Sue Bowler: The Balloon Expert

T here is no long lead up to Valentine's Day sales, most people buy last minute, usually less than a week before the 14th! So what can you do leading up to Valentine's' Day to promote sales? 1. When posting on Social Media, think about the headings you use. Try something a little catchy like:  Need some help this Valentine’s? 5 perfect gift ideas for her/him ❤️ 5 perfect Valentine’s gift ideas for her/him (all under £30) ❤️ - the heart emoji will  attract  more  attention! “Valentine’s Day treats for you and yours." "Bring a little Smiley Love this Valentine's Day." or how about using a Valentine's quote “Where there is love, there is life.” – Mahatma Ghandi, Civil Rights Lead " They invented hugs to let people know you love them without saying anything." -  Bil Keane Next, make sure the content of your post is appealing enough to drive customers to your store, web-shop, or to start a conversion. 2. Run a Vale...

Breaking the "rules" on social media is easier than you may realise! A re you committing copyright infringement and don't realise that you are doing it? Last year a ballooning friend of mine told me that her business Instagram account had been disabled before Christmas for violating Instagram Community Guidelines  - her account was never restored and she never found out why - but a cheeky little "Elf on the Shelf" had something to do with it!  There are several things that you can do to cause your Instagram account to be disabled or worse, lost forever!  Banned Instagram Hashtags As we all know, hashtags get your posts noticed, but did you know that there are many banned Instagram hashtags! Some of the bans are permanent - others are temporary, usually when someone has reported content that may not meet Instagram's guidelines. These come and go so be careful when using hashtags that they are permissible to use at that time. How do you know...

W orking on your own can be tough and a little lonely sometimes. Many balloon artists, like myself, are sole traders - a one man band without the support of a team to work with. Dealing with day-to-day problems and issues can seem daunting or the thought of getting asked to work on a big job fills you with terror rather than excitement! Does this sound familiar? Fortunately, we have the power of the internet and can easily connect with other balloon artists around the world through Facebook groups, Instagram, and other social media channels, but there is nothing quite like networking  and meeting like-minded people that have the same interests and passions as you face to face. Working together with Amanda Armstrong, CBA , Cheryl Skoric, CBA , and Matt Cerre, CBA , building the fabulous Pioneer 100 Anniversary party decor. Networking  Networking is one of the best ways to build great relationships with other balloon artists. Meeting up at training sessions, events,...

If you would like to learn how to create this fabulous organic style "Puffed Heart" design, check out the NEW "Simply Organic" course being taught by Sue Bowler in the UK and Europe this year!  D o you have a sales strategy? Do you know what a sales strategy is? It's simple really, a sales strategy is a plan by a business or individual on how to go about selling products and services and increasing profits. Valentine's Day is a super big event in the ballooning world and one that you cannot afford to miss out on! In 2017, Brits spent a whopping £1.5 Billion celebrating Valentine's Day which was a massive increase from 2016 when we spent a mere £908m. In the US it is predicted that 19.6 Billion will be spent this year! Valentine's opportunities come in many different guise  This decor was created for a Valentine's product launch for an on-line retail company. Decor by Sue Bowler, CBA,  and Nicci Rene. Valentine's...