Convert Your Crafting Passion Into a Career (by Getting Discovered)
Artistry as a career isn't a new phenomenon, but breaking into the right market isn't as challenging as it used to be. Creatives can use multiple avenues to get "discovered," no matter their particular talents. Convert your passion into a career with these tips from Cultured Focus Magazine.
Use Social Media Marketing
Selling your creative wares isn't always as simple as listing them online or opening a store or craft fair booth. A significant part of getting discovered is putting your work online so people can find it. Thanks to social media, there are countless ways to market your products.
For example, Facebook offers ad services that target your chosen user demographic. To create ads, use a Facebook ads maker with editable templates. Customize your ads with your branding to make them recognizable and eye-catching, download them, then promote them on Facebook.
Infographics are another popular way of sharing information about new things in a visually engaging way. You could use one to share a brief history of your craft, details about your process, the kind of global impact your work makes, or anything else you think your audience would find interesting. Not sure how to make an infographic? This may help. There are great online templates and tools to help you make a beautiful, informative, and engaging infographic to share.
Look into the different ways you can share your content, too. Facebook isn't the only social media platform that works well for creatives seeking an audience, though it does offer the highest return on investment, per Hubspot. Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more can all help you reach a target audience and boost sales.
Appeal to a Select Audience
Turning your passion into a business might mean your work is a labor of love. Yet not everything you love will be a best-seller. Part of building a profitable business is learning what your audience likes and selling things they want or need.
For example, you might enjoy making hats but find that other crochet items sell better at markets. Addressing your buyers' preferences can help you design products that sell better and generate higher demand. Polling existing clients or customers is a great place to start if you're unsure where to start with defining a target audience and their needs.
Formulate a Business Plan
For most creatives, there comes a tipping point when your hobby edges into business territory. At that point (or in advance), it makes sense to get serious about growing a formal, recognizable brand.
Begin by learning how to start a company, including registering your new company and completing the appropriate paperwork. Once you cover the legal and regulatory details, a well-developed business plan should outline your financial projections, business structure, and growth strategies.
Set Aside Crafting Space
A dedicated area for your craft helps separate work from home life. It also ensures that your materials are ready any time that inspiration strikes. Updating or renovating a room gives you space to spread out materials and store finished products.
If you do renovate to make space for your work, keep track of the expenses involved. Home improvements can increase your property value, whether you want to refinance or sell the property later. Plus, the US Chamber notes that office renovations may be deductible from your business taxes, which could save you money come tax time.
Connect with Creatives Locally
While online marketing and social media are excellent ways to promote your goods, in-person connection counts, too. Whether you live in a small town or suburban city center, events like farmers' markets, craft fairs, and holiday happenings are great places to advertise your products.
Check your regional chamber of commerce for business events or opportunities to advertise. Reach out to neighborhood platforms and groups to learn about events and connect with other vendors.
If no programs are available in your area, consider starting an event and inviting fellow crafters to join you. Even hosting a workshop or class at your local library is a way to generate local interest in your work.
Make Connections for Your Craft
Whether you dive into marketing through social media or link up with other small businesses in person, connecting with others is the number-one way to get your products in front of customers. After you build up a dedicated audience, it's back to the craft room to continue producing the products you love to create.
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