We all want to make a living creating the things we love. Artists and crafters usually have the skills necessary to make quality products, but the marketing experience and know-how is the missing ingredient. There is no single solution, instead it’s a combination of marketing techniques and today we want to share the best of those marketing techniques that successful artists and crafters use to grow their businesses every day.
Build Your Brand
Your brand is you. It’s what matters in a first impression, it’s what counts on a sale, and it’s what keeps customers coming back. Creating your brand and keeping it consistent should be top priority. Everything from your logo to your business cards, from your packaging to your website – when everything is consistent, you know you will make an impact.
When building your brand, answer this question and you’ll be on your way to the brand you want: How do you want your customers, fellow artists and crafters and your friends and family to describe you and your business?
Start Blogging
Have you ever thought to yourself “why do I need a blog?” or “how can a blog help my creative business?” There is a myth that blogging is reserved for authors and newspaper columnists, but it’s a myth. Blogging is one of the best things you can integrate into your online business especially if you’re an artist or crafter. Customers want to hear the story behind your work and the process of creation. A blog gives you the opportunity to share your story and to describe ‘how and why’ you create your work. Yes, there are things to learn about blogging and it takes some effort to create and maintain a blog, but it’s definitely worth it so don’t waste any more time and start blogging today!
Use Social Media
Social media isn’t just for individuals, more and more businesses are using social media every day to reach out and directly interact and innovate with their customers. Using social networks like Facebook and Twitter help your customers, fans, followers (your community) realize that there is a real person behind all the cool products you make and that builds awareness…plus it can build really fast using these social tools to share your products with others.
Advertise
Answer the question…who are you creating your products for? Once you answer this, then you can go find them. Starting with everywhere they’re visiting and everything they’re reading…try and advertise your business and get your brand out there! You don’t have to spend buckets of money, just do your research and see what you can afford. For example, buying advertising space on your favorite blog can cost anywhere between $5 and $500 per month depending on the blog’s traffic numbers and readership. The best times to buy advertising are during the seasonal holidays when gifts are being purchased so think about the weeks leading up to Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as opportunities to buy advertising.
Submit Your Work
There are a lot of organizations, both online and offline, which are always looking to showcase and feature artists and crafters. Everything from an online art forum to a local school, you can usually find an event or space that will feature your work so give it a shot. Participating usually only requires a little time, although it will pay big in gaining awareness and exposure for your business.
What marketing insights do you have for the artist and craft community?
Meylah is devoted to helping the creative community learn, share and support each other’s business growth online. With Meylah, you’re able to blog, promote and sell your creative work all from one easy to use online storefront. And, it’s free, sign up today!