If you don’t want to be the only one buying your products you need to figure out your target audience! Figuring out your target audience isn’t necessarily about “crafting” your product around certain people, it’s about figuring out who to market to; in essence, the people who will totally dig your creations!
The tricky thing about being emerged head first into the world of crafts is figuring out your niche. A niche in the craft world can be very narrow (hummingbirds only please), or very broad (anything turquoise). Which niche are you in? Chances are that once you figure that out, you can start to narrow down who the buyers will be.
Another place to start is with checking out the competition. Even in our bubbly, sunny, handmade world, competition still exists. Competition is a healthy part of any business (and life!) Thankfully, I’ve found the handmade realm to be very welcoming, with friendly competition and helping hands. Extend a hello to the other crafters in your niche. Networking is priceless – and a lot fun! Head on over to craft related forums to get started. Who said networking had to be dull? There’s always something fun going on anywhere that crafty people gather.
Don’t forget to check out your offline resources. It can be easy to forget about the audience you already know, your friends and family. It is definitely worth your time to explore those who are already into your creations. Networking with friends and family couldn’t be any more natural. Show off your latest creations to them. If they are part of your target audience, they will be sure to spread the world about your wonderful new print, scarf, or necklace.
Beware of trends. Currently woodland animals and cupcakes are all the rage. Maybe that fits with your craft, maybe not. The thing with trends is that they can come and go so fast; they shouldn’t be something you’re constantly chasing. Sure, jumping on the bandwagon can be fun, but you don’t need to hop on every wagon that rolls on by. Trends can be fun but they don’t always help you understand your target audience – and that’s the ultimate goal.
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