LOCAL BRIDAL DESIGNER IN NORTHERN IRELAND

 I have designed and made my products since I left Art College that's what I know and know well. In Northern Ireland word of mouth and my shop window have brought my customers to me over my years in business. I have taught myself to use computers and I have tried to keep up with technology but it's still a weakness so it stops my business from growing. 

Every day I try to learn something new.

Undoubtedly I could use advice and guidance on improving my old and dated website, adapting to E-commerce, help with the business's SEO and digital analysis. I have written a blog in the hope that it improves my Google rating. I started an online shop with Etsy so that could learn about selling goods online. I have studied photography to help me promote my products. Recently I started to use  Facebook shop and have put some products online, and likewise with a Shopify store. However I  know that I'm struggling to have enough knowledge to set it up properly, to know about coding, taxes and shipping, to understand SEO and all that it requires to get an online store up and running. I would like to use this unpredicted time to be more innovative and more efficient. I believe my business could grow with improved digital marketing as this is the first research medium for most young brides. E-commerce has the potential to grow my business further than the localised area which would in turn help welling and creative people in the local area find work.

The time seems right to learn more about the world of digital,  E-commerce and the web. Arts and creative people are what is going to help this province have something to sell to the rest of the world and also to attract them to come visit us here. If there is less money locally we will have to find customers anywhere in the world to sell to. Digital marketing opens up new possibilities and online sales opens  up  new markets so that my business is less dependant on the Shop window and passing trade and grows to employ people in the local area in a new way. 

So hopefully soon you will be able to shop via my new Shopify Store.

The Budget -Savvy Bride

It's usually this time of year that bride's run around all the bridal shops in Northern Ireland looking for a bargain. The Wedding Journal Northern Ireland tells newly engaged couples how to be savvy with their  wedding budget. They suggest that shops can sell their dresses at 80% less than the usual price. Stop and think about this bride's to be. Firstly how can you possibly drop a price so much unless it has been over hiked in the first place. If you buy this shop sample dress, can it be cleaned or at least pressed. What happens if you need more fabric or beads to replace what should be there. Who do you know that can best advise you on whether this is truly good value. This something sounds to good to be true, remember it usually is.

Some brides tell me how they were talked into a dress and that they regret buying it. A bargain is only a bargain if you can use it. Rushing to buy your wedding dress can cost you more in the long run, as some brides end up buying another one.

2021 is an odd year, things are definitely not the normal, if there is a normal when you are planning your wedding. This is a totally new experience for you. Please enjoy the experience and stop and allow yourself time to think before someone pressurises you. If I can be of help in some way, just arrange a virtual appointment for now on my facebook page

www.facebook.com/joannefergusonbridalshop

How to shop for your Bridal dress in 2021

Wow what a start to the New Year, 2021!! Ulster Bride's for 2021

are wondering how to shop if the Best Bridal Shops in Northern 

Ireland are closed. As usual my brides have provided me with the 

answer.

I am surprised what I can tell once I chat to you. 

Normally I get to meet you in person but even if we have to

just speak over the internet or the phone you would be surprise 

what a good conversation can do. Because I have been designing 

and making bridal dresses for 35years I can guide you with what 

you would suit. A sketch of the shape and style of the dress is 

confirmation that we have an idea of the look. 

Certain styles suit different bridal fabrics, different brides like 

different things. However if I ask the right questions and listen 

to the bride herself I can really help you. 

So why not book a virtual consultation today and we can convert 

those measurements into a plan so that you can start to look 

forward and get excited about that Wedding dress that you have 

dreamt of getting.

Make a virtual appointment on my Facebook 

facebook.com/joannefergusonbridalshop

or phone my mobile 07736069692

2021 How will things evolve?

 It seems very difficult to plan things with the present circumstances, however because all my life I get up and want to be as productive as possible I can always find things to do.

You can always learn something new each day.

So while weddings are limited and a lot are actually postponed what better time to get up to date with other ideas. Learning how to best adapt and improve is always part of any small business. Most of my time is spent with a needle whether it be doing hand sewing or machine sewing. Covid has made us appreciate the use of a needle in another way and I do hope that the vaccine they have discovered helps us on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

So while our lives sit on pins and needles I have been learning more about selling online and I hope you will follow me on this venture. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Shopify!!