I get a lot of e-mails and tweets from people asking my advice on various elements of running a successful online craft biz. So, I thought it was time to do another Q&A chat!
For any new readers – I make a full-time living from selling my craft online (Epheriell, and to a lesser extent, Vintette) averaging around 6 pieces sold per day online. Some days more, some days less, but that’s the general average at the moment.
Since I also blog daily, have written e-books, run an e-course, and self-publish *bespoke* zine, I’ve gained a LOT of varied experience over the last few years!
So – do you have a question for me? It can be anything related to running an online business. Please leave your question as a comment on this post, and next week I’ll record a video response (or responses, depending on how many/how detailed the questions).
Please, go crazy! I’d love to make this a long-term resource I can refer people to, so I’d like to answer as many questions as I can!
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Simple question – because I come from a business / marketing backgroud – do you have a written business and or marketing plan or do you wing it? is it there but just in your head?
Hi Jess – what’s been your greatest challenge working for yourself? The tax man? Resources? Time?! And did you ever reach a point where you wanted to go back to the 9-5 routine?
As I personally head further down this small business owner path, I’m finding there’s a lot of challenges that I obviously never imagined as an employee but the journey is so rewarding and have much respect for those like yourself who have paved the way 🙂
What is the best way to find bloggers that fit with your branding in order to get blogged about?
A couple of questions…
1. There are plenty of opportunities on the internet to get your name out here for free, if you can be bothered spending the time organising that. What makes you bite the bullet and spend cash on advertising? And how do you decide where to spend that money?
2. A question of balance – most of us here LUUUUURV making stuff, but it’s no good making beautiful things if no-one knows about it. How do you balance the time spent on promoting your wares versus making and publishing magazines? And what kind of proportions of your time are allotted to each?
Thank you for taking questions, I have a ton! I will ask the most important one though:
Currently most of my traffic (like almost all) comes from Etsy searches. I have been blogging, tweeting and facebooking on a regular basis but all this work doesnt seem to effect my sales or traffic substantially. What changes would you make to drive MORE traffic from more locations and hopefully turn them into more sales?
Hi Jess
Firstly thank you for giving us the opportunity to ask you questions. There is so much that I want to learn from you.
1) There are moments when I feel like giving up and everything that I do doesn’t seem to work. I am so desperate to be seen and to get some sales that it is overwhelming trying to keep up with promotion, creating and being sane. What will you advise for beginners like myself and for not feeling that everything is a total loss?
2) I have a day job, have a young family, study and run my online shops. Do you need to put in 8 hours a day in order to be successful (successful to me is averaging 1 sale a day)?
yes, i have a question. How do i get six sales a day?!
Kathy, I love you! I am actually going to do a video response just to this question ;P
yay! awesome! I currently average 1.6 sales a day over the past couple of months, i would be in heaven with 6 sales a day every day
hi Jess, did you end up doing a video response, i cant find it and would hate to have missed it
Hey Kathy! I haven’t gotten to yours yet – I’m working my way down the list and doing one or two each week 🙂 I’ll let you know when I do! x
ok thanks jess!
Hello Jess
My question is regarding stockists for my products.
How does this process work?
I second The Whittler and kathy, but I also have one of my own.
How do you know what price to set for your crafted items?
I maybe get one sale a month, so I’d love one a day.
1. I’ve often wondered how people with a lot of inventory stay organized. For example, if you just sold a pair of earrings, how do you know where that exact pair is? (Assuming it’s not a made to order situation)
2. I’m not sure if this is really a question, but I’d love to see your “shipping station” or system. I’m starting up my new art/craft business and I love the creative part, but the business of doing business is scary. I just want to have all of my ducks (or boxes) in a row and be ready. Currently shopping for shipping supplies and shipping scales, the whole thing makes my nerves fray 🙂
What are your methods for bookwork? Do you have excel spreadsheets with your income and expenditure?
So many questions … so little time ….
Pretty much every question that has been asked already is included in my list. I guess my main ones though are How do you take that first step from being a hobbyist to a business owner? i.e …How do you know when the time is right? and What knowledge do you feel is essential before starting your biz (there’s gotta be more than just being ‘crafty’ to succeed)
As Aimee said … it would be cool to actually ‘see’ your work station/office/workshop too if possible.
Looking forward to your responses Jess.
Hi Jess!
I am just wondering how on earth to get my little jewellery business off the ground. I have had my lovely pieces available online for about six months, and have had a few features (including on *bespoke*, thank you!) and get a lot of lookers, but never any sales (except from friends!). I am in the process of revamping my online shop visually and wondering if maybe it is not user friendly enough.
Etsy…my jewellery seems to just disappear amongst the sheer amount of jewellery listed every day. I tried to be an active community member and relisting every couple of days but I guess I just gave up.
I know my jewellery is good because I always get so many compliments when I wear it!
So there is something I am obviously doing wrong…price, accessibility, not enough promotion, not doing markets (yet)….Will be very interested to read your answers!!!
I believe in my product and would love to know what I should be focusing on to start this off being a successful side project!
Many thanks!!!
Hey Jess!
My question is (and I know it’s been touched on in a couple of other comments), but my biggest dilemma is getting consistent sales. It’s so hard to predict, there may be weeks where I get 3 sales and then a period where there is none. I know you are a consistent blogger and tweeter, so your online prescence is really strong, but do you think that’s what constantly drives your sales? Or is there another avenue that you see more results from?
Are the majority of your sales from repeat customers?
Thanks heaps 🙂
Hi Jess,
It’s the age old problem of finding cost effective, quality supplies with out spending your life at the computer.
And trusting the places you do make contact with in the manufactoring countries.
Any thoughts?
Kindest,
Tamara
PS. I recently found you on Pinterest – that’s a great resource.
Hi Jess! Another question from me, if that’s ok… What was your thought process when you decided to sell your Vintette jewellery as a completely separate brand to Epheriell?
Obviously, they’re two very different ranges, and was this primary reason you decided to keep them as separate brands/shops?
Does it become hard to manage two different jewellery lines, inventories, marketing, shops etc and would you recommend to others starting out to keep everything you make under the one “brand” (as mixed as the pieces may be) or to create a second shop?
Thanks again,
Naomi
I’ve got one! How’d you decide to do a magazine? And do you use a fancy program to get it done?
Hi Jess,
I am only new to blogging, less than 12 months, and new to your blog also. I love reading your posts as you write so well and definately keep us all engaged.
My blog is more of a combination between my personal life and my crafty one.
Although i was not going to ask a question, I do have one or two (after reading your Blogaversary I have learnt a few things I need to do with mine) – mainly, to gain a readership or keep interest, how often should one blog? Daily, or just a few times a week…?
And does commenting and posting on others’ blog actually create interest in your blog. I love the few blogs I read and comment regularly, as I know from experience it is nice to get that feedback… even if they just say they like it 🙂
Thanks, and keep up the good work 🙂
Hi Jess,
thanks for letting us pick your brain!
I am building my online presence, had my website done a while ago, I just started Twitter and Facebook a bit earlier and I am now setting up my shop on Madeit. I feel I should start a blog too as I have quite a bit of information that I would like to put out there but where do I start? I am good a making things but computers… well that’s a whole different world!
Would love to hear your thoughts and advice on that and thank you for all the info you have already given in your posts!
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