(This blog is partially reproduced from one appearing on my independent business blog that can be found here.)

Had you asked me about a bounce rate two years ago, or even a year ago, I might have explained that I thought it had something to do with the performance of Olympic trampoline gymnasts or perhaps the amount of support provided in a bra. But no, now that I live and have a business in the virtual world of the internet, I know that bounce rate shows the percentage of visitors to my website who "bounce" off again after touching down on my home page. Anything under thirty percent is considered fairly enviable and I seem to hover at that point most of the time. Again, doing business in the virtual world means that this matters to me. And it does. But I am always looking for ways to improve sales and the old bounce rate.

Perhaps the most important thing I have done is reduce my prices significantly in both The Earth and The Sea collections. It's not that I don't believe in their worth. I believe that if I am able to unite someone with the perfect one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery, it is a pretty priceless feat. I know that of all the pieces of jewellery I bought in the days before I made my own, my most cherished were pieces I simply had to have because they spoke to me. The three pairs of earrings that I love most just happen to be the three pairs on which I spent the most money. And two out of the three were unique. That was the appeal of those two pairs. Beyond the colour and design, I liked the idea that no one else would ever have that pair of earrings. All three pairs, coincidentally, were produced by artists, not manufacturers, made by artists whose talent I admire even more now. I want people to feel that way about what I create. I want them to want these pieces, but I don't want them to have to break the bank to do it.  I am not going to end up buying some sprawling real estate on the proceeds, but I am going to hold my head up and know that I have provided someone with a piece of jewellery that makes her feel like the unique person she is. Amen. 

I will always encourage people to buy locally and buy from individuals, not from corporations. Let the department stores with their cookie cutter merchandise, made in factories far away, and marked up to ridiculous levels - let them keep those on their shelves. Instead, find someone locally who makes beautiful things and who, like me, makes them for two reasons. One of those reasons is to make a living, but I can almost guarantee that making a living is reason number two. Reason number one is that they love what they do, love what they create, love the process of creating art. Believe me, with every order that comes through, you are encouraging and supporting and letting that artist know that what they do is valued and appreciated. 

Busy times ahead as the market season gets into full swing. And I have been invited to participate in one of the biggest retail events in Scotland - so thrilled to be part of that. It is all going well, but I will never rest on any laurels I may gather along the way. I am always looking to better my work and my business, but never losing sight of why I do it. I do it because I love it.

This Week's Web Business Recommendations

This week, I would like to highlight two businesses that I believe in. The first, and you will have to forgive me for this open display of nepotism, is my husband's landscape photography site and the second is a lovely site created by a talented woman living on the Kintyre Peninsula here in Scotland.

Chris Mawson Photography offers buyers the opportunity to own a print of one of Chris' stunning landscape photographs of Scotland. On our first trip to Scotland as a couple, I was amazed at Chris' natural gift for composing a photograph. His eye for balance and tones is truly wonderful. From that first trip, we realised that bridging the gap from amateur to professional photographer was something Chris needed to do. His monochrome images have been widely praised and his colour photography catches that wonderful moment of light and atmosphere. Take a look - I am sure you will be as moved by his images as I am.

Kintyre Candles is a business that offers customers a treat for eyes and nose. Scented, eco-friendly and affordable candles are on offer in myriad fragrances and styles. In addition to candles, fragranced oil and oil burners are also on offer, giving you the option to treat your senses in so many different ways. I love the various holders available - from bamboo and glass to ceramic. I intend to stock up on Kintyre Candles in all their various guises. Let's face it - candle light is the ultimate statement in elegance and relaxation and Kintyre Candles will provide you with more choices than you can imagine. I highly recommend this business.