5 Things I’ve Learned from Running My Small Business

1) Take advantage of social media

It’s amazing how many people you can reach (for free) through Instagram and Facebook.  We have wholesale accounts from all over the world who have found us through IG.  It would be hard to try to reach these people through traditional press.

2) Let your customers help spread the word

We give our customers incentives, such as special savings, when they post about us and tag us online.  I think people like to see other “real” people wearing our product and having positive feedback from customers is the best advertisement for the company.

3) Choose the right shipping solution

Shippo works for us because it is integrated with our online store through GoDaddy and makes filling orders and printing labels super easy.  I especially like the fact that we can fulfill international orders and create the customs forms for them online automatically.  It saves a lot of time!  We also like how easy it is to print return labels for our customers who need to exchange an item…that consideration in making it easy for them just makes the whole customer shopping experience better.

4) Customer service is vital

We treat our customers how we would like to be treated. We answer emails and inquiries as soon as possible.  We are happy to give suggestions, advice on prints and sizing, and, if there is any issue, we try to resolve it so the customer is happy with their purchase.  We get lots of positive feedback about our customer service.  Even if our product isn’t right for someone in particular, if you treat them well, they are likely to recommend you to someone else.

5) Finally, be true to yourself!

That may sound simple, but I started this business because I wanted to create something I loved.  So never compromise because you are unique and your vision is too!

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This post is contributed by Emily Hsu, founder of Emily Hsu Designs, a GoDaddy e-commerce store selling women’s clothing for yoga, dance, and fitness.

Shippo is a multi-carrier API and web app that helps retailers, marketplaces and platforms connect to a global network of carriers. Businesses use Shippo to get real-time rates, print labels, automate international paperwork, track packages and facilitate returns. Shippo provides the tools to help businesses succeed through shipping.