Boosting Customer Reviews & Blocking Facebook Spam

Good Morning Makers.

Welcome to another exciting edition of the Makers Digest!

We’re thrilled to bring you this week’s treasure trove of inspiration, practical tips, and industry insights to help you thrive in the vibrant UK Makers community.

In this issue, we’re diving into everything from blocking unwanted Facebook messages to turning thank-you cards into review-generating powerhouses.

Plus, we have exclusive details about upcoming maker events, including The Knitting & Stitching Show and step by step tips on how to use AI to boost your Etsy Search Optimisation.

Let’s get making!

Purposeful Packaging

Insert Success: Turning Thank You Cards Into Customer Review Gold

Ready to turn your happy customers into your biggest cheerleaders? Let's talk about the unsung heroes of e-commerce: order inserts and thank you cards. These little bits of paper can pack a powerful punch when it comes to garnering those all-important Etsy reviews.

Penning the Perfect Thank You

Imagine this: your customer eagerly opens their parcel, and nestled among the tissue paper is a heartfelt note from you. It's not just any note – it's a masterpiece of gratitude and gentle persuasion. Here's how to craft one that'll have your customers rushing to sing your praises:

1. Get personal: Use their name and show genuine appreciation. It's like a warm handshake through the post!

2. Explain the 'why': Let them know how their review can help your small business thrive.

3. Keep it simple: Provide clear, step-by-step instructions on leaving a review. No one likes a treasure hunt, after all. Depending on the channel, use a QR code on the card to take them straight to the review request page.

4. Time it right: Place your card where it'll be spotted immediately. Strike while the iron's hot!

5. Look the part: Your card should be as beautifully crafted as your products. First impressions count, even second time around.

But wait, there's more! Have you considered offering a cheeky discount on their next purchase? Or perhaps guiding their review with a few thoughtful questions? Just remember, Etsy has rules about incentivising reviews, so tread carefully.

And here's a pro tip: follow up with a digital nudge a few days after delivery. It's like a gentle tap on the shoulder, reminding them to spread the love.

So, are you ready to transform your thank you notes into review-generating powerhouses? Your Etsy shop's future could be brighter than a newly polished handmade silver pendant. Why not give it a go and watch those stars roll in?

Take a look at these printed and digital options available to buy online:

Babies To Ladies Boutique Webstore - range of printed cards from £5.25

OrderlyWays - Downloadable editable Canva templates from £5.71

Makers Trade Events & Shows

The Knitting & Stitching Show - Various Dates (Oct-Nov)

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of threads, fabrics, and boundless creativity? The Knitting & Stitching Show is making its grand return in 2024, and we couldn't be more thrilled to share the details with you, our fellow Makers!

Needles at the Ready: Event Highlights

From novices to seasoned pros, this premier textile extravaganza has something for everyone. Here's what's in store:

• Over 250 workshops to hone your skills

• A marketplace featuring 200+ brands (big names and hidden gems alike)

• Textile Galleries showcasing artistic marvels

• Brother's Dressmaking Studio for expert guidance

• Free catwalk shows bringing designs to life

• Graduate Showcase spotlighting fresh talent

Fancy rubbing shoulders with industry giants whilst discovering your new favourite indie supplier? This is your chance!

Dates for Your Diary

Mark your calendars, Makers! The show will be popping up at:

1. London (Alexandra Palace): 10th-13th October 2024
2. Belfast (Titanic Exhibition Centre): 7th-10th November 2024
3. Harrogate (HCC): 21st-24th November 2024

Tickets, Anyone?

Early birds catch the worm, or in this case, the best prices:

• Advance Adult Ticket: From £17.50 (concession) / Standard £20 - see below for 28% discount off standard price!

• Children (5-18): £9

• VIP Packages: Available for those seeking a little extra luxury

Why should you attend, you ask? Where else can you shop, learn, and be inspired all under one roof? It's like a department store, craft school, and art gallery rolled into one fabulous package!

We're chuffed to bits about this year's lineup. Will we see you there, needle and thread in hand, ready to take your making to the next level?

For more information and to bag your tickets, hop over to The Knitting & Stitching Show website.

SAVE 28% - Check out this deal on Groupon for standard tickets on 13th October at Alexander Palace for just £14.50! 

Happy crafting, Makers!

Makers Essentials

Crafting Your Safety Net: Why Insurance Matters for UK Makers

Now to talk about something that might not be as exciting as your latest creation, but is just as crucial: insurance.

Don't worry, we'll make this as painless as possible!

Covering Your Crafty Behind: Insurance Essentials

Whether you're peddling your wares at a bustling craft fair or through the digital aisles of Etsy, having the right insurance can be a real lifesaver. But what do you actually need?

Market Stall Musts

• Public liability insurance: The bread and butter of market selling

• Coverage typically required: £5,000,000 or £10,000,000

• Protects against claims if someone trips over your artisanal rug display!

Online Selling Savvy

• No legal requirements, but don't be fooled – you're not off the hook

• Platforms like Etsy won't have your back if things go pear-shaped

Insurance Types to Ponder

1. Public and Product Liability Insurance

   • Your two-for-one special: covers both your business activities and products

   • Think of it as your crafty superhero cape!

2. Employer's Liability Insurance

   • Hiring help? This one's not optional, it's the law (unless it's family)

   • Keeps you covered if your assistant gets a papercut from your origami creations

3. Stock and Equipment Insurance

   • Optional, but imagine losing all your hand-dyed yarn to a freak rainstorm...

   • Don’t forget about the value you may have in equipment and tools you take to markets, phones, laptop, card reader, gazebo etc, it all adds up

4. Goods in Transit Insurance

   • Covers your precious cargo during transportation to and from markets protecting against loss, damage, or theft.

Where to Get Covered

Companies like CraftCover and Simply Business offer tailor-made policies for Makers like you. It's like having a bespoke suit, but for your business protection!

Remember, your insurance needs are as unique as your handcrafted items. What works for a quilt-maker might not suit a metalworker. Why not grab a cuppa and have a chat with an insurance provider about your specific needs?

Who do you use for your insurance? Do you think it’s a good deal. Let us know your experiences.

AI For Makers

AI Meets Artistry: Supercharge Your Etsy Shop with ChatGPT

Are you ready to supercharge your Etsy shop and leave your competitors in the dust? As Makers, we know that creating beautiful, handcrafted items is only half the battle - getting them seen is the real challenge. But what if we told you that the key to unlocking Etsy's algorithm is right at your fingertips?

Enter ChatGPT, your new secret weapon in the world of online selling. This clever AI tool can help you decode competitor listings, uncover hidden trends, and optimise your product visibility faster than you can say "handmade". Intrigued? You should be!

Let's dive into a step-by-step guide that'll transform the way you approach your Etsy listings. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just starting out, these tips will help you craft titles and tags that'll potentially have customers flocking to your shop. Ready to give your crafty business the boost it deserves?

Step 1: Select and Copy Competitor Listings

1. Open Etsy and search for products similar to yours.

2. Identify a page of relevant competitor listings.

3. Press Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) to select all content, then copy it (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C).

Step 2: Access ChatGPT

1. Open ChatGPT in your web browser and log in to your account.

Step 3: Input Data into ChatGPT

1. In the chat input field, type: “I will paste Etsy listing details. Please analyse them for common keywords, pricing trends, and popular features. Then suggest optimised titles and tags for similar products.”

2. Paste the copied Etsy content and press Enter.

Step 4: Review the Analysis

1. Read ChatGPT's response, which should include:

- Common keywords and phrases

- Pricing trends

- Popular product features

- Suggested optimised titles and tags

Step 5: Extract and Apply Insights

1. Note the relevant keywords, pricing strategies, and popular features.

2. Use ChatGPT’s suggestions to craft your own titles and tags (or even ask ChatGPT for assistance with this)

3. Adjust your product descriptions to highlight appealing features.

Step 7: Monitor Performance

1. Implement changes and track your listings over 2-4 weeks.

2. Repeat the analysis monthly to stay updated on trends.

By following these steps, you can leverage ChatGPT to enhance your Etsy listings while ensuring your unique handmade products shine through. Do you have any favourite AI tips or tricks to enhance your business. We’d love to hear about them.

Special Offers

Going forward we’ll list all the top discounts and offers that we come across for supplies, events and other items that our savvy community can make use of and save some of those hard-earned pennies and pounds.

1. 20% OFF when you order 3 or more paper tapes at Cascayde PLUS get and EXTRA 10% OFF using this link.

2. Eco-Craft Clearance Lines - reductions on pillow boxes, craft envelopes, tags, boxes & more

3. 30% OFF MailerLite for first 3 months (offer ends 1st October)- although MailerLite gives a seriously generous FREE account (1000 subscribers) for anyone who needs a paid plan this is an offer is not to be missed. Use this link.

4. Tiny Box Company clearance lines - up to 50% OFF selected end of line items - worth a view for a bargain or two.

5. Craftmill Clearance Offers - wooden items and boxes ready for lasering, painting, pyrography etc

Popular Articles

Below you’ll find links to some of our most popular past articles and features. We hope you love them as much as others do:

1. Secure Your Market Stall Like A Pro

2. AI Prompts: Your Secret Weapon for Maker Success

3. Collecting Leads at Markets/Events

4. Using QR Codes On Your Stall

5. Weighing In On Postal Scales

That wraps up this week’s Makers Digest!

We hope you’re inspired and equipped with new tips and tricks to elevate your craft business.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the exclusive deals and special offers we’ve curated just for you.

If you found this edition helpful, please share it with your fellow makers—we love growing this community!

Keep creating, and we’ll be back next week with more insights and inspiration.

Sincerely

PS - If you would like to be considered in our Featured Maker section, have a Makers Market or Event coming up or can offer a great deal on supplies to other Makers please email us

Makers Digest is a publication of Gifts made Easy and is partly reader supported. When you buy through links in our content we may earn an affiliate commission to help support the production of the newsletter. Learn more