From Hobby to Business: How to Make the Switch

As we get closer to the dreaded tax time, you may be faced with the question that many makers will eventually need to answer: is your craft a hobby or business? And if you come to the conclusion that it is just a hobby – how do you make the switch to a legit business? 

That’s what we’re talking about today! 

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.

Crafting Dreams: The Journey from Hobby to Business

So, you’ve been spending your weekends creating beautiful handmade treasures. Your friends and family rave about your creations, and you’re starting to wonder if you could turn this hobby into a full-fledged business. Well, guess what? You absolutely can!

Embrace Your Passion: Turning What You Love into What You Do

First things first, let’s talk passion. Your love for crafting is what got you here in the first place, so hold onto that tight! 

Turning your hobby into a business means you get to do what you love every single day. How awesome is that?

But also remember that it is going to be work. You should be prepared for everything that goes along with a business: legal stuff, finances, marketing, etc. 

Also be prepared for repetition. If one of your creations becomes a hit, you may be making a LOT of it. 

Finding Your Niche: Stand Out in a Sea of Craftiness

In the world of crafting, finding your niche is key. What sets your creations apart from the rest? 

Maybe it’s your unique use of materials or your signature style. Going from a hobby to business means honing in on what makes your creations unique.

Whatever it is, own it! Embrace what makes your creations special and let that shine through in your business.

Read more about this in my blog post: Can You Sell Your Handmade Items Online?

From Crafting Corner to Marketplace: Getting Your Products Out There

Now that you’ve honed your craft and found your niche, it’s time to start selling!

There are so many avenues for showcasing your products, from online marketplaces like Etsy to local craft fairs and everything in between.

Don’t be afraid to try different platforms and see what works best for you. 

I’m a huge fan of having your own website on a platform like Shopify, no matter what you do.

Having your own site means you’re not subject to the whims of a corporation like Etsy, but you will need to generate your own traffic to your site.

Crafting Your Brand: Putting Your Stamp on the World

Ah, branding. It’s like the icing on the cake of your crafting business. Your brand is more than just a logo and a catchy slogan – it’s the essence of who you are as a crafter and what your business stands for.

So, get creative! Infuse your brand with your personality and let it shine through in everything you do.

Branding is something we work a lot on in the Marketing School for Makers! The Spring Class is forming soon – check out more information here.

Pricing Your Masterpieces: Finding the Sweet Spot

Ah, pricing – every crafter’s dilemma. You want to make sure you’re fairly compensated for your time and talent, but you also don’t want to scare off potential customers with sky-high prices. 

And of course, getting paid well for your work is one of the defining moments in going from hobby to business!

Finding that sweet spot takes a bit of trial and error, but trust your gut and don’t be afraid to adjust your prices as needed.

Read more about pricing your products here.

Crafting Your Online Presence: The Power of Social Media

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business – and crafting businesses are no exception. 

Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are goldmines for showcasing your creations and connecting with your audience. 

So, don’t be shy – get out there and start sharing your crafty goodness with the world!

From Hobby to Business: Scaling Up and Staying True to Your Roots

As your craft business starts to take off, you may find yourself faced with the exciting prospect of growth.

But remember, bigger isn’t always better. 

With a bigger business comes more expenses, more making, more financial information…it can get overwhelming.

Whether you’re selling a handful of handmade goodies or running a full-blown crafting empire, the most important thing is that you’re doing what you love.

From Hobby to Business: How to Make the Switch

So there you have it –  the ultimate guide to turning your hobby into a thriving business!

It may not always be easy, but with a little passion, creativity, and a whole lot of glue sticks, anything is possible.

So go forth and craft your success story – the world is waiting to see what you’ll create next!

And don’t forget to sign up for my VIP email list – just enter your email at the top of the page for the Marketing School for Makers. You’ll get first in line communication on the spring class, free workshops and more!