Ideas on growing a small business?

[Massage_Mama]

I thought I would start off a discussion in an area where I could use some fresh ideas. How do you market your business and have you seen success from the current method(s) you're using? I currently advertise via WOM and I have a website. I've also signed up with various "craft/handmade" sites, such as Etsy and SilkFair but have yet to fully utilize them fully.
I hope to be able to market my products at bazaars by Christmas this year. I think that will be a good way to expose my products to people and get more people hooked on the benefits and loveliness of natural bath and beauty products.

[Beauty by Bea]

Hi again :)

I think Etsy can be great, especially for US bath and body sellers - to get the best out of it you need clear photographs, engaging listings and you also need to list quite regularly (or space out your listings, don't lump lots on at once!) posting in the forums can help lots too, and use a scrummy pic of your product or a really eye catching logo as your avatar too...

Bazaars/Craft Fairs I've found to either be absolutely amazing sell outs, or complete flops, be prepared for some stumbles, and remember the image is everything so the way you set out your table is very important, make use of nice table coverings, displays at different heights, and eye catching posters if you can.... (I find a great big sign saying SOAP is helpful when I just sell soap at fairs as from a distance some people thought it was either cake or cheese! Lol!)

Bea x