Gain the Confidence to Share Your Creations and Connect with Your Audience
As a handmade seller, you probably feel deeply connected to the things you create. Every product is a part of you, and that can make it tough to put yourself out there and share your work with the world. What if no one likes it? What if you fail? These thoughts can hold you back, but the truth is, the only way to grow is to step out of your comfort zone and let people see your creations.
Putting yourself out there doesn’t mean you have to be perfect or have everything figured out. It’s about showing up authentically and letting people connect with the person behind the products. Let’s explore how you can overcome the fear of rejection, build confidence, and share your handmade business with the world.
Imagine having a community of loyal customers who love your work, simply because you had the courage to put yourself out there and share your story.
Here are some tips and real-world examples from my own journey as a handmade seller that can help you confidently take the next step.
Tip 1: Start with Small, Manageable Steps
If the idea of putting yourself out there feels overwhelming, start small. You don’t have to launch a massive marketing campaign or post on every social media platform. Choose one area to focus on, whether it’s sharing a new product on Instagram, setting up a local pop-up shop, or simply talking about your business with friends and family.
Real-World Example: When I first started my handmade cosmetics brand, Orglamix I was hesitant to post about it on social media. I felt vulnerable. But I decided to start small, sharing behind-the-scenes photos of me making the products on Facebook Groups, which was brand new at the time ( going way back to 2010 here). Over time, those small, consistent posts led to more engagement, and people began to reach out, curious about my products. By focusing on manageable steps, I gained the confidence to expand my marketing, translating to over 20,000 sales on Etsy my first year.
Tip: Pick one small action that feels doable and commit to it. Over time, these small steps build momentum and confidence.
Tip 2: Embrace Imperfection
Perfectionism can be a major roadblock when it comes to putting yourself out there. As handmade sellers, we often think everything has to be flawless before we show it to the world. But the truth is, your audience is looking for connection, not perfection. Sharing the imperfect parts of your journey can make your brand more relatable and human.
Real-World Example: When I was creating a new line of soaps, I worried they weren’t perfect enough to launch because I did not have polished packaging = printed boxes. I used a simple printed paper label band. But instead of holding back, I shared my soaps—simple packaging and all. To my surprise, customers loved seeing the behind-the-scenes struggle and even rooted for me to succeed. That authenticity led to some of my best customer relationships. And fast forward to today, some twnety odd years later, we still use this simple, eco friendly packaging.
Tip: Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Share your progress, even if it feels messy. Your audience will appreciate the realness.
Tip 3: Build a Personal Connection with Your Audience
People connect with people, not just products. Share your personal story, your inspiration, and the journey behind your business. When you put yourself out there in a genuine way, your audience will feel more connected to you and more likely to support your business.
Real-World Example: I built a community around my handmade products by being open about my story. I shared how I got started, the ups and downs of running a business, and why I’m passionate about creating clean, consciously crafted fragrances. This personal connection made my brand stand out and created loyal customers who resonate with my values.
Tip: Tell your story. Let your audience in on the “why” behind your business. The more they feel connected to you, the more they’ll want to support your handmade creations.
Tip 4: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Putting yourself out there often requires you to stretch beyond what feels comfortable. Whether that’s attending a craft fair, pitching to retailers, or launching a new product, growth happens when you push past the fear of rejection. Take risks, even if they scare you—because that’s where the magic happens.
Real-World Example: One of the biggest leaps I took was setting wholesale for the first time. I was terrified! What if no one liked my products? But pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and present my line to new buyers paid off. Not only did I gain a ton of wholesale (over 150 my first year) accounts, but I also made so many new connections that have helped my business grow year over year. It just keeps getting better and better!
Tip: What’s one thing you’ve been avoiding because it feels scary? Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. You’ll be amazed at what opportunities open up when you take that leap.
Tip 5: Celebrate Every Win
It’s easy to get caught up in the fear of putting yourself out there, but don’t forget to celebrate your wins—no matter how small. Every new follower, sale, or piece of feedback is proof that people are interested in what you’re creating. Acknowledge your progress and use it as fuel to keep going.
Real-World Example: In the early days of my business, I celebrated every single sale—literally! Every time someone bought a product, I’d break out into a happy dance, and my girls, who were little at the time, would join in too. It may sound silly, but those small celebrations kept me going, especially during the slower times. Even now, when one of my kids hears that familiar "Cha-Ching," they smile, look at me, and say, "good job, mom!" It’s moments like these that remind me how worth it every small step forward is.
Tip: Take time to acknowledge your progress. Whether it’s your first sale or your 10,00th, every win is a sign that your hard work is paying off.
Putting yourself out there isn’t easy, but it’s essential for growing your handmade business. You don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect—you just need to take that first step and show the world what makes your products special.
Question:
What’s one small, courageous step you can take today to put your handmade business in front of more people?
Remember, it’s not about being fearless; it’s about moving forward despite the fear. When you share your handmade business with confidence and authenticity, you’ll connect with customers who appreciate the value of your work and support your creative journey.
Comentários