Five years ago, I embarked on a journey to build my own teaware brand website. Like many new entrepreneurs, I leaned heavily on social media platforms, including Instagram, Pinterest, X, and Tumblr, as my primary channels for showcasing products. At first, the results were promising. Traffic, likes, comments, and direct messages painted a rosy picture of success.

However, an unexpected account suspension abruptly shifted my perspective. During the grueling appeal process, I began to ask myself: Why was I so reliant on social media? What would happen if platform policies changed or my account was permanently disabled? Beyond social media, where else could I find reliable and sustainable traffic sources?

From Anxiety to Transformation: Discovering the Value of SEO and Content

In the early days, I knew little about SEO and undervalued the importance of content marketing. My daily focus was on follower count, engagement metrics, and giveaway participation. This short-term mindset kept me distracted from the bigger picture—building a brand with lasting impact.

About a year ago, I started dedicating more effort to creating meaningful content on my website. Writing about topics like Dehua porcelain, Chinese tea culture, and how to choose the perfect teaware not only attracted organic traffic but also deepened my connection with customers. While content marketing doesn’t yield instant results, it lays a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

Planning Campaigns: Balancing Customer Needs and Brand Growth

This year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) promotions for my page BestCeramics.cn are a case in point. I spent weeks crafting a campaign that would genuinely resonate with my customers. The promotions included up to 50% discounts, free gifts for orders over $200, and $100 gift cards for purchases over $500. Beyond boosting sales, these campaigns reminded me that the success of a marketing initiative isn’t just about discount depth—it’s also about communicating the values your brand stands for.

For me, entrepreneurship is about finding balance: meeting customer needs while maintaining brand independence and fostering long-term growth. What’s your take on this journey?