91 We don’t always have enough time to go to the shops to buy thoughtful gifts. Being able to shop online is becoming more popular and people appreciate that they can log on to the internet and make a purchase in minutes. Also, I make sure that everything is beautifully wrapped, making it a pleasure to receive.
Why do you choose to keep a blog alongside your shop and directory? When setting up The Ebury Collection site, the best piece of advice anyone gave me was to set up a blog. Not only does it enable you to keep in touch with your customers and share your news, it’s a great way to keep your site fresh with new content. And if you include a few good keywords too, Google loves it!
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style (timber framed, weather boarded, usually with dormers; light and airy with white paneling, hardwood f looring, wooden shutters and open fireplaces). I studied Design Management at university and went on to work for John Lewis for a number of years - my job involved planning fashion shoots, organising and attending model castings, booking photographers and stylists and making sure everything ran smoothly on the day. Not long after launching my wedding site, I created an inspiration shoot with my friend, who is a photographer. It was really well received and even published in one of the top wedding magazines. I’ve done some interior styling for another friend who’s also launched a homewares business and all of the photography and styling for Ebury Home & Garden is my own work.
How inf luential is social media such as Facebook and Twitter in promoting your business pres- What would you change if you ence online? could do it all again? Facebook is a great way to reach your customers directly. Twitter is a great networking resource and without it I would be in a very different place. I’ve met some amazing industry colleagues from both wedding and interior worlds. I’ve made good friends too!
I had a much bigger budget when setting up my wedding directory website, but Ebury Home & Garden was created on a much smaller budget. If I had my time again, I would spend more carefully, and I’d try not to waste money on things that didn’t generate any return. But we all learn by our Your photography and styling mistakes! portfolio demonstrates an eye for stunning detail; do you have Are you tempted to expand any creative / artistic training? the business into other areas of home and style? If so, what I’ve always had a creative next? side. I love creating beautiful interiors and have a slight ob- I’d love to have a little shop one session with the New England day! www.theeburycollection.com | www.eburyhomeandgarden.com
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