Learn about Marketing Your Home Based Sewing Business
Marketing your home based sewing business doesn’t have to be elaborate, but you do have to make a concerted effort to get it done. Don’t think that your beautiful creations are enough to have customers beating down your door. The most skilled seamstress will fail at business if they don’t create and implement a marketing plan. Here’s how to market your home based sewing business:
Wear Your Clothing
Don’t wear store bought clothing when you attend events or regular meetings. Where what you sew, as long as it’s appropriate. Look for opportunities to tell people that you sewed what you’re wearing. Discretion is called for, because you don’t want to appear arrogant or vain. However, if someone pays you a compliment on your clothes, thank them, mention that you sewed it and give your elevator pitch (what your business is about). If someone asks you what you do, explain that you own a home based sewing business and casually inform them that you sewed what you’re wearing. It goes without saying that you should only wear quality clothing that highlights your best work. This means you’ll have to schedule time to sew for yourself, and not just your customers.
Network with Store Owners
Every fabric and arts and crafts store owner within 50 miles of where you live should know who you are, and have several of your business cards. Customers looking for a business like yours will call these owners for referrals. You need to network with these store owners often, so that they remember to refer you. They may invite you to co-market with them, such as asking you to teach a sewing class that features their sewing supplies or machines.
Teach Workshops
Teach basic and advanced sewing skills at your local community college or adult learning program. Turn your students into customers, by teaching an informative class that demonstrates your skills and abilities. Don’t think that they’ll just want to sew their own projects after you’ve taught them. There are some projects that they won’t be able to handle, or someone they know might ask them for a referral. Teaching them puts you at the top of their mind and leaves a lasting impression.
Online Portfolio
Reach a global audience with a website that showcases pictures of your sewing projects, products and services you offer. It’s not difficult to set up a website or blog using WordPress, and there are free tutorials online to help walk you through it step by step. Take pictures with a digital camera, or if you’re selling supplies, you should be able to obtain permission to use photos from the manufacturer’s website. Write a caption for each photo, using search engine optimization techniques to help potential customers find your portfolio.
These are tried and true ways to effectively market a home based sewing business. Master these basics before trying advanced marketing techniques.
