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The Nugget with Michelle Martello

this scratches that itch

Published 3 months ago • 2 min read

"What do you know about selling merch?" asked my client Ann Handley.​
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"Enough to be dangerous." I replied.
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​Web designers get asked to do a lot of things.
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​Move a pixel or two and people think you're a tech genius. For the record, I detest setting up Wi-Fi networks, configuring printers, and re-grouting showers.
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​Ann hit a viral moment a few weeks ago with her LinkedIn post regarding the much-maligned Em Dash. So many people asked for merch she asked if I could help set something up.
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I've never loved doing complex e-commerce stuff, but these days testing an idea out is easier than ever. ​
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I also never used to use em dashes—mainly because I could never remember how to type it. [shift + option + dash] for the mac folks.
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For the tech curious: we used Bonfire to set up a done-for-you merch site.
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It's a great way to scratch the itch of selling custom designed merch without having to commit to an expensive print order (or having to figure out the not-so-fun stuff like shipping rates).
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Note: margins are tiny (you determine the sales price, but the underlying cost of goods is high). It's not a traditional e-comm site where you source/create the goods and you can't customize the experience like you can with a Shopify site (so no niceties like the Shop app that makes 1-click checkout a breeze).
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Wanna see if a design might pop or if an idea has traction? It's a great way to create a limited run and see if people will actually pay for your stuff.
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But people aren't going to magically "stumble" across your stuff.
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It's why when I hear the complaint "no one's coming to my website" I always ask "well, what are you doing to drive traffic?"
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You HAVE to have some sort of promotion strategy - from SEO, ads, referrals to social media and smart content creation that drive traffics and awareness about what you're selling.
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But my favorite low-stress way to get the word out? Email.​
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If you've been putting off building your email list (or know you want to do more with yours), join me Nov. 26th for my free behind-the-scenes chat with Kit. I'll be sharing exactly how I use email to grow my business.

you've got this,
Michelle

p.s. this little birdie is dropping some limited ways to work with me 1:1 for black friday. Click here to get first dibs.
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p.p.s. huge congrats to my longtime friend & client Elena Brower on the launch of her latest book, Hold Nothing. This gorgeous guide makes a great gift (and grab one for yourself too!)

What's in my Kit? Free class.
​Wednesday Nov. 26th | 3pm EST

I’ve partnered with my email marketing tool Kit to give you a tour of my favorite email strategies.
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Everyone who registers will get the replay AND my new guide "grab-and-go emails to send when you need to rake in some cash fast."

Did this email end up in your promo, junk or spam folder? Do me a solid and drag it to your primary inbox - this tells your inbox you like me, like really like me. ​
*denotes affiliate link. I only promote and recommend products and services I use for myself or my clients.

People who read the fine print are my kind of people. You rock Reader. ​
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106 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
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The Nugget with Michelle Martello

Digital Product Design + Online Business Strategy

Get my nugget-filled newsletter every Friday. The never boring, edutaining tech + digital strategy newsletter​ that's always worth the open. Get the latest tech tutorials, behind-the-scenes breakdowns and done-for-you strategic guidance from someone who's actually doing the work (and makes you laugh to boot).

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