You may have seen the announcement on our website about how to shop metal art made by Sunriver Metal Works. And, the blurb said we would be ready mid-January. How does the saying go – “Wish in one hand…”
Creating A Store
Setting up a store is a lot like setting up a website. After you pick a partner to guide you through the process (Alpine Internet), you decide on the platform to use (our website uses WordPress) and then the hard work begins. Themes (website functions) are set up, and a graphic designer creates the overall look of the website. Content is the next major piece which communicates who you are and what you do. Lots of learning, words, and images later, and a website is up and running. BUT WAIT – a website is a living, breathing entity and you must spend time nurturing this beast. (And that beast does get nasty if it doesn’t get fed!)
Shop Metal Art
On to the store. We have chosen a platform to use (open source PrestaShop), and now the hard work begins. A store functions in the secure world (https://) versus the non-secure world many websites are in (http://). An upgrade was required for the website (read $$). When we get some products loaded, we’ll work with our graphic designer to match the look of our website. Content, words, and images follow and the store is ready to go prime time.
Creating Products Online
We are now in the process of starting to load products into our test store. This includes all the variables that can be included for each product. Questions ensue… Should we include all the patina variations for each product? What is the weight of each item? How do you write a compelling description? How do you write a meta title that will get picked up by the Google gods? The list goes on and on.
We’re working on it!
So, long story, short – We are working on it. We’ll start with a few products and add as we go along. We’re excited about the progress, but the process is time consuming. Finally, please be patient – good things come to those who wait!
Postscript
As of January 2017, an online store does not exist on our website. And, we’ve made several changes since this blog post was written. Most website changes focused on removing themes and resource hogging grids. Response time is our primary focus to highlight our custom metal art. So, shop metal art is no longer our focus. Create metal art is our focus. Two stores in Bend carry limited products, and our Etsy store will be utilized to shop excess inventory of metal art. The balance works better for us right now. So, we hope you approve!