It’s never been a better time to sell handmade products! Thanks to sites like Meylah, you can create an online store and sell your products all over the world. But, you still have to get those customers to find your online store...so how do you do it?
Marketing can be expensive and is often a gamble until you figure out which tactics work for you. Before spending your hard earned money on marketing, try this mix of 10 very affordable and easy ways to attract new customers:
1. Create a Newsletter
Keep your shop in the minds of your customers by landing in their inbox. Don’t just sell - share news, special offers and tips to make your content valuable. Free sites like MailChimp can help you get the most out of your newsletter.
2. Get Involved
Join the online creative community by commenting on other artisans' blogs. Choose artisans making products that will appeal to your customers so that once you’ve built rapport you can share each others' content and even trade products to use as props in product photos.
3. Use Your Network
Your friends and family are great resources. Ask them to help by sharing your online store through their social media accounts.
4. Say Thank You
Encourage new customer to become regulars by adding a coupon or special discount to every new order you ship.
5. Reward Referrals
When someone sends a new customer your way reward them with a coupon or special discount. Publicize your referral program on your store and blog. You’ll be surprised how much this little incentive encourages people to share.
6. Print Business Cards
Add a few business cards into each order for your customers to share with friends, and always carry a few in your bag or wallet. You never know when you’ll meet a potential customer.
7. Wear Your Product
If your product is clothing, jewelry or any other wearable art – wear it! The compliments you receive will boost your confidence and offer an excellent opportunity to share your brand (and your business card).
8. Get Listed
There are lots of directories dedicated to promoting handmade products. Search on Google for “Handmade Products Directory” or something similar then click through each site to find those best suited to your products.
9. Host a Giveaway
Everyone loves the opportunity to win so host a giveaway. Collect email addresses from all entrants so you can reach them again after the contest with your newsletter.
10. Share Your Expertise
Busy bloggers are always looking for guest posts, so offer them free content in the form a crafty tutorial or case study. Send a clear, concise email outlining what you have to offer and be specific about why you think it will appeal to their readers.
I hope these tips help you build your customer base, and I’d love to hear about other creative ways you’ve found to market to new customers.
Andreea Ayers works with creative entrepreneurs to help them get media attention for their products and to increase sales by getting their products in stores. For advice, insight and lots of free resources, check out her site LaunchGrowJoy.com
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6 Comments
Great tips! Will be checking into Mailchimp.
Thanks for sharing.
Mail Chimp is awesome...I use it for my bookstore and I cannot say enough about it. And, it's FREE!
Great tips! I've implemented many of these...but have to get my but in gear to do the rest :) Thanks for the reminder!
I just did a giveaway and it really helped. Can't wait to do another in October.
Brilliant tips. Easy to follow, least expensive, and doable.
Today's day and age requires quick fix marketing tips and that is exactly what this article has for entrepreneurs. I know I am certainly going to use them for my brand.
Thanks for tips, think some of them will use...