How Indian Housewives are Using Social Media to Make a Mark

If you thought social media marketing was only for big brands and businesses, then its time you changed your views on the subject. As the social media wave sweeps across India, housewives too are using its reach and power to make their mark as business women, bloggers and tutors, among other things. If you are passionate about something, then a mid career break post marriage and/or kids need not put you out of action. Take a leaf out of the experiences of these spunky Indian women and unleash the power of social media.

Here is a look at some examples to inspire and enlighten you:

1. Sharing Beauty Secrets by Shruti Anand

Most women love dressing up, and who wouldn't prefer free tips and techniques over an expensive trip to the salon? With women working longer hours, personal time at the salon could be a thing of the past.

So when Shruti Anand, a B.tech in Computer Science got married, she began experimenting and using make up. Makeup helped her discover a new dimension to her personality and she has been making YouTube videos since March 2011. Her easy to follow hair styles, makeup tips and henna designs are a hit with thousands of followers benefiting from the endeavor. Not only that, she writes a blog and runs a Facebook page to keep you updated about quality beauty products that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

2. Food Fetish by Sunayana's Kitchen

Homemaker, new mother and management professional Sunayana from Lucknow, is passionate about food. She takes this passion and interest in innovating vegetarian dishes and translates it to the creation of Sunayana’s Kitchen.

Just two months into the venture, Sunayana has managed to make thousands of people sit up and take notice of her website and blog.

3. Crafty Designs by Vandana and Pooja

When new moms and sisters Vandana and Pooja discovered that their passion for craft in general, and paper quilling in particular, had business potential, the duo set up Craftstruck, a home based business. Vandana also writes a blog about parenting and reviews products and ventures for a fee.

The Craftstruck Facebook page lets the world take a peek into their work.

4. Fun Designs for Children by Beetle and Bottle

When life changed after marriage and babies followed, friends Heetal and Kannan decided to use their skills in design and marketing to create a cute brand for kids’ products. The world of fairies, astronauts and animals came live on wall art, home décor and accessories that they create. Currently retailing in 5 stores across India, this two year old venture has a Facebook page and blog, both choc a bloc with pictures of products, product reviews and mentions in the news. Who says new moms can only be engaged with care giving? They can use their skills to create fun products as well, just like Heetal and Kannan.

5. Clay Designs by Nidhi Srivastava

Nidhi has worked as an IT professional but has always remained an artist at heart. She would have never thought about doing something artistic had it not been for the birth of her son which changed all her priorities. While she was still looking inward to discover new ways to keep herself occupied at home, clay happened to her completely by chance.

Without any formal training in clay modeling, Nidhi had never thought about working with clay professionally; but very soon infinite possibilities emerged. Egged on by her friends and family, she decided to experiment more confidently. Very soon she was inundated with orders for her creations from outsiders and thus Earthen Concepts was born. Check out her creations on Facebook and you will know possibilities are endless, if you have the urge.

So if you are a housewife try social media to give the world a look at what you excel at. Here are some tips to help you use social media:

• Choose to blog, write or build a website about what you enjoy or have knowledge about. Only then will your venture be appreciated as value addition.
• Use lots of pictures and visuals, throw in some videos if possible. After all a large part of the social media experience is what people see.
• Show your audience the process from planning to production to delivery with snapshots taken at various points in the manufacturing process.
• Respond to comments and queries, because that’s the only way you can engage with your audience.
• Keep things simple, packing too much in one video or post can be a turn off.
• Don't shirk negative feedback; take it in your stride.