Hello fellow crafters and creative entrepreneurs! We are Sherry and Amanda, the mom-and-daughter duo behind Grace Monroe Home. Over 17 years ago, we started selling our handmade wreaths, fueled by a passion for crafting and a dream to share our creativity with others. Along the way, we’ve learned so much, and we’re thrilled to help others succeed, whether you’re just starting out or looking to boost your sales. Here are ten detailed strategies to help you elevate your handmade business today!
1. Refresh Your Product Line
If your sales have stalled, it might be time to shake things up. Take a good look at your current offerings—is there a way to refine or enhance what’s not selling as well? Introducing new designs or limited edition pieces can spur interest. Consider seasonal themes to tap into what customers might be seeking at different times of the year, like holiday decorations or summer-themed crafts.
Actionable Tip: Survey your existing customers to learn what types of products they would love to see.
2. Improve Your Online Presence
These days, your online presence is paramount. Audit your website, Etsy shop, and social media profiles—are your photos professional and your descriptions compelling? If the answer is no, think about investing time in taking higher quality images and writing more engaging descriptions. Customers are more likely to purchase when they can clearly see what they’re buying and understand its unique value.
Actionable Tip: Use natural lighting for all your product photos to ensure colors are true to life.
3. Engage with Your Community
Building a community around your brand can make a difference. Start by actively engaging with your followers—reply to comments, run contests, and ask for opinions on new products. Hosting live sessions where you make products or answer questions can humanize your brand and deepen customer connections.
Actionable Tip: Host a weekly Instagram or Facebook Live session with crafting tips, decorating inspo, or a Q&A segment.
4. Optimize for SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a vital tool that helps improve your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. It involves optimizing your content so that search engines better understand what your site is about, helping potential customers find you more easily. This can be especially beneficial for businesses looking to increase their online presence and attract new customers.
For beginners, SEO might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. It starts with identifying relevant keywords—these are the terms and phrases your target audience is likely to use when searching for products similar to yours. By incorporating these keywords naturally into your website content, product listings, and blog posts, you can enhance your chances of appearing higher in search results.
Actionable Tip: Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner to discover relevant keywords for your niche. Incorporate these keywords into your website content and Etsy shop to improve visibility and accessibility for your audience.
5. Network with Other Creatives
Collaborating with fellow creatives can open doors to new audiences and ideas. Join local artisan groups or online communities to exchange experiences and insights. Consider joint ventures, like co-hosting online events or creating bundle deals with complementary products.
Actionable Tip: Attend local craft fairs or markets to meet and network with other artisans.
6. Streamline Your Operations
Boosting efficiency in your production and operations can really amp up your profitability, and who doesn’t love that? Start by taking a fresh look at your workflow. Are there any snags slowing you down? Maybe a little workspace reorganization could shave precious minutes off your crafting time. Or perhaps it’s time to consider investing in a nifty tool that makes crafting a breeze.
Small changes can create big shifts, making your process smoother and giving you more time to focus on what you love—creating amazing handmade pieces!
7. Embrace Email Marketing
Email marketing is a powerful tool for nurturing relationships. Start small by building an email list from your current customer base. Send regular newsletters with valuable content, such as crafting tips, exclusive offers, and product highlights.
Actionable Tip: Add a signup form on your website offering a discount code for the first purchase to encourage subscriptions.
8. Expand Your Learning
Never stop learning. Whether you’re refining your craft or understanding business strategies, education is a key ingredient in your success. Joining a community like the Design With the Pros Club can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities tailored to your needs as a handmade business owner.
Actionable Tip: Dedicate at least an hour each week to learning something new about your craft or business.
9. Leverage Customer Testimonials
Make it easy for your customers to provide feedback and share their experiences. Display testimonials prominently on your website and product pages—they build trust and encourage new customers to give you a try.
Actionable Tip: Incentivize reviews by offering a chance to win a gift card or free product in return for their feedback.
10. Focus on Quality and Uniqueness
What makes your products special? Emphasize the quality and uniqueness of each item. Handmade products have the advantage of personal touch and attention to detail—a big selling point over mass-produced goods.
Actionable Tip: Share the story behind your products—highlight the craftsmanship and thought process on your website and social media.
Beginners and those struggling with sales, remember that every successful business started somewhere. With dedication and the right strategies, you can steer your business toward growth and sustainability.
Are you eager to learn more and enhance your skills? Join us in the Design With the Pros Club, where you’ll find exclusive tutorials and an uplifting community ready to support your journey.
