Blood, Sweat & Bling...

Well another year has literally flown by and I can’t believe sixforgold is almost 1 already! It’s hard to believe that just over a year ago it was all but an idea in my head. Hours spent on a sun lounger in the Algarve pondering: Could I do it? Should I do it? Will anyone want to shop in my store? Will I be one of those businesses that doesn’t make it through year one? Well here we are, nearly a year later and yes I can do it and people seem to like shopping in my store – thankfully! I’ve spent the past year on a pretty steep learning curve so I thought I’d share my tips and thoughts for anyone out there thinking about launching an online business…

The first year is hard – don’t expect to make money! I pretty much pay myself in jewellery but I’m ok with that! I love jewellery!

Invest in good photography – it’s so critical to selling jewellery online.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When I was starting out I reached out to someone who is an old-hand at building and running an online business and her help was truly invaluable to me.

You don’t need to be a graphic designer to create emailers and website images – Canva is fantastic and it has been a lifesaver for me.

Pick your social media channels wisely – better to do a few well then lots not so well.

Never underestimate how hard it is to get traffic to your website – if you build they won’t come! Learn a little about SEO and tread carefully with PPC and adwords.

Building an online shop can be done quickly. Building an online brand is another story. They aren’t the same thing.

Pay attention to your brand and don’t stray from it. Remember what inspired you to build your store in the first place.

Treat your customers like you would like to be treated. I believe in gift wrapping everything and shipping same day when possible. As an online shopper I know what a difference that makes to the experience.

PR is important. If you can afford the professional support in the run up to your launch it’s probably a good idea. However, it’s not a lost cause if you can’t. Bloggers have so much influence these days. Find some that you identify with and reach out to them

Blogging isn’t as easy as everyone thinks but you need to do it!

Things that make it worthwhile

When my customers come back and make repeat purchases. I love that people love the pieces I pick for sixforgold. When people IG themselves wearing their new jewellery that’s that best!

Browsing the new lookbooks and linesheets every season. I love ordering the new collections and it’s incredibly hard to not keep one of everything for me!

Those little thank you emails that come in from customers loving what they bought!

When I see people from all over the world visiting and shopping at SFG. From Puerto Rico to Singapore to Belgium, I am always amazed that they managed to find me!

I’m proud to say I have sourced every designer, handpicked every piece of jewellery, processed, gift wrapped and shipped every single order. No easy feat when working in a full time demanding job! It isn’t easy but I’ve loved every second. If you’ve been thinking about starting an online business, just do it!  My idea started on a sun lounger, Aperol Spritz in hand in the Algarve, within 3 months of hard work and the help of a few experts sixforgold was born!