Life at Everyday Maternity: How Mumpreneurs can use Facebook for their busines...

Life at Everyday Maternity: How Mumpreneurs can use Facebook for their busines...: "Cuddledry are hosting the Business Plus Baby blog carnival today, so in celebration we have written a post about using Facebook to engage wi..."

How Mumpreneurs can use Facebook for their business

Cuddledry are hosting the Business Plus Baby blog carnival today, so in celebration we have written a post about using Facebook to engage with new mums online.

How Mumpreneurs can use Facebook for their business

Its difficult not to have heard of Facebook, and just to prove a point here are the latest facts from the social media leaders themselves:

FACEBOOK FACTS

• More than 500 million active users
• 50% of our active users log on to Facebook in any given day
• Average user has 130 friends
• People spend over 700 billion minutes per month on Facebook

With stats like that it is hard to ignore Facebook as a key tool in your social media strategy. 

It is a tool for connecting with people and as a business you have the opportunity to engage with customers directly and build your online presence.  As a mumpreneur you can harness the power of Facebook to:

• Get found by people looking for your products or services
• Connect and engage with potential customers
• Create a relevant community
• Promote new products, special offers or your blog

 At Everyday Maternity we have had a Page for a while now - we use it to tell our community when things are back in stock, if we have new arrivals or even if we need an opinion on a new product we are considering.  

The first thing you need to do is Create a Page

Pages are your public profiles that users can become a ‘fan’ of and can be created – the only thing you need to invest is your time and effort.   It is worth investing some thought into this, as it is really your shop front – choose photos carefully, make sure you can be found with contact numbers and web address and write a small bio to tell people what you are all about.

Once you have set your Page up, you need to promote it. 

Ideas to do this are:

• Add engaging content – videos, photos, discussion boards.  If you provide interesting items....they will come!
• Update your Newsfeed – if you provide interesting news, the hope is that your fans will ‘Comment’ or ‘Like’ it. This will then appear in their news feed, and be seen by their friends. Try and do something different, pose an amusing question, or ask your fans to interact by posting photos or videos.
• Find some fans – start the ball rolling with your own friends.  You need to send them a request, do this by clicking on the Suggest to Friends link.

The  good news is that Facebook Pages are indexed by the search engines, so do make sure your keywords are included in your company information. This will help you be found.  If you sell breastfeeding clothes in Chester - as we do - then make sure that all those words are in your profile.

Once you have got the hang of everything you can start looking into vanity URLs, Facebook Ads or Applications.

Life at Everyday Maternity: Cuddledry at the Baby Show

Life at Everyday Maternity: Cuddledry at the Baby Show: " As I mentioned yesterday, I have just come back from the Baby Show where I was giving Cuddledry a hand. It is great to spend th..."

Cuddledry at the Baby Show

 

As I mentioned yesterday, I have just come back from the Baby Show where I was giving Cuddledry a hand.  It is great to spend the weekend with them, being such nice people, but also it gives me a chance to chat with other people in the industry, swap ideas and even do a bit of brainstorming.

While I'm at the show I get the chance to see what maternity clothes all the lovely pregnant people are wearing, which keeps me in touch with the public. It is necessary to go to the trade shows and see all the new fashions coming through, but it is important to know what real people are wearing.  And it would seem that maternity leggings are still a winning choice - but skinny jeans seemed more popular this time.

I had a good chat with Helen, one of the ladies behind Cuddledry and she came up with a great idea for marketing Everyday Maternity at the next show.  We need to be able to cut through the leaflet clutter that all the attendees receive, and somehow make the Everyday Maternity leaflet stand-out. I think we will carry on with our VIP cards, but Helen's idea is great to make us stand-out. Obviously I'm not going to tell you what it is, you'll just have to come and buy a Cuddledry Towel at the next Baby Show.  The other interesting thing that came out of the show - after too many glasses of wine - is that Polly (the other Cuddledry mastermind) is going to be setting me up on lots of hot dates in Chester!  You just never know what to expect from a weekend at the Baby Show!

Life at Everyday Maternity: The Baby Show

Life at Everyday Maternity: The Baby Show: "Just back from an exhausting few days at the Excel Baby Show sponsored by Prima Baby - who we love, especially as we are shortlisted in thei..."

The Baby Show

Just back from an exhausting few days at the Excel Baby Show sponsored by Prima Baby - who we love, especially as we are shortlisted in their Fashion Awards.  Very much looking forward to heading up to London for the awards presentation. Fingers crossed, please.

We met some lovely people at the Baby Show - and have some exciting new products to add to the website.  The first was Paul from My Buggy Buddy - they have a great little product that allows you to clip your shopping bags to your buggy, or you can lock it to a railing or post, to save your stroller being stolen. We've added them to the site - so you can buy them easily at Everyday Maternity. The Buggy Buddy Clip  We are one of the first people to have the new pink and blue varieties.

We did find another great product for your buggies, but the company owners were not very helpful and quiet protective of their product - and wouldn't let us sell it.  Their loss we say!

We didn't have our own stand this time, so we gave Cuddledry a hand on their stand.  We had a good laugh with them, while working very hard on our product demonstrations.  We may have had a few too many glasses of wine at the Organisers Drinks - and had a chat with some lovely other retailers.  So we have some new products in the sidelines, that we will tell you about in the coming weeks.

Cuddledry Consultant

Well today a new delivery arrived from Cuddledry - and I have played a little part in the new packaging - so I can now add consultant to my CV!

I'd forgotten about it to be honest, and it was only once the goods were out of the box, that I noticed that some of them were in new, and very smart reusable bags.  Ages ago Helen, one of the founders at Cuddledry, emailed to ask opinions on a new mock up for the packaging.

So being a helpful person, I replied with my thoughts, as they related to merchandising them in a shop, and also with regards to sending them through the post. (being an online company - this is much more important to us).

So it was exciting to see the new packs today, with some of our collective thoughts taken into consideration.   The gang at Cuddledry are great - and the Everyday Maternity team regularly go to the Baby Shows with them, to help out on the stand.

You should take a look at their website, as they have some great new products - such as their baby bath mat.

Of course we do sell them at Everyday Maternity - check out our Baby Collection for the collection of toddler towels and apron towels.

Great Feedback - always appreciated

Its tough work running your own business. Just had a chat with a good friend today who really feels like the last three years have been just a little too tough.  Its true, it is so hard, especially when making the right decision is critical to actually just keeping the mortgage paid.

So, every now and again, when we get unsolicited feedback, it just make your day.  Here is an example:

By 

Mamita

This review is from: Cotton Maternity Leggings

I've been searching high and low for a pair of comfortable maternity leggings that are not baggy. I'm so glad I found this one. It's very smooth with good elasticity (does show a little bit "knee marks" but considering it's made with 83% cotton, not bad at all). Very nicely finished. Although a bit pricey for a pair of leggings, I would say it's definitely worth the money as a treat for mums to be.

Plus, the delivery speed is amazing. I received the item on the next day I placed the order. The item arrived in fantastic condition. Will definitely recommend this to others. As a matter of fact, I'm considering to buy another pair... 

Party Party

The new collection is in from Fragile Maternity, and it is sumptuous.  Made in rich fabrics, the dresses are really worth the extra spend.

Our favourite is the Drape Maternity Dress - as shown here with a gorgeous soft cardy.  We suggest you team this one with glossy tights, smart boots and a waterfall top. The dress is £86.99 - but well worth it.

I am just working on the Maternity Gift section of the website today, adding some lovely present ideas for pregnant women, so will be back later with more ideas for party dresses. Just wanted to post that one up.


In the meantime why not have a look at our latest maternity clothes on the website - www.everydaymaternity.com

All the Colours of the Rainbow

Just doing a bit of tidying up today to check all the colours we have available in the Boob Nursing Short Sleeve Breastfeeding Top.

Here is the first selection, before the new colours arrive.

These tops consistently win awards, and we are happy to stock Boob Nursing.

The collection has evolved greatly over the last few years, and we have a brilliant new selection on its way.

Computer Envy

Debs has got a new computer today - the old Dell died in suspicious circumstances!

And quite frankly I have computer envy.  Big new screen, clean key board, and super fast internet.  I keep trying to use the new computer while Debs is making tea!

We have lots of things in the pipeline to tell everyone.   Great meeting today with Mama Beach. They are off up to the Scottish Baby Show in Glasgow - 23-25th April at the SECC.  They are taking their gorgeous swimwear range to the show and some of the sumptuous lounge wear.  Pop by the stand and say hello to Nicki.

We got a mention on a great blog from the other side of the pond this week - www.pregnantfashionista.com They were taken with our maternity treggings from Boob Maternity.  Prima Pregnancy and Baby are also going to feature them in next month's magazine.

I'm meeting our HR specialist tomorrow as the team need to know their holiday entitlements now we are in a new tax year. I am useless at fractions of days and working time directives, so I leave that all to Sallie.

We also hope to be adding some more baby items very soon, we are just waiting to hear back on product line-ups and latest collections - so you can shop with Everyday Maternity for even longer.

And finally, we hope our new delivery from Boob Nursing is on its way - volcanic ash permitting.   Gorgeous!  But you will have to be quick, as we have already pre-sold one of the dresses.

Maternity Treggings

Great news for all you pregnant ladies who love your skinny jeans.  The maternity treggings have arrived.

First we had maternity leggings, then maternity jeggings, and now we have treggings.

And what is the difference.....

Well most maternity jeggings are made from a denim-style material, but don't have the stitching details.

The Boob Maternity Treggings do. They have great stitched jeans details making them the comfy answer to slim fit jeans in pregnancy.

With a slim fit leg and material that is so stretchy and soft that no moves are limited. These Treggings are all the pregnant women can wish for. Flattering, well-cut, soft and they stay in shape!

These are ideal for skinny jeans fans who can never find jeans tight enough for little legs!

The name is funny though but does seem to fit in with our current obsession for truncating two words into one.  Think Brangelina, R-Pats, Bromance, Staycation, Mantrum, Cankles......

Just remember if you go for the treggings stay away from the double-denim look.

Cuddlecare

The New Cuddledry Blog is now up and running - they have gathered together a great team of writers - all of them mums - to give you some interesting articles.

Take a look.

Mama Beach Maternity Swimwear

We love working together with local businesses.

Three years ago we met Nicki Freer from Mama Beach, who was designing a new range of maternity swimwear.  It has taken awhile but we have finally teamed together to showcase beautiful boutique swimwear for mums-to-be who want to retain a stylish look throughout their pregnancies.

We are pleased to announce that Everyday Maternity has become the first UK stockist of the full range of luxury Mama Beach Swimwear.

Nicki Freer, Style Director of the Mama Beach range has produced a stunning collection of elegant swimsuits and tankini’s that flatter the pregnant form whilst allowing you to feel comfortable, supported and stylish. So rather than try and tell you ourselves just how wonderful the range is, we thought we would let Nicki:

“Our collections are versatile - seeing you through from the early bump stage through to post pregnancy. We only use the best fabrics and we manufacture in Europe to ensure the highest standards for our customers”.

So whether you’re looking for swimwear for a relaxing holiday or simply want to stand out from the crowd at your aqua-natal class then these are the perfect pieces for you.
We understand the pregnant form and we’ve created a beautiful range of maternity swimwear to flatter your shape.
We stand for quality and individuality.
Our collections are about feeling sexy and feminine throughout your pregnancy and we’re sure our pieces will make you feel great.
We appreciate that being pregnant doesn't mean you want to give up on your individual style for 9 months, so we've created some fabulous boutique collections to keep you feeling feminine and sexy during your pregnancy.
Our collections are versatile - seeing you through from the early bump stages through to post pregnancy. We only use the best fabrics and we manufacture in Europe to ensure the highest standards for our customers. Our designs enhance your new shape, allowing you to feel comfortable, supported and stylish."

To view the full range visit www.everydaymaternity.com or call one of the team on 01244 681061.

Winners!

Best Independent Maternity Wear Retailer!

Yummy Mummy Tummy

Yummy Mummy Tummy is the latest brand added to Everyday Maternity.

We met the founder of Yummy Mummy Tummy recently at the Baby Show and she was so enthusiastic about the product that we just had to add it to the site.  Plus we saw lots of lovely pregnant ladies wandering around the show proudly holding their Yummy Mummy bags.  So - we felt we didn't need any more persuading to take the brand on.

All the products are based around a 'stretch and recover' microfibre.  I have to say I wear the maternity crop top pretty much every day - it is just soooo comfortable.

The concept with the belly band is that the microfibre stretches to your expanding bump, but is nice and thin so as not to add too much bulk under your clothes.  There are no seams to itch or create a 'VPL' under your clothes.  Wear it over your jeans to help hold them up, or as a gap filler between your non-maternity tops and your trousers.

Wear it when you are breastfeeding to cover your jelly-belly!

We have also got the Yummy Mummy Undies which have an element of lift and shape - to help you support your bot - but above all they are comfy, again with no seams or labels.

Our final choice from the range was the Fabulous Feeding Bra - which grows with you during the day.  Experienced breastfeeding mothers know that their cup size can change during the day - so a bra that stretches and recovers during the day if ideal.

The Best Day Ever

So on Thursday we took another trip down to London on the train.  This time instead of wearing our Cuddledry T-Shirts, we donned our glad rags and headed off for the Prima Baby and Pregnancy Awards.

We were nominated in two categories, Best Designer Maternity Range and Best Independent Maternity Retailer.

On arrival we quickly spruced ourselves, being in the company of other Maternity Fashionistas, we needed to look our best.

We nervously sipped our champagne before heading into the ceremony.

When they announced the results, you could have knocked me down with a birthing ball - we only went and won Best Independent Maternity Retailer!  Our smiles lasted all night - shame we had to catch the train home - but probably a good job as the champagne was flowing a little too much!

Thank-you everyone for voting for Everyday Maternity!

Cuddledry Baby Bath Towel

We have just got back from the Baby Show where we were helping out the fab gang from Cuddledry.

We had a brilliant time, the girls are great, and fun to be with, and the product is just so lovely we didn't need to convince new mums too much.

The Cuddledry Baby Towel makes bathtime safe, simple and snug - for you and your baby!

Most babies enjoy bath time but for some it can be upsetting making you feel fraught and turning it into a bit of a juggling act! With this original, organic apron towel you stay dry, you can lift your baby from bathwater easily and naturally, he/she stays warm and tenderly wrapped so everyone is happy and calm! By wearing the towel you have both hands free to lift baby out of the bath.

To view a video on how to use the product - click here - Cuddledry Video

For more information on Cuddledry and all their other great products - click here - www.cuddledry.com

Summer Maternity Clothes

REALLY!

This is the current weather situation in the UK

And this is what we have received from our maternity wear brands today:

Do you think our maternity clothes are out of kilter with the weather, or is it just the weather that has gone bonkers!

Maternity Wear Inspired by India

Even though the snow still lingers a taste of spring has arrived in the Everyday Maternity offices, in the form of Bellybutton Maternity Hot Spots collection.

This spring Bellybutton take you to the bright colours of INDIA. Bellybutton co-partner Ursula Karven loves India and she has visited this beautiful country many times. Her travels have inspired the collection.

Take a look at the collection online, and keep an eye out for new additions, we have a feeling this will be a hot item, so will be looking to add further items.

Bellybutton Cotton Silk Maternity Tunic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bellybutton Maternity Evening Gown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bellybutton Pink Maternity Tunic