This is a question I am often asked as a serial entrepreneur helping small/medium businesses start and grow their ventures.  The answer lies within this article so that you can start now creating one.

For years now a website has served as the destination online of businesses.  Now with millions (probably billions) of websites now in existence the level of play has also increased due to competing topics and the challenges associated with getting found.  Over the past several years, companies have flourished when they learned the art of developing techniques to “get websites found.”  The next new level now is “social media” marketing and Facebook falls into this category.

Social media tools such as Facebook allow the dissemination of information to move from typical broadcast models of one to many, to many to many, transforming content consumers to content producers.  This development then allows for building a base of those that share your information along with theirs.  For example, you may post information about a wire jewelry sale you are having into your Facebook account.  Anyone who follows you now has direct access to that information and so does everyone who is a friend or fan of them, dramatically increasing your reach.  When I say “access” I mean that each one in this connected web can read, interact with (comment on directly) or share the information you posted.

All of this is free.  I guess if you want the bottom line, Facebook is the essence of “word of mouth” advertising that all marketers consider highly valuable and any path to it should be leveraged.  Jewelry as a product is highly influenced by “social” relationships and therefore Facebook is a good way to show off your various wire jewelry pieces.

In addition to being able to extend your reach through direct postings, you can also reach new customers by carefully adding keywords into your Facebook description and about pages so that your page is delivered in search results (in search engines such as Google, Yahoo, etc.).  Facebook has paid close attention to provide SEO (search engine optimization) to their pages.

Finally, having a Facebook badge on your website is critical now since “everyone” has one and if you don’t, customers will think you are behind the times and will search for another website that is in sync.

Social media marketing is here to stay and will continue to grow – it’s time for you to bite the bullet and get it done now if you have a small/medium business.

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
January 02, 2010

Question:

I was wondering about some different or easy way to wire a briolette.

Answer:

If you haven’t signed up for our Free Patterns you really should, as one of them shows exactly how to work a briolette easily. Go here to see a picture and find both the Free pattern and a kit!  http://wire-sculpture.com/earring-patterns-supply-kits/Dale_Cougar_Armstrong_s_Briolette_Earrings_Supply_Kit-6136-834.html

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

Have a question? Submit your question here!

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
November 13, 2009

Question:

I was preparing to make a wire pendant and was reviewing the necessary pieces of wire I would need. The list called for a 21 gauge #8 spring-hard wire. Is this some special gauge of wire?

Answer:

The number represents the hardness of a wire and #8 is ‘Spring Hard’. This means that the wire has an extremely hard temper that causes it to ‘spring back’, making it a perfect choice to make ear wires and pins with. Although these will not have the same ‘spring’ feature, you may substitute either full or half hard temper. Many bead stores do not regularly carry the wire needed for wire wrapping, unless it is round, however I am sure most will special order for you. Just ask!

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
October 7, 2009

Question:

What gauge and temper wire could be used to wrap a very small cabochon, to maybe set in a ring?

Answer:

Most wire ring designs incorporate the stone or cabochon within the main construction. Depending on the style of the ring being made, 22g half hard wire is commonly used, however the gauge can be adjusted according to the size of the ring. I have made very small ring sizes in 24g and for that gauge I generally use half hard wire for its’ strength. The best advice is to follow the patterns’ suggestion first, and then experiment with a smaller gauge wire for a smaller stone.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
September 18, 2009

Question:

I noticed that you offer 21 gauge wire and 22 gauge wire.  Is there that much of a difference and could they be interchanged?

Answer:

In my opinion, the gauge chosen from these two, (21 and 22), depends a lot of what other items are being incorporated and into what type of design the artist is making. For example, when using round wire, 21g is about perfect for making ear wires, while 22g is just ‘that much’ too thin to keep its shape with constant wear. Sometimes the size of the holes in certain beads determines the chosen size of the wire used. When making a Classic Cabochon Ring, 21g makes the piece more suitable for a man, while 22g is looks great on most women. (And yes, often I mix the two gauges.)

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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