Adorn magazine’s blog is having a little giveaway. They are giving away Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business
- Build a lightbox (these can be cheap and easy!) for your photography. Good photographs can make a huge difference in how people see your products, and whether they buy them.
- Use or wear your own merchandise. (And keep extras with you, so when someone admires what you’re wearing/using, you’re ready to show them more and sell on the spot!) Plus, why wouldn’t you want to use your own awesome creations?
- Communicate promptly and warmly with your customers. Distinguish yourself from other businesses by adding that personal touch that goes hand in hand with handmade goods.
- Promote, promote, promote. There are so many crafty businesses out there–how can you get your product seen? Start a blog, join flickr, become active in crafting communities. The bonus here is that (hopefully) you’re becoming involved in communities that are satisfying to you beyond just being a way to get yourself known.
- Always carry your business cards with you. You never know when you’ll need one.
- Be passionate about what you’re creating, and don’t just follow trends. Make what you love because you love it–that will last longer than what’s in style this season.
Do you have more tips for being/becoming a successful crafty business? I’d love to hear them (and if you want to win that book, you’ll probably want to share them over at Adorn, too.)
Thank you for the heads up… that is a great list of items.
Howdy! Love the tips! I just started in jewelry, but I must say that showing everyone that you can find your items is great!
I gave a necklace to a co-worker (Going away to college present!) with a few business cards. She’s had numerous comments on the necklace, so I’m hoping that she remembers the cards and passes them on 🙂
Perhaps this is another crafty business tip: anytime someone leaves a comment on my blog, I make sure to check out their blog (if they’ve linked to one) and their Etsy shop if I can find it… Alison and Raven, you both have some cool items in your shops!
How true! I find that many people who buy my stuff do it as much for my personality as for my stuff. Sure, they love my items. But if they like me then they really want to buy from me. Be friendly everywhere you go. People are more likely to ask you what you do, thus giving you a chance to hand them your card.
thanks for the link. And I just started a blog, and I can’t wait to get the package from you so I can do a post on it.
Oh, great tips for small businesses – thank you for sharing! Sara x
Great ideas! I’m just getting a business off the ground and this article has some great advice.
thanks