With the cost of everyday items going up, finding a way to make extra money will help keep your bank account healthy. If you create any product at home, you can transform your craft room into a cash room. Here are some tips on turning your craft into a successful business from home and online.
Be a Friend to Your Customers
No matter what your product is, you need a way to reach customers. A website can showcase your items, receive orders and allow you to interact with clients. If sewing is your craft, a great way to work with clients easily and efficiently is by using sewing store pos for your eCommerce needs. Beginning each relationship with your customers by treating them as a friend and exceeding all expectations as a business person will help your success rate. This can be done by answering all questions promptly, offering bonus material when mistakes or accidents occur, always using a client’s name in any correspondence and following up with any sale with a personal text, email or phone call.
Build a Strong Online Presence
You may already have posts on your social media of some of your creations, but now is the time to establish your business with your unique brand, look, logo or title. You need to pull away from the pack and show what you do that is different from everyone else. Utilize every form of social media that you are comfortable with, begin compiling an email list of clients and potential customers and put together a newsletter to share every month to increase your exposure. Remember to take lots of pictures of your amazing craft so people know they will have a treat in store when they open your newsletter or visit your website. Another way to build a following is by posting short videos of part of your process. This adds a different kind of visual dimension to your site.
Have a Plan for the Future
Unless you stop producing your craft, your business is going to grow. Map out a plan for your future and what you would like to accomplish with your new venture. This map should include a monthly financial outlook and a production schedule. It is important to have goals so you have definite markers to strive for. Just be sure not to get too caught up in achieving your goals and forget to enjoy the journey of creation.
Be a Problem Solver
Go into your new business with the knowledge that unforeseen problems will pop up. These are opportunities for you to learn and build your skill sets by working through them to find a solution. Use these situations as teaching moments not just for yourself, but also as educational posts or articles for your customers. Your clients may not be able to make what you do, but they must have an appreciation for what you create and may be interested in your problem-solving adventures.
Build a Community Network
Whether you work with glass, wood, metal or fibers, reach out to other artists and craftspeople to build a network. Be active in a community online and in person that inspires and nurtures the craft that is your passion so that your business isn’t work and the money isn’t the reason you create. There are many ways to do this, including your online presence, local shows and festivals, trade fairs, conferences and workshops. There are usually monetary aspects to these events, but the fees are worth the connections and experiences. When you are a part of a meaningful group, the support and encouragement you receive from peers will enhance your creative spirit and make your product even better.
Take the love of your craft and combine it with some courage to create a new business for you and your loved ones. Success can come from kindness to your customers and daily activity in your creative communities.