Social media?

[M&J]

Was at the Plaza show when Bill Ruple was mentioning about the completed projects he'd post up on his Facebook page. Had me curious how the social media side is for you and the amount of maintenance-updates that are implemented.

Are you find this a good means to display your works? Any tips, suggestions using social media?

[M&J]

Was thinking about this and had also posted in other forums for input. The replies varied so it was a back-forth scenario about using social media to reach those potentially interested. For some I've seen that the exposure does promote sales, others it doesn't do much. This is open on how one presents themselves which will play a big role in attracting people.

One of the local guys does clean work and he places short v##eos of his projects on his Instagram. He's doing well that there is a flow of orders to keep him going.

[Longshot117]

I've had fairly good luck with posting on different social media sites. I've been using Facebook and Reddit for the most part with links to my website. I also found that there is a lot of interest on more art focused pages on Facebook.

[M&J]

The restrictions being added to to Instagram regarding "weapons" has limited exposure for many knifemakers. This is the message that came up last month: (This was the screen Knife Rights posted up as an example.)

I used to enjoy wandering to see what other knifemakers are creating though now it has become more difficult finding their content. Last night clicked likes on a variety of knife content and today, the feeds are fluffy stuff that are mainly irrelevant. Clicked a like on a dog video and the succeeding recommendations came up with about 12 dog related feeds. "Because you liked..." recommendations. Where were the feeds for knife wood handles, sharpening, forging...?!

Smh...

[M&J]

The # tags are what helps people find you in a search but with IG's way, those words are what brings the restrictions. I sparingly use "knife" in those fields so stuff like EDC or kitchen are in place. Still how do you describe a knife differently? The production companies are and have changed their wording.

The old fashioned way of finding makes is via Google then checking for an IG account. For smaller guys like those who are in the supply side, finding some of them can be tough.

Your thoughts on finding those IG accounts?

[M&J]

Been at IG for about a year so far. Have been able to hook-up/follow a variety of makers, suppliers and gain some useful tips. As far as marketing/sales that all depends how much time, effort and quality of posts one can create. From my POV, it takes a lot of time to pursue SM and using it effectively as a marketing tool to reach buyers.

I've made 1-3 posts in a week, skipped some, etc. My followers are low so I'd need to be on it much more. The still image posts aren't as time consuming though doing a good video reel does take time. I'm sure there are streamlined ways to do this though.