What to do when progress is slow in your craft or jewellery business.

A woman at an artists desk with text what to do when business progress is slow

I remember when I was first starting my jewellery business, I’d created a pendant and pair of earrings and given them to a friend which she actually wore - I was so proud (and truthfully a little flabbergasted I’d actually made something that people seemed to like) and so I merrily created some more designs, posted them onto my Facebook page and…. Crickets.

Well, that’s how it felt anyway. All my effort and excitement quickly felt like a sad balloon limply fizzling out.

I did  eventually start making sales, but progress felt painfully slow at times. It took me a long time to find a groove in my creative business which worked for me, and brings me income in a sustainable way which feels aligned.

Now, I feel here I must be completely transparent - I’ve not made my millions, and in fact over the years I’ve worked in several jobs alongside running my business (both part-time and full) and for me, there is absolutely no shame in that! It’s enabled me to try different things and find what works for me, and my customers. It’s enabled me to build a creative life which truly lights me up!

So, if you’re struggling with a business which you feel is growing too slowly or not bringing in enough money, what can you do? Here are some of my tips to help you along the way.

And remember, try things with an open mind, and only what works for you and your dream creative life - we are all different and our aims are different too.

  1. Take one tiny step every day (or as often as you can). Just one. It can be as small as watching a mindset video if that’s what you need. Or it could be posting on your Instagram, or trying out a new design. Each of those tiny steps is moving you one step closer to your dreams. Slow growth is beautiful and sustainable. It allows your to really nurture your creativity too.

  2. Create products at different price points. You could have smaller ‘entry level’ products which don’t take you too long to make and act as a gateway for customers to your work. For me, it’s my Little Luna pendant which is now one of my best sellers.

  3. Spend time showcasing your products. You put so much energy and love into making your products, you want to make sure you showcase them to their very best. This includes getting some beuatiful product photos (Read my blog here with my top tips for a product photo shooot here). Having great photos is so important, and you can use them across your social media and website too.

  4. Make sure your website is up to date. Now is the time to give your website a bit of a refresh. I’ve written about why I think it’s a great idea as a maker for you to have your own website for your handmade business online shop. It’s also a really good idea to check it every now and then to make sure all the links work, your stock is up to date, and to give the copy and images a bit of a refresh. I love to use Squarespace for my own online shop, it’s super-easy to use and to create beautful websites too. Even if you’ve got limited web design experience, it has a really simple drag and drop layout, and also makes the sales side of your online shop seamless too. If you’d like a hand designing yours, you can have a look at my e-commerce web design package here too

  5. Nurture your current customers. Looking after the people have already brought from you is a great way to grow your business. They already love your work, so are more likely to buy again. There’s a lot you can do such as special offers, first looks at new designs and a referral scheme if they send a friend your way.

  6. Start an email list. This should be the backbone of all your marketing, because people are far more likely to buy your products if they have time to ‘get to know you’ over email. Once people are on your email list you can send them little behind the scenes as well as new offers.

    And if you’re not sure how to set one up or what to include in your emails I’ve got something very exciting coming soon, watch this space!

  7. Create craft kits. I’m all about diversifying your business so you have a few different streams of income. This has been amazing for me, and craft kits are one way you could do that. Which leads me on to…

  8. Run workshops. People love the human connection of a workshop, and you have a unique skill which they would love to try! Since I started running workshops, my business has grown year on year. Plus you can have a selection of your lovely products for them to buy on the day too.

  9. Collaborate with a local business. You could get together to host a giveaway online, or create a special range to sell in their shop. It’s a great way to reach even more people too.

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