Turn Your Jewelry Hobby into a Business
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 Detail of "Jaguar Green" bracelet by Charlotte Smeed |
I decided I would begin a small business to sell what I made (more to feed my bead habit than to make my millions)!
Because I was unsure of how this would all take off, I did not want to spend money on a website and advertising etc. - so I tried to do it all without spending a bean!
Below are some of my top tips if you are thinking of doing the same thing:
- Get a free website:
Watch here because there are some very good (and conversely very bad) hosts you can get free websites from. I chose Microsoft Office Live Basics package and chose a .NET domain address which was also free. I have found this package to be more than adequate and would give Microsoft full marks!
- Free advertising:
Try to get reciprocal links going. This can take some time but is worth it. Be choosy as to who you link with - you don't want to be linked to a site that is disreputable, or else it will taint yours. Don't worry if you are linking to people of a similar trade. Jewelry making is a community and I don't think you will drive away business.
- Get family and friends on board:
Sending out e-mails just letting people know that you have started your business can really help to spread the word. Don't be embarrassed, people like to look and see what you have done.
- Be prepared to play the long game:
Don't expect sales for a while.
Concentrate on getting your site up and running before you expect the traffic to really come in their droves.
- Use contacts!
Do you have a friend or relation who owns a shop, hotel, bed and breakfast, cafe, etc? Why not approach them and see if they would mind selling some of your pieces?
- Start taking pictures:
When taking pictures of your jewelry, don't worry if you don't have all the right equipment. My husband took pictures of my jewellery in my daughter'’s wardrobe with a desk light and some paper!!! (BE INVENTIVE!)
- Set up a free shopping cart:
Paypal will offer you a free basket checkout, though they will charge commission for the sales. It is easy to use and there is no upfront money which I liked!
 Pink shell and copper wire earrings by Charlotte Smeed |
It must look and feel professional or there is no point in really taking this further.
Other webmasters will link with a quality website so you need to make yours desirable (if you don't think this is possible check out my www.beadecked.net to see what can be done with NO money spent on the design!).
Good luck!
Author Charlotte Smeed's Beadecked is a collection of hand made jewellery from a craftsman with an interest in beads and a passion for creativity. Here you will find affordable necklaces, earrings and bracelets in unique styles. Look at the range that uses reclaimed beads to create matchless pieces as well as an innovative way to recycle!
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