h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Photo shoot finally happened today!

Weird weather actually worked in our favour as we had planned to have one model come yesterday and the other today. But because yesterday morning was a bit overcast and grey both women came today - and it was great!

Dori, the more dynamic of the two, demanded wine and salsa music 'to get into the mood' while Carmen, the more serious one, couldn't help but be affected by Dori's enthusiasm. So about 300 photos later (!!!) we think we maybe have the basic amount of 'good enough photos' we need to finally launch the page. The 'good enough' bit being the fact that I'm in no way a professional photographer, not a reflection on my models who really were fabulous and did their best. I'm so grateful to them for wanting to be a part of our biz project.

It really was funny and fun. Once the white wine I gave them was running out I put the bottle of that Noggin and I were saving to celebrate our opening in the freezer as Dori insisted she needed *more wine*. And *more music*. And after a couple of hours she said she was starving and then demanded pizza! So we ordered some nice 'gourmet pizzas' from a place down the street and Noggin went down to pick them up (it's not the sort of place that delivers). But it was such a riot - so much fun. Great to see the two of them working together so well and enjoying themselves. And I think - I hope - we got some good shots of the clothes.

So . . . watch this space!


az

awesome, that sounds like it was great!!

Sneak preview of some of the photos - on page 3 of the studio album. If you don't have the password you can email me for it.

http://public.fotki.com/azahar/the_studio/page3.html



az

Bravo!!

Well, even our webpage designer Chris - the most critical guy on two feet! - told me I had 'nothing to feel ashamed about' regarding the quality of the photos. High praise coming from him!

Actually, have to say that Noggin and I have benefitted immensely from Chris's input - the webpage wouldn't look nearly as clean and professional if we hadn't listened to his advice.


az

Stop me if you've heard this one before ( ) but our really-and-truly-honestly-and-absolutely-for-sure opening date is going to be this Friday, April 7th. (eek!)

Chris will have the last few tweaks done on the page by Tuesday and we should have most of our stock and (we hope) our packing materials by then. But we can't put it off any longer. Besides, we like the number 7 and April 7th also happens to be Azar's birtday.

http://public.fotki.com/azahar/gatitos/cybercat.html

That's him writing some text for the webpage (either than or he's ordering in a few kilos of salmon).

So it won't be long now!


az

Nearly there

What will you be doing for marketing az? Have you got whatever you need to come up on google searches?

I have to admit I don't fully understand how the google rankings work, but I do know a number of factors are involved.

When searching, google looks for content that matches the search terms, and the more of any important keywords that you have on your page, the more visible you will be. This is an ongoing process, and position will tend to improve as you add content to the site.

It also looks for links to your site from other sites. One of the best ways of doing this is through soliciting reciprocal links from other sites (preferably with a common theme but not directly competing) - that's basically what the affiliate program is about; other website owners can sign up, link to your site from theirs, and get a small commission on any sales resulting from people following the link.

And it looks at various directories under appropriate categories and gives these a weighting too, so it's useful to be signed up to some of these as well, though this process can't be started until the site is "live".

So all of these are ongoing, but take time. We won't be top of the listings on April 8.


Noggin

It's 3am, early morning of April 7th. And it seems that we are - eep! - LIVE!!!

http://www.azahar-natural-clothing.com


Planning to open the when we get our first order. But for now . . . sleep!


VERY azzzzzzzzzzz

oh I really really really wish you the best of luck!

and now I have devoured the website

it's gorgeous, I love the photos (what a fabulous floor you have)

and I really really like the designs and the eco-friendly aspect.

Can I pass the link to people? (I'm guessing the answer will be a loud "yes" but I'm a well brung up girly so I like to check )

One thing I would have liked, especially on the fairy dress, is a wee close up of the inlay lace - but that's only because I'm very very nosey about things like that.

And now I eagerly await your children's stuff!



well done to you, Noggin, your sewing team and your web designer

Oh yes, the logo and the colours are gorgeous.

I'm very excited for you!!

it looks very good. a high usability and user friendly!

I agree about the detail of the lace inlay, Sho, but just not sure where/how to show it. For the kimono we've put a totally different picture than the thumbnail to show the detail when you click on it - I guess we could also do that for the dresses but then the only shot of the whole garment would be the thumbnail. Does that seem like a good idea?


az

oh no,
it's definitely important to have the whole garment

I'm not sure how all this webby stuff works, relating to photos and so on,

and it's only a very wee thing - the photos are pretty clear to me

how are you feeling today?

It looks awesome az, let us know when you get your first sale

Of course you can pass the link to people, Sho. In fact, the more the merrier. Having a nice looking site is no use if no one goes there!

Thanks to everyone for the compliments and good wishes.

Noggin

Woo hoo! Congrats on the website going live!

I haven't had the chance to look at all of the product photos (I'm supposed to be "working"), but I love what I've seen.

I'm very proud and so pleased for you both, and hope you succeed beyond your wildest expectations.

Ooooh, looks pro, and very friendly colours. Nice one .

Looks great!

Niiice! Thank you for including me on your email list!

Now..do I have to check the backlog or are you going to tell me who your lovely models are?