Author: folkandbespoke_lvsl1y

So, how do you keep your energy steady (and your audience engaged) from start to finish? Let’s dive in.

1. Start with a Clear Vision (and Break It Down)
A successful launch doesn’t happen by accident, it thrives on clarity and structure.
Before you start sharing your idea with the world, take time to map out your goals:
What does success look like for this launch? Is it a certain number of sales? Building awareness? Growing your audience?
What are the key milestones? Think of your launch like a journey; what needs to happen before, during, and after to make it a success?
What’s your timeline? Break the process into manageable stages so you know when to focus on building awareness, creating excitement, and making that all-important final push.
Big goals feel less overwhelming when they’re broken into smaller, achievable steps and ticking off those steps keeps you motivated.

2. Create a Buzz Before You Even Launch
Momentum doesn’t begin on launch day, it starts weeks (or even months) before.
Tease your audience. Share sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or hints about what’s coming. Curiosity keeps people interested.
Involve your audience. Ask questions, invite feedback, or let them vote on small details — the more invested they feel, the more likely they’ll support you when launch day arrives.
Build anticipation. Countdowns, “coming soon” posts, or a special ‘first look’ for your loyal followers can all create excitement.
Think of it like lighting a campfire, you need to build a strong flame before it can really catch.

3. Pacing is Everything
A launch isn’t a sprint, it’s more like a long-distance hike. If you pour all your energy into the first few days, burnout can creep in fast.
Instead, plan your energy in waves:
Start strong. Grab attention early with your biggest announcement or most exciting teaser.
Keep it steady. Follow up with consistent content, customer stories, behind-the-scenes posts, or value-packed tips related to your offering. Finish with impact. As your deadline or launch day nears, bring the energy back up with bold reminders, urgent messaging, and powerful calls to action.
Your audience’s attention naturally ebbs and flows and your content should mirror that rhythm.

4. Share Stories, Not Just Sales Pitches
People connect with people. While it’s tempting to focus purely on product features or discounts, it’s storytelling that builds lasting engagement.
Share the journey behind your launch, why this idea matters, what inspired you, or the challenges you overcame.
Highlight the people involved, from your creative process to customer feedback shaping the final product.
Showcase how your product or service fits into your customers’ lives and paint a picture they can see themselves in.
Stories create emotional connection and that’s what turns interest into action.

5. Keep Showing Up (Even When It Feels Quiet)
Momentum can feel tricky when engagement dips. Maybe comments slow down, or sales don’t spike the way you hoped. Don’t panic — this is normal.
The key? Consistency.
Post regularly, even if responses feel slow.
Talk about your product in different ways, some people respond to stories, others need clear facts.
Be creative, swap standard posts for videos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or Q&A sessions to keep things fresh.
Momentum isn’t built on viral moments alone, it’s created by showing up, time and time again.

6. Nurture Your Energy Along the Way
Your energy fuels your audience’s excitement, so protecting it is crucial.
Schedule rest breaks to recharge (seriously, your best ideas often arrive away from your desk).
Celebrate small wins, each sale, sign-up, or positive comment is proof you’re making progress.
Lean on your community, share your journey honestly and let your supporters cheer you on.
A launch is a marathon, not a sprint, look after yourself so you can sustain your enthusiasm.

7. Finish Strong (and Celebrate Loudly!)
When your launch window is nearing its end, don’t let the energy fizzle out. Instead:
Add urgency. Use countdowns, ‘last chance’ messages, or limited-time bonuses to encourage action.
Celebrate milestones. Hit a goal? Shout about it! Momentum thrives on positivity.
Show gratitude. Thank your supporters, even if they haven’t purchased, connection goes far beyond sales.
And once it’s all done? Pause. Breathe. Celebrate what you’ve achieved, no matter how big or small. Every step is progress.

10 Questions to Get to Know Your Dream Clients
1. Who are they? What’s their lifestyle like? Are they young creatives setting up their first flat in Brighton? A bold executive seeking a statement piece for their wardrobe? Or perhaps a couple filling their home with art that tells a story?
2. What do they do for work and play? Do they have creative aspirations or a passion for unique design? Are they collectors, entertainers, or weekend gardeners who cherish their tools as much as their plants?
3. What matters to them? Do they value craftsmanship, sustainability, or storytelling? Are they seeking special heirlooms or handmade pieces with a human touch?
4. Where do they live? Are they city dwellers with sleek apartments or countryside dreamers filling a cottage with rustic charm? Understanding their living spaces helps you create pieces that truly belong.
5. What do they wear? Are they drawn to timeless classics or bold fashion statements? Knowing their style can inspire the colours, textures, and designs you choose.
6. Why do they buy? Are they seeking comfort, self-expression, or the joy of gifting something meaningful? Understanding their motivations will guide how you connect with them.
7. When do they buy? Is your work perfect for milestone celebrations, housewarmings, or special holidays? Knowing the right moment helps you tailor your marketing and timing.
8. Where do they shop? Are they browsing bustling craft fairs, discovering gems in independent boutiques, or curating their homes from online marketplaces? Find the places they naturally gather and meet them there.
9. How do they want to feel? Whether it’s empowered, inspired, or comforted — understanding the emotions behind their purchases can help you create pieces that truly connect.
10. What do they cherish most? Are they drawn to keepsakes that tell a story or everyday objects that quietly elevate their lives?

Creativity isn’t always neat and tidy. It doesn’t follow a strict timeline or stick to a carefully drawn map. Instead, it often shows up in surprising ways — in quiet moments, unexpected conversations, or when things don’t go to plan.
So how can we stay open to change and let our creativity blossom naturally? Let’s dive in.

1. Embrace the Wobble
Change can feel uncomfortable — a little wobbly, a little uncertain. But that’s often where the magic begins.
When things shift — whether in your business, your craft, or your personal life — resist the urge to tighten your grip on ‘the way things should be.’ Instead, give yourself permission to sit in that uncertainty for a while.
Maybe a product idea you’ve been working on isn’t quite landing — could you pivot it into something even better?
Perhaps a project has hit a dead end — but what if that’s nudging you towards a fresh direction you hadn’t considered?
Or maybe a missed opportunity is actually making space for something more aligned with your goals.
Trust that the wobble isn’t a sign you’re failing — it’s a sign you’re growing.

2. Follow Curiosity, Not Just Plans
Planning is important — but creativity thrives when we leave space for the unexpected.
Let curiosity lead you down new paths. Try that new material you’ve never worked with before. Experiment with a colour palette that feels a bit wild. Explore a technique that doesn’t quite make sense yet — you never know where it might take you.
Some of the most exciting ideas start as ‘happy accidents.’ What feels like a mistake today could turn into something brilliant tomorrow.
Be willing to explore new trends, techniques, or collaborations — even if they feel out of your comfort zone.
Curiosity doesn’t always deliver instant results, but it has a habit of leading you to places you wouldn’t have reached otherwise.

3. Know That Creativity Doesn’t Always Look Like ‘Work’
Some of your best ideas will arrive when you’re not actively trying to force them.
Creativity often blooms when you give your mind a little breathing room. Taking a walk, gardening, cooking, or even just sitting quietly with a cup of tea can be the perfect space for fresh ideas to sneak in.
Ever had a brilliant idea pop into your head while you’re in the shower or mid-conversation? That’s no accident — it’s your mind connecting dots in the background.
If things aren’t flowing, step away for a while. Creativity isn’t about forcing — it’s about allowing.

4. Welcome the Unexpected
Some of the best creative moments arrive when we let go of control.
Perhaps your business started with one idea, but customer feedback nudged you in a different direction — could that be an opportunity rather than a setback?
Maybe you planned to master one skill, only to discover a new technique that sparks more joy — lean into that!
Staying open to unexpected shifts can unlock ideas far better than the ones we originally imagined.

5. Trust Your Instincts
Creativity often asks us to trust ourselves — to listen to that little voice that whispers, “What if…?”
What if you took your business in a slightly different direction?
What if you tried that bold idea you’ve been sitting on for months?
What if you gave yourself permission to just create, without worrying about how it ‘should’ turn out?
The ideas that tug at your heart — even if they feel a little daring — are often the ones worth exploring.

6. Let It Be Messy
Creativity doesn’t always look pretty in the moment. It’s often chaotic, experimental, and full of twists and turns — and that’s okay.
The sketchbook pages covered in scribbles? That’s part of the process.
The half-finished projects gathering dust? They’re stepping stones to something better.
The moments where things feel tangled and unclear? They’re proof you’re pushing boundaries.
Let go of perfection — creativity flourishes when we give ourselves permission to make a mess and figure things out along the way.

You might just be surprised by what unfolds.

Folk & Bespoke has always been about celebrating small makers, original crafts, and meaningful stories. Now, we’re taking that one step further by giving you a beautiful online space to sell your handmade goods directly to thousands of engaged shoppers.
Our website will be home to a beautiful, curated shopping space where makers like you can showcase and sell their handmade goods directly to people who truly care about buying small, local, and meaningful products.
Why join the shop?
We’re already seeing over 6,000 organic visitors every month. That’s thousands of people choosing to visit our site, browsing handmade, and looking to support creators just like you, not through ads or gimmicks, but because they believe in small, local, and handmade. Now, they can shop directly from independent sellers and that could include you. Whether you’re just starting out, selling seasonally, or ready to grow a full-time craft business, there’s a place for you here.
When you join, you’ll get:
✅ Your own online shopfront on a trusted, curated platform


✅ Flexible, low-commitment plans


✅ Full access to your vendor dashboard to manage listings and orders

✅ Built-in traffic and promotion. The more makers who join, the more people will discover you


✅ Support from a growing community of passionate, like-minded creators

Why sell with us?
 Get discovered by thousands of engaged, craft-loving shoppers
List your products easily with flexible plans for every stage of your business
. Grow your visibility as more vendors join, increasing the buzz and boosting traffic for all
Be part of a movement that supports small makers, creativity, and community. The more creatives we bring together, the more powerful the platform becomes. People can shop directly from you, an independent seller. We’ve built this platform to give you real visibility, real community, and real sales potential.

Choose the plan that fits your journey.
Here’s how you can get started with us:
Starter
Perfect for trying us out or selling seasonally
 £5/month + 5% commission per sale
• List up to 10 products
• Full access to your vendor dashboard
• Great for new or occasional makers

StarterPlus
Ideal for growing your shop and reaching more customers
 £7.50/month + 3% commission per sale
• List up to 50 products
• Lower fees while you grow
• Priority for event opportunities & promotions
• Full dashboard access and vendor support

StallHolder
Best value for active sellers, no commission! 
£10/month + 0% commission per sale
• List unlimited products
• Premium listing on our “StallHolder” page
• Customers contact you directly
• Full access to all selling tools
• Keep 100% of your profits
List unlimited products, track your sales, and join a platform built by makers, for makers.

Vendor Guide to Setting up your shop on Folk & Bespoke

1. Vendor Registration
A. Registering
• Visit the marketplace’s registration page (https://www.folkandbespoke.com/shop-signup/).
• Select your plan.
• Fill in your: NAME, EMAIL, STORE NAME, PASSWORD, THEN SUBMIT THE FORM

Re login at www.folkandbespoke.com/my-account

B. Admin Approval
• Your account will undergo approval.
• You’ll receive an email once your account is activated.


You will then be sent, before approval, through the setup wizard.

2. Vendor Dashboard
After logging in, you’ll see the Dokan Dashboard, where you can:
• View sales & order summaries
• Add/manage products
• Track orders
• Request withdrawals
• Respond to reviews
• Access reports
• Adjust store settings

3. Adding Products
A. Steps to Add a Product
1 Dashboard → Products → Add New Product
2 Enter:
◦ Product Title
◦ Description
◦ Product Type (Simple, Variable, etc.)
◦ Price
◦ Inventory Details
◦ Images (Featured + Gallery)
◦ Categories and Tags
3 Click Publish or Submit for Review (if admin approval is needed).

B. Product Types
• Simple Product: One item, no variations
• Variable Product: Multiple options (e.g. size, colour)
• Downloadable/Virtual Product: No shipping required

C. Inventory Settings
• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
• Stock quantity
• Allow backorders?
• Low stock threshold

D. Shipping Settings (If physical products)
• Weight
• Dimensions
• Shipping class (if enabled by admin)

E. Product Images
• Featured Image: Main product image
• Gallery Images: Additional views

F. Variable Products Setup
1 Choose “Variable Product” in product type.
2 Define Attributes (Add descriptive pieces of information that customers can use to search for this product on your store, such as “Material” or “Size”) Use “|” to separate different values.
3 Create Variations from attributes.
4 Set:
◦ Price
◦ Stock
◦ Image (optional)

4. Managing Existing Products
• Go to Dashboard → Products → Edit
• Update descriptions, prices, stock levels, images, etc.
• You can delete a product if needed.

5. Order Management
• Dashboard → Orders
• View customer info, products purchased, shipping status
• Change order status (Processing, completed, etc.)
• Add tracking numbers (if shipping)

6. Payment Withdrawals
• Dashboard → Withdraw
• Minimum withdrawal limit may apply.
• Add payment method.

7. Coupons (Optional)
If enabled by admin:
• Go to Dashboard → Coupons
• Create custom discount codes.
• Set:
◦ Discount type
◦ Usage limits
◦ Expiry date

8. Reviews
• Monitor customer reviews under Dashboard → Reviews
• Reply to reviews or flag issues to admin.

9. Store Settings
Go to Dashboard → Settings to update:
• Store name & description
• Store logo & banner
• Contact info
• Social media links
• Store opening/closing times (if enabled)
• Return and shipping policy

10. Tips for Success
• Use clear product titles and high-quality images.
• Keep inventory updated to avoid cancellations.
• Create coupons and participate in site-wide promotions.
• Respond promptly to customer queries and reviews.

Thank you for being part of the Folk & Bespoke journey. Let’s create something fantastic together.
P.S. Have questions before signing up? Email: support@folkandbespoke.com

To start setting up your shop, please visit:
https://www.folkandbespoke.com/shop/
Go to the home page, then click on “sellers list on our shop” and then select your platform and off you go!!!

Any queries, email: support@folkandbespoke.com
Good luck. Katy x

The Power of the Personal
Big companies thrive on volume, consistency, and efficiency. They mass-produce, streamline, and replicate. Handmade businesses, on the other hand, thrive on connection. When someone buys a handcrafted item, they’re not just purchasing a product; they’re bringing home a piece of someone’s time, care, and creativity. They get a story along with the item—where it came from, how it was made, and who made it.
That personal touch is irreplaceable. It’s why people will pay more for a sweater that a local artisan spent hours knitting rather than a machine-made one from a department store. The imperfections, the variations, the very humanness of handmade work make it valuable.
Quality Over Quantity
Big companies operate on scale—they make thousands, sometimes millions, of the same item. Handmade businesses operate on intention. Each item is crafted with care, designed to last, and often made with higher-quality materials than mass-produced goods.
A handmade ceramic plate won’t cost the same as a factory-made set of dinnerware. But it also won’t be tossed aside in a year when it chips. Instead, it will be loved, repaired, and cherished because it means something beyond its function.
Community and Sustainability
Supporting handmade businesses is also about supporting a different way of doing business—one that values people and the planet over mass production. Many handmade brands use sustainable materials, small-batch production, and ethical practices. They’re part of a slower, more thoughtful economy where relationships matter more than bottom lines.
Customers of handmade businesses aren’t just consumers; they’re community members. They interact with makers, follow their creative journeys, and feel a sense of belonging. That’s something a big corporation simply can’t replicate.
Embracing the Unique
Big brands chase trends, but handmade businesses set them. When you’re not trying to please the masses, you have the freedom to create something truly original. Handmade goods have soul because they reflect the artist’s vision, not a boardroom’s strategy.
And customers? They’re drawn to the unique. In a world where fast fashion, mass production, and uniformity reign, handmade offers something refreshingly different—something made just for them.
The Handmade Future
Handmade businesses don’t need to compete with big companies because they’re playing a different game altogether. They aren’t about being the cheapest or the fastest. They’re about authenticity, artistry, and heart.
So, to the makers out there: Keep carving, knitting, weaving, painting, and sewing. Keep telling your stories through your hands. There’s a place for you, always.
And to those who love handmade? Keep choosing it. Keep supporting it. Because in every handmade piece, there’s a little bit of magic—and magic never goes out of style.
10 Practical Tips to Grow Your Business from Fellow Entrepreneurs
Running a business is equal parts passion, persistence, and a little bit of magic. While every entrepreneur’s journey is unique, some lessons transcend industry and experience. We reached out to a mix of seasoned founders and fresh-faced risk-takers to gather their most practical, field-tested tips for growing a business. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Embrace Continuous Learning
The most successful entrepreneurs never stop learning. Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and be open to fresh ideas. Read books, take courses, and learn from both successes and failures.
2. Take Action
Ideas are only as good as the execution behind them. Stop overthinking and start doing. Progress comes from taking steps—no matter how small—towards your goals every day.
3. Set Clear Goals and Reflect
Define where you want to go and create a roadmap to get there. Regularly reflect on your progress, celebrate wins, and adjust your strategy when needed.
4. Think About Your ‘Why’
A strong purpose fuels persistence. When challenges arise, reconnect with why you started your business in the first place. Your ‘why’ keeps you grounded and motivated.
5. Prioritise Self-Care
Your business thrives when you do. Avoid burnout by setting boundaries, getting enough rest, and taking care of your physical and mental well-being.
6. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People
Growth isn’t a solo journey. Build a network of supportive, ambitious individuals who inspire and challenge you. The right circle can push you further than you’d go alone.
7. Be Selective in Listening to Feedback
Not all advice is worth following. Learn to filter constructive feedback from noise. Trust your instincts and take guidance from those who understand your vision.
8. Manage Your Time Effectively
Time is your most valuable asset. Prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and eliminate distractions. A well-structured day leads to more productivity and better results.
9. Get Feedback In Person
Online feedback is useful, but face-to-face conversations provide deeper insights. Engage with customers and peers in real time to better understand their needs and perspectives.
10. Take Action Every Day
Consistency is key. Even small, incremental actions add up over time. Keep moving forward, no matter how big or small the step.

Spreading the Word: Let People Know Where to Find You
In the run-up to your market, make sure your customers, followers, and local community know where you’ll be!
• Share a post with location-specific hashtags (try searching for hashtags that match your area, e.g. #EssexMarkets).
• Give customers the option to order online and collect in person with free delivery.
• Offer something special at your stall—perhaps a personalisation option or a meet-and-greet moment.
• Add your stall details to your newsletters, emails, and social posts.
• Create Facebook events for each of your market days and invite your friends and family.
• On the day, post first thing in the morning tagging your location so people nearby can find you easily.

Make Your Stall Stand Out: Add Height & Layers
Your stall is a blank canvas—bring it to life! Think beyond a flat display and get creative:
• Use crates, wooden planks, or upcycled boxes to create different levels.
• Look around your home for baskets, jugs, or even painted food tins to add charm.
• If you’re investing in display pieces, collapsible cube shelving is a great, space-saving option.
• Avoid overcrowding—your stall should feel curated and inviting, not cluttered!

Bring an Experience to Your Stall
Make your stall more than just a shop—give people a reason to stop and engage!
• Spin to win or a lucky dip.
• A fun guessing game (e.g., ‘How many stitches in this piece?’).
• Samples or sweet treats attached to flyers.
• A mini raffle or surprise gifts inside packaging. A little interactive element can spark conversations and leave a lasting impression.

Collect Customer Emails (Your Future Sales Depend on It!)
Markets aren’t just about sales—they’re about connections!
• Have an email sign-up option available (QR codes linking to a sign-up form work well).
• Offer a small incentive: ‘Leave your email and be in with a chance to win a gift!’
• If using a card reader, offer emailed receipts with an opt-in to your mailing list.
• Make sure your sign-up process is GDPR-compliant.
•
Connect with Fellow Stallholders
Markets are an amazing networking opportunity! Before the event:
• Find out who else will be there and follow them on socials.
• Set yourself a goal to introduce yourself to every stallholder on the day.
• Share tips, insights, and maybe even plan future collaborations!

Engage with Every Visitor
A simple hello can make all the difference!
• Greet every person who stops by your stall (even if they seem shy!).
• Have a few easy icebreaker questions ready, like: ‘Have you ever tried this before?’ or ‘I make everything in my little home studio!’
• Share a bit of your story—people love knowing the heart behind a brand.

Use the Market as a Research Tool
Markets are invaluable for learning what your customers love!
• Ask your stall neighbours if your display clearly communicates what you sell.
• Listen to customer reactions—what catches their eye first?
• Track which products get the most attention and which questions people ask.
• Use this insight to refine your product descriptions and marketing!

Encourage Future Orders & Repeat Customers
Think beyond the market day and plant the seeds for future sales!
• Offer to post gifts on behalf of customers (e.g., ‘Order a birthday present today, and we’ll wrap and send it for you!’).
• Take pre-orders for upcoming releases or special editions.
• Include a flyer in every bag promoting a future collection or sale.
• Provide a discount code for their next purchase to encourage repeat business.

Follow Up with Customers After the Event
Keep the conversation going after market day!
• Send a follow-up email to everyone who signed up: ‘It was lovely to meet you at [Market Name]! Here’s a little thank-you…’
• Set up an automated email series sharing more about your brand’s story.
• Offer a small discount or a request for feedback to keep engagement high.

Market Day Essentials: What to Bring
Be prepared for anything! Pack these essentials:
• A mirror (if customers might try things on).
• Wear your products if possible!
• Comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Snacks & plenty of water.
• Bags or packaging for purchases.
• Business cards or QR codes linking to your socials/website.
• A pen (you’ll always need one!).
• Flyers with discount codes to track market sales.
• A card reader (SumUp and Zettle are popular choices).
• Cash & spare change (rounded pricing makes this easier!).
• A mini emergency kit: tape, cable ties, scissors, safety pins, paracetamol, hand cream, hand gel, string.

When it comes to improving your website, simplicity is key. The goal? Make your website effortless for visitors to read, navigate, and shop without distractions.
 A smooth journey on your site should feel intuitive. If it’s tough to find what they want, they won’t stick around. And let’s face it—people’s patience is thin. It’s up to you to ensure they can easily discover what you offer and make a purchase or enquiry with minimal effort.
The moment someone lands on your homepage, they should immediately grasp what you do and who your products or services are for. Fun fact: The average visitor spends less than 6 seconds deciding if they’ll stick around. So, make that first impression count with clear imagery and a strong message about who you are and what you provide.
Create a simple, straightforward navigation menu with clear categories like Home, Shop, Blog, About, and Contact. Avoid confusing labels or overcrowding. Simplicity is clarity—help your visitors find their way without the hassle.
If you run an e-commerce site, make it a breeze for people to shop. A “SHOP” heading should be easily visible, with well-lit product images and concise descriptions. If you want people to reach out for commissions or inquiries, simply say “Contact Me” and link it to your email.
Break up large text blocks with short paragraphs, relevant sub-headings, and bullet points to make content easy on the eyes. Add imagery to make reading a pleasant experience.
Want to know how your website truly feels? Ask a friend or colleague to test it out. Observe how they interact with your site without interrupting. Ask them for honest feedback:
• Did they find what they were looking for?
• Was the process clear and easy?
• Were there any steps that confused them?
Remember, a user-friendly site is not only better for your visitors, it boosts your Google ranking too! Search engines prioritize websites that are easy to navigate, so make sure your site meets those expectations.
2. Images Make All the Difference
. Great images don’t just make your website look good—they help attract your ideal clients, showcase your expertise, and can even boost your sales.
Your images should reflect the quality of your work. Whether you’re showcasing the fine details of your creations or the beauty of your materials, high-quality images will make all the difference.
Capture close-ups of your items—showcase textures, colors, and craftsmanship.
If you can, invest in professional photography. It’s an investment that often pays for itself quickly. But if that’s not in the budget, try to take the best photos you can, using tips on lighting, backgrounds, and angles.
Did you know images also help your SEO? Properly optimized images can bring more visitors to your site. Here’s how:
• Use descriptive file names (e.g., “handmade-ceramic-mug.jpg” rather than “IMG1234.jpg”).
• Add Alt text to each image, making sure to include keywords relevant to the image.
• Resize images to prevent slow loading times, which can harm both your user experience and SEO.
A well-optimized image makes your site more likely to appear in search results, increasing your chances of being found by potential customers.
3. Define Your Voice
. What do you want your website to communicate about you and your work? Your tone of voice matters—it’s a powerful way to express your brand’s personality and connect with your audience.
Do you want to come across as friendly and approachable? Or perhaps more polished and professional? Your website’s voice should reflect the essence of your business.
Think about the words you use and the feeling you want to evoke. For example:
• If you’re aiming for a fun, casual vibe, let your personality shine in product descriptions.
• If you’re positioning yourself as an expert, share in-depth knowledge about your work.
The words you choose can make or break a connection with potential clients. Consider the language they would use and make sure to speak to them in a way they relate to.
Also, think about how your website is laid out. The font should complement your brand, be readable, and consistent throughout your site. Fonts can make a huge difference in your website’s usability—so keep them simple and clear!
4. Boost Visibility with Keywords in Your URLs. 
Don’t underestimate the power of your URLs—they’re vital for helping potential customers find your site through search engines. The trick is to use the right keywords to make your pages more discoverable.
Here’s how:
• When creating new pages or blog posts, make sure the URL includes relevant keywords.
• If you offer commissions, include a dedicated page with specific keywords like “personalised-wedding-stationery”.
Including location-based keywords in your URLs is essential for local businesses. This helps potential customers find you when they’re searching for specific services in their area.
This simple step can significantly improve your site’s SEO and traffic.
5. Keep Track of Your Website’s Performance
. Understanding how your website is performing is essential for long-term growth. Review your numbers regularly to keep track of how visitors interact with your site.
Here’s a simple SEO tip: Pages with a word count of at least 250 tend to rank better. So if you’re looking to improve a product or service page, aim for longer descriptions. Use relevant keywords throughout your content, such as the materials, colors, or uses of your product.
Google Analytics (or a similar tool) is essential for tracking your website’s performance. Monitor where your visitors come from, what pages they visit most, and how long they stay.
Also, pay attention to conversion rates. A typical website conversion rate is 2.5-3%. To achieve your sales goals, you’ll need to attract a steady flow of traffic. Adjust your marketing efforts—whether it’s through SEO, social media, or email—to drive more people to your site.
6. Add Value to Keep Visitors Coming Back. 
Your website should offer value. Don’t just sell your products—share knowledge, inspire, and engage your audience. Think about what draws your ideal customers in and keeps them interested.
When writing product descriptions, go beyond the basics. Share stories about your inspiration, ideas for how customers can use your products, and suggestions for complementary items. Create a connection by using emotive, descriptive language.

1. Give Your Existing Clients a Heads-Up
Professionalism goes a long way. Before raising your prices, let your existing clients know in advance. You don’t owe them a detailed explanation for the increase, but providing a heads-up builds trust and transparency.
You’ll be surprised—this can actually lead to more sales! Clients may act quickly to place an order before prices go up, or simply be reminded of your work and decide to purchase. It’s a clever little tactic that businesses use to boost sales.

2. Start with New Clients
If you’re hesitant about increasing prices across the board, start by raising your rates for new clients. This can be a smoother transition, especially if you offer a creative service like design or consulting.
Since services are harder to compare than products, it’s often easier to raise your design fees or hourly rates without much pushback. Keep existing clients on your older rates, and gradually introduce the new prices for fresh business.

3. Increase Prices in January
January is a prime time to raise your prices, especially if your business costs have gone up—think rising material costs or inflation. It’s common for businesses to raise their prices by a percentage at the start of the year, and no one bats an eye.
Another smart move: hold a sale to clear out old stock before you increase your prices. This gives your clients a last chance to buy at the current rates, while you prep for a profitable new season.

4. Discontinue Old Stock and Launch a New Collection
Sometimes the best way to raise your prices is to refresh your offerings. Discontinue products that are slow sellers or not as profitable, and focus on creating a new collection that speaks to your core audience.
Research your bestsellers and make sure you’re prioritising the most profitable items. Once you’ve streamlined your collection, relaunch at a higher price point. You’ll not only clear space but also create excitement for new designs.
Reach out to previous clients to inform them of the changes, and encourage them to snatch up the old stock before it’s gone!

5. Align Your Branding & Photography with Your Price Positioning
Ever wonder why some people can charge more than you? The answer often lies in their brand presence and how they present their work. High-quality branding and photography make a huge difference in how potential clients perceive your products.
A polished, professional image boosts the perceived value of your work, making it easier to justify a higher price. Think about how your online presence reflects your brand and pricing. A fresh photoshoot or revamped website could be all you need to elevate your business.

6. Sell in the Right Places
Where you sell plays a significant role in what you can charge. Pricing is relative—what’s considered expensive in one space may not be in another.
If you’re selling high-end, luxury pieces on platforms like Etsy or at local craft markets, you might be limiting your potential. Positioning yourself in the right environment, such as galleries or premium online boutiques, can justify higher prices.
Do some research into where your ideal clients shop and position yourself accordingly. It’s not just about where you sell—it’s about being where your target audience values your work.

7. Get More Confident. Stop Undercharging!
One of the biggest hurdles to increasing your prices is simply making the decision that you’re worth it. If you struggle to charge what you’re worth, it’s time to build your confidence.
Many creatives undercharge for a variety of reasons, but you can break this cycle. If you need a little guidance, I highly recommend the book Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny. It’s a game-changer for shifting your mindset about money and worth.
Remember, the more confident you are in your pricing, the more your clients will believe in the value of what you offer.

8. Your Clients Might Actually Like It When You Charge More
Here’s a surprising truth: some clients actually like it when you raise your prices. If your work appeals to collectors or high-end buyers, they may see the price increase as a sign that your work is gaining value. Their collection is appreciating, and they get to say they supported you early on.
A price increase can build exclusivity, especially when collectors know they’ve secured your work at a lower price before it became more sought-after. So, while raising your rates might make you nervous, it could also solidify your standing as a sought-after creative.