Goal Setting 101 for Handmade Business Owners

If you’re running a handmade business, you’re probably juggling a million things – from whipping up stunning creations to managing orders, marketing, and maybe even wrangling a few unruly bead spills (been there, done that). In the midst of the chaos, it’s easy for dreams to get lost in the shuffle.

But what if I told you that turning those dreams into tangible, achievable goals is the secret sauce to serious business growth?

Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty of goal setting 101 – and trust me, this ain’t your grandma’s to-do list.

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.

Why Bother with Goals?

Let’s be real: running a handmade business is a wild ride. It’s thrilling, exhausting, and sometimes feels like you’re trying to herd cats. 

Goals are like your trusty GPS – they provide direction, keep you on track, and help you measure your progress. 

Without them, you risk wandering aimlessly, burning out, or missing out on major opportunities.

Goal Setting 101 – SMART Goals

You’ve probably heard of SMART goals, but let’s give them a handmade twist:

• Specific: Don’t just say, “I want more sales.” Get specific. “I want to increase online sales in my Etsy shop by 15% in the next quarter.”
• Measurable: How will you know if you’ve hit your goal? Track website traffic, social media engagement, or order volume.
• Achievable: Be ambitious, but realistic. If you’re a one-person show, don’t set a goal to create 100 custom pieces in a week.
• Relevant: Your goals should align with your overall business vision. If you make jewelry, a goal to learn woodworking might not be the most relevant.
• Time-Bound: Set a deadline. It creates a sense of urgency and helps you avoid procrastination. “I’ll launch my new product line by October 31st.”

Goal Setting 101 – REAL Goals: The New Kid on the Block

While SMART goals are great, REAL goals add a touch of flexibility and adaptability, which is essential for handmade businesses.

• Relevant: The goal should be in line with your business and what you’re trying to achieve. For example, if your customers are not on TikTok, goals focused on TikTok would not be relevant.
• Exciting: Your goals should excite and motivate you. “Collaborate with a local boutique to host a pop-up shop” sounds way more fun than “increase monthly revenue.”
• Adjustable: Handmade businesses are constantly evolving. Your goals should be flexible enough to adapt to unexpected opportunities or challenges.
• Learnable: No one knows everything. And most of us are learning as we go. “Revamp entire website with new layout” might not be something that you could learn. But learning how to update the banner at the top of your home page might be doable.

Goal-Setting in Action: Real-Life Examples

Let’s see how these goal frameworks can work for your handmade business:

• SMART Goal: Increase Etsy shop traffic by 20% in the next three months by optimizing product listings with relevant keywords, running a targeted social media ad campaign, and participating in two craft fairs.
  • This is very specific.
  • You can measure the results by tracking traffic statistics.
  • Depending on your current situation, increasing traffic by 20% in three months is achievable.
  • Definitely relevant – this goal is focused on driving traffic to your Etsy shop.
  • Time-Bound – “in the next three months” covers this point.

• REAL Goal: Build a thriving online community around my brand by hosting weekly live Q&A sessions on Instagram, collaborating with influencers on product giveaways, and creating engaging content that resonates with my target audience. Use information I learned from Lucy to implement these sessions.
  • This is definitely relevant – building an online community can directly impact your business in a positive way.
  • Exciting – I think this is exciting! Imagine seeing influencers with your product, or speaking with your fans in live Q&A sessions – this is something you can look forward to accomplishing.
  • Adjustable – You can cut the Q&A sessions down to once a month, and limit the amount of influencers you work with, as well as the content that you create.
  • Learnable – You can learn how to reach out to influencers on YouTube, and you will learn how your audience responds to your lives as you do them. And of course, courses like the ones I offer can give you guidance on posting content.

Don’t Forget to Celebrate!

Setting and achieving goals is hard work, so don’t forget to celebrate your wins – big and small. Treat yourself to a fancy coffee, a new tool for your craft, or a well-deserved break. Celebrating your accomplishments reinforces positive behavior and keeps you motivated to keep crushing those goals.

Goal Setting Tips for Success

• Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps. This makes them less intimidating and easier to tackle.
• Write down your goals and revisit them regularly. This keeps them top of mind and helps you stay on track.
• Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or business coach. Having someone to hold you accountable can be incredibly helpful.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as needed. Life happens, and it’s okay if your plans need to change.
• Be kind to yourself. Remember, you’re running a business and creating amazing things. Give yourself credit for all that you do!

Goal Setting 101 for Handmade Business Owners

So, there you have it – a crash course in goal setting 101 for handmade businesses. Remember, the key is to ditch the vague dreams and craft specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (or relevant, exciting, adjustable, and learnable) goals. 

With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of hustle, you’ll be well on your way to turning your handmade dreams into a reality.

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The Business School for Makers

Do what you love. Make money doing it! That’s the dream, right? But first, you need to get set up in a way that turns your hobby into a legit business. 

The Business School for Makers is your one-stop-shop for getting your craft business up, running, and making money.

Get all the details about the course here: The Business School for Makers. Let’s get you set up the right way (without the side of stress!).