6 Simple Ways to Grow Your Handmade Business Now!

The HOLIDAYS are coming, and for many of you, its the busiest season!  Try these simple ideas you can implement right away to improve your sales.

1.  Be your billboard 
   Wear the scarf you made, have your kids wear their cute beanies, just use your product the way your customer would.  You may be surprised how many potential customers you'll gain when people see your products in action.  Be sure to have business cards in your bag.  
2. Gift
   This makes others happy and makes them billboards too.  So your shop was slow in December?  Grandma needs a gift?  She likes that purple cowl?  Everyone wins.  
3. Donate
   When you donate an item from your shop to a charitable event, its tax deductible.  You can choose the event that works for you.  For example, my yarn may not be in demand locally, but I'm from a very artsy town in Washington State, so I donate to a youth organization's charity auction there.  I get exposure and they make some moola for a great cause.  
4. Barter
   Everyone seems to run short on cash at some point in the Holiday season, with gifts still to acquire!  Help your pocketbook AND your shop by bartering.  Swapping with another shop owner will get your product in the hands of a potential customer and helps BOTH of your businesses gain exposure.  I often swap for handmade gifts and promotional items for my yarn orders.  
5. Let others see 
   No one enjoys the constant stream of MLM posts from Facebook "friends", but people do like to hear about your real hobbies, interests, and day to day life.  Is your son trying on all the girly hats you're shipping out?  Post a pic.  Is your mailman drowning in pretty new materials for your shop?  Post a pic!  That stuff isn't annoying or sales pitchy.  
6. Make new friends
   I know, you're so busy, but a little stress relief is good!  Go out with the mommy group.  Get involved with the knitting club.  Make time for the support group.  Your profession is a big part of your life and others like to hear about what you do.  You don't need to invite anyone to make a purchase.  I never do.  That is me time, not shop time.  Someone may ask for a business card or tell a friend about your work.  I've had a few support group moms buy my yarn because they genuinely like it and that feels nice.