The Checkout

Running a business has so many aspects that need to be tended to. Doing it all while leaving a personal touch can be hard. Using email automation makes both tasks much simpler. With the combination of customer analytics and personalization, email automation can be refined often to  target both new and returning customers - leading you to create unique campaigns that engage your audience and in turn, increase your virtual foot traffic. 

We did a thing. This week we launched the CHICAGO LOVE campaign, with 14 local brands and boutiques in Chicago. If you use the code CHICAGOLOVE at any of the participating boutiques below you'll receive a special discount, deal or freebie.

We're going to make this short and sweet. Show some support. A like, a follow, a share, an online purchase - it all helps. These incredible brands are what make Chicago shopping special and it's up to all of us to help keep these small businesses in business during these very strange times. 

Social distancing and need to shoot some great content for your social platforms and website? It’s doable. Read on to see how to DIY your next photoshoot and keep your content fresh right now. 

And yes, while we all miss working with our favorite photographers, sometimes you just need to make it work. 

So the last few weeks have been… shall we say.. challenging? 

At Ready Pretty, we’re with you and here to help. While things may have stalled, slowed down or albeit stopped completely, we want you to know there are still things you can do to make sales during these crazy times. From a marketing perspective, now is the time to plus-up your digital strategy, and refocus on what to do online right now. 

As a company, we work with small, independent brands and businesses - all women-owned. And right now our partners and our non-partners need help. What can you do? Support where you can. With your money, your likes, your shares, maybe a positive online review - whatever you can do! 

So we've created a little list of a few of our favorite boutiques and brands that you can shop online RIGHT NOW. 

What are you waiting for?! Shop local! 

Kickin' Chicago: Expecting? Shop this fun boutique made for mamas to be (and non-mamas too). Their go-to essentials are the perfect foundation to build a great pre, during and post baby wardrobe.

Winnie Cooper Boutique: Stylish and affordable fashion finds for the fashionista at heart. Obsessed over so many different pieces they have online right now! 

Enzee Boutique: Super cute pieces and prices mostly under $100. Right now they are offering free next day local delivery too!

Milk Handmade: Cool indie pieces from emerging designers that are hard to find but oh so cool.

Caprice Decadent US Jewelry: Ya'll know how much we love this jewelry line. Shop their gorgeous baubles 25% off now through 3/29.

Katie May: This lifestyle blogger slash "Jill of all Trades" just launched her Spring/Summer collection made up of gorgeous hues, fresh prints and feminine silhouettes... her line has us wishing for warmer weather! 

Havlan & West: One of our favorite Chicago boutiques, you've seen several of their pieces on The Shoppes but check out their site for even more stylish options.

Matty & Lou: We love the casual, boho vibes of this Chicago shop! And right now they are offering 15% off site wide with the code BEHEALTHY

The MLM Brand: If you're looking for a go-to, nursing friendly, super chic black dress, look no further. This Chicago brand needs to be your next click! 

Quarters & Caviar: We just recently discovered this affordable jewelry and accessories line complete with fun and trendy pieces perfect for punching up any outfit. We're obsessed with their braided velvet headband! 

Got another brand or boutique to add to the list? Leave us a comment below! Help us help some cool, indie brands while you're staying in! 

xoxo! 

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of creating and hosting a special launch event in support of our client partners, Katie Farnan. As part of our marketing strategy our team knew that being smart about our launch approach would be key to best utilizing our budget while providing a true ROI for our client. 

While building a great website is the first step in driving online sales, we always tell our partners, "If you build it, they WON'T come." It's true. Beyond a beautiful online site, it's important to drive traffic to your site in order to convert users and make the sale.

Keeping reading to see our 7 easy tips for driving traffic to your site right now.

Oh the flat lay... one of the most used styled pics for boutiques and brands to hit Instagram. An easy way to display your products, brand or boutique it's a skill to easily master once you understand the basics.

Are you ready to take your flat lay skills to the next level? Follow our quick and simple guide to taking your best photos yet.