Hootsuite 2.0

So, I was once again browsing the forum pages of Etsy.com and came across a woman that mentioned a third party twitter application called Hootsuite 2.0. She said that it was a huge lifesaver when it came to her advertising her shop on twitter. In usual fashion, I had to go and check it out. I went to my trusty Google search page and typed in the word “hootsuit” and was immediately taken to a result list that had the application’s home page listed right on top. I clicked and was on my way …

My first impression of the page was that it was very professional! It was very evident that time had been put into the website … there were even very nice tutorial and tour videos. In my opinion, if they put that much time and energy into the website, then the quality of the application itself should be comparable. At this point, I felt it was worth my time to continue looking around the website — there were functionalities that were very useful to business people such as myself looking to promote on twitter. It looked like it was a well organized and easy to use platform … and best of all, it was FREE.

I signed up and started using. What I have to tell you I use the most is the “pending Tweets” functionality. Every morning, I take about 30 minutes and set up all of the promotional tweets I want sent out for the day and the times that I want them posted. This saves a lot of time for me during the day and helps to ensure that I have a very steady stream of posts that link back to my products. Some of the other features that are included are a fuctionality to allow you to update multiple twitter accounts with the same tweet all at onece, the ability to allow other users to post tweets to one or more twitter accounts, and the ability to customize columns and gather statistical data.

This is truly a twitter application for those that are trying to move forward with a business. I suggest it for all of my fellow Etsians and many, many more!

Here is a link to the site: www.hootsuite.com

Let me know what you think. Until then, I’ll see you at checkout!

Holiday Gift Buying Guide 2009 — Gifts for Women

The holiday season is just around the corner and it is time to get looking for that perfect gift to give to the people that you love, people that you want to thank, and the people you just want to show a little appreciation to. This is the first in a series of holiday gift giving guides for 2009, and I am bringing you what I think are SOME of the best finds from the pages of Etsy.com.

Today, for your perusing pleasure, I have listed for you 5 different ideas that would be great for that special WOMAN in your life:

1) Belle Tote with Italy flannel wool ($49.99) — christystudio.etsy.com

Belle tote with Italy flannel wool

2) Pale Gold Tunic Dress with Silk Ribbon Detail ($165.00) — hollystadler.etsy.com

Pale Gold Tunic Dress with Silk Ribbon Detail

3) Orchid-Infused Italian Bergamont and Pink Grapefruit Shea Body Butter 8oz Jar ($27.00) — pipertate.etsy.com

Orchid-Infused Italian Bergamont and Pink Grapefruit Shea Body Butter 8oz Jar

4) Just the Two of Us 24X36 Acrylic Painting Original ($179.00) — amygiacomelli.etsy.com

5) Speakeasy Vanilla Perfume Oil ($11.00) — wiggleperfume.etsy.com

These are just a few ideas … there are plenty more to come soon, so check back with me often. My next feature will be on gifts for men — so ladies get your pen and paper ready, because you are going to want to see some of the things that I have found.

Until then, I’ll see you at checkout!

Announcements: New Blog Series for the Etsy Artisan

I just wanted to announce a few new blog series that I am going to be doing from now Through December:

1. Featured Etsy Artist — Every 2 weeks I am going to be posting a new Etsy Artist Feature, showcase some of the unknown artistisans. I want to give you, as potential customers and new fans, an opportunity to know who the artist is behind the work as well as give you an opportunity to view some of their newest work.
2. Weekly gift buying guide — Ladies and gentleman … the holidays are a comin’! I want to help all of you get prepared by showing you some new and unique gift ideas and where they can be purchased. I want you to be able to WOW your loved ones with things they never expected, never thought of, or never thought they could ever afford to get. Check back often to stay up-to-date.
3. Business resource seminar series — for all of my followers that are trying to start their own business, I will be posting a monthly article that features at least one business resource that you will need in order to be successful. Topics will range from accounting software to help you keep your finances accurate and in check, to lists of state and goverment agencies that should be kept in your contact list.
4. Product revierws — I will also be periodically posting product reviews for business software as well as advertising and billing websites and hardware.

The next couple of months are going to be great and filled with useful information to get you ready for the holidays and the new year. I hope that you mark this page and come back often for the updates and new posts.

Until then, I’ll see you at check out!