Sell Your Crochet: A Simple Guide to Getting Started
Do you love crochet and wonder if you can make money doing what you love?
The answer is yes!
This post gives you ways to turn your passion for crochet into multiple income streams.
Imagine all the new yarn you could buy with the additional money you get from your selling your crochet products.
E-commerce is booming, and you want to make money selling online.
But what sells and which crochet products are profitable?
And where should you sell if you’re starting?
If you are feeling lost and need some help, this guide will give you clarity!
Sometimes, the main obstacle to getting started is that there are almost too many options for what to sell – with so many choices, how do you know what will actually be profitable?
Good news, that’s why I’m here!
So, let’s dive right in!
Once you decide on what you want to crochet and sell, make sure to check out my complete guide on How To Start An Online Crochet Store, which will give you everything you need to know to get your crochet e-commerce store off the ground!
Selling your crochet products validates what you are doing and generates an extra income. The increased income gives you the freedom to pursue your creative dreams.
It gives you the freedom to make a living doing what you love to do.
It gives you the freedom to quit the job you are not passionate about.
It gives you the freedom to follow your dreams
This Guide Will Show You How You Can Start Selling Your Crochet Products.
For many, knowing where to start is the difficult part.
However, there is only one mistake you can make: taking no action.
Failing to take action will not help you sell your crochet products.
Failing to take action will not help you earn more money.
Find a quiet corner. Sit down and relax.
Understand that you’re completely in charge of this.
Dream big.
Write everything down. This will help your conscious and subconscious minds focus on your vision.
People will tell you that you are crazy for wanting to sell your crochet products. They will tell you that the handmade market is overcrowded and that it can’t be done.
Please don’t listen to them.
Shine The Spotlight On Your Values
These days, technology gives everyone with a dream the capabilities and tools to reach incredible amounts of people.
But how do you differentiate yourself from others in the field? How do you make your crochet pom-pom hat stand out from millions of others?
You stand out by communicating your values and your message concisely and interestingly.
Ask yourself this: Is your message relevant to your audience?
The aim of your message is to:
sell the benefit of your products
evoke feelings
Use storytelling to communicate your message. People remember a good story and pass it on. Good storytelling will hold the attention of your audience and help you stand out from the crowd. Also, make sure you communicate your message consistently through all the tools you decide to use.
The trend to buy handmade and sustainable products reveals that shoppers are rejecting factory made products in favour of handmade products.
No one else is like you. All of your choices around logos, fonts, colour and images reflect your personality.
Mass-manufactured items don’t connect us to the people who create the products - but you can!
How to find your perfect product ideas
To get started, you can use data gathered from buyers at Etsy and Amazon to find out what buyers are searching for and buying. You can sign up for a free account with a tool like erank.com and access data gathered from buyers on Etsy to learn what consumers are searching for and purchasing.
Another way that will give you quick results is to look at the products trending on Etsy and Amazon Handmade. Start with the major categories and expand those into subcategories. Not only will you get product ideas from the subcategories themselves, but you will also see the listings that are working well.
Next, start your list of subcategories. Write down products you would like to make and sell. Focus on one or two products to get started and increase your range when sales are on the up.
Other ways to find ideas:
1. Explore Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook have an abundance of crochet patterns and project ideas. Use hashtags like #crochet, #crochetideas, or #crochetpatterns to discover posts from other crocheters. Pinterest, in particular, is a goldmine for crochet inspiration.
2. Join Online Communities: There are numerous online forums and communities where crocheters share their work, discuss techniques, and exchange ideas. Websites like Ravelry offer a vast collection of patterns from designers around the world.
3. Attend Craft Fairs and Markets: These events are not only great for purchasing unique, handmade items, but they're also a fantastic source of inspiration. You can see what others are creating, identify trends, and maybe even spark some ideas for your own unique twist on popular items.
4. Subscribe to Craft Magazines: Traditional print media like craft magazines often showcase new patterns, designer profiles, and trend forecasts. They can be a great source of inspiration, especially as they often feature seasonal project ideas
5. Look Around You: Inspiration can come from unexpected places – nature, architecture, fashion, or even a colour scheme that catches your eye. Keep your mind open to the world around you, and you might find ideas popping up in the most unlikely places
6. Experiment with Different Yarns: Different types of yarn can inspire different projects. A soft, chunky yarn might be perfect for a cozy winter scarf, while a lightweight cotton yarn could be ideal for a summer tote bag. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
7. Think About Functionality: Consider items that you or people in your life need. Perhaps a friend needs a baby blanket, or you’ve noticed your teapot could do with a cosy. Practical items often make rewarding projects because they get used and appreciated daily.
How to Test Your Crochet Product Idea for Market Appeal
Developing a new crochet product idea is exciting, but it's crucial to test it before investing time and resources into production.
No matter how great you and your mom think your ideas are, it’s crucial to test your idea to find out how the public will react to your crochet products.
Here's how you can test your crochet product idea to determine if it will sell and appeal to the market:
1. Pattern Testing: This is a critical step in the product development process. Create a prototype of your product, write out the pattern, and have it tested by other crocheters. They can provide valuable feedback on the design, difficulty level, and overall appeal of your product.
2. Market Research: Use online platforms like Etsy to research similar products. Look at their popularity, pricing, and customer reviews to gauge the potential success of your product.
3. Social Media Polls: Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to create polls or questionnaires. You can use these features to ask your followers about their preferences and get their opinions on your product idea.
4. Direct Feedback. Another option is to wear something you’ve made and check out several boutiques you think would be a good fit for your style. Ask the staff what they think. Their feedback will be incredibly valuable.
5. Focus Groups: Gather a small group of people who fit your target customer profile. Show them your prototypes, explain your product idea, and ask for their feedback. This can give you insights into the product's appeal and potential improvements.
6. Pre-orders: If you have a strong online following or a mailing list, consider offering pre-orders for your product. This can give you an idea of the demand for your product and help cover some of the initial production costs
7. Craft Fairs and Pop-up Markets: These events are great for testing physical products. They allow you to interact directly with potential customers, get immediate feedback, and make adjustments to your product based on their responses.
Tip
Remember, testing is an ongoing process. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes based on what you learn. With careful testing and thoughtful adjustments, you can increase the chances of your crochet product's success in the market.
Your Tool-Box
Once you have a plan of what you want to offer, your toolbox will help you to sell your crochet products. In this guide, we look at the following tools in more detail:
1. Online Tools
Websites
Online marketplaces
Mailing List
Crochet Blog
Social media
2. Off-line Tools
Community
Teaching
Pop-up Shops
Craft Fairs
Publishers
Local Shops
3. Print
Flyers & Posters
Postcards
Merchandise
Business Cards
Hangtags
Thank you cards
Packaging
Online Tools
Website - Create An Irresistible Online Presence
I’m a strong believer in having my own website.
A basic website is easy to put together, cheap to maintain and a great way to make your products accessible to a wider audience. It’s one of the only places where you have total control over how people view your products.
If you don’t know how to set up a website, take a class or get a friend to do it for you. You can also hire freelancer on Upwork or Fiverr to create for you. I used to be a freelancer on Upwork and there is a great place if you are looking to hire someone without the hefty price tag of a design agency.
Make sure your website has an “About” page.
Your about page is where you tell your story.
As mentioned before, your story helps sell your crochet products and allows your potential customers get to know you - the creator.
More importantly, the right people will connect with your story and you can start building your audience - one person at a time.
Resources: Website builders
>Squarespace
Squarespace is a user-friendly platform for visual artists to create customizable websites or online stores, allowing them to showcase and sell their work online with ease
>Wordpress
WordPress is a versatile platform that enables visual artists to create custom websites, showcase their work, and connect with a wider audience.
>Podia
Podia is a user-friendly platform perfect for makers It helps you create a free website, sell digital products, and host communities. No tech skills required. Explore how Podia can enhance your creative journey here.
Online Market Places - Share your products with the world
Many fellow crafters offer their products for sale through a wide range of online marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon Handmade. These sites attract a huge audience and can help you generate sales worldwide. There is nor rule that says you can only sell in one marketplace. Test them and measure the results. Then focus on the platforms that bring you sales.
The challenge is ensuring that your products are visible on platforms that are used by so many crafters.
Terms and conditions vary greatly so make sure you read them before signing up.
Resources: Alternatives to Etsy and Amazon
> Not On The High Street - Notonthehighstreet.com is an online gift shop based in the UK, offering a diverse range of unique and personalised items sourced from the country's best crafters.
> Shop My Porch - Shop My Porch is a startup that concentrates on small, local handmade businesses. If you create and/or sell handmade products or baked goods, you can make a page for each item with a photo, description, price, and the zip code where you’re located.
> Goimagine - Like Etsy, Goimagine provides a marketplace for craftspeople and artists who want to sell their handmade goods
Check out this post for selling on Etsy: 26 Bestselling Crochet Items to Sell On Etsy
Mailing List - Grow your mailing list and create a buzz
A very valuable asset that you can create is a list of people who are interested in your crochet products or have bought from you in the past.
Once you have an email address, you can let your potential customers know you have new products for sale. A mailing list makes it easier for you to generate new revenue and create a buzz about new products.
It is much easier to sell to people who are already familiar with what you offer than to attract new customers.
So, focus on gaining e-mail subscribers.
Encourage your website visitors to sign up for your mailing list. You need to have a mailing list sign-up option on your website. This is where visitors sign up for your mailing list electronically. The email marketing service you decide to use will usually have tools such as a sign-up box for your website to help you grow your list.
Can you offer a discount or free delivery for everybody who signs up for your mailing list?
Trust me, putting in the extra work to build your mailing list will be worth it in the long run.
Resources - Email service providers
Crochet Blog - Share what you know and love
Adding a blog to your website is a great way for a potential customer to learn more about you and what matters to you.
Blog posts also offer a chance to show off your project and value as a crafter. Whether you’re giving a behind-the-scenes look at your process, or providing some tips for your fellow yarn lovers.
Info-packed blog posts give an insight into what makes you tick and what you care about. Think of your blog not just as a way to promote your crochet products but as a means of participating in a wider conversation about topics you care about. In addition, each blog post is a new web page. The more you have the more opportunities Google can show you in search results.
Resources to start a free blog:
Social Media - Get Social Around The Globe
Social media is a great tool for growing the audience for your crochet products.
Think about what you would like to achieve through social media. As mentioned before, have a goal. Having a goal makes it easier to track your progress and identify areas which need more work. Start by creating a social media strategy based on your goals.
Consider the following when planning your strategy:
What do you want to get out of your social media posts?
What type of audience do you want to target?
Which platforms are you going to use?
If you’re using your personal social media accounts to promote your crochet products online, consider creating business accounts across all platforms you’re using. This will make you look more professional. It will also give you access to more analytics tools to enhance your social media marketing strategy.
Handmade sellers tend to spend a lot of time on social networking sites to get new leads, and increase sales. However, rather than trying to master all social platforms out there, go for getting results on one or two sites and get very good at them.
Resources - Social media scheduling tools
OnlyPult
Tip 1: Get Your Followers To Promote You
Peer-to-peer promotion should be part of your social media strategy.
Get creative and find ways to get your followers to promote your work.
One way to do that is with contests. For instance, some companies offer free products as prizes and ask participants to enter the contest by making a post that mentions the company or product.
For example, you could ask the participants to create a post about their favourite piece from your website and offer one of your artworks as a prize.
This way, you’ll have participants showing off your work to the people in their networks.
Tip 2: Cross-promote with other yarn Lovers
There are lots of makers out there in the same position as you: they’re also looking for ways to sell their crochet products.
So, one easy way to get some free promotion is to agree to cross-promote with another It can be as simple as creating posts that highlight someone else’s products and what you like about them, with an agreement that they will do the same. It’s a marketing win-win situation: you’ll both get more ‘eyes’ on your products.
Since everyone’s taste is different, you can cross-promote without worrying about sending potential clients to a competitor.
Offline Tools
Community - Engage and contribute
Being an active member of your community is a great way to get your name out there and help others learn about crochet. Engaging with local community centers can be a fantastic way to sell and share your crochet products.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Product Donations: Donate some of your crochet items to raffles or charity events held by your local community center. This can help get your name out there while also supporting a good cause.
Community Center Sales: Ask if you can set up a table to sell your crochet items during community events or meetings.
After-School Programs: If the community center runs after-school programs, see if they'd be interested in adding a crochet class.
Bulletin Board: Use the community center's bulletin board to advertise your products and any classes or workshops you're running.
New to the city?
There are still lots of ways to be part of the community, start building that network and get your products out there.
Teaching - Show how it's done
Teaching and carrying out demonstrations can build an audience for your work and help establish you as an expert. Furthermore, it can give you additional income.
Teaching can entail a wide range of formats and venues. You can tutor a small group of people at your home, lead workshops at craft fairs, or carry out demos in yarn shops.
Promoting your workshops helps generate interest in your crochet products and gives you something to write about in your blog.
Pop-Up Shop - Get creative and host your own
Hosting a pop-up shop can be an exciting way to sell your crochet products.
Embracing the pop-up store concept can be a game-changer for you! Hosting a crochet pop-up store not only gives you an excellent platform to showcase and sell your unique creations but also allows you to connect directly with your customers. It's an opportunity to share your passion for crocheting, hear valuable feedback, and even gain new insights into what your customers want.
Plus, it's a cost-effective way to explore the retail space without the commitment of a permanent storefront. The flexibility of a pop-up also lets you experiment with different locations, products, and marketing strategies. And let's not forget the buzz it generates – a well-executed pop-up store can significantly boost your brand awareness.
Craft Fairs - Get Networking
At craft fairs, you can meet lots of yarn lovers and professional makers, its great place to make contact with industry insiders. They can keep you in the loop about new opportunities and places to sell your products.
They can also help you in marketing your crochet products, whether it’s sharing your art show on their social feeds or suggesting popular artists you could collaborate with.
Don’t forget to bring your business cards, and hand them out to everyone you meet!
It sounds like a small thing, but a well-designed card can really help with promoting your products.
Publishers - Get collaborating
Collaborating with a magazine publisher can help you greatly to gain extra publicity for your products. It opens up a vast platform for showcasing your creations to a broader, often highly targeted audience who are already interested in crafts and DIY projects.
A feature in a reputable magazine can lend credibility to your work, enhancing your brand image and reputation. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to tell the story behind your crochet products, allowing potential customers to connect more deeply with your brand. The exposure from a magazine feature can lead to increased customer interest, higher sales, and even opportunities for further collaborations or partnerships in the craft industry.
Brick and Shops - Approach them and say hello
Approaching a local shop to sell your crochet work on consignment can also offer a host of benefits for you. Firstly, it provides access to a physical retail space without the overhead costs of running your own store. This allows your products to be seen and touched by potential customers, enhancing their shopping experience.
Local shops often have a loyal customer base that values and supports local artisans, giving your work exposure to an audience that appreciates handmade goods. Additionally, selling on consignment means you only pay the retailer a percentage of sales, rather than upfront rental fees.
This reduces your financial risk and allows you to test the market demand for your products. Plus, partnering with local businesses fosters community connections, which can lead to further opportunities and collaborations down the line.
Print Tools
Flyers & Posters - Time to get creative
Posters used to be a lot more effective in the days before social media. Back then turning bus stops or lampposts into public bulletin boards was a great way to promote an event, website or product.
However, posters still have their place, post them on public bulletin boards or other public places with a good footfall. I find that local businesses are usually very supportive when it comes to creating publicity for a craft event or workshop.
Postcards - Share your news
Postcards can make a great impact. They are also affordable and collectable.
They can be used for many different purposes and in many different sizes.
You can download suitable templates from the website of the online printing service you are using.
They also provide a complete guideline for text placement, bleed area, trim and much more.
The primary reason to use postcards is to promote your website, a craft fair or a pop-up shop.
For this reason, you want to make sure to include the Who, What When and Where.
Merchandise - Versatile your designs
Have you considered using branded promotional items that feature images of your products? This can be an option for anyone whose work contains a sense of fun.
There are several websites devoted to printing on-demand products. You could offer your branded merchandise as a raffle prize or a prize draw to reward people for signing up for your mailing list.
Resources
Business Cards - Small and powerful
Having business cards can be incredibly useful. These small but mighty tools are a professional and easy way to share your contact information with potential customers, collaborators, or fellow crafters. A well-designed business card can also reflect your brand's personality, showcasing your unique style and dedication to the craft.
They're perfect for networking at craft fairs, local workshops, or even yarn stores. Plus, unlike digital information that can easily get lost in the shuffle, physical business cards can serve as a constant visual reminder of your brand, increasing the chances of future interactions and sales. So, whether you're selling your hand-dyed yarn or offering crochet classes, business cards can help you weave a stronger network in the yarn community.
Hang tags - Every detail counts
Hang tags provide essential information like product details, care instructions, and your contact information. In addition, they also add a professional touch to your items. To make the most of hang tags, consider incorporating your brand's logo or color scheme to create a cohesive look across all your products.
You can also use the back of the tag to tell a story about your brand or the inspiration behind the product, helping connect with your customers on a deeper level. Remember, every detail matters when it comes to branding, and a well-designed hang tag can enhance the perceived value of your crochet creations.
Thank You Cards - Create repeat customers
Including a thank you card with your products can greatly enhance your customer's buying experience. These cards not only show your appreciation for their purchase but also add a personal touch that sets you apart from mass-produced items.
This small act of gratitude can help foster a connection with your customers, encouraging them to support your business in the future. You could also use these cards as an opportunity to ask for reviews or referrals, provide information about upcoming products, or offer a discount on their next purchase. Remember, a heartfelt thank you can go a long way in building customer loyalty and turning first-time buyers into repeat customers.
Packaging - Reflect your brand
The packaging of your products is just as important as the product itself. It's the first thing your customer sees and it sets the tone for their entire unboxing experience. A beautifully packaged product can convey the quality and care that you put into your craft, making your customers feel special and appreciated.
Moreover, thoughtful packaging can enhance the perceived value of your item, turning a simple purchase into a memorable gift. It also offers an additional layer of protection for your handmade items during transit. So, take the time to invest in packaging that reflects your brand's aesthetic and values - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your customers and distinguish your products from others in the market.
Check out this blog post for information on how to best package your crochet products: How To Package Your Crochet Items So Your Customers Come Back For More
Selling your crochet products consistently is an ongoing process - a Marathon rather than a 50-meter sprint.
I see many people who apply a few marketing techniques, only to throw in the towel if they don’t see immediate results.
Don’t be one of them!
After reading this guide, you may feel a bit overwhelmed.
Don’t be!
There is no need to implement all the strategies.
If you put just half of these methods into practice, you’ll start selling your products and you’ll find new opportunities arising.
Remember, every stitch you make is an expression of your creativity and passion, and there's a market out there eager to appreciate your work. Don't be afraid to experiment with different selling platforms, collaborate with others, and most importantly, share the story behind your creations.
Follow your goal with all your passion, your efforts, your talent, and skills.
Stick to it and you will see your audience grow and the career you have dreamt of unfold.
What are you waiting for?
Keep your hook busy, and happy selling!
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