Writing Prompt: Write a Post about a new pattern or project you’re working on.
Way back when I still sold crochet on Etsy and Handmadeology was just a new start up I came across Tara Gentile’s ‘52 Weeks of
Blogging‘ eBook. (via an email from Tim Adams) It gives crafty people 52 different topics to write about for the year. It takes the guessing out of your next blog post. Not sure if she still sells that but you can take a peek at her website - Tara Gentile.
In that eBook there are topics like showcasing your crafty space, highlighting your design efforts, and other similar ideas. The point is, give your customers – readers – a look-see. Imagine yourself in a little workshop and you have tourists coming by to check out your craft.
- How do you make it?
- What inspires you?
- Is it all fun?
- What’s the business side of it?
- Why do you use the yarn you use?
- Why do you select the colors you do?
- Do you make mistakes?
- What do you like most about your business?
- What do you like least?
Now, it’s been a while since I read this (not sure if I even have it after my computer crash fiasco) so I’m not sure whether these are exact topics she suggests but it is the general idea.
The uniqueness about you is what you need to get across to your readers. Remember – this is what sets you apart from everyone else out there that sells crochet – YOUR UNIQUENESS – so let it shine.
Today you will give your readers a little view into your crafting world. You don’t have to reveal trade secrets or anything – just let them know the “why” behind what you do. A great example of this is a small non-profit business – Krochet Kids. These guys started crocheting hats as young adults. This grew into a non-profit that helps others – specifically, women and families in Uganda.
krochetkids.org
The one thing that has always drawn me into the Krochet Kids business model is 1) helping others and 2) transparency. They take you along for the ride. They invite you into the lives of the ladies who crochet your hat. You share their struggles and their successes. You are an observer but you are also a participator.
You can choose to buy a hat anywhere, why do you buy it from them? It is the story. It is the opportunity to help change a life.
This, dear crochet business bloggers is your goal. Be personal-able. Be transparent. Be Honest. Be Real. Be YOU.
What Does All This Have to Do with Crochet Business Blogging?
Simple. It is how you build your relationship with your readers and customers. You can do this with social media in small sound bites but it is your blog that will resonate with people. It is your blog that will share your story. It is your blog that will capture the history of your business.
Within your story – you don’t even have to put a link to your shop although it might work into your story at some point. People will be so captivated with your story that they will seek your shop out. (doesn’t mean you can’t have a convenient link to your shop on your blog)
They will want to see what you make. They will visit your shop. They will take your class. They will buy your pattern. See how that works? No pushy sales letter – just a story that invites them into your life.
About Sara Duggan
You are so right Sara. When people read your story and like you, they will want to know more about you and seek out how to find that information. Give them a good way to do that. We like people we relate to and what better way than to tell them our story. Then listen as they tell you theirs, because they will.
Stories have always been what people relate to. It’s important to know yours so that you can tell it. I like how you added ‘Listen’ because that too is important.