With the recent launch of the Etsy Design Awards (AKA the Etsies) and with applications to the Spoonflower Small Business Grant open through August 15, 2019, we wanted to explore why craft businesses participate in awards competitions, and what’s to be gained.
What do the Tour de France and Fleece have in common? They both involve spinning! Use these tips to drive sales during this special event.
Tourism boards attempting to partner with and promote local arts and craft businesses is not a new idea, nor did it originate in the United States. Places that have sought to preserve and promote their unique cultural heritage and traditions have offered tourists a variety of goods for sale, unique experiences, or study opportunities.
Turning a hobby into a viable and profitable business is a dream for many crafters and artists. The reality is that only a small percentage are successfully able to make the conversion. You can be an expert in your respective discipline, but if you fail to present yourself in a professional manner, others will not see the value in your work and may pass on your products/services. So, how do you create a professional image? Here are a few suggestions that have been proven to work.
Writing a professional bio can be intimidating. Whether it’s a short bio on a website, an “about me” column on a blog, or a one-liner for an article, it’s tough to write about ourselves, ‘cause, heck, no one likes a bragger.
But your bio is an important business tool, whether you are introducing yourself to potential customers and clients or to a potential boss. A good bio tells someone why you are the right person for the job, why he or she should buy your products, why you are the perfect one to write an article or book, teach a class, create a design, etc.
While social media and advertising are important, don’t overlook the value of getting exposure in magazines, newspapers, and blogs.
In a world saturated with social media, building a brand is an integral part of the marketing for an craft professional, whether you’re a producer, designer, or instructor.
Online retailing giant Amazon and book recommendation site Goodreads, both offer authors resources to promote their books directly to readers.
Learn the power of podcasting to boost your creative business. In this webinar Kara Gott Warner will show you how to identify podcasts that align with your brand, and etiquette for pitching yourself to get on a show.
National home decor retailer, West Elm, has a commitment to promoting the work of artisans and crafters in the areas where their stores are located.
With niche content, the self-publishing arm of the magazine publishing industry focuses on providing subject matter that suits a small but loyal following. Content is no longer limited to a traditional publishing environment. Here’s what you need to know to consider producing your own niche magazine!
Turn sponsor inquiries into new partnerships with our customizable media kit template. Have it ready to go the next time you need it!
Whatever type of creative work you do, having a solo show may take your professional and creative life to the next level. Here’s how to do it!
It can be difficult for craft business owners to draw a line between their personal/political and business lives when work and hobbies intersect.
Responding to customer feedback is an opportunity to publicly demonstrate that you care about your customers and their experience with your business.
Censorship is central to this story, but there’s another story here and that is about how companies respond to critical feedback online.
With some careful consideration, artists who want to donate their work to causes they care about can do so in a way that generates the most impact to their business as well as to the charity fundraiser.