You’ve crafted hand-made, original cards for a variety of occasions using creative accents, high quality paper, and thoughtful messaging. Now how do you let the world know about them? Promoting your card-making business is an ongoing responsibility that takes time, planning, and follow-up. Here are a few ways to get it done.
Create a marketing plan
A marketing plan is a written strategy for how you are going to promote your business during a certain period of time, such as annually, quarterly or monthly. It normally includes your marketing goals, identifies your target audience, and provides a timeline. Your marketing plan serves as a roadmap to follow for all of your marketing efforts.
Launch a website
You’ll need an online store to sell your cards from, and having your own website is the perfect way to do it. Have it professionally designed to make the best impression possible. This gives your buyers the confidence that you are a legitimate business. Make their experience more personal by sharing a little bit about you, your process and why you love to create cards. Your buyers will feel more comfortable doing business with you if they can associate the business with a real person. You can also sell on sites such as Etsy, but a stand-alone website gives buyers much more confidence.
Engage on social media
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and others are a great way to showcase your work. Be sure to post once per day and respond quickly to any questions or inquiries you receive about your cards.
Send your own cards on special occasions
Send your cards to your family and friends on their birthdays, anniversaries, or for a big event such as a wedding or graduation. Not only will they appreciate the personalization, they will ask about your business, which will get the conversation started.
Promote yourself locally
Many crafters find it helpful to start promoting their business with the people and community they already know. Register for craft bazaars, fairs or farmers markets in your area. This is a great way for your buyers to see your cards in person, and know that their purchase is supporting a local small business.
Join a local networking group
Another way to make your business known in the community is by joining a local networking group. Chambers of Commerce, Rotary and other referral organizations help each other’s businesses grow through events and introductions. It would be a great way for you to meet other businesses in the area that may be willing to sell your cards in their stores.
If you are looking for high quality products to create handmade cards or other projects, Papertrey Ink is here to help! Our mission is to provide inspiration and beautiful materials to revive the art of homemade gifts and cards. We sell a wide variety of stamps, inks, paper and other supplies you need to create the effect you are looking for. Our products will exceed your creative expectations! Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for our latest updates and tips!
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