Whew! We’re sliding into the busy time of year for most families and businesses, and as much as I’ve tried to prepare the last month of this summer, it’s still settling over me with a bit of a shock.
I wanted to check in today and show off a bit of a fun sample piece that I’m putting together for the marketing/goody bags for Click Away 2014 conference goers.
Have you ever thought about promoting your business by putting together a sample piece that shows off the quality of material and workmanship that goes into your products? It can bit a bit of work, but overall, the return can be mighty, if you make sure to stick to a few important “rules”.
1.) Be thoughtful when choosing who to give your items to. As your business grows, you’ll no doubt be approached by all kinds of different businesses about cross promotion. But, you and I both know that when you’re growing a small business, every penny and minute of your time are precious, so be sure that you choose to work with companies that truly represent the type of person that typically would buy from your business. I love the funny term that photographers often use to refer to beginners that shoot an excessive number of photos – the “pray and spray” method. Well, as with photography, you might get lucky, but it’s much better to take a well thought out, deliberate approach.
2.) Make something small, but make it you (or unique). Most people that purchase from handmade businesses regularly, are looking for unique items that they connect with and love. Any business can order a personalized pen with their logo, but no one else is selling your unique goods that you make! Be sure to infuse your personality and that of your business into the items that you choose to share with others. For my sample item, I created a key fob that’s fun, unique, and durable. It uses the same genuine leather, high quality fabrics, nylon webbing, and heavy duty slides that I use to create my camera straps. I feel like it conveys the idea that my products are beautiful and functional – which is one of my main goals as a business.
3.) Make it eye catching and always include your branding. Is this a two for one? Maybe. It also kind of ties in with what I mentioned in number two. My hope is that this little piece will be eye catching enough, that the woman who receives it will take the time to check out the business info that’s included with it – my website, and shop, and will follow through with a purchase. One way to track how successful you’ve been is to include a coupon code for purchase that’s unique to that item – meaning only those that received your promo item will have the code.
So if you’re going to the time, money, and effort to put an item for marketing together, be sure that you make it worth it! Truth be told, these same principles apply to any marketing strategy for your business!
If you’re interested in seeing my other posts on growing your handmade business, be sure to check out the blog series Women & Handmade Business.
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