by Diane Palmer

Created on: November 28, 2007

You have to get creative when looking for free and low cost ways to market your craft business.

Depending on what you make in your craft business, you could start with friends and family, they will always be your best supporters, as they want you to succeed.

As an example, if you make great unique jewelry, or scarves, or sew designer clothes, then take the time and make your friends something nice, that you think will suit their personality and their work place.

Ask them nicely to wear or show off your creation at work, and to have a bundle of your business cards (You must have some business cards, make some on your computer, or get the basic ones at the business supply store). When associates ask where they got the jewelry/scarf/clothing/sweater etc... they can proudly tell them you!

The same goes for family, so in the beginning you may need to make some of your best work for free, but it pays off in the form of "word of mouth".. which also creates "repeat customers" and really it didn't cost you much, just your time and some supplies.

Also, this same rule applies to yourself, make things for you to show off in your everyday life. If you sew, sew a nice tote, if you paint (like I do!) paint a tote with something unique, and people will ask you about it, free advertising!. Try and incorporate what you make into something you can wear or have on you to advertise.

If you prefer to paint or draw on canvas's or the like, then you can't really carry those around, but you could ask local restaurants, dentist offices, doctor offices, if you could display your paintings for a percentage of a sale, with your business card in the bottom corner. My dentist has a beautiful peaceful scenery, that I stare at while getting my teeth done.. and I now know who this artist is, and he does well around town, because of "word of mouth"

"Word of Mouth" has got to be one of the best forms of advertising, and its free, it may take a little longer to get the word out, but if you do a good job, and one person shows another person, the word of mouth will start the ball rolling in your business.

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