Tag Archive | advertising

Just good craft-selling tips – Smorgasbord of blog posts

May14

I have a board on my pinterest, which I highly recommend for all of my blog followers to at least check out by clicking HERE.  Especially if you are interested in selling your hand-made crafts.  It is a board dedicated to everything selling crafts.  I pin blog posts that cover the topics of pricing, creating, relating to sellers, where to sell, branding, photography, marketing, increasing sales, specifics to selling crochet, or even the general idea of working from home.  Some of them are posts that I have written myself, most of them are actually from other bloggers who have good ideas.

 

For those of you who don’t have a pinterest (you NEED to get one!), I’ve included a few of the better posts here for you to click on over to.  All of these are really GREAT, and I definitely encourage you to check out more from their entire blogs as well.

 

Two women knitters with blogs, holding up thei...

Two women knitters with blogs, holding up their knitting. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

General working from home advice

 

 

Selling hand-made goods

 

 

Photography

 

 

Marketing

 

 

English: Woman selling wood crafts in Tequisqu...

English: Woman selling wood crafts in Tequisquiapan, Queretaro, Mexico (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Basic Pricing strategies

 

 

As I am constantly adding to this list of “Just good craft selling tips”, I definitely recommend that you follow my pinterest board, by clicking HERE.  There are tons of good blogs out there on different aspects of selling hand-made crafts, and it can be so easy to get overwhelmed or even confused as to which ones will apply to you and what you are selling.  Taking the time to find some good resources will definitely be beneficial to your long-term goal of selling hand-made crafts.

 

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How to handle a custom order

Feb23

Gnomo online shop 2012 abajo

Gnomo online shop 2012 abajo (Photo credit: álvarozarzuela)

Most online shops that I have come across prefer to do the custom order option. There isn’t a huge pre-existing inventory of products that are ready to be shipped out immediately. They might not even have the product started prior to a purchase. The customer purchases the product and it is made specifically to the customers requirements. So, how does one handle these custom orders? Because you can’t just tell the customer “order any size or color you want”. That overwhelms the customer and will turn people away. There are actually four steps to take when handling customized orders like this.

  1. Choose a product. Just one product. Maybe it’s a toddlers dress or an owl hat or even a wall decal of one bible verse (John 3:16 is a famous one).
  2. Create it in a variety of different colors and sizes. Especially if it can come in many different color combinations (like if it can be striped, polka dotted, or ombré). People need to be able to see a few different options before they will make their own request.
  3. Write out size measurements. If this is one of the options, make sure people know exact measurements. Don’t rely on small, medium, and large to get you through because every brand has a different standard. Small could be newborn, or it could mean a petite adult. Use inches, centimeters, to describe size.
  4. Be open for discussion and compromise. Wen a customer does come to you with a specific question (let’s say she wants a kitty cat appliqué instead of the owl one, and she wants the medium size that is 5″ in diameter, in shades of blue), hold a discussion with her to work out the details. If you can’t do a kitty cat, turn her down (politely of course). If it is going to take a bit more work and effort on your part to accommodate her, ask for a higher price, OR (what I like to do), make this new item into its own product. It is ok to tell her that you can do a kitty cat in 4″ but not 5″, or you can offer it in navy or Robbins egg but not sky blue. Sometimes these compromises are ok, and so e times they aren’t. Communicating with the customer about these options will make for a happy customer and you can ensure that she will e getting exactly what she wants.

If you have never dealt with custom orders before, I encourage you to try it. This option for selling online can save you a lot of hassle and head ache, but there are also cons (aren’t there always). Sometimes a customer can be difficult and picky. You might get a whole lot of custom orders at one time and get back-logged or overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to turn down orders. Some people prefer to not do custom orders like this. In which case, when someone asks (and they will), just turn them down politely.

Personally, this is my preferred method of selling because I don’t have to be constantly creating products that may or may not sell. I make up 3-4 different examples, and I don’t have to deal with a huge inventory that could get damaged or lost or disorganized, etc. I can sell something to a customer that I know she will love because she specifically asked for it. However, it is not a selling method that is suited for everyone.

I do hope that you have found these steps useful, and if you have anything to add, or came across a question, just leave a comment. I would love to hear of any adventures in dealing with custom orders you might have experienced!

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3 Keys to Being a Successful Craft Seller

Feb17

crafts

crafts (Photo credit: Margarida Sardo)

The world of selling crafts can be so competitive. Especially in the online universe where it is so easy to set up a shop and sell your wares. There is website after blog leading to chat forum next to articles about how to do it.  Before you get overwhelmed with it all, know that it is so possible to be successful even amidst all of the other sellers. So, what are some keys to becoming a successful business person?

  1. Be professional.  In order to be considered seriously, you must look at yourself as being serious.  You are now a professional crafter.  Say that to yourself a time or two.  “I am a professional crafter.” And when someone asks what you do for a living, respond, “I craft, professionally.”  Actually believe it. Of course there are other tidbits involved when being a professional (like conduct, dress, etc.), but the first key is to believe that you are, indeed, a professional.
  2. Quality products.  I don’t think that I can stress this one nearly enough.  People are willing to wait for a surprisingly long time to receive a quality product.  Crafting something that will withstand the test of time is far more important than crafting enough to sell to the entire state of Rhode Island.  Besides, good quality products often serve as advertisement all on their own!
  3. Craft Room

    Craft Room (Photo credit: Nerissa Alford Designs)

    Persist.  Like I said, it is a super competitive market out there.  So many people are selling the same things.  Either have a super unique craft, a craft that not everyone and their grandmother makes, or continue persisting and outlast everyone else!  Build your loyal fan base, and continue building on it, loyalties CAN and several times DO change.

Today’s blog post has been brought to you by the letter K – Keys!  I am a bit behind, so there will be 2 posts on a few of the remaining days, hopefully I can take advantage of the built in off days of this challenge :-)

Go ahead and “like” this post and “share” it with your fellow craft-selling friends, I am sure they would find it interesting as well!  Don’t forget to subscribe and follow my blog for more information about how-to sell your own hand made crafts!

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Don’t lose customers because of bad listings. 7 things that NEED to be included in an item description!

Jan10

Online Stores, Inc. Logo

Online Stores, Inc. Logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your potential buyer is looking for something, they type it in the search bar, they scroll through dozens or even hundreds of pictures looking for the perfect one. They click on your picture, and read the first two lines of your description. That’s it. Just the first two lines. Then, they either hit the back button or continue reading more. They get to the end of your description and one of two things will happen: that potential buyer clicks on the add to cart button, or navigates away from your product. So, the second most important thing to consider about your online shop (the first being photo quality) is your product description.

  1. Entice the customer. Those first few lines are super important. Make them colorful, exciting, captivating. That is your second chance to really capture that potential buyer (The first being the photograph). State the most important part of your product in the form of an advertisement. Appeal to the senses, and create a *need* in your customer.
  2. Gnomo online shop www.gnomo.eu

    Gnomo online shop http://www.gnomo.eu (Photo credit: álvarozarzuela)

    Size and dimensions. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to go looking for a hand bag of very specific size measurements and have to ASK the seller how big it is! Even if your clothing garments are labeled small, medium, large, everyone has a different idea of what size small really is. Be specific and me turn inches or centimeters.

  3. Materials used. Using recycled or organic materials can be an extra incentive for purchase. Some people are allergic to man made fibers or specific metals. I know that some online stores have a place designated for materials used, but it isn’t a bad idea to include them in the description as well.
  4. Creation process. Is it a hand-painted piece of furniture? Was the fabric imported specially from Hong Kong? Are the buttons sewn on, or hot glued? Answer these questions and you won’t have disappointed customers if they were expecting one thing and you deliver them another.
  5. Available colors and options. Some online stores also offer a separate are for this as well, but again, it isn’t a bad idea to include it here as well.
  6. Suggestions to pair products. If you have two or more listings that can go together, why not suggest this to the potential buyer? These gloves can be paired with a beautiful matching scarf, or this dress can be very flattering for your figure if paired with this belt. Don’t stop at just one sell, keep it going!
  7. URL link to see more! Maybe they weren’t interested in this specific item, but they want to know more about the stuff you make. Well, make it easy for them. Throw in the URL to a web page that talks about you. Bring them to your Facebook page: “Don’t forget to like my Facebook page to get a heads up on my next big deal!” It is ok to send the potential customer off site.

There is plenty of other information that you can include in your online item description.  Don’t forget to make it personal, add your own unique flare to it, and try to have fun. It is suggested that you write down 20 or so questions that you might have about your product if you were going to be buying it, and then answer those questions.  That’s a good idea too, i just can’t ever think of the questions to ask.

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6 *free* and simple ways to advertise your crafting business

Nov11

Do you find yourself in a rut?  Been running circles around yourself trying to set your crafting business apart from the catrillion others out there?  If you have ever even *considered* purchasing a paid advertisement in any form, this blog is definitely for you!  There are several different ways that you can “advertise” your crafting that is free (or REALLY cheap).

1. Social Media.  Yes, go ahead and set up a facebook page that goes with your business.  Bring in the social media, start working on your following/fan base.  Let your *friends and family* know that you are selling something.  Set up a blog…write about what you are doing, participate in forums.  Create a pinterest board for your inspiration, of your blog, or even with some of your products on it.  Tweet when you have a new product up.  Do NOT underestimate these free platforms.

2. Word of mouth.  Tell people what you do.  I’m a bit timid about this one, because “what if they reject me?”  Or even “I’ll have to talk to them about what I do.”  And yes, they might not be too partial about your products, but the chances are even higher that they will LOVE what you do, and tell their own friends about you, and bring in sales.  Also, if you are exited about your work, because you need to be if you are going to be selling it, then you’ll talk to them anyways.  Here’s an easy phrase to commit to memory, “I sell ________, and here’s my website, you should check me out. I bet you’d like it!”  You don’t have to have a business card, maybe write your information down on index cards and have them handy.  If you tell people, they tell others, and pretty soon a lot of people know about what you make.  I’ve had people, whom I just met, tell me that so-and-so referred them to my website, and they simply adore what I make.  It will get you noticed.

3. List new items on a regular basis.  Either on facebook, your website, etsy, whatever outlet you are using, use it!  This lets people know that you are still around and aren’t some abandoned site that’s been neglected for days, weeks, or even months.  Listing new items also throws your site to the top of the list, so it is among the first to be noticed.

4. If it applies, wear your product.  As you get compliments, let people know, “yeah thanks, I totally made it.  I could make you one too!”  Give them your information.

5. Gift/donate your product.  This one will cut into your profits a bit, but it’s worked wonders for me.  Be passionate about your craft, gift it for christmas, birthday, just because.  This gets your product out there, and lets people know that you love it enough to give to others, as well as educates about the quality of your work.  Chances are pretty high, that these people will come to your shop to make purchases of their own.  BONUS: Post on your social media sites that you are donating for a charity (I donate a lot of stuff to Lions and an adoption assistant), customers eat that stuff up!  They love it, and they will want to support that.

6. Include tags/stickers on your product.  People forget things.  It can’t be helped.  Make things a bit easier on your consumers by including tags or stickers that have all of your information on it.  As it applies, include your brand, size, logo, website, contact information.

These are just the easy ways to advertise your craft and get your name out there.  A few of the paid methods would include, but are definitely not limited to: Google adwords, Facebook advertisement, Etsy search ads…
Let me know if there are any other ways to *freely* advertise your crafting products that maybe I forgot.  Also, would love to hear how those methods listed above have helped you!

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Craft Selling Organization Binder sneak-peak

Nov2

Almost randomly I came up with this idea to create some pdf printables, that you can purchase (or already-put-together binders), to keep everything about your little craft selling business organized and in one place.  I have been doing some brainstorming, and some planning, and I have some news regarding this to share with you guys!

The following pages are being worked on

  • 12 month calendar for keeping track of deadlines and orders
  • To-do lists (daily, weekly, quarterly)
  • Social media updates (facebook and twitter are the ones that I am most familiar with)
  • Blogging ideas
  • Business Analysis worksheets (4 of them to be completed quarterly)
  • Spreadsheet for keeping the books
  • Long-term and Short-term goals lists
  • Marketing and Advertisement ideas
  • Shopping lists

Obviously some of these pages are going to be blank templates that you will have to fill out according to your own specific business, but there are also lots of ideas and suggestions and brainstorming ideas being thrown around too.  I am going to ask again: Is there anything about selling crafts that you have trouble keeping track of?  Comment below, and I will be sure to include a page for it in the binder!

I am hoping to have my first four designs/themes available in mid December so that you can get ready for the new year in style!

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Craft Selling Organization Binder

Oct27

Have a craft selling business? Have trouble keeping organized and on top of everything that you do with that? Fear not, my beloved reader. Coming in December is a downloadable workbook (or ebook) to solve all of these problems!

This will be available in a few different fun, and cute, and functional varieties! Included in these workbooks will be the following:

  • Monthly Productions calendar for setting deadlines for new products, and keeping track of current orders.
  • Book keeping spreadsheet, for maintaining profits versus spending.
  • Blogging calendar, along with blogging ideas for a 2-4 times a week posting regime.
  • Marketing and Advertising schedule, along with suggestions.
  • Weekly Social Media schedules (including Facebook and Twitter).
  • Long term and short term goals checklist.
  • Quarterly Self analysis worksheet.

    • All can be contained in a handy dandy 3 ring binder with dividers. Empty spaces are aplenty to allow for that little personalized touch of YOUR own pace and creativity. There will be enough supplies to manage 12 months of craft selling craziness!

    Is there something about selling crafts that you are struggling to remember and stay on top of that I forgot to list? Add it in the comment section below, and I will throw it in the binder! More information about this will be coming your way in November!!!

    Marketing and Advertising online

    Jun24

    Advertising

    Advertising (Photo credit: Wrote)

    (day 24 abc)

    I’ve had several several several people suggest that the hardest part (and most time consuming) in selling *anything* is the marketing and advertising that goes on.  I cannot stress how importantly vital this step is to your success (or failure) in the small business world.

    First of all, the invention of the internet (which we all know that Al Gore did that…right?) has lead to an abundantly huge increase in people running and managing their own businesses.  Secondly, the start-up of Etsy saw an abundantly huge increase in people selling their hand-made crafts and goods.  Thirdly, the explosion of amazon, ebay, itunes, has seen and abundantly huge increase in people publishing their own ebooks.

    I think that this is a blessing/curse sort of relationship.  A blessing in that people who wouldn’t have had the oppurtunity otherwise are now soaring and excelling in this online venue.  A curse in that some people really shouldn’t be offering their stuff even for free and they are getting money for it.  The curse is also in the immense competition and overwhelming odds of getting swallowed up by the multitudes.

    Etsy

    Etsy (Photo credit: Scott Beale)

    So, all that being said: What are some ways that you can advertise and market your product in order to remain competitive and not get swallowed up by the multitudes?

    • Social networking.  This one is almost a “duh” point because social networking is so stinking popular right now.  You have twitter, facebook, pinterest, linkedin, stumbleupon, flickr, and a whole slew of others.  So, go ahead and set up a page, or an account, or however that particular site works, for your product/shop/brand/name, whatever you are selling.  Then, go and invite your friends and encourage them to invite their friends, etc.
    • Write.  This doesn’t have to be as tedious as it sounds.  You can blog about how you are inspired for your new product, the method that you are undergoing to get published.  You can write informative articles for search engines (how-to’s are GREAT).  Make sure to include your business information with each article.  Just get your name out there.
    • Join forums and support groups.  Be careful about spamming.  Really get involved with the “community” that is available.  By helping others, you really are helping yourself.
    • Hand out flyers, business cards, pamphlets.  Many people are refusing to buy products overseas.  They want local.  Even better than that, they want “in town”.  This cuts greatly on the shipping costs and really supports the local economy.  You can encourage people to do this by handing out a flyer with your information on it.
    • If you are really desperate, or daring, or able, buy advertising either through google adwords, or the local newspaper, or whatever you can find that is available.

      Image representing Google AdWords as depicted ...

      Image via CrunchBase

    • Tell your friends.  I’m guilty of passing this one up.  I’m a bit timid about promoting my own products.  But, if you work hard at it, and you are proud of it, make sure that you tell people.  Your true friends want to see you succeed, so even if they don’t find your product useful (or along their specific tastes in literature) they are more willing to pass your name along to someone who they think will enjoy it.

    It really isn’t a rocket science, but it does take a bit of work and some research.  In order to remain competitive, you *have* to get your name, brand, business out there and noticed.  Be bold and do something unexpected.  I would certainly LOVE to hear any advertising and marketing ideas that you guys out there have :-D

    Go and see what’s for sale right now on my website! (Hint: Click the picture)

    familybugs.net
    http://www.familybugs.net

    Join up with me on facebook for great deals, sneak peaks, and exclusive offers!

    facebook.com/familybugs
    http://www.fb.com/familybugs

    And don’t forget to *LEAVE A COMMENT* share this post, and subscribe for more great tips, advice, suggestions, and personal examples in the world of selling hand-made crafts (but especially crochet!).

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    Lessons from a RoadTrip – Part 1

    Jun11

    (day 11 abc)

    To spare you all the dirty details, let’s just say that I did a lot of car traveling today, with my three children (two toddlers and an infant), halfway with my husband, the other half with my parents.  I had a lot of time to contemplate the mysteries that is life.  Yeah.  Probably not that deep.  But, I did do some reflection on businessings (totally made that up.  It means that act of running a business), with two focuses.  The one I want to talk about tonight is advertising and what I managed to learn from billboards.  This idea of marketing relates to both authors AND sellers.

    • Where to go.  Quite a few of the advertisements were very specific about what exit to take in order to find their store.  A few even had addresses, and very precise directions.  This is pretty important when it comes to our businesses.  For the author: Where can I find your book?  What store is selling it?  Can I order it online?  For the crafter: What is your web address?  If your store is physical, what’s the address?  How can I order your products online?  People need to know where to go to get what you are selling.
    • Enticement.  A few billboards would lead up to the exit that had the store/product.  5 miles to get a tasty milkshake.  4 miles away from a delicious beverage.  Etc.  This is a GREAT idea for releasing new products.  Build up the anticipation.  Even whet your clients’ appetites with previews and sneak peaks.  Entice them.
    • One product per advertisement.  I noticed that most of these signs were geared towards specific products.  For McDonald’s, it was any size beverage for $1.00.  They didn’t mention the burgers, or the salad, it was just for the drinks.  Even if you have a whole slew of products that you are wanting to sell, advertising one will focus your efforts and still bring the customer.
    • To the point.  Have you ever seen a billboard that had paragraph upon paragraph of words?  Of course not.  It just doesn’t work that way.  *MAYBE* a slogan or even one complete sentence, but not much other than that as far as words are concerned.  Keep it simple and precise.
    • State the obvious.  If it goes without saying…then you need to say it :-P  A few of the billboards that I noticed, I was thinking in my head “well, duh”.  But then, as I got to thinking about it, I realized that maybe while driving on the road, a person would be focused or zoned out so much that he/she wouldn’t realize that she/he were hungry.  Therefore, having an advertisement that says, “you’re hungry, come eat with us” would be a great reminder.
    • Make sure to advertise.  My Dad is the kind of person that wont pull off to an exit unless he knows that what he wants is there.  He will drive for 10 or more miles looking for a Burger King if that’s where he wants to eat, and if he doesn’t see a sign on the interstate, he wont take the exit.
    I’m sure that there are plenty of other lessons that I could draw up from these rather successful advertisement methods, but I’ve had a super long day and am totally exhausted and whipped (as my husband would put it).  No pictures tonight also, because…well…It’s late and I’m tired.  Lame excuse, but there you have it.  Two toddlers and an infant don’t necessarily travel very well.  We survived, but it sure has been a long day for this little Mamma :-D

    Go and see what’s for sale right now on my website! (Hint: Click the picture)

    familybugs.net
    http://www.familybugs.net

    Join up with me on facebook for great deals, sneak peaks, and exclusive offers!

    facebook.com/familybugs
    http://www.fb.com/familybugs

    And don’t forget to *LEAVE A COMMENT* share this post, and subscribe for more great tips, advice, suggestions, and personal examples in the world of selling hand-made crafts (but especially crochet!).

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