Your New Handmade Business

Have you ever dreamed of having an online handmade business? Are you crafty? Artistic? Business minded?

Building an online craft business isn’t for the faint of heart. But, it is a way to leverage your passion, and make some money while doing it. It can be a side hustle, or a full-time business. With the way the world has gone since the pandemic, it’s easier than ever to start a handmade business online. More people are staying closer to home, because that was the norm for so long. We’ve just gotten used to it.

Let me help you think through some things before you jump in…

1. The first thing you want to decide is, what will you sell? Spending some time researching your market (maybe consider starting with an Etsy or google search) will not only save you time in the end, but it will give you insight as to your competition. Now, with your competition, it’s not always a bad thing. Healthy competition will keep you on your toes. It will help you to create products that are just that much different.

2. Product photography is one way to stand out from your competition. It’s so important to learn your camera, or in many cases, your smartphone. These phones today provide a few lens, a portrait mode, and much more. I’ve put together A Creatives Guide to Product Photography ebook. You may find some helpful hints inside.

3. Goals for your handmade business. Now we have to get a little business-like. Make a plan. Create a business plan for your creative business. It doesn’t have to be so business-y, just enough information that you have a path to follow. Because as you probably know, a new business is exciting. The first thing you want to do when you figure out what you’re going to sell, is begin to make that thing. Right? Pump the brakes a bit my friend, and spend some time thinking.

Here’s an example of what you could include in your business plan. (I’d go buy a brand new notebook for this-because, why not.)

• A summary or description of what describes your business. What will you sell?
• The competition or research you conducted, and the results you found.
• SWOT analysis (can take some time-but may be well worth it in the end) This will allow you to prioritize your work and see what needs to happen to grow your new handmade business.

S – Strengths: What can you improve on? What strengths to you bring to your new business?

W – Weaknesses: What do you need help with? What does your competitor do better?

O – Opportunities: What’s on trend that you can take advantage of?

T – Threats: What threats can hurt your business? What is your competition doing?

More thoughts…

• Team members? What will their roles be?
• Financial goals, if any. Do you need to make a certain $$ amount each month?
• What Platform suits you best. The makers or handmade business websites seem to draw the traffic you may need as a handmade seller. Platforms such as Etsy. You can take a peek at mine, if you’d like.

Developing a brand will help you stand out amongst your competition. It’s the shop you want to shop with; they know who they are, what they sell, and take pride in their work. Photos included.

So, now it’s time to decide what you will sell? Hmmm… Can’t wait to hear. Feel free to follow this blog for updates to this new series of Handmade Business tips and tricks.

Until next time,

Happy Crafting!

Deb