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Podcast Episode 25: Creating An Online Shop for My Blog

Welcome to Wear Wag Repeat Podcast Episode 25: Creating an online shop! I‘m so excited to share the Wear Wag Repeat Shop with you! I’ve been thinking about this concept since March and diligently working on it all Summer so it’s with a lot of nervous excitement that I tell you it’s NOW OPEN!

My vision for this shop is an extension of my blog. I wanted a place where I could carry unique, artist-designed and dog-mom-made products that highlight the beautiful lives we live alongside our dogs.

In this episode I explain exactly how I got started with my shop:

  • How I came up with the concept for my online shop
  • Sourcing products from woman-owned maker businesses
  • Technical issues I had setting up Shopify and syncing it with Instagram
  • How I’m promoting my online shop to my blog readers and social media followers

Using Shopify to Create an Online Shop for my Blog

Part of what I love to do is support other dog moms. That’s why everything in my shop is handmade by dog moms and also why I recorded this episode of the Wear Wag Repeat podcast in case it can help you pursue your dream of working alongside your dog.

Podcast Episode 25: Creating An Online Shop

Why did I want to create an online store for my blog?

Eventually, my dream is to have a Wear Wag Repeat line at a big box store (Target, are you listening?). Having my own store will allow me to have a proof of concept and show that my audience believes in me, my ideas and the Wear Wag Repeat brand.

How did I come up with the idea for an online store for dog moms?

I had some ideas at Alt Summit when I met with a company that helps brands like Studio DIY create their own branded merch. Also my friend at the conference has a print-on-demand business that works with artists and was talking to me about how simple it would be to set up a Shopify store and sell my own gear. It wasn’t until I listened to the Making a Business podcast from Being Boss that my ideas really started to click. I was so inspired by how Emily Thompson was creating Almanac Supply Co. with limited products – starting with just candles and crystals. That’s when my lightbulb went off! I came up with the idea of selling 3 simple products to start – cards, candles and collars.

Why am I hiring all dog moms for my online shop?

Everything in my shop is handmade by dog moms in the United States with you in mind! My candles are hand-poured by dog lovers in Colorado. Even the labels on the candles are designed by a dog mom in Texas. The collars are handmade by a fellow Pittsburgh dog mom. And the bandanas I’m carrying are hand-sewn by yours truly! It was important for me to support other women who share a passion for their dogs and their business. We’re all in this together!

What kind of technical problems did I have setting up the shop?

I chose to use Shopify because it’s one of just 2 platforms that integrate with Instagram and allows you to tag products in your posts. The only problem is… it won’t link up with my Instagram account! I spent about 2 weeks going back and forth with half a dozen different support people and they weren’t able to fix it. That has been extremely frustrating, but it’s out of my control at this point. The Instagram integration will work when it feels like it, hopefully someday soon.

How am I promoting the shop to my blog readers?

In terms of promoting the shop, it came together pretty quickly so I didn’t have a ton of time to do a lot of crazy promotions leading up to the launch. But this podcast episode is one example of a marketing tool I’m using. I also posted in my Instagram stories a lot just telling people about what I’ve been working on, and I mentioned it in the captions of a few posts. I’ll also use my email list that I’ve been growing for the past year or so and send a few special emails all about the shop.

CHECK OUT THE SHOP!

The Wear Wag Repeat Shop is NOW OPEN! to check it out and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @tmistick if you liked this episode or buy anything from the shop.

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

Subscribe to the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or Google Play so you don’t miss a single fun and inspiring episode!

If you love what you hear and want to support my efforts to shine a light on more creative dog moms, please leave a review for my show on iTunes*. For every review, I give Lucy an extra special treat… how could you deny her?! *If you’re on a computer, open the link then click View in iTunes to write a review.

You can also see all the episodes on the Podcast page of my site.

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Tori Mistick Labrador Dog Mom Blog

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Tori Mistick is a blogger, podcaster and certified Canine Enrichment Specialist. You might call her a professional dog mom! Tori has a soft spot for senior dogs and loves the color pink. Based in Pittsburgh, PA.

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