#4: How to Market a Crochet Business with Only a Small Following

Today’s question to Dear Crochetpreneur was brought to us by Mary from Kickin’ Crochet. Be sure to check out her website where she shares her lovely designs, crochet tips, and tutorials.

On today’s episode, I’ll be answering the question, “What’s the best way to grow an online following? Or, conversely, what’s the best way to promote a pattern without a large following? (I’m a pattern designer and sell on Etsy, ravelry, and my own website)“

And, after you’ve listened to the podcast, check out my quick tips, below for growing a following on social media.

Why Numbers are NOT so Important

Before we dive in to some strategies for growing a following on social media, a word of caution.

Don’t get caught up in vanity numbers.

Sure, we all want to grow a loyal, engaged following, but it’s so easy to get caught by the numbers-bug and spend more time growing a number rather than growing a following.

Believe it or not, a business with 100 raving fans has the potential to make more sales than the business that purchased 5000 followers and can’t get any of them to engage.

Now, that’s an extreme example, but I hope you get the point. As I said in the podcast, it IS possible to market with a small following. One way to make that statement even MORE true is to grow a small following who loves everything you do.

So, let’s talk about how to do that.

My Top 10 Tips for Growing a Loyal Following on Social Media

1. Always and only speak to your ideal customer with every post.
2. Be consistent. Pick a posting strategy and stick with it.
3. Be there and engage with your followers. When they comment or share your post, acknowledge them and keep the conversation going.
4. Pick one social media platform and rock it out of the park before you start focusing on another.
5. Be authentic. Show them who you are…now, I don’t mean they need to see the grime in your bathroom, but (now more than ever) your followers will smell BS from a mile away.
6. Do more than sell. People are selfish – when they come to your account, they want to know that you get them, that you care about them, and that you’re there for more than potential sales.
7. Be sure your account is set up professionally. Dot all the Is and cross all the Ts. When viewers come to your account, they want to know you are more than a hobbyist.
8. Share awesome content. High quality photos, thoughtful captions filled with value, and well-researched hashtags (where appropriate) will help to nurture your relationship with your followers and grow the know-like-trust factor.
9. Stay on brand. That doesn’t mean your account has to be highly curated, but you do want to develop a style of photography and graphics that become recognizable.
10. Engage, engage, engage. You can’t build a relationship if you don’t take the time to connect. Carve out 30 minutes a day to reach out to new accounts, answer your DMs, respond to comments, leave comments on other accounts…let them know you see and appreciate them.

Can I be featured on the podcast?

Want to ask a question and have the opportunity to get your business featured with a link to your website? You can ask your questions here.

Have expertise that you think would be helpful to share with Dear Crochetpreneur listeners? Let me know all about you here.

Further Listening and Reading

All Dear Crochetpreneur Episodes

Instagram for Makers

10 Free and Easy Ways for Makers to Build a Targeted Email List