In my last post, I shared how I started The Quiet Sagittarius. If you're feeling inspired to start your own creative venture, here are some tips and insights from my journey that might help you take that first step—whether it’s on Etsy, another platform, or even in person.
First off, I want to be clear: I’m no expert. Every day in this creative journey is a learning experience for me. My Etsy shop is a side hustle while I work full-time, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned along the way. If you’re thinking of starting your own creative business, here are some steps that worked for me – but remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and learn as you go.
1. Find Your Passion
The first step is simple: ask yourself, "What do I love to create?" It could be anything—from designing digital planners to making jewelry. Your creative passion is the heart of your business.
However, it’s worth noting that trends can influence what people are looking for. Many creators feel pressured to design products based on current trends, thinking it will lead to higher sales. While there’s value in being aware of what’s popular, I believe it’s essential to find a balance. Creating something that resonates with your passion will likely lead to more authentic and fulfilling work. After all, when you’re genuinely invested in what you create, it shines through in the quality and uniqueness of your products.
You might come across people who claim to make a lot of money in a short time by selling online, but the truth is that success often comes from hard work and consistency. I’m not sure I believe in the notion of quick profits; I’ve learned that building a business takes time and effort. I may not be the quickest seller out there, but my focus on passion and dedication is what keeps me motivated in this journey.
2. Research Your Market
While I didn’t start with a specific niche in mind, it’s still important to understand the landscape of what you want to create. I discovered that digital products encompass a wide range of possibilities, from planners and templates to various printables. Researching trends in digital products can help you identify popular items and spark new ideas. Explore what others are offering, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of products to see what resonates with your audience.
3. Choose Your Platform
Now that you’ve defined what you want to create, it’s time to decide where you want to sell. I’ve primarily used Etsy for my digital products, and it’s a great platform for both handmade and digital items. While I’ve read about other options like Shopify, which offers more control over branding, or selling directly from your own website, I can't speak from personal experience with those yet. Consider your goals and choose a platform that fits best for what you want to achieve.
4. Set Up Your Shop or Website
Setting up your shop is exciting but can feel overwhelming. When I first started in 2017, I was quite clueless about selling and choosing the right platform, but I ultimately decided on Etsy (as I was selling paintings and craft works). When I returned to Etsy in 2023, I still believed it was the best platform for my products, even though I shifted to selling digital items. I chose the name The Quiet Sagittarius because it represents me, even though it’s a little long. Once sales started coming in, I realized I couldn't change it, and it has stuck with me since then. So, focus on choosing a name that represents your brand, create a simple logo using tools like Canva, and start listing your key items.
5. Take Great Photos
In the online world, photos are everything. Make sure your product images are clear, well-lit, and showcase the details. You don’t need professional equipment – just natural light and a clean background can make a big difference.
6. Set Your Pricing
Pricing can be tricky, and I’ve found it challenging myself. It’s important to account for your time, materials, and platform fees. When I first started, I was shocked to see how cheaply some people priced their digital products. It made me wonder how they could even break even! While digital products do have different cost structures compared to physical items like jewelry, it’s essential not to undervalue your work. Start with a price that reflects the true value of what you create, but don’t hesitate to adjust as your shop grows. Remember, pricing too low can lead to burnout and financial strain, so find a balance that works for you and honors the effort you put into your craft.
7. Market Your Business
Once your shop is live, the real work begins—getting your products out there! Social media can be a powerful tool for promotion, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest require consistent effort and time to create engaging content. Personally, I made the mistake of not focusing on social media earlier to promote my items. I only started using it recently, and I’ve found it difficult to gain followers or even get people to view my reels. From what I’ve read, the algorithms have changed, making it harder for newer creators to get noticed. I’m now working on finding ways to be more consistent and adapt to these changes. I’ve found it helpful to use a third-party app to schedule my posts (I use PLANN), as my schedule can get pretty busy. Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, new product launches, or customer testimonials, it’s important to stay active and connected with your audience. Email marketing is another effective way to nurture relationships with potential customers. While promoting your business can feel overwhelming at times, remember that each effort contributes to building your brand and reaching your goals.
8. Learn from Feedback and Keep Improving
Don’t be afraid of feedback – it’s one of the best ways to grow. Pay attention to what customers love and where they suggest improvements. However, it’s important to remember that it’s impossible to please everyone. On platforms like Etsy, ratings are based on stars, and chances are you’ll encounter a low rating at some point. It can feel discouraging, but use it as a learning opportunity. As you gain more experience, you’ll refine your process and continue to create better products. Keep going, and don’t let a few bumps along the way derail your progress!
Starting your own creative business might feel intimidating, but remember, every journey begins with a single step. Whether you're selling on Etsy or another platform, the key is to take that first leap. What I’ve shared here are just the basics to help you get started, and I’m still learning and evolving in my own journey. The path may not be straightforward, but with curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to adapt, you’ll continue to grow. So embrace the process and keep moving forward. Good luck!
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