Focus on What Really Moves the Needle
Running a handmade business is a journey full of highs and lows, and sometimes, it can feel like you’re just… stuck. You’re working hard, but the growth you’re hoping for isn’t happening. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: it’s often not about working harder; it’s about working smarter.
Let’s look at a few common reasons handmade business owners get stuck and how you can redirect your efforts to move forward with clarity and purpose.
1. You’re Stuck in Busy Work
When you’re wearing all the hats, it’s easy to get caught up in endless tasks that feel productive but don’t actually push your business forward. Ask yourself, “What’s actually moving the needle?” Are you spending hours tweaking website design elements or managing tedious tasks that aren’t adding up to sales?
Quick Tip: Focus on high-impact activities like creating new products, improving customer experience, and streamlining your sales process. Sometimes, busy work is just a distraction from what really matters.
2. You Don’t Have a Customer Follow-Up Strategy
Many handmade sellers think of email as just another sales channel, but it’s so much more than that. Emails can help you build relationships, create loyalty, and keep your customers engaged over time. If you’re not following up with customers after their purchase or sending them relevant content, you’re missing a huge opportunity to turn one-time buyers into loyal fans.
Get Started with Follow-Up: Implement a simple follow-up sequence that includes a thank-you email, product care tips, or even a special offer for repeat buyers. The goal is to build trust and keep your brand top-of-mind, so your customers think of you first when they’re ready to buy again.
3. You’re Avoiding the Hard Stuff
We all have tasks we know we should do but keep putting off. Maybe it’s launching that new offer, setting up email marketing, or creating a wholesale catalog. The truth? These tasks often feel challenging because they’re the ones that push us out of our comfort zone—but they’re also the ones that can make a real impact.
Pro Tip: Break down your big goals into small, manageable steps and tackle them one by one. If email marketing feels overwhelming, start with just one welcome email. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time—just take the first step.
Real Talk: Are You Spending Too Much Time on Non-Essentials?
I’ve been there, too—spending hours tweaking details that don’t actually drive sales. Today I spent way too long debating whether my “Add to Cart” button should be black or white. (For the record, black converted 3x better for me!) Maybe you’re caught up updating website images or creating forms instead of focusing on what really matters.
Ask yourself: Are these tasks making a noticeable difference? If not, it’s time to focus on higher-impact activities that will actually move your business forward.
Where Do You Feel Most Stuck?
Sometimes, getting unstuck is as simple as asking the right questions. Where in your business are you hitting roadblocks? Is it content creation, email marketing, or something else entirely? Share your challenges in the comments below—let’s tackle them together!
P.S. If email marketing is your biggest hurdle, I’ve got a cheatsheet that breaks down quick, actionable steps to get you started. Let’s turn that stuck feeling into momentum and start building the business you envision.
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