Expand Your Home Based Craft Business with the Internet

Are you an individual who operates a successful home based craft
business? If so, you know the challenges of finding and
maintaining a solid customer base. If you havent considered the
Internet, now is the time. With the multitude of possibilities
available online, you can take your business to a new level.



The first thing you should do is set up your own web site  sort
of like opening a home based craft business online store. You
can easily upload digital images and set your prices. Then,
people can purchase directly from your site. All you have to do
is fill the orders and ship them. Optionally, your web site
could simply show sample products. You could take orders from
people and fill them on an as-needed basis.

Why not let the Internet serve as your new advertising medium?
You can grow your home based craft business by purchasing online
directory advertising in regional as well as interest-related
directories. Online advertising is often cheaper than
advertising in an offline directory and typically does not
require the level of commitment required by printed directories.
Additionally, you can purchase ad space in ezines and on
craft-related web sites. For some no-cost advertising, try
participating in craft-related forums or discussion groups. By
using a catchy signature file that includes a link to your web
site, you may be able to gain some new customers.

Use Ebay as a place to sell your crafts. Set up your own Ebay
About Me page so that even if people dont buy your product,
you can offer them the opportunity to be on a pre-notification
list for future auctions. You never know  they may buy
something at a later date. This is a great way to build up a
potential customer database. Another thing you can try is to
create and sell a simple craft template or even a pre-made craft
kit. Often, other crafters are more interested in making a
similar product rather than purchasing one that is already
completed. As you can see, expanding your home based craft
business is limited only by your creativity and imagination.

                                                                                                            - Mohammed Zahran -