Field of Seams
What started as a hobby quickly turned into a dream fueled by passion and determination. Angela Wirth launched Mended Hearts
Quilting & Boutique in 2014. With her substantial business and industry expertise combined with the dedication of her team, the shop is now ranked as one of the top quilt shops in North America. Social media marketing has positively contributed to the shop’s revenue and sales. Angela shares her marketing expertise in the Q&A below. Her “Field of Seams” is a must-see on YouTube.
Q: Where did you get the concept for your Field of Seams video?
A: I had so many people asking why I built a quilt shop in the middle of a cornfield. I kept saying “If I build it, they will come.” I am in Iowa after all. If you are from Iowa, love baseball or Kevin Costner you get my reference. It was during a marketing meeting that the concept went wild. A year later we were filming
Q: What did you learn from making your video?
A: I want to do more because it is fun. My creative juices have gone wild. I have come up with a “Field of Seams 2” video that is currently in the works and we are even printing t-shirts. Take your concept and run with it!
Q: What made you decide to try social media marketing?
A: If you want to be successful in today’s market, you have to be present and active on social media. A friend of mine who is a
business associate in the sewing/quilting industry once told me: “You have to put yourself out there. People relate more to a face than a logo.” I remember the first time I did a live stream to my Facebook page. I sent a message to my friend saying, “Thanks for your suggestions. I go live on Facebook in an hour, and I am so nervous!” It can be nerve-racking to say the least, but after you do it a few times, it gets easier.
Now we hit the live button on Facebook and don’t give it another thought. In addition to Facebook, we added more platforms, built a brand-new website, and created “Field of Seams.”
Q: How hard was it to get started?
A: It isn’t easy There is a lot of trial and error Let’s face it, nothing worth doing is easy You jump in and do your best. Be positive, be yourself, and use your ideas. Surround yourself with people who you trust, who know more than you, and who are uplifting and creative. Most importantly, learn to laugh at yourself.
Q: What technique helped you grow your social media traffic?
A: I boosted some of my initial Facebook posts, but mostly my social media grew from customers referring other customers. We also let everyone who walked through my front door know that we were on Facebook Then I added Instagram Now my focus is my YouTube channel. Remember to take baby steps. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Q: What are some strategies that have helped you succeed as a social media marketer?
A: The minute your competition starts doing what you are doing, switch it up You have to be creative and one step ahead I strive to be original. I don’t care if 99 out of 100 people are doing the same kind of social media posts, lives and events.
Be that one that is shaking things up. In today’s society, people have an extremely short attention span You can’t get comfortable in your space Challenge yourself and enjoy the process!
