A Handmade Business Owner’s Guide to Rocking Q1 2024

Hey there, amazing crafters and creators! Today we’re diving into some fantastic strategies to prepare your handmade business for Q1 2024.

If you’re a new player in the online business world, don’t worry—I’ve got your back! These are some simple steps you can take now that will help you ROCK the beginning of the new year.

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.

Setting the Q1 2024 Stage with Your Marketing:

The beginning of the year is like a blank canvas waiting for your unique masterpiece. Let’s kick things off with marketing – your secret sauce for getting noticed in the vast online market.

Reflect on 2023:

• Before you charge into the new year, take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t in 2023.
• Dive into your Instagram or Facebook Insights or to see which social media posts did well (and which ones missed their mark).
• Make notes on not only what type of posts worked well (images vs. videos), but also the subject matter. Which posts got your followers talking? Which ones resulted in the most clicks to your website? 

Use these results to plan out your Q1 2024 marketing calendar. Continue to use the posts that scored high in 2023, and add some new ideas in there to test against them.

Revamp Your Website:

• Your website is your digital storefront, so let’s spruce it up! Take down any Christmas or holiday graphics, and upload some new product photos.
• Ensure your site is user-friendly and that all your product pages and checkout points are working well.
• A fresh, inviting website is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. Make sure all your holiday-specific content is gone, and that your site welcomes in the new year.

Social Media Strategy:

Remember all that 2023 reflecting we did above? Now you get to use that information to plan out your social media for the quarter!

• Create a content calendar that incorporates the types of content that worked well for you in 2023. Then fill in the “holes”. Try out new types of content – maybe try trending videos, or more carousel posts. 

• Get your Q1 2024 content calendar set up now and let it run while you work on other aspects of your business.

Mastering the Art of Email Marketing:

Now, let’s talk about the powerhouse of customer connection – email marketing. It is my favorite form of marketing! Your email list is YOURS. No matter what happens to Instagram, Facebook or the site formerly known as Twitter, you will always have your email list.

Make 2024 the year you create and grow that list!

Build Your Email List:

• If you sell at in-person shows, be sure you have a way for visitors to sign up for your list. Try to mention it as often as possible. I know it may feel “icky” at first, but you will find natural moments in  your conversations where you can suggest they sign up for your emails.
• Online, you can offer incentives like exclusive discounts or sneak peeks to encourage visitors to subscribe. If you build it into your pricing, offer a discount for signing up. Or, create a freebie that you can offer, such as a look book or gift guide.
• A robust email list is a direct line to your audience, so make it a priority this year.

Create Engaging Content:

• Craft compelling emails that tell your brand story. They do not (and SHOULD not) only be about sales.
• Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, customer testimonials, and upcoming events. 
• A personal touch goes a long way in building lasting relationships with your customers.
• Use an automated email sequence to send out emails on a regular basis. 

You do NOT need to email your list every day! Depending on your audience, 2 times a month to weekly emails would be perfect.

Segmentation for Success:

• Not all customers are the same, so why treat them that way? Segment your email list based on preferences, purchase history, or location. 
• This allows you to tailor your messages, increasing the chances of resonating with your audience.

Personalized recommendations will result in more sales, plain and simple. So be sure to learn how to segment your list so you can use it in the best way possible.

Self-Care: Your Business’s Best Friend in Q1 2024

As you gear up for a successful year, don’t forget about the most crucial aspect of your business – you. Yes, you heard it right. Self-care isn’t just for spa days; it’s a vital ingredient for sustained business success.

Set Boundaries:

• Being a business owner doesn’t mean sacrificing your well-being. Establish clear work hours and stick to them. Answer emails at certain times of the day, and stick to this schedule! 
• Your creativity and productivity will thank you. 

Celebrate Small Wins:

• In the hustle of running a business, it’s easy to overlook your achievements. Take time to celebrate the small victories – whether it’s a positive customer review or hitting a sales milestone. 
• Acknowledging your successes keeps the motivation flowing.

Invest in Learning:

• The world of online business is ever-evolving. Dedicate time to learning new skills or staying updated on industry trends. This not only enhances your business but also adds a spark to your entrepreneurial journey.

I love teaching handmade artists how they can make a true living by selling their products. My courses have helped hundreds of makers like you create a thriving handmade business. 

A Handmade Business Owner’s Guide to Rocking Q1 2024

Q1 2024 is yours for the taking. Embrace the marketing strategies, nurture your email connections, and prioritize self-care. Remember, success is a journey, not a destination. 

Here’s to a fantastic start to the new year – let’s make it extraordinary together!

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Is this year the year you start a bonefide, money-making business with your handmade creations? Congratulations! I know exactly what it’s like to have people want to pay you for something you made.

I also know it can be overwhelming trying to set up a legit business. So I created the Business School for Makers. It’s a step-by-step guide to getting the “business” part of “handmade business” done the right way.

The self-guided course will get you set up quickly and correctly, so you can get to the part where you’re actually selling your products.

Check out the Business School for Makers here!