With your phone, laptop, or any digital device, the world is your oyster, and most importantly, your business.
You can sell your homemade product as a thriving online business from the comfort of your home, showcasing your products to a global audience, unlike the traditional form, where you can only reach the locals.
Online marketing allows you to reach a vast audience and eliminates the need for capital to set up a physical store.
According to Forbes, the global e-commerce market is projected to reach $6.3 trillion in 2023 and over $8.1 trillion by 2026.
Your share of this trillion-dollar market is within reach with the right knowledge and guidance to transform your passion into profits. Give it a typical “from a shack to the globe.”
What you stand to gain by selling your products online
Below are five privileges you enjoy when you sell online;
1. Wider audience: with your online presence, your products will reach out to potential consumers from all over the world who may not have the opportunity to know about them if you adopt the traditional and physical way of selling.
2. Convenience: it is convenient for both the seller and the buyer of online products as it is easier to be available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in an online store than when going to a physical shop.
3. Staffing costs: an online shop requires fewer helping hands than a physical one.
4. Easy setup: there is less work to consider in setting up an online shop than a physical one because an online shop is set up itself.
5. Target audience: you can easily define your consumers from the insights provided by online business tools, which will guide you on how to serve them better.
What homemade product to sell: Finding Your Niche
The first step in your online entrepreneurial journey is to identify the products you want to sell. Consider these factors:
Passion and Expertise: Choose products you are passionate about or have expertise in. This will make the process more enjoyable and allow you to share your knowledge with potential customers.
Trending Products: Research popular products that are in high demand. Check product listings on well-known online stores like Amazon, AliExpress, Konga, and Jumia. Utilize Google Trends and Google Keyword Planner for keyword research to identify trending products.
Product Ideas:
- Pottery
Stickers
Jewellery
Clothes
Artwork
Keychains
Colouring Books
Digital Products
Scented Candles
Curated Gift Boxes, Cards, and Subscription Boxes
Bath bombs and handmade soaps
T-shirts and printed merchandise
Additional Considerations:
Materials and Equipment: Assess the materials and equipment required for your chosen crafts.
Production Costs: Calculate the cost of producing each item to determine a fair selling price.
Competitors: Analyze your competitors to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
Unique Selling Proposition: Differentiate your products by highlighting their unique qualities.
Regulations: Check if your craft requires specific licences, laws, or regulations.
Ways to sell your handmade products online
Here are three excellent ways to sell your handmade products online;
1. Websites
2. Social media
3. E-commerce platforms
1. Websites
In the online space, you can have websites that are directly accessible to people to view your products at their convenience.
Here are 3 sites where you can build your website for free;
i. Wix
Wix is a free website builder with modern and innovative designs. It has free hosting and various templates that fit into various uses, like a business website. Both beginners and advanced users can use it. It is very easy to launch your website. By signing up and filling in the necessary details, you can start publishing about your business.
ii. WordPress
WordPress is mostly referred to as the king of free sites. With an account on WordPress, you can have full control over your websites. For a business requiring a long-term strategy, you might need to pay for hosting to have a custom domain name.
iii. Weebly
Weebly is popular among small business owners who are beginners. At present, it is hosting about a 40million websites. It is a drag-and-drop kind of website. It is easy to edit and customize.
Other places include
Tumblr
Google my business websites
2. Social media
Over the years, social media has been proven to be one of the most effective business and marketing channels. Social media applications are a great way to move your handmade business online. However, with over 65 social media applications, how do you know which to use? Here are 3 tried and trusted apps to move your handmade business online.
A. Facebook
Facebook was reported to have over 1 billion active daily users. It is undoubtedly a good avenue to find your target audience, nurture your consumers and sell your handmade goods with love to the world.
However, you do not just set up an account and start making money; you might need to employ the services of Facebook ads to help tailor your goods to meet the prospective buyers.
B. Instagram
Instagram is also one of the most used social media avenues for business, with over 1 billion daily users. It is an excellent tool to promote your brand and generate new customers. You can showcase your craft to the world with features like stories and reels.
C. Whatsapp
Initially, WhatsApp was developed as a messaging App. Still, a business version of it was developed in the long run. With catalogs to showcase businesses, a broadcast list to reach out to your customers, and status to display what you have, so many people have monetized WhatsApp.
Other social media platforms that can be used for business include;
Twitter
Youtube
Pinterest
3. E-commerce platforms
An e-commerce platform is software that serves as an online market. It creates interaction between the buyer and the seller. It allows the sellers to create their online stores at free or little cost. It allows consumers to access many goods and shop.
Best e-commerce platforms to sell your handmade craft
Here are the three best e-commerce platforms to sell your handmade craft.
1. Etsy
Etsy is a very strong home for craft and DIY makers founded in 2005. It is a great place for buyers and sellers to connect while helping the sellers optimize their stores and manage their
accounts and inventories. It also ensures cordiality between buyers and sellers.
Etsy also charges a listing fee, transaction fee, processing fee, and about 15% on an effective ad.
2. ArtFire
Artfire, founded in 2008, is similar to Etsy in structure and operations. However, it is smaller in scale when compared to Etsy. It offers communal feeling and support to its sellers. Unlike Etsy, Artfire does not run ads on your page. There are also subscription plans which will affect your listing power.
3. Amazon Handmade
Amazon’s e-commerce store was launched in 1995, but its handmade site was launched in 2015. Amazon is the largest and farthest-reaching platform for handmade products and other products. Amazon gives your handmade business more visibility and recognition. It also wavers the seller fee for artisans selling on Amazon handmade.
There are no subscription plans on Amazon; however, there is a 15% referral deduction on every sale.
Other reputable E-commerce platforms include;
Shopify
craft
Zibbet
eBay
Shop Handmade
Pricing Strategies: Determining Your Homemade Product Worth
To sell your craft, you have to determine the worth of your craft. The determined price should be moderate enough for the quality you are selling. Price that doesn’t keep customers away and also earns you a decent income.
Cost-Plus Pricing: Add a percentage to the cost of making a product, covering business expenses and the desired profit. Factors to consider include rent, salaries, utilities, and overhead costs.
Penetration Pricing: Set initial low prices to gain customers and market share, with plans to increase prices later.
increase prices gradually once a loyal customer base is established.
Value-Based Pricing: Set prices based on perceived customer value, considering factors like quality and customer service. Highlight the quality, craftsmanship, and unique features of your products.
Read: You Just Lost Another Customer Because You Are Yet to Learn This Customer Service Secret
Building Your Brand Identity
Shape your brand to reflect the essence of your homemade crafts. Develop a consistent colour palette, design a professional website, and establish your core values.
A visually compelling brand story and excellent customer service will build trust and loyalty.
Capturing Your Craft: High-quality images are crucial for making a positive first impression. Use your phone’s camera with good lighting and background, or hire a professional photographer to showcase your crafts effectively.
Descriptions: Craft clear and concise product descriptions, highlighting details, features, and unique specifications. Incorporate related keywords to enhance visibility.
Promoting Your Your Homemade product
Paid Advertisement: Invest in targeted advertising for increased visibility.
Coupons or Referral Strategies: Encourage customer loyalty through discounts and referral programmers.
Email Marketing: Build a mailing list and engage with your audience through newsletters and promotions.
Read: 10 Reasons Your Brand Should Introduce Video to It’s Marketing Strategy
Supervising Inventory Management and Website Activities
Regularly monitor inventory levels, website functionality, and respond promptly to any sales-related messages. Update your website with customer reviews and testimonials to build credibility and reassure potential customer.
Logistics: Ensuring Smooth Shipping
Explore cost-effective shipping options with a balance between cost and delivery. Consider eco-friendly packaging that will survive the trip.
PRO TIP: Quality is paramount. Ensure your products meet high standards to build trust and loyalty among customers.
Starting an online business demands dedication, constant learning, authenticity, and a commitment to delivering quality. With these guidelines, you’re well-equipped to embark on a successful entrepreneurial journey.
Conclusion
Selling your homemade product online look like a mirage to most people; however, with the right strategies and necessary knowledge, you are on your way to globally spreading the love of your handmade crafts.
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