As stated in my previous blog posts, there are numerous advantages to starting a handmade crafts business at the comfort of one's own home.
Operating a business, albeit a small one at first, can even yield benefits for various sectors of society -- stay-at-home parents, former employees who have been laid off or made redundant at the workplace, or even individuals with disabilities.
You can start off by playing to your strengths as well. If you're aware that you're more of a maker and crafter, team up with someone who has business smarts.
If, on the other hand, you have the capacity to shell out a substantial amount as upfront capital but is all thumbs with crafts, you can hire a team of crafters (around 2-3) to discuss your vision for handmade products.
And don't regard yourself as unfit to run a small business if your expertise lies in other areas, like logistics, bookkeeping, invoicing, copywriting, or SEO.
You can always join a team comprised of creatives and business-savvy individuals, and pitch what you have to offer.
Having cited examples of handmade crafts to get you started on your small business, here are other things to consider:
Packaging Materials and Branding Should Be Included Among Overhead Expenses
You don't need to spend a lot to design a logo for your business or brand that looks sleek and professional. You can utilize the free features of the design software Canva for this.
If you want to come up with a flyer or even brochure, you can use Microsoft Publisher and a color printer.
Decide On A Brand Name
Your brand name must succinctly sum up what your business is all about and everything you have to offer. Here are a few guidelines:
Combine a brand name with a memorable tag line.
Here are just a few samples:
Crafted by Hookers -- Crocheted Gifts for Special Occasions
Lather Up -- Handmade Organic Soaps
Hang Time -- Jazz Up Plain Bags With Our Bag Charms
Marketing Your Products
Harness the power of social media platforms.
Sign up on social media platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Recognize what each platform can contribute in marketing your handmade crafts.
You can upload a wide array of photos of your DIY products on Instagram and Facebook, and then provide a link to your online store.
Ask for testimonials from satisfied customers. Word-of-mouth is the best, and most cost-effective, marketing strategy.
TikTok focuses more on short-form videos. You can increase brand awareness and engagement by --
- shooting and uploading "A day in the life of a crafter/business owner" type videos. Give your followers a glimpse of you creating a bunch of your products and packing them.
- using visuals and graphics for progress reports or earnings.
- scheduling videos of handmade crafts that are seasonal. They will help you garner more views and increase engagement during special occasions and holidays.
- showing your own take on a trend (e.g. crocheted capybaras).
Offer Freebies, But Do It Strategically and Sparingly
Donate your surplus to have it raffled off.
Act as a sponsor and get in touch with organizers of community events. They may need lovely items to raffle off during Christmas parties.
As an exchange, you can give away a bunch of your business cards and flyers with information about your handmade crafts, as well as contact numbers, website URL, and social media handles.
Sell Your Handmade Crafts by Bulk
Accept requests to customize/personalize items.
Offices with a small workforce or limited staff may wish for unique souvenirs or keepsakes during team building events or company parties.
Join bazaars, craft conventions, and flea markets by responding to calls for merchants.
By doing this, you'll need to set up an attractive booth by putting up a table or two inside the venue.
Watch the video above for a tutorial, filled with suggestions on how to appeal to customers and display your handmade merchandise.
Keep a stack of business cards neatly arranged on a business card holder by your table workshop.
Hype Up Your Business the Organic Way
This is where effective writing skills will come in handy.
Craft pitches to bloggers/journalists/SEO writers.
Identify blogs, newsletter publishers, and industry experts in your craft niche.
Keep in mind that it's better to trade value for value instead of sounding like asking for a favor. Instead of a sales pitch, offer a how-to tutorial in the form of a list-icle, a photo essay about your small business' creative journey, or how you managed to thrive through cost-effective strategies.
Make sure to study the blog or newsletter ahead of time. What are the readers' usual concerns, interests, and challenges? Does it publish a good balance of evergreen and seasonal content?
Consider repurposing and pitching some of your social media content if they fit into the blog or newsletter's overall vibe. Submit photos of good quality.
Collaborate with other crafters, makers, and small business owners.
Maybe you've heard of skilled sewers who can deconstruct jeans and turn them into tote bags. Or maybe they can sew ladies' handbags out of leather or fun backpacks for teens from printed fabric.
Talk about how their bags would look better should there be keychains or bag charms hanging from zippers.
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