Easy Home Business Tips #1 - More online sales!

I believe that starting an online business—whether it's in pottery, sewing, or any other creative craft—is a bit like taking that first step on the pottery wheel or threading the needle for the first time. You have all the tools, the vision, and the passion, but you’re not quite sure how to turn it into something that draws people in and gets them excited to buy. I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can feel, but in my experience, boosting online sales isn't about complicated strategies or fancy tricks—it’s about being genuine, creative, and consistent.

When I first dipped my toes into the world of selling online, I quickly learned that your website is the heart of your business. It’s your digital shopfront. I remember the early days of my own journey, staring at my website and thinking, "Is this enough to get people to stick around?" And honestly, it wasn’t at first. I soon realized that a great website is like a well-thrown pot—it needs to be smooth, polished, and ready for use. Your products might be amazing, but if the photos are dim, or the navigation is clunky, it’s like serving soup in a mug with a crack. People will turn away.

I believe that taking the time to present your work beautifully online is just as important as the crafting itself. High-quality photos aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. I’ve found that when people see your products in natural light, styled in real-life settings, they begin to imagine them in their own homes. That’s when the magic happens—when your mug is no longer just a mug, but part of their morning coffee ritual.

Social media has been a game changer for me, and I believe it’s the secret weapon for any small business starting out. Instagram and Pinterest, in particular, are where I really found my voice and connected with potential customers. When you show the behind-the-scenes moments—like a bowl coming off the wheel or the final stitch on a custom tote bag—it’s like inviting people into your workshop. They’re not just seeing a product; they’re seeing your story. In my experience, this kind of connection turns followers into loyal customers. People love the authenticity of watching your process unfold.

I remember once posting a short Instagram reel of me glazing a batch of mugs. It was a simple, quiet moment, but the response was incredible. People commented on how relaxing it was to watch and how much they appreciated seeing the work that goes into each piece. That one video didn’t just sell a few mugs—it sold the experience, the craft, and the passion behind the product. That’s the power of storytelling, and I believe that’s what makes a small business stand out online.

Now, when it comes to influencers, I used to think this was only for big brands with deep pockets. But in my experience, it’s about finding the right people—those who love handmade goods as much as you do. When I reached out to smaller, niche influencers—people like @thefoldline, who are passionate about sewing, or @potterybyeric, who has an eye for beautiful ceramics—I noticed something shift. Their audiences trust their recommendations, and when they talk about your work, it feels personal, like a friend sharing their favourite find. That kind of recommendation is gold.

So, what’s the takeaway here? I believe the key to boosting your online sales lies in showing up consistently and authentically. People aren’t just buying a product—they’re buying into your passion, your story, and the care you put into every piece. In my experience, when you weave that passion into every part of your online presence, sales will follow.

And here’s the motto I live by: Build your brand like you build your craft—slowly, carefully, and with a little love in every step. That’s what will keep your customers coming back for more.

I believe that finding the right influencers to follow can make all the difference when you’re trying to build your online presence and boost sales. From my experience, these are the voices that have helped countless small business owners like myself gain traction, and they’re well worth keeping an eye on.

• @thefoldline – If you’re in the sewing business, you need to follow these ladies. They’re passionate about creating sewing communities, reviewing patterns, and sharing ideas that inspire makers everywhere. Their feed is filled with tips, project ideas, and a ton of motivation. Check them out here: @thefoldline.

  
  

• @potterybyeric – For anyone in the pottery world, Eric is your guy. He brings a real warmth and authenticity to his feed, showcasing his process and the thought that goes into each piece. His behind-the-scenes videos are perfect for pottery lovers, and following him will give you some great ideas on how to present your work online. Visit his profile here: @potterybyeric.

  
  

• @theindigokitchen – While their feed is primarily about food, the way they style and photograph handmade ceramics is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a perfect example of how your pottery could be showcased in real-life settings. Their following is a mix of food lovers and homeware enthusiasts, which makes this account a goldmine for ceramic makers. You can follow them here: @theindigokitchen.

  
  

Now, if you’re looking for some further reading to inspire you and guide you through the process of building a successful creative business, I’ve found a few gems that are available on Amazon. These books are great companions for anyone who’s serious about growing their business:

1. "The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and Online" by Kari Chapin – This book is an absolute must for anyone in the handmade industry. Kari walks you through everything from branding to marketing strategies that actually work. You can find it here.

   
   

2. "Craft a Life You Love: Infusing Creativity, Fun & Intention into Your Everyday" by Amy Tangerine – If you’re looking for more than just business advice and want to really build a creative life, this is your go-to. It’s an inspiring read about balancing creativity and entrepreneurship. You can check it out here.

   
   

3. "Grow Your Handmade Business: How to Envision, Develop, and Sustain a Successful Creative Business" by Kari Chapin – Another one from Kari, this dives deeper into the business side of things—perfect for when you’re ready to take your small business to the next level. Take a look here.

   
   

In my experience, combining the wisdom from these books with the inspiration you’ll get from following the right influencers can truly take your business to new heights. It’s all about learning, connecting, and pushing your creative limits. Happy reading, and good luck growing your business! Drop me a line anytime if you have any questions!