Top 5 Resources for Running a Craft Business

Running a business can be a challenge, and at times it's hard to know where to turn to for advice.  For just that reason, I have compiled this list of my top 5 best resources for craft businesses.  Many of them are specifically geared toward Etsy, and many are completely free!

The Top 5:

• Crafting an MBA - Megan Auman is the brains behind this little beauty.  This blog has regular posts about marketing and selling; all written in a language that your brain can actually understand.  The best part?  You can sign up for her FREE e-book (also incredibly informative) right from her website and it will be emailed to you almost immediately.

• Handmade Success - This is another great resource for online craft businesses.  You can find helpful hints on everything from taking photos and writing descriptions to prioritizing your work.  You can also sign up to receive her podcast "Traffic School" that will show you how to increase traffic to your site.

• Oh My!  Handmade Goodness - This blog is geared toward people and shops that create items for babies and children, but if that's not you don't worry!  There are loads of helpful articles on marketing and PR and how to run and online business (as well as some pretty sweet giveaways).

• Craft Inc. - This book is probably the most informative piece of literature I found when starting my business.  I have referred back to it often.  This book covers everything from accounting and pricing to finding your idea venue.

• The Seller Handbook/The Etsy Blog - I can not stress this enough.  Read the Etsy blog.  There is so much great information out there, articles, videos, classes and it's all free!  The people that write these articles know what they are talking about, and there is hardly a better resource for selling on Etsy than this blog.  I would completely recommend signing up for the etsy success newsletter (you can get to it from your account/subscription settings).

If you are feeling confused or overwhelmed this is a good place to start, but these are just my Top 5, there are dozens of other resources.  What are your Top 5?

Packaging Counts!

I buy handmade for the experience.  I don't think I'm alone in this.  I expect the product to be one of good quality, and I expect to connect with a person.  As a small business owner I try my hardest to exceed the expectations of my customers.  One of the most important ways to make a good impression is through your packaging.  Here is what you can expect when you buy from Lazy Mondays.

The Twinery

All bags are wrapped with tissue paper made from 100% recycled materials and purchased from a fellow Etsy seller.

The packages will be tied with a colorful eco-friendly (and biodegradable!) string purchased from another Etsy seller.
I will ALWAYS include a handwritten note (with a coupon for a percentage of your next purchase *wink wink*).

Timeless Things

If you are buying a bag as a gift to be shipped directly to the receiver I will include a little note from you to them.  I get my lovely little handmade note cards from yet another Etsy seller.

I will always include care instructions for the bag you have purchased.

I LOVE buying handmade and from small boutique shops specifically for the connection with people.  I love talking to shop owners about their products and just about life and I love how they never fail to wrap up my purchase nicely.  I always leave with a smile on my face and a spring in my step!  When I get home I feel like I am unwrapping a gift.  It is my greatest goal to make you feel the same way when making a purchase with me!

Weekly Treasury

This lovely little treasury is brought to you by Little Lady Irish!  Check out these gorgeous items all from the Idaho Etsy Team!

Check back next week for another Idaho treasury!