Might have to call it a day...

[matt]

You might as well have meta tags in as they don't do any harm. But, they aren't what Google show in their descriptions regardless of what people will tell you.

Erm, yes they are... Although it's important to make the distinction between meta DESCRIPTION, as I did in my earlier post (i.e. as opposed to the meta KEYWORDS).

Why does Google care about meta descriptions?
We want snippets to accurately represent the web result. We frequently prefer to display meta descriptions of pages (when available) because it gives users a clear idea of the URL's content. This directs them to good results faster and reduces the click-and-backtrack behavior that frustrates visitors and inflates web traffic metrics. Keep in mind that meta descriptions comprised of long strings of keywords don't achieve this goal and are less likely to be displayed in place of a regular, non-meta description, snippet. And it's worth noting that while accurate meta descriptions can improve clickthrough, they won't affect your ranking within search results.

Currently, Google displays:
Steve Boyd trained as a Furnituremaker at the Isle of Ely College in 1996 after being inspired like so many others by the books of the renowned cabinetmaker ...

...which makes it sound like an online CV. Whereas, add a meta description that says:
Bespoke furniture designed and hand-made to your requirements.
...Google will display that and perhaps get more clickthroughs

 

[Dibs-h]

Some really good comments so far.

My thoughts (in rough order)

- the 3rd person stuff, I would change all that to actually be 1st person.
- Page Titles - add them and make them meaningful,
- get the meta tags done, certainly is not harnful,
- register with Google Analytics if you haven't already done so and track usage as well get info as to your rankings. - www.google.com/webmasters
- loose the bit about working alone\dog. It's not really relevant & besides don't advertise you work alone. Maybe I'm just a little paranoid, but I wouldn't.
- loose the tables and get it done CSS,

HIH

Dibs

 

[beech1948]

There were a few comments about people being defensive and expecting poor quality. Tht struck a nerve mainly because I think that we have let ourselves become conned by businesses to accept poor quality as the norm.

The use of "price points" seems to indicate the value placed on the item by bthe company selling it and not by the customer.

I often see pure tat priced at 9.99 or 19.99 or whatever when I can't see why these items are not priced at much lower real "value" prices. Yet they fly off the shelves. Companies become self satisfied, service drops and quality disappears.

Inb part its our own fault we allow ourselves to not complain and not speak openly about this crisis.

A bespoke woodworker usually has no recourse except to provide sound quality and to stand behind it.

The message comparing stores in Canada and the Uk was bang on. B&Q, Homebase, etc etc have become lifestyle stores after putting all of the local hardware shops out of business but no longer see any need to supply this market.

That only leaves the internet and the risks that introduces.

After 25 years of being a serial complainer and demander of results I have started to despair at the lack of quality in the UK retail sectors and the lack of direct face to face feed back fromn the public.

regards Alan

 

[matt]

It's probably worth bearing in mind that the markup on some products (tat or otherwise) supports the retailers being able to offer lower markup products (electrical, for example). There are many products where retailers lose money but they drive footfall.

It's a popular misconception that retailers are swindling the public and it's mostly not a true reflection but a perception that is easy to understand given the limited view jo public has of the industry.

 

[Dave S]

I often see pure tat priced at 9.99 or 19.99 or whatever when I can't see why these items are not priced at much lower real "value" prices. Yet they fly off the shelves. Companies become self satisfied, service drops and quality disappears.

I thought they were priced as such to appear less than £10.00 and £20.00 and hence appeal to the consumers' endless search for low prices rather than quality and value for money.

B&Q, Homebase, etc etc have become lifestyle stores after putting all of the local hardware shops out of business but no longer see any need to supply this market.

But consumers were quite happy to turn their back on the local hardware shops in order to get the cheaper prices at the superstores. They would even go to the small local hardware stores to get the expert information, try things out, and then go to the superstores to save money on their purchase. Now we are all paying the price... and yet have consumers learnt their lessons?

It's very easy to blame everyone else except ourselves :?

Dave

 

[user 5053]

If I was in Steves position I would do one or two local shows such such as the Leics county show and similar as a flag waving exersise hand out leaflets etc. I have seen lots of top bespoke furniture businesses at these type of events and one good show can bring in thousands of of pounds and good long term customers. I would also open an ebay shop and have a few items in the Buy it Now category to give visability and to get traffic to the website . I would also broaden the product range and look at the design details and see if there are ways to make it more salable. I wish all of you in the commercial sector all the best.

 

[matt]

Just out of interest... What price are we paying?

Sure, we no longer have local stores to offer advice but I'd argue that we have internet communities such as this one as an even better place for advice.

We can all buy tat when it suits us and our pockets or we can spend more and buy better quality.

I'm not sure where we've lost out, other than not using today's tools at our disposal to avoid buying tat under the illusion that it's good quality. Same as we did before but via a different method.

All sounds like hokum to me :lol:

 

[devonwoody]

Customers that purchase top grade hand made furniture.

Who are they?

Are they the type of people that purchase Rolex watches?

People who buy Rolex watches IMHO are people who like to display their wealth.

People that buy Casio watches get equal time information.

People who purchase flat pack furniture get equal storage (i.e. bedroom furniture) I have some flat pack bedroom furniture that is over 30 years old and still stores clothes and looks good to me and is in good condition.

So perhaps woodworkers who make furniture are not pursuing the best market? (to make a living)

edited by adding (to make a living)

 

[matt]

Interesting point. One of the main drivers for me to build my own furniture is wanting fitted and/or something that was just right for the space. Most is fitted and is face framed in solid wood on an MDF carcass. I have in mind to make some solid wood freestanding pieces in time.

So... for me, if I weren't making it myself, my motivation to purchase from a bespoke provider would be to get the right size/fit/look for the room/space.

Based on my experience of commercial bespoke providers, the "hand-made, solid wood" is either a by-product (of getting the right thing from a practical point of view) or a "Rolex" to use the analogy.

I suspect sales of Rolex's are down right now... Whereas those who can obtain a practical "solution" for an affordable price can continue to justify their purchases.

I think this is borne out in the relative success of the MDF merchants.

 

[TrimTheKing]

I have to say that it really does brighten my mood (if I've got one on me) to see the kind of full on support and backing that you pro woodies have given Steve in this situation.

After reviewing your website, seeing the quality of your work and reading a couple of the posts written by Brad etc I think you have made the right decision in sticking with this for a bit longer at least. Your work is obviously of good quality and as soon as a few people start to see that you should be away.

Fantastic support guys, well done, and all the luck in the world to you Steve, I truly hope this situation turns round for you and we see a lot more of you around here

Only thing I would mention would be to agree with the comment about writing in the 3rd person. Much better IMO to review these parts and rewrite in a slightly more personal way.

I have taken the liberty of copying your homepage text and making the changes that I would make were it my site. All I have done is taken your name out and replaced it with me/my/I etc. This is just my opinion obviously, so please don't be offended by my suggestions :wink:

My name is Steve Boyd. I trained as a Furnituremaker at the Isle of Ely College in 1996 after being inspired like so many others by the books of the renowned cabinetmaker James Krenov.

My workshop is in Glaston village near the market town of Uppingham, where I work alone except for the company of my Labrador, Bertie.

I would describe my style as contemporary in design, relying heavily on the traditional techniques of furnituremaking, as used by craftsmen throughout the ages. Hand-cut dovetails in drawer work for example, and surfaces finished with handplanes are a strong yet subtle feature of my work.

Unique pieces are created according to clients design brief, tastes and individual requirements. The result is a truly one-off, bespoke, handcrafted product of the highest quality.

I use a wide range of hardwood timbers, some native and some European and American. All of my timber is obtained from well-managed sources and FSC approved suppliers. Sycamore, Walnut (English & American Black) Cherry, Oak and Ash are fine furnituremaking woods and these are quite often used together in a piece to provide different contrasts and textures.

 

[matt]

I have to say that it really does brighten my mood (if I've got one on me) to see the kind of full on support and backing that you pro woodies have give Steve in this situation.

It was a close call... Help or start flying lazy circles like a flock of buzzards round Steve's kit :lol:

 

[TrimTheKing]

It was a close call... Help or start flying lazy circles like a flock of buzzards round Steve's kit :lol:

Haha

 

[devonwoody]

So where does the market come from to purchase high quality bespoke furniture.

Take a rocking chair, sell for £2500, four weeks work, make 12 a year and sell =£30,000.

Less expenses and overheads, not much of a living these days.

Sell each chair for £25000 (has been done) where are you going to get those sort of customers?

I suggest it starts with a patron.

I'm thinking of J.S.Turner (painter) He had the bishop of Salisbury has his patron and no doubt other customers came via this source.
So perhaps its find a patron who admits to paying a very high price (likes to display his wealth) and others of equal elk follow his example.

The chair is not worth £25000 in my opinion, but its like the Rolex I mentioned earlier,.

I personally dont think there is a cat in hells chance of selling a £25000 rocking chair on the internet via advertising, those sort of customers havent got time to surf the web.

 

[laird]

A few of the tradesmen up here have got in with Scottish Heritage, Conservation Councils etc. They know what they want, it must be exactly that, it usually has to appear as if it was built in a specific time period - but they aren't afraid to pay for this. I'm not aware of anyone making a living doing just this - but a job or two pays most of the total overheads in a year. Leaving private work to cover a percentage of wages only.

 

[BradNaylor]

I suggest it starts with a patron.

I am friends with a highly skilled cabinetmaker who had just such a 'patron'. Ultimately it led to him being paid a substantial retainer just to make furniture for this particular wealthy individual's various homes across the world, plus his ocean going yacht.

It sounds an attractive arrangement; until you realise that you are merely a well paid serf. Personally I would prefer to earn less money, lead a more precarious existance, and retain my independence.

People do not usually opt for self-employment in order to become beholden to someone in this way.

In answer to Devonwoody's general point, the market for top-end craftsman-made solid wood pieces is tiny. As Mr T has pointed out, it is almost essential for anyone working in this area to have an additional income from teaching or writing, a high earning wife, a military pension, or close contacts amongst the aristocracy!

I don't know of many high end designer/makers who make a good living without one of the above.

Unfortunately, in the real world cabinetmakers must spend most of their time working on fitted furniture and kitchens in order to survive.

Incidentally my friend's arrangement with his patron ended when the bloke died suddenly. My friend now does a lot of kitchens!

Cheers
Brad

 

[crazylilting]

Good to hear your sticking with it Steve. Wish you all the best. You've gotten to build some very nice pieces and they look fantastic. I haven't been as lucky but I do keep working and that helps me build my business slowly to the point where i'll be able to build what i want and people will buy it because of the name i've built. I mostly build built-ins, kitchen's, and recently even a tree house. It's back breaking work that will eventually pay off. My next project? A complete renovation on a listed house, looks to be about 6 months work at first glance. It will help get my shop to the level i need to continue going in the direction of my goal.

Being your own boss doesn't as i've found out doesn't give you riches and glory, but does give you the satisfaction of winning or loosing on your own terms instead of giving your skills to someone who will profit from them and drive you to produce more so he can make more.

Just know that Win or loose at this venture you are creating relationships with people who know the value of your work and will pay you for that. Not to mention the respect of your peers. Keep up the good work

 

[moz]

There is almost always a huge void between a good quality, hand made item and the equivalent mass-produced s***e. This hits you in the face when you are close enough to see and touch the piece but isn't all that obvious from a picture on the internet.

If you can attract some passing trade, sell from the workshop. I put together a small display area at the front of the shop a few months ago. I generally have a couple of pieces on show and I have found it helps a lot in prising that big deposit from the customer's sweaty palm. I just reasoned that, if people don't know me or my work, it can be a tall order getting them to buy something that doesn't exist.

However, I never thought I would actually sell anything from there! But spurred on by some of the people in the neighbouring units, I made a few smaller items, mirrors, boxes, lamps. To my amazement, I sold them all and paid the rent one month just from this income. These aren't the sort of things which would be commercially viable all of the time. But I find they are great for filling in between other tasks and can be put down and picked up whenever it suits; and, if things are quiet, you still have to get some value from the workshop costs so why not make a small batch of things that would sell for a hundred or two?. Mirrors and lamps, for example, seem to have a high perceived value (ref other comments about rip-off Britain) and it's not difficult to compete effectively with overpriced, high street tat for the cost of a few well chosen off-cuts from the bin.

Oh, and another thing, one guy who bought a couple of things as presents went on to commission a nice piece of furniture. He's saving up for another one too!

John

 

[JR]

This is an interesting thread.
It touches on a number of issues relevant to the grim realities of being a designer maker.
Some good points have been made.
Firstly it is very true that in the main many if not most of the well known (both present and historical) designer makers had financial means. This is relevant for two reasons.
a. The ability to finance a collection, by this I mean if you want to do a certain type of work you need to show people what it is. Very few makers can afford to finance months possibly a years worth of work with no immediate buyer.
b.Moving in the right kind of moneyed social circles obviously helps a great deal.

Secondly you need to be a very very good original designer to stand even a chance of commanding the right sort of prices.

Thirdly you should ask yourself the question why do so many "successful" designer-makers offer training courses? Surely they must be too busy making commissioned furniture?

The point I would make is that it is important to be realistic, being inspired by Krenov and the like is fine but they did not necessarily have to make a living at it.

Web-sites are a great marketing tool and it allows people to find you and your hopefully unique product and service.

You really cannot generalise about top end furniture clients they do not all wear rolex watches and drive Ferraris!
Best of luck
James

 

[chipchaser]

Very impressed by the excellent advice, consideration and care for a fellow craftsman in this thread. I was going to say you guys should be running a business school but many of you are obviously doing something better, running successful businesses.

Steve I am glad that you are going to stick with it and am sure that you can succeed, You have already done the hardest part in actually starting your own business and your web site shows you do good work. If you were to give up your creative freedom life might be more secure, assuming there is a job for you out there, but would it be as satisfying? On the glass half full principle, I don’t see why a recession should not be a reasonable time to be in business if you can keep overheads down and do a good job for a fair price. I am not pretending it won’t be hard work!

I agree with previous posts that that your website needs to be written in the first person, directed at your prospective clients rather than colleagues or woodwork buffs and, if possible illustrate a wide range of work. If I tried to tell my wife about dovetails and hand planing she would be asleep in seconds hut show her some good photographs or explain how something will benefit her and she’s interested! Brad’s site communicates clearly and simply how he can satisfy the client’s requirements.

However, I very much like, and would keep, the style and appearance of your current website.

As Beech said magazines are always looking for something new and unusual to feature. Have you tried contacting local architects and interior designers? Although they may shy away from nominating you within a contract they might introduce you to a client of theirs or a main contractor who wants to sub-contract specialist joinery work.

Best of luck and I look forward to seeing you doing well.

Graham