If you ever had a yard sale you know it is much more successful to have a community yard sale. In addition to getting the word out on a larger scale, the fact that there are multiple families hosting a sale is more of an incentive for visitors to stroll by.

Well this principle is not lost in many niche markets. As you surf the web you will find many associations, groups, society, and so on in such markets as songwriting, poetry, and arts/crafts. Today we are going to take a close – up look at the arts and crafts arena.

In order to help us get an idea of how to present and arts and crafts web page we are going to take a look at a couple web sites in the arts and crafts niche. The first site we are going to visit is also an example of the community concept we started our discussion with. So not only is it an example of presentation but it may be an outlet for you to help jump on this community to help boost your own exposure and the arts and crafts market all together.

Let’s visit the Arts and Crafts Society at http://www.arts-crafts.com/. The header is very nice and in the spirit of expression and the arts. The logo of sorts is very inviting and the artsy font is classic. Immediately you are given a tool bar with some interesting options.

• Articles: A variety of topics are discussed and provided.
• Events: Give a schedule and some brief history/description of events.
• Marketplace: Features a chance for crafters to become a part of what they call “the movement”.
• Bookstore:Offers a wide array of publications related to Arts and Crafts.
• Forum: Is an opportunity to share and learn as you have discussions with others like you. (Also FAQ)
• Homes: An interesting twist I thought. This presents arts and crafts homes for sale

On the home page there is a left column that is a menu providing information connected to the web site articles and events concerning the Arts and Crafts Society. In the middle of the page you have a welcome section describing the intentions and mission of the Society and their web site. Following the Welcome, and continuing in the middle the site gets right into articles.

In a column to the right they offer a craftsman spotlight and then tease you with some things available in their bookstore. Nicely tucked in between these 2 features is a link to the site forum.

Okay it is always valuable to offer a mission/welcome statement that explains and gives people a reason to get excited about your page and what it has to offer. Their “Welcome” paragraph is very good, concise, brief, and enticing.

The variety of things the site offers is well presented. None of the pages are overly cluttered and confusing. They walk a nice line between being a society for a genre and offering help and exposure to participants. With that in mind the forum is very beneficial. Yes a forum is helpful to your site and helpful to those who contribute and follow along.

The site is very light in the affiliate ads although selling books and offering artisans exposure is a type of affiliation. But you do not have many banners or ad tag lines.

Now take a look at this site http://www.urbanartsandcrafts.com/ . This is a snazzy looking site that has pages with a scrap book appearance. This site is an on – line supply store that is run by the Urban Arts and Crafts store in Kansas City, MO USA.

The tool/option bar across the top from the right toward the center gives you categories to click on.

• Beads
• Yarns
• Papers
• Ribbons
• Buttons
• Fabrics

They provide their email in a clever tacked on note and offer some gift ideas in a ribbon box. They offer more links on their site under the choices of -

1. Shop
2. Look
3. Learn Something

Overall their use of images and photos in the scrap book style is very innovative and theme related. Each page has more choices that break down the categories for you. There is plenty for the beginner and the expert. The site is also presents the personality of the owner. That offers a fresh and committed touch.

So all you creative people take notice! You are not alone, you have a wonderful community. You have a market of creative consumers who are looking for product already made and people who want to get their hands on. Review these sites and learn from the way they present and work in conjunction with their business aim.

Then cater your site to your needs and goals!

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