Stepping Up Your Game for Social Media Marketing

Dear Vendors,

We are excited to announce the addition of Service Providers at Steel Goat Marketplace. This new opportunity allows professionals to offer specialized services in our designated areas: The Hideaway, The Zen Den, and The Goat House.

Here’s a quick overview:

• The Hideaway: For one-on-one meetings and intimate services like tarot card readings.
• The Zen Den: Perfect for small group sessions, such as massages, reiki, and workshops.
• The Goat House: A versatile space for larger events and also serves as a WiFi café and community craft shop.

Service Providers will have separate contracts and responsibilities, managing their own bookings and advertising.

Cheers, Your Go-To Steel Goat Marketplace Pal 🐐✨

What is a Service Provider?

At Steel Goat Marketplace, a Service Provider is a professional who offers specialized services within our designated service areas. Unlike vendors, who typically sell products, Service Providers focus on delivering experiences and personal services to our customers.

Key Differences Between Service Providers and Vendors:

• Contracts and Payments: Service Providers have a separate contract and rent payment structure distinct from vendors.
• Responsibilities: Service Providers are responsible for managing their own bookings, advertising, and ensuring the smooth operation of their services during their scheduled times.

Access to Service Areas

As a Service Provider, you will have access to our three unique service areas:

The Hideaway:
An intimate space meant for one-on-one meetings. Whether you need a quiet place for consultations, therapy sessions, or private meetings, this cozy room offers the privacy and tranquility you need. It’s the perfect setting for personal interactions and confidential discussions. Ideal for services like tarot card readings and other low-maintenance needs, The Hideaway is our smallest space available.

The Zen Den:
Designed for focused gatherings, accommodating 2-8 people depending on the workshop or class. This space is perfect for small group sessions, intimate classes, and professional workshops. With its comfortable setting, it’s an ideal environment for productive and engaging activities. Recommended for massages, reiki, small group sound baths, business consultations, small meetings, small yoga groups, one-on-one low-maintenance physical therapy, and more.

The Goat House:
A versatile space that can accommodate 8-25 people, depending on the event. During regular hours, it doubles as a WiFi café open to the public, providing a cozy and connected environment for working or socializing. Vendors can also host free demos or groups open to the public in this space, fostering a community feel. For private events, The Goat House is perfect for workshops, parties, business lunches, and team-building activities. Its adaptable layout ensures it can be tailored to suit your event’s needs.

Benefits of Being a Service Provider

• Flexible Scheduling: Set your own schedule within the operating hours of Steel Goat Marketplace.
• Variety of Services: Services can range from massage, reiki, sound baths, business consultations, self-help guidance, small journaling prompt groups, or group craft offerings.

Join the Steel Goat Service Provider Team

Interested in becoming a part of our team? Fill out our form to see if your service is a good fit for Steel Goat Marketplace. If approved, you’ll receive a separate contract outlining the details and benefits of being a Service Provider.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, social media is the heartbeat of small enterprises. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a game-changer. With billions of users worldwide, social media offers an unparalleled stage for small businesses to showcase their brand, engage with audiences, and forge meaningful connections.

From amplifying brand visibility to fostering customer relationships, social media empowers businesses to reach far and wide, breaking barriers and accessing markets that were once out of reach. It’s the digital storefront, the voice, and the catalyst for growth in a fast-paced, interconnected world.

Embracing social media isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for thriving in today’s competitive landscape. It’s the tool that allows small businesses to make a big impact, leaving a lasting impression and carving a niche in the hearts and minds of their audience. So, let’s harness this digital realm to shape a successful future for our business endeavors! 🚀✨ #SocialMediaSuccess

Additional Tips:

• Share and Cross-Promote: Share posts from Steel Goat Marketplace on your own profile or page to further increase visibility.
• Use Hashtags: Incorporate relevant hashtags, such as #SteelGoatMarketplace or specific event hashtags, to expand reach and categorize posts.
• Monitor Notifications: Keep an eye on notifications to engage promptly when others tag or comment on your posts.

• Create Engaging Content:
• Start by creating engaging content related to Steel Goat Marketplace, such as showcasing products, behind-the-scenes shots, or event promotions.
• Mention @SteelGoatMarketplace in Captions or Comments:
• In your post’s caption or comments, mention @SteelGoatMarketplace by typing the ‘@’ symbol followed by the name.
• Example: “Excited to be a part of @SteelGoatMarketplace’s vibrant community! Join us this weekend for our special event.”
• Engage with @SteelGoatMarketplace’s Content:
• Engage with Steel Goat Marketplace’s content by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts.
• Tagging them in your Stories or reposting their content can also foster collaboration.
• Direct Message (DM) for Collaboration:
• Initiate a conversation via direct message (DM) to discuss potential collaborations.
• Propose ideas such as joint events, co-promotions, or mutually beneficial content sharing.

• Add Location to Your Post:
• When creating a post, tap on ‘Add Location.’
• Type ‘Steel Goat Marketplace’ in the search bar.
• Select the correct location from the options provided.
• Confirm Location Tag:
• Ensure the location tag is added to your post before publishing. This will create a clickable location link.
• Tagging in Stories:
• While creating an Instagram Story, use the location sticker and search for ‘Steel Goat Marketplace.’ This tags the location in your Story.

Additional Tips:

• Consistent Brand Tagging: Encourage vendors to consistently tag @SteelGoatMarketplace in their posts to create a cohesive brand presence.
• Engage and Respond: Encourage vendors to respond to comments and engage with followers who interact with their tagged posts or location.
• Utilize Stories for Collabs: Use Instagram Stories to share collaborations or events happening at Steel Goat Marketplace, tagging both the location and relevant collaborators.

By following these steps, vendors can effectively collaborate with @SteelGoatMarketplace and tag the location, maximizing visibility and engagement within the Instagram community.

Social Media Take Over:

What is a social media Takeover?  Imagine social media as a big, lively party where everyone shares stories and pictures. Now, a social media takeover is a bit like inviting a special guest to that party who gets to talk and share their stories on your behalf.

Let’s say you usually talk about your hobbies and adventures at this party. During a takeover, you’d invite someone else—maybe a friend or a well-known person—to take the microphone and share their own cool stories or experiences for a while. They might show pictures of their hobbies or talk about their favorite things.

It’s like giving them a turn to talk in front of everyone at the party, but it’s still your party and your friends. After they’ve had their turn, everything goes back to normal, just like before the special guest arrived. It’s a fun way to spice up the party and introduce your friends to new stories and experiences!

Q. Are there any additional fees or commissions?

If you’re using the Goat House (our small event center) for a one-time class or event, a rental fee may apply. However, this cost can be avoided by hosting a consistent class, event, or workshop, or by collaborating with other vendors for customer-centered events. Additionally, there might be a service fee if you require Casper’s assistance for services such as video commercials or creating flyers. Beyond these, apart from the rent and a 17% commission on sold items, there are no additional fees.

Q. What are the marketplace’s operating hours?

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 11-6PM

Wednesday: 11-6PM

Thursday: 11-6PM**

Friday: 11-8PM

Saturday: 11-8PM

Sunday: 11-4PM

**First Thursday of every Month we are open till 8PM for our Ladies Night Event

Q. Is there storage space available for vendors?

Unfortunately, we do not have storage space available. To keep rental costs reasonable, every available spot in the building is utilized for vendors or events, leaving no extra space for storage.

Q. What amenities are provided for vendors (tables, chairs, display equipment)?

We offer a selection of display pieces to showcase your products effectively. Our team collaborates with you to ensure your items are presented in the most appealing way possible. Additionally, vendors are welcome to bring in their own display pieces as long as they fit within the designated space provided.

Q. Are there specific guidelines for displaying or arranging products?

Feel free to showcase your products in the manner you believe best highlights them within your designated space! We encourage openness to suggestions and creative input from neighboring vendors and our supportive staff.

Q. Is there assistance available for setting up and tearing down booths?

While we do have movers available on select days to aid with larger items, it’s essential to note that vendors are ultimately responsible for their space. If assistance is needed, especially for larger items, we recommend calling ahead to check for helper availability.

Q. What are the rules regarding restocking inventory during operating hours?

Absolutely! We love for our vendors to restock their inventory during operating hours as it often sparks customer interest and engagement. Interactions between vendors and customers enhance the shopping experience, something we highly encourage!

We kindly request vendors to aim to restock within our business hours. However, in case after-hour restocking is necessary, please reach out to our support staff in advance to arrange and confirm their availability to accommodate.

Q. How is payment handled for rental fees or sales?

Q. Are there any restrictions on the types of products that can be sold?

We maintain a clear policy against the sale of products that promote racism or bigotry. As part of our commitment to inclusivity and respect, we expect all vendors to align with this principle. Should there be any disagreement on this policy, we encourage reconsideration of our partnership agreement.

Q. What marketing support or promotional activities does the marketplace provide for vendors?

At Steel Goat Marketplace, we’ve ramped up our marketing efforts to support our over 100 vendors! We leverage social media platforms and produce regular videos, spearheaded by Casper, to shine the spotlight on our vibrant community. Our revamped website now offers blog spaces, encouraging vendors to self-promote—a practice we highly endorse. Additionally, we engage various print media channels. However, our greatest support stems from the collaborative efforts of our vendors, amplified by the incredible word-of-mouth referrals from our valued customers. Every experience at Steel Goat aims to be exceptional, recognizing that satisfied customers are our most effective advocates.

Q. Is there parking available for vendors and customers?

Absolutely! Steel Goat Marketplace offers both upper and lower parking lots on our property. We encourage vendors attending events to utilize the alternate parking lot (located across from the business medical school) to ensure ample parking space for our valued customers.

Q. How does the marketplace handle security for vendor booths and products?

Q. Are there any specific rules or regulations vendors need to adhere to regarding licenses or permits?

At Steel Goat Marketplace, we place trust in our vendors to ensure compliance with all necessary regulations and paperwork associated with their products. For instance, vendors selling food items are expected to have appropriate packaging and labeling in accordance with relevant guidelines.

Q. Are there any opportunities for collaborations or joint events with other vendors?

Collaboration among vendors can be incredibly advantageous for everyone involved! We encourage vendors to connect with fellow members and brainstorm ways to make the most of the Goat House, our versatile event center. Casper, our accommodating liaison, is enthusiastic about maximizing its potential. We urge vendors to explore creative possibilities and craft exciting events that leave a lasting impression on Steel Goat Marketplace

Q. What are the peak seasons or busiest times for the marketplace?

While holiday seasons naturally bring a surge in activity, we’ve noticed increased sales during our hosted events as well. Our team strives to curate special weekend shopping experiences for our valued customers. Imagine the potential—by collaborating with our diverse vendors, Steel Goat Marketplace could become a go-to destination in the Pittsburgh area. It’s about consistently offering customers more than just shopping. Vendors can lead demos on both weekdays and weekends, organize engaging “meet the vendors” events, and more. Creating a unique and immersive experience for our customers is in the hands of our talented vendors!

Q. Is there a point of contact or support available for vendors for questions or assistance during operating hours?

Rest assured, a dedicated member of our staff is readily available during our operating hours to address any queries or concerns. If they are unable to provide an immediate answer, they will promptly guide you on how to access further information. Additionally, you can always make use of the “Ask Casper” button for assistance!