Six Months and Only 1 Sale. How do you get more sales?

[ReneesGreetings]

Hey all, Happy Tuesday!

So I'm feeling frustrated today.

For six months now, I've been posting to Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. The top platforms used by my target audience. My website is mobile friendly. The top method my target audience uses to view those platforms. I've paid for advertising on all three. I post regularly and I have a decent (at least I think so) sized inventory to choose from. I've also encouraged feedback and input (looking for what THEY want to see). And nothing. 
I'm even hosting a giveaway for two beautiful Christmas cards with matching envelopes-- crickets.

What am I doing wrong?
Is the market more saturated with makers than buyers?
Is it the current economy?

I don't believe it's the price because I feel my current pricing structure is acceptable considering size and materials. My ONLY sale was to a Co-worker who bought 10 cards but won't be needing anymore for at least a year! 😞

Any input would be extremely appreciated at this time.

[maxpete]

@ReneesGreetings thanks for being vulnerable and asking the Community for some support! I'm tagging in a few sellers here who might be able to help with some advice on what worked for them.

@HC_Charlie, @MonochromeMyth, @kayteeS, @Faerly_Punk, and @MudFire_Dex 

[Faerly_Punk]

First, your cards are beautiful. Second, it may be your shipping cost vs cost per card.  This is an honest assessment.  If a person is paying less than $4 for a single card, handmade or not, they will not understand a $7 charge to ship them what they perceive as paper.  After all, a "card" you buy at Walmart uses standard postage.  This is what my husband saw when I showed him your site.  He is my "no idea what any of this is" person. So he can look at things differently than I will.

Maybe explain to buyers how you ship their cards so they are uninjured when they arrive.  Have a page dedicated to describing your shipping method.

Good luck

[ReneesGreetings]

Thanks Ann! I did update my info on the Policies page where my shipping prices are, to help them better understand why. Since USPS implemented their scanning service, this machine bends and presses envelopes as it runs through, so this is not ideal for handmade cards with embellishments. If I send the cards as a package, it bypasses the scanners and keeps them from harm in the bubble-lined envelope.

[MonochromeMyth]

Hi @ReneesGreetings,

I would agree with Faerly_Punk above on the note about shipping. These days, people have been spoiled by cheap or free shipping thanks to the big marketplaces and Amazon out there. I see that you offer a shipping discount/free when they order multiples - perhaps getting that message up front on your key shop and home pages would help?

Also, if you suspect that customers would usually buy more than one, is there any way to show a bundle type product that contains multiple cards? That way, when they compare the price to a single card, they can clearly see that they are getting a good deal.

I just started my own shop and the focus I have so far is to build my audience and trust with prospective clients. Getting on the social media channels is likely going to be key to that. For a small business/creator, most folks generally feel more comfortable buying from them if they understand that creator - how can they be more relatable? Would you be willing to be public facing on social media channels? Anything that shows your process is helpful. Also, I would be mindful about the hashtags you use and make sure to get the key ones included on your posts and product descriptions.

Imagine a scenario where you are a single person and some stranger comes up to you and says: "Hey, would you like to go out on a date?" Of course, you'd likely say no 99 times out of a 100. You don't know them so why would you? I believe the same could be said for small business creatives like us. Our customer base hasn't gotten to know us yet so it'll take time for them to feel comfortable. Setting up at local art markets is a great way to get moving on developing relationships, if you can.

Anyway, I hope this has been helpful! Here is my short summary:

1.) Advertise free or discounted shipping wherever you can; adjust your pricing if you must

2.) Use relevant keywords that relate to your target market and hashtags

3.) Make sure to include links in your social media

4.) Post consistently on social media and get folks to know you and your process better

5.) If able, consider setting up shop locally as well for seasonal art markets and such

6.) Be patient! It can take a while to really develop your brand and audience.

Good luck to you!

Jeremy, artist at monochromemythology.com

[ReneesGreetings]

Thanks Jeremy!
I actually have been considering a bundle deal lately but hadn't completely made up my mind yet lol.

As for your listed tips, I already pretty much do all of this except selling locally. Being that Winter is upon us, I'm waiting until next Spring to see about possibly doing the weekend Farmer's Markets/craft fairs.

With your input, I'm going back to the drawing table for the bundle idea! 🙂 

[MonochromeMyth]

Right on, good stuff! 🙂

[LenaVe22]

Thank you Jeremy,

I was feeling the same as Renee, it's been a year for me. As a fairly new small business, I truly appreciate the advice.

Marlena

[tranguyen]

It looks like you are getting some great advice already @ReneesGreetings ❤️ 

Just want to chime in to say, definitely share your Christmas cards in this thread as well — I'd love to include them in our upcoming Community Gift Guide! 

[ReneesGreetings]

Done! Thank you!

[MudFire_Dex]

Getting on a platform like Faire or Amazon Handmade might be helpful too - so that small shops and boutique owners can order from you and ship in bulk. 

[Doran]

This is what I recommend too.  As a small retail space owner, I exclusively use Faire to source from small creators.  I did my own through IG and FB and Etsy for a few years but after getting burned by so many in the 2022 craze I only use Faire now.  It protects me and I feel the creators as well.  

[Khji]

Hi, has Faire been beneficial? I've been debating about it but have been outweighed the costs.

[HC_Charlie]

Hello @ReneesGreetings thanks for your post. In the past I've done some Facebook advertising, but never found much success with that, and it's hard to gauge and understand their metrics and what you're getting for your money, especially with a small number of likes/follows. What has been your results through advertising? Specifically, how many people are you reaching with those ads? My advice is try to get more followers "organically" (not by paid ads). You could try and do that be encouraging more likes/shares of your posts, but again gaining followers and traction through social media can be a slow (but steady) process. I think you. have the most followers on Pinterest? If you had to pick one channel to focus on, I'd concentrate your efforts and any paid ads you want to do on Pinterest. And with any techniques for growing social media connections, try searching for youtube videos; there are a lot of makers posting videos of tips and tricks for reaching new customers.

I'd second the advice of trying to build more local connections with maker markets or in-person shows/events. Even though building a website allows you to reach customers all across the U.S. (and world!), it's very, very difficult to break through the millions of other websites out there. Handmade cards are also a tricky product; if people are a first time buyer, they may be reluctant to purchase without being able to feel or see your items in person.

[NaturesSol]

First, your cards are beyond beautiful! (Yes, I'm yelling at you).  I believe $4 is way too low.  I have been out of the selling world for a number of years.  Since coming back, I've noticed so many changes.  Yes, the market is overflowing with hopeful crafters.  The difference is you're a professional.  Do not let the competition get you down.  Use them to charge yourself up.

Remember, my suggestions are from someone who knows nothing about your field.  I do know quality when I see it.

First, I would up my prices.  If I saw $4 online (not in person where I could actually see and feel the card), I would think you were a beginner.  It's been said that if you up your prices, people want what you're selling.  

Window shopping on Etsy, regular printed cards were $5.  I saw cards with embellishments up to as much as $20.  Their photographs also showed the embellishments differently.  It would look actually 3d.  Try looking at other sites and see how they present their product.

If you upped your purchase price, you could lower or eliminate shipping prices.

I think your work is great.  Make sure to really hit the holiday market.  Word of mouth takes time.  I can't think of anything special to do.  I hope things turn around for all of us.

[MWagner]

Wow! Your cards are absolutely gorgeous and your prices are way too low! Though I am a potter I understand your frustration… the general thinking is if what a person is selling is priced too low, people will ask what is wrong with it. If priced higher however, people will want it.

I made a large platter and priced it at $99, I could not sell it even though my customers thought it was beautiful. Then at an arts and craft show I changed the price to $195 ( my husband thought I was crazy) but it did sell that day.

I don’t know if you do any arts and craft shows but they will help to get the word out. Churches, Senior centers, local promoters, local street vendors, and going to and getting information from other venue  vendors about

shows, farmers markets and so on. 
Hoping his helps but if you need more information on how to get started, I will be happy to help you!

Good Luck in your quest!

Michelle 

[TGF2023]

Hi, I just took a look at your cards , specifically the Christmas ones. All of them say there is only 1 available. For a holiday I would probably buy multiples of a couple designs to be able to send to loved ones. Do you have ability to up the availability numbers? This may help if someone is looking for a nice handmade card to use and send a gift card in or something

[willowsky]

First, I want to say how lovely your art is! It truly shines with creativity. I understand that navigating sales can be challenging, especially when it feels like people often don't plan ahead for special occasions so getting a card last minute is their only option. With everyone's schedules being so packed, it’s easy to see why that might be the case.

However, with the holiday season approaching, there’s a fantastic opportunity for you to shine! One common struggle people face is finding the perfect gift. Your cards make for an excellent gift idea, especially when bundled together—think a mix of birthday, get well, and blank cards. This way, when an occasion arises, your customers will be prepared with a beautiful card ready to go, eliminating the last-minute scramble to find something at the store.

Your cards are not only thoughtful but also practical for those tricky gift-giving moments, like for coworkers or during white elephant exchanges. Now is the perfect time to market them as the ideal gift solution for anyone on your customers’ lists!

Best of luck, and I can't wait to see how your sales flourish!

[GeekInStitches]

You might consider being a vendor at local markets and events for local exposure. 

[RuckusDonuts]

Hi!

Your site is very nice (gonna think about that scrolling item list myself) and well organized. Your product is top notch & agree with others not priced high enough. Go to a supermarket/etc and see what the big boys are asking for generic, printed a million of these cards.

All this said, it took until the last click on your sire to find the "$20 and free shipping" offer.

IMHO (excuse my bold) this should be presented very early & prominently on your home page!!

Also - do you wholesale to local merchants? For me personally donuts sold somewhere other than our shop is the fastest growing part of our business. Something to think about.

Keep the faith....you have a great product.

Todd

[OhHandmadeByNat]

Hi ReneesGreetings 

Your website look really lovely.

I see you are using all the traditional social media but have you ever heard of https://www.tedooo.com/

It is a selling platform aimed at crafters looking to sell their work and has the same feel about it as facebook.

You can connect it to take take square payments as well

I have only just signed up so only just learning how to use it, but have heard some people are quite successful on it.

Nat