My ULTIMATE Advice for Starting & Running Your Small Business ✿ Tips & Tricks - Crochet Business

Summary

In this video, Jenna shares her top tips for starting and running a successful small business, drawing from her experience running a crochet plushie business while working a full-time job. She emphasizes the importance of passion, choosing the right products, and not fearing imperfection. Jenna covers practical strategies including selecting the best platform, offering incentives to attract initial customers, investing in marketing and paid ads, and optimizing listing photos. She also highlights the value of patience, self-belief, and learning from mistakes. Filled with motivational insights and actionable advice, this guide is perfect for aspiring small business owners looking to turn their passion into a thriving venture.

Takeaways

• 😀 Follow your passion: Focus on products you love making and can create repeatedly without losing interest.
• 😀 Start with what you’re good at: Identify skills and crafts that bring you joy and turn them into products to sell.
• 😀 Offer product variety: Providing multiple options increases the likelihood of sales and attracts a wider customer base.
• 😀 Choose the right platform: Beginners can start with Etsy for low-cost setup and built-in traffic, then consider a standalone website for brand growth.
• 😀 Invest in a strong domain: A clear and memorable domain, like a `.store`, can increase traffic, credibility, and search ranking.
• 😀 Run early sales and incentives: Discounts and free shipping can attract initial customers and help secure your first reviews.
• 😀 Invest in marketing: Paid ads on platforms like Etsy, Facebook, and Instagram can boost visibility, especially for new sellers.
• 😀 Optimize listing photos: Use natural lighting, clean backgrounds, and update photos regularly to increase customer engagement and sales.
• 😀 Be patient and flexible: Building a small business takes time; learn from mistakes, pivot when needed, and define success personally.
• 😀 Overcome self-doubt: Put yourself and your work out there; early imperfection is normal and part of the growth process.
• 😀 Use social media strategically: Social media can be a free way to market products, showcase your shop, and reach potential customers without needing a large following.

Q & A

What was Jenna's motivation for starting her crochet business?

Jenna started her crochet business by accident because she fell in love with the craft and began making plushies. She initially had no intention of selling them, but the business grew organically from her passion.

Why does Jenna emphasize choosing a business based on passion?

Jenna stresses passion because running a small business is hard work. Choosing something you genuinely enjoy allows you to work consistently without feeling overwhelmed and makes repeating tasks, like creating the same product multiple times, enjoyable.

How does product variety impact a small business according to Jenna?

Offering a variety of products gives customers more options, increasing the likelihood of making a sale. Even if one product isn't appealing to a customer, another product might attract them.

What platforms does Jenna recommend for starting a small business and why?

Jenna recommends starting on Etsy for beginners because it provides low-cost setup, built-in traffic, and a simple listing process. Over time, she suggests having a standalone website for brand building and customization.

Why is a domain name important, and what does Jenna suggest?

A domain name is crucial as it is how customers find your store online. Jenna recommends using a .store domain, which improves visibility, credibility, and search ranking, and can unlock discounts on e-commerce tools.

What strategies does Jenna suggest for getting your first orders?

Jenna suggests running sales, offering discounts, and providing incentives like free shipping to attract initial customers and build reviews, even if profit margins are lower initially.

How can marketing and paid ads benefit a new small business?

Paid ads, such as Etsy ads, help new products appear at the top of search results, increasing visibility and the likelihood of sales. Social media marketing is a cost-effective way to reach customers and promote products.

Why are listing photos so important for an online business?

Listing photos are crucial because they attract customers to click on a product. High-quality photos with good lighting and simple backgrounds increase engagement and sales, while poor photos can deter buyers.

What advice does Jenna give about patience and managing expectations?

Jenna emphasizes that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Mistakes and trial and error are part of the process. Success should be measured by personal satisfaction and passion, not only monetary gain.

Is it acceptable to pivot or change direction in a small business?

Yes. Jenna encourages pivoting if your interests or passion change. Sticking to a business that no longer excites you can limit growth and personal fulfillment.

Does Jenna think a large social media following is necessary for business success?

No. While social media can help market products for free, Jenna notes that even creators with a small following can be successful if they invest in marketing and paid ads strategically.

How did improving listing photos impact Jenna's sales?

When Jenna updated her listing photos for her mini noo octopus pattern with better lighting and simpler backgrounds, she saw immediate sales, demonstrating the significant effect of good visuals.