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TPT SALE GRAPHICS from MARKETING MAVEN

1/20/2016

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MARKETING MAVEN INSIDERS get 16+ FREE TPT SALE GRAPHICS! If you've already signed up...CHECK YOUR EMAIL. If NOT...SIGN UP NOW to snag 4 image collections, installment instructions, & give your storefront & social media INSTANT CURB APPEAL!  bit.ly/MM_INSIDERS_FREE {SIGN UP}

// FREE BLING for your TPT SALE PROMO //

Marketing Maven INSIDERS...get benefits like FREE TPT SALE GRAPHICS!
I've created 4 collections of images for your TPT STOREFRONT & SOCIAL MEDIA that are designed, sized, and ready to drop & go to ready your shop in a snap.  Sign up to 
ENJOY THE FREEBIES, LOVES!
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Learn how to INSTALL these graphics goodies on your TPT storefront and social media channels in an INSTANT! Check out these previous RESOLUTION: SHOP MAKEOVER series blog posts!

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RESOLUTION: SHOP MAKEOVER - FREE Styled Images for Teacherpreneurs!

1/17/2016

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You've been learning how to keep your New Year's resolution to make this the BEST TPT year EVER for you...and I've been posting helpful tips to primp your storefront.  NOW...I want to give you some FREEBIES to make it a snap and help your social media & blog posts, & product covers look STELLAR.
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CLICK HERE to sign up for your FREE IMAGE KIT!


Want a FREE TEACHER ART PRINT, too?

Find me on Instagram @lindseypetlak -- REPOST my original post about the FREE styled images kit and tag a friend! Then fill out THIS FORM to get your email download AND free print!
The print below will be YOURS! Just in time to use in your office or print & give as a
​Valentine's Day gift for teacher colleagues or your child's teacher!

**PLUS: ALL art prints, stationery, & styled images for teacherpreneurs are ON SALE 20% off right now in my TPT store**

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RESOLUTION: SHOP MAKEOVER {#3}

1/13/2016

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// RESOLUTION: SHOP MAKEOVER - GIF MANIA //

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I'm back with more #TREATYOSHOP2016 tips, tricks, & techniques! First impressions count, & it's easy to pump up the "curb appeal" of your store front with a few simple steps. Today we're focusing on adding pizazz to your TPT shop, email signature, & blog by creating eye-catching GIFs!

To make things easier...you can purchase styled photography backdrops directly from me, your Marketing Maven! 
NOW ALL MARKETING MAVEN PRODUCTS ARE 20% OFF FOR YOU!

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HOLLA! for Sandy @ Soaring Through Second for this awesome GIF creation she posted on her Instagram using my Marketing Maven TPT Storefront Makeover Toolkits!

// Take Time to CATCH UP //

We're going into #BEASTMODE primping our shops, and making it as easy as possible! If you didn't read my previous posts on upgrading your profile pic and customizing your storefront, check them out to get up-to-speed on all of the tutorials.

// But FIRST....the BASICS //

Be sure to read my previous post for tips, tricks, and tips to customize your TPT storefront to learn the basics of how to create a SINGLE IMAGE to customize your header by following the awesome tutorial by Christi at Ms. Fultz's Corner.  We'll be building off of those instructions to take multiple header images, combine them into GIFs, and then embed on your storefront, email, and website/blog!!
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// I'm SO FANCY! //

Once you understand the dimensions for your header image (450 x 150 pixels) and Christi's instructions for how to embed an image (works the same for GIF) with hyperlink using HTML code (she provided base code structure), we can KICK IT UP A NOTCH and create ANIMATED GIFs!!!  See instructions below and follow along with photo tutorials by watching the slideshow of images.
  1. First, create multiple 450 x 150 images that you want displayed in your store header (and elsewhere...keep reading), and save as separate JPEG or PNG files.
  2. Then, go to GIFMaker and upload all of the images you want rotating through the GIF animation.
  3. Once you do this, within the GIFMaker, you need to make sure size is set to 100%: 450 x 150 px, adjust the speed of the slides (I like 1200 milliseconds), and set the animation for infinite loop (enter zero).
  4. Then, click CREATE GIF ANIMATION, followed by DOWNLOAD this GIF.
  5. Now that the file is downloaded to your computer,  you pick up with Christi's steps {START @ HER STEP #3} for uploading the file to PhotoBucket, getting the HTML code for that image, and then adding the file HTML as well as link to location in your shop within the Store Profile QUOTE section of your TPT Seller account.
  6. READ ON for other fun places you can pop the GIF HTML file to add some PIZAZZ to your promo and branding efforts!


// Step-by-Step Slideshow Tutorial  //



// GIFs Here, There, EVERYWHERE! //

CONGRATULATIONS! You've done the hard work and now you can go GIF CRAAAAAZY! Once you create your GIF, upload it to PhotoBucket, and grab its HTML code...you can start dropping those puppies EVERYWHERE. Here's a few examples: 

BLOG or WEBSITE:
Within your blog or website, anywhere you can place and paste HTML code is a place you can insert the new HTML for your GIF code to catch readers' eyes. You could do this to add an animated display of new products to the end of your post! See my example below!
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// Add a GIF to your EMAIL SIGNATURE //

Catch the attention of everyone you email!  You could use a GIF featuring PRODUCTS, sales, or seasonal specials, or even use an email GIF to rotate through your SOCIAL MEDIA outlet  information.  No matter what you use your animation for....you MUST DO THIS because it's SO SIMPLE and will certainly be noticed. I can't tell you how many comments I get about my GIF email signature from fellow sellers and customers alike!
  1. Follow all instructions above for creating your individual graphics, turning them into GIF, uploading to PhotoBucket, and then obtaining the GIF HTML.
  2. Click on the settings icon in the top right corner of your Gmail.
  3. From the drop down menu that appears, select SETTINGS.
  4. Once in settings, scroll down until you see the SIGNATURE section.
  5. Make sure you click SIGNATURE (NOT NO signature)
  6. PASTE your GIF HTML into the signature text box.  If it works, you will see the animated GIF pop up into the box and begin working.
  7. Add any other text and/or hyperlinks you want included in your signature.
  8. You can even highlight and HYPERLINK the GIF to the web address of your choice (such as your blog or TPT shop).
  9. Be sure to SAVE your changes by clicking the button at the bottom of the page.
  10. VOILA! You're done and should see your creation pop up at the bottom of every email!
  11. SEE THE SLIDESHOW TUTORIAL BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS!

I can't wait for you to get GOOFY with GIFs! Be sure to change them up by season, holiday, sale, or new product release, and try dropping them into creative spots that take HTML code. Let me know if you have any questions or IDEAS about new ways to use GIFs for your branding and marketing!!!
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// Stylish GIFs in a SNAP //

Want to create and change out your TPT shop customization and GIF creation but don't want the hassle of starting from scratch each time? Download any of my Marketing Maven TPT Storefront Makeover Toolkits, customize with your text and/or product images, and you instantly have a fabulous looking graphic for your store, GIF creation, and more! Take a peek at the current kits below!

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RESOLUTION: SHOP MAKEOVER {#2}

1/12/2016

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I'm back with more #TREATYOSHOP2016 tips, tricks, & techniques! First impressions count, & it's easy to pump up the "curb appeal" of your store front with a few simple steps. To make things easier...you can purchase styled photography backdrops directly from me, your Marketing Maven! NOW ALL MARKETING MAVEN PRODUCTS ARE 20% OFF FOR YOU!

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// TREAT YO' SHOP 2016//
Banners, Headers, & Badges...OH, MY!

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Part of my #BEASTMODE efforts as we kick off the new year has been updating my TPT storefront. At first I thought this was going to be a HUGE HASSLE. Then, I just broke down my to-do list, tried to keep things manageable, found other expert sellers who had great tutorials to use, and started hammering away. 

GUESS WHAT? It was easier than I expected & didn't eat up a ton of time! The best part is, now I can continually change up aspects of my shop to keep it current & continue improving. In my first Treat Yo' Shop post (click here if you missed it), I talked about the importance of upgrading your profile pic & linked tutorials showing how simple it is to do. Today, I'll be focusing on the AESTHETICS of your shop section: banner, header, & badge. Come back tomorrow for how to make a GIF!



// SIZE & PLACEMENT //

Lots of free, generic graphics for your shop are out there and great to use in a pinch, when you're pressed for time (don't leave your shop NAKED!), but I encourage you to create your own, more customized images to fill the banner (AKA: Store Page Leaderboard), badge (AKA: Store Page Column Banner), and header spaces (up by your profile pic) on your storefront.  WHY? ....because you want your shop to stand out, and other than your photo, these store elements What/where are these spaces?  See the slideshow below for details! 
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So, let's get down to business:  CREATE YOUR CUSTOM IMAGES
  • Whether it's for new product releases, seasonal changes, holidays, or SALES, it's super simple to create your own customized storefront images!
  1. In your design program of choice (Powerpoint, Illustrator, etc.), set up your document to be the PIXEL (not inches) dimensions. See the information on the store customization page or in the information and slides above to see dimensions for each element of the store page.
  2. Create your custom design within the dimensions for each page customization element. Be sure to save that design  as GIF, JPG, JPEG, or PNG. 
  3. Follow the instructions below to upload your AWESOME CREATIONS to your storefront!
  • NOTE: INFORMATION & SIZING FOR TPT HEADER (BY PROFILE PIC) BELOW!!
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So, let's get down to business:  TO ACCESS STORE CUSTOMIZATION @ TPT
  1. Log into your TPT seller account.
  2. Click on DASHBOARD under the MY TPT link in the upper right corner. 
  3. Click CUSTOMIZE YOUR STORE on the dashboard.
  4. You'll then be taken to the STORE CUSTOMIZATION PAGE  (see above) where you will see dimensions for your store banner (store page leaderboard: 706 x 90 pixels) and store badge (store page column banner: 160 x 200 pixels).  You'll also find  places to upload your finished files for each.
  5. For each design element, click the CHOOSE FILES button to upload your design. 
  6. For each element uploaded, you may ADD A LINK TO YOUR IMAGE.  For example, if you have a select category on sale or a new product upload, you may want to link your image to that specific product or sale category for buyers to click on and access instantly.
  • NOTE: INFORMATION & SIZING FOR TPT HEADER (BY PROFILE PIC) BELOW!!

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// CREATE YOUR CUSTOM HEADER //

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Customizing your storefront header is the most exciting thing to happen to TPT shops since the Back to School SALE! I was always so frustrated with how my Plain Jane text looked in that blank space...right at the TOP of my store...SO EASY TO SEE...right by my PROFILE PIC!  Creating a graphic 450 x 150 pixels and linking it to something in your shop grabs the eye of your shoppers! Follow the  "Ms. Fultz's Corner" tutorial to see how to instantly catch the eye of your customers using the first space they see on your shop page. Thank Heavens for Ms. Fultz for making this so simple & laying it all out for us to follow!!!
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// COME BACK FOR GIF MAGIC!!! //

 photo output_tuii6a_zpsdbasqowg.gif
TOMORROW I'm posting about how to create a GIF for not only your header, but emails & your website, too!  SO EASY...SO COOL!!


// MAKE CUSTOMIZATION EVEN EASIER //

 Have a new product, sale to promote, or shop announcement? Make customizing your shop even easier with my Marketing Maven TPT Shop Makeover Toolkits! Just download the images, add text and/or product images, and upload! VOILA!  SURPRISE: NOW ALL MARKETING MAVEN PRODUCTS ARE 20% OFF FOR YOU {throughout my RESOLUTION: SHOP MAKEOVER SERIES}


// CUSTOMER INSPIRATION //

The adorable Sandy, from Soaring Through Second posted these shop header images using my TPT Shop Makeover Toolkit images on her awesome Instagram feed right before the B2S sale!  She took one of my Marketing Maven header images, and created a 3-slide GIF for her store header! LOOK HOW GREAT THEY LOOK! Way to go, Sandy!!
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Come back tomorrow for instructions on how to make an animated GIF of your own to embed in your shop, emails, and websites!

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RESOLUTION: SHOP MAKEOVER {#1}

1/11/2016

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Tips & Tricks to TREAT YO' {TPT} SHOP! {TIP #1}

It's 2016 and everyone is in FULL SWING RESOLUTION mode. Marketing Maven is here to help! I'll be rolling out a second RESOLUTION series, this time focusing on simple tutorials with east tips to help you primp & prep your shop for the best TPT year you've had yet! First up: PROFILE PIC UPDATES

// FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT //

Like it or not...we are a visual society, and so first impressions really count! When people hit up your storefront, they might be there for a myriad of reasons...and you want them to STAY AND SHOP. You can "TREAT YO' SHOP" in several ways that are quick, easy, and make a better first impression. I still have tons to do with my storefront and will have to work hard to stay up-to-date with changing out banners, headers, etc., but as a seller, an avid TPT customer, and your Marketing Maven....these are my top 5 picks for polishing your storefront appeal: 
  1. Update your PROFILE PHOTO.
  2. Change up your BANNER, HEADER, & BADGE. 
  3. Clean up your SHOP CATEGORIES.
  4. Enhance your PROFILE INFO.
  5. Show your GRATITUDE.
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// What is TREAT YO' SELF, Anyway?? //


Have you ever seen the Treat Yo' Self segments on Parks & Recreation? 
If not, you MUST watch the clip below & you'll laugh your head off. 
Even if you have...watch it again...because it's stinkin' hilarious.

// Fancy-Up Your Profile Pic //



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I started out with a decent candid photo, and then last year upgraded to the photo you see in the background of the enhanced photo to the right last year when we had some pro photos taken on our anniversary trip {I'm the photog in our house...so there are virtually NO nice photos of me}. After reading the post from Amy Lemons {below} on how to simply upgrade your profile pic, I thought I needed to give it a shot.  It was quick, easy, & I think it looks MUCH better than the background photo alone!

When you're linking a profile photo to your shop, blog, link-up, product...you name it...you need people to recognize more than just your face. That's SUPER important, but so is having your fans and customers associate both your name and blog/shop name (if different than your personal name). So, find a photo and add that info to the pic so that all three are easily recognizable at a GLANCE.

Make sure you remember these tips when you're following Amy's tutorial below: 
  • USE A GREAT, CLEAR PHOTO: I'm going to write an entire blog post about this, but your photo is your FIRST IMPRESSION to fans and customers. Selfies are great for social media...but some just are NOT appropriate to represent your BRAND. Make sure if you are usual a NON-professionally taken photo that it is high quality...and doesn't look like it was taken at a nightclub. ;-)
  • CLEAR TEXT: Either using easy-to-read font on open space in your photo or a color band in the background (like Amy's photo), make sure your name/shop name is clearly easy to read at a glance.
  • LOGO EMBLEM:  If you have a separate logo/emblem representing your shop or blog, try to work that into the picture...without over-crowding. Usually, you can pop these into one of the corners or off to the side. You don't need to make your logo image large since your photo will be the focus of this profile graphic.


// Learn from a PRO! //

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Check out this detailed tutorial from the one-&-only Amy Lemons from Step Into Second Grade with Mrs. Lemons for step-by-step instructions on how to primp your profile photo for maximum impact.

Amy provides information in her video tutorial on how to use the wonders of Powerpoint to improve your profile photo and add text
so that people see and know both your face and name/shop name.

Since I don't use PPT for my design, I'm going to let Amy do the talking to best help you out!



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