Shopping local is all the rage these days, but did you know it can benefit your handmade business as well? Promoting your connection with handmade businesses in your city and state can attract more media attention and lead to more a satisfied customer base. Here are the top five reasons to focus on location for your crafty company.
1. To Be More Visible on Etsy (and other sites)
It’s recommended that you set your location when selling on Etsy for a few reasons. First, buyers can filter Etsy results to search locally, giving your items more exposure online. If a buyer needs a product right away, you can even offer local pick-up or meet them in a public place! There’s also the fact that some shoppers prefer to buy locally because it keeps their money within the community. Finally, setting your location gives online buyers a sense of security. When an Etsy shop does not have a location set, the buyer might be hesitant to purchase from that seller and look elsewhere.
2. To Be Found by Retail Stores
Many retail shops and boutiques search online for new vendors, so having a location set can increase the chance of them contacting you. For example, several consignment stores have asked to carry my jewelry specifically because we’re in the same city. They’ve found me through my Etsy shop, at local craft fairs, and at wholesale shows. Being close to the stores you sell at is also convenient for restocking your items, picking up checks, and doing trunk shows.
3. For Local Press
Bloggers, newspapers, and other press love to interview and feature nearby crafty business owners. Making your city or state known will attract media, especially if you make location-themed items (like my acrylic state jewelry). Showing pride in your hometown is always appreciated!
4. For Selling Large Items
If you’re selling items that are rather large, having your location visible is a must. This will help shoppers know if delivery of your item is possible where they live and give them a shipping cost estimate. For example, if you are selling handmade wooden desks in Europe, the shipping costs may be quite high if you’re sending a piece to America. Make sure your potential customers have all of the information they need from the beginning. Also, be specific with your shipping methods- many sellers of large items (like furniture or paintings) send their products via bus service and the customer must collect their purchase from the terminal. Providing all these details up front will prevent any mishaps and confusion in the end.
5. To Get Invited to Events
Staying in the “loop” is essential to forming a local network of business associates and friends. Having your city or state visible will increase the likelihood that you get event invitations. Also consider joining networking groups on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms to make sure you stay up-to-date on current events in your town.
But do keep in mind…
Unless you are inviting the public to shop at your studio or workspace, you should probably keep your actual physical business address private on Facebook and other sites.
What kind of amazing opportunities have you gotten from thinking local?
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