Your go-to guide to mastering your in-person market experience
An exclusive online membership for makers and creative business owners ready ditch the overwhelm and hustle for consistent sales and flexible schedules.
Hi! I’m Lucy.
Chardonnay and vintage finds lover, founder of the handmade jewelry brand bel monili *and* your new guide to making your handmade business WORK online.
Picture this: you’re a wizard with yarn, a maestro of paper crafts, or a master of woodworking. Your creations are nothing short of magical, and your passion shines through every stitch, cut, and carve. But, with countless shops popping up like mushrooms after rain, how can you ensure your online store isn’t lost in the digital labyrinth?
Fear not, fellow crafters! You know I’ve got your back. Here are some fabulous, easy-to-implement tricks that’ll make your online store shine like a supernova in the vast space of e-commerce.
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Sure, you’re selling handmade goodies, but remember, people don’t just buy products; they buy into stories.
Share your journey – how you fell in love with crafting, the countless trials and errors, the exhilarating eureka moments. Show the actual human behind the crafts, and your customers will become a part of your creative family!
“Branding” is something many creatives shy away from for fear of looking too “salesy.” I’m here to tell you that it is ESSENTIAL if you want to create a truly successful business.
This is one of the main topics I discuss in my signature course, The Marketing School for Makers. Through the course, I help you create your brand and use it to make your online store stand out from all the rest.
Wanna know a secret spell to stop scrolling thumbs? Mesmerizing product photos!
High-quality, well-lit images showcase your creations in all their glory.
Get creative with props and settings that complement your crafts. Let your personality shine – if you’re a quirky crochet queen, let that reflect in your photos!
You can read more about product photography here:
Types of Product Photography for Handmade Businesses
In a world of cookie-cutter products, be the unicorn!
Add that special touch that makes your creations stand out – a whimsical charm, an unexpected color combo, or a sprinkle of something unexpected.
You want to let your personality and ideas shine – don’t be afraid to be different! That’s why your customers keep coming back. Not to get some lookalike items but to get YOUR unique creations.
Crafters are wizards of warmth and hospitality. Bring that into your customer service too!
Respond to questions promptly, be helpful, and go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
Your patrons will sing your praises from the mountaintops, creating a community of happy customers.
If you need more guidance on customer service, check out my article, “Listening to Your Customers: The Key to Improving Your Craft Business.”
Two “wands” are better than one! Collaborate with other talented crafters and create limited-edition masterpieces.
This cross-pollination of creativity expands your customer base and fosters a sense of camaraderie in the crafting community.
You can even hold joint Instagram Live sessions for your followers or share each other’s work.
Handmade sellers have a unique opportunity to band together and work beside each other, rather than compete. It’s one of the things I love about being a handmade business owner! Reach out to your fellow artisans; you’ll be amazed at what you can do together.
Unboxing is like unwrapping a gift, and who doesn’t love gifts?
Put some thought into your packaging – a sprinkle of confetti, a handwritten thank-you note, or a tiny surprise will leave your customers spellbound and excited to spread the word.
Get onto Pinterest to find inspiration for packaging ideas.
Create a virtual sales event or host a crafting workshop online. You can even have a live “reveal” of your new collections or products. Use the power of video on social media to get your followers excited to see what you come up with next.
Engage your audience, share your skills, and build bonds with your customers beyond transactions. An engaged community will stick around for the long haul!
Remember, the heart and soul you pour into your crafts will shine through your online store.
Stay true to yourself, and your unique magic will create a community of loyal customers who can’t wait to see what enchantment you’ll conjure up next!
Make 2024 the year you create an online business that ROCKS!
Selling your handmade creations online opens up a whole new world of opportunity. Work less hours and without the stress of traveling, packing, unpacking, and repacking your car (and all that comes with selling at shows).
My FREE guide, Online Selling Must-Haves for Makers, gives you everything you need to know to finally get your online business started!
After running bel monili (my handmade jewelry business) for 10 years, I launched Bloom in 2019 to create a community where handmade business owners could learn, grow, and support each other in this wild venture of small business ownership. Welcome to Bloom!
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