Looking for ideas to market your craft business? Take a look at these 21 ideas to kick start your business promotion and marketing plan.

1. Advertise at local craft or gift shops
    
2. List your business in relevant directories or catalogs
   • And your website in online directories
      
3. Write articles and sell to magazines
   • How-to and projects/patterns are a great way to get your name in a magazine
      
4. Offer Coupons
   • Offers such as discounts on orders or free shipping are great ways to encourage browsers to turn into buyers. Coupons also encourage other websites to mention your business and add a link to your site.
      
5. Online advertising
   • If you plan to do some online marketing, one great way to accomplish this is through online advertising programs such as Google's AdWords and Yahoo's Advertising solutions.
   • Text-based contextual ads bring targeted visitors to your site based on keywords that you select. There is no better visitor than one that is targeted to your specific content!
      
6. Publish a free e-book for visitors to your site
    
7. Purchase a booth at a craft mall
   • Include advertising flyers for visitors to take with them (be sure to check with the booth regulations to be sure there are no restrictions on advertising)
      
8. Purchase ads in local newspapers or magazines
    
9. Offer free craft classes
   • Either online or in-person
      
10. Create business cards
    • Include your website and email addresses
    • Add a call to action right on the card. (Example: Use this card for 10% off.) Give a code for online purchases then you can track your response rate.
       
11. Offer a newsletter
    • A newsletter is a great way to keep communication going between you and your potential customers. You can market your products or services, provide offers to enhance purchases and provide links to news and announcements on your site, gaining return traffic you might not otherwise have had.
    • Be sure to include an opt-out option on all your communication.
       
12. Create a blog
    • A blog is an inexpensive way to encourage repeat visitors to your site. Write concise, interesting, and informative articles about topics that relate to your niche market.
    • It is a great way to get your name out and encourage trust in your business.
    • Many free blog programs are available, try a web search to find one that fits your needs.
       
13. Donate finished crafts to charity events / auctions
    • Include your business name and website address with your item.
       
14. Write press releases introducing your business and new product introductions
     
15. Gather customer testimonials
    • Display with your product information and on the homepage of your website.
       
16. Conduct a direct mail campaign
    • Drive traffic to your website or craft booth by  providing product or company information to existing and potential customers via direct mail. 
       
17. Include your business information on all forms of communication with potential and existing customers (email, voicemail, printed invoices, etc.)
     
18. Add specific benefits to all your product literature and website pages
    • Be specific about each individual product.
    • People buy products for results. What is it going to do for them? What need does it fulfill?
       
19. Be prompt with responses to customer questions and complaints
    • And market your stellar customer service to new customers (again, provide testimonials to back up your claims).
       
20. Publish company information on your website
    • Let people know who is behind the business
       
21. Build a professional image that showcases the brand image you want for your business
    • Use this representation in all types of communication: letterhead, faxes, website, emails, business card, etc.

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