This beautiful lady ❤
I’ve watched her grow from the start. I’ve watched her creativity shine. I’ve watched her do some amazing collaborations. I’ve watched her go from strength to strength. Please meet Tara from By Tara Louise.
Tell us all a little about your business, By Tara Louise?
I started my handmade biz mid-2018 with the intent of having time to myself and allowing myself to be creative. After having my 3 children, I had to find myself again and redefine who I was.
I’m not just a mum, I’m a creator and this was a perfect way to give myself the creative freedom I needed. I found Polymer clay and fell in love. It’s a beautiful material which allows me to create endless designs and colourways.
I work with a lot of local businesses creating custom pieces for them to wear, I’ve collaborated with Maggie McDonald an amazing artist now based in Sydney and I’ve also done some work for fundraising events. The local Penrith community is full of supportive mums in business just like myself, which is essential when working from home. But there is an amazing community of supported all across Australia.
How do you use social media to promote your business? What platforms do you use?
I use Instagram and Facebook. I use stories a lot to show behind the scene photos of what I’m working on. This generates a lot of interest.
I will often do a live video to show customers the stock I have available on my website. As my designs change so frequently its important to keep them updated.
What is your favourite social media platform and why?
Instagram is the place to be for me. I enjoy creating a colourful feed, it’s a mini art gallery full of my recent work.
Instagram stories have been a game-changer and drive a lot of traffic to my feed and then to my website. I like how easy it is to just click a few buttons, go live and your video chatting to your audience. I feel so much more connected to them.
What do you love about social media for your business?
The connection to my tribe. I love building relationships with my customers and as I have fans all around Australia, it’s so wonderful to be able to connect and have a conversation.
Social media allows me to share content in so many ways, it could be asking for their opinion or advice, or showcasing what I’m working on… everyone loves to see behind the scenes… or even a quick video update.
It is so easy and quick to get my message across and as we are all so busy these days, time is everything.
If you could change anything about using social media for your business, what would it be?
That’s a great question. I think i’d like to be more prepared with my video content, i’d love to experiment with stop motion video later this year, it looks really fun.
What would be your biggest tip for those just getting started with social media?
Just get started and be clear on your offering.
As much as we all like to be prepared sometimes we overthink things, it is best to start and go with your plan than to wait till everything seems ‘perfect’.
Also ensure your details are easy to find, either a phone number or email. Even though we have messenger and direct inbox, customers would like to know you’re a real person, not a faceless business, so having an open line of communication is super important.
MOST OF ALL…Have fun! Social media is all about being social and showing your personality. Don’t be scared of the camera, and certainly don’t be scared to do a video now and again.
Customers love to see who is behind the business. Everyone has a story to tell, don’t be afraid to share yours with the world. Your tribe is waiting for you! Tara x