing My Essence

It's still early days, but I hope I've managed to capture the essence of my style. I aim to showcase the range of designs in all their glory with professional photography. Attention to detail, high quality, and longevity are key to sustaining the business for many years to come!

The Future of Mintage Jewellery

As I look towards the future, I am excited about the possibilities. The digital landscape is ever-changing, and I am committed to evolving alongside it. I plan to explore new marketing strategies and engage with my audience in innovative ways.

Creating a community around Mintage Jewellery is essential. I want to connect with customers, share stories, and inspire creativity. By fostering this relationship, I believe we can grow together.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading! I appreciate your support as I navigate this journey. The world of jewellery is vast and vibrant, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments from Mintage Jewellery!