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Craft Fair Insights, Eco-Friendly Packaging, and SEO Tips for Makers

Craft Fair Insights, Eco-Friendly Packaging, and SEO Tips for Makers

Rob & Ali Mobberley
September 17, 2024

Good Morning Makers.

Welcome to this week's Makers Digest.

We've got a treasure trove of insights, events, and insider tips to spark your creativity and boost your craft business.

Ready to revolutionise your packaging game? We're diving into eco-friendly packing peanuts that'll make Mother Nature (and your customers) smile.

Plus, we've got the scoop on using AI to craft SEO-optimised Etsy descriptions.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Handmade Chelsea fair - it's the perfect place to showcase your creations or find inspiration for your next masterpiece.

From boosting your email list with clever order inserts to exclusive discounts on everything from gazebos to mailing list services, we're covering it all.

So grab your favourite mug, settle in, and let's dive into the wonderful world of making!

What’s Making The News

This Week’s Round-up of Maker News Stories

Suffolk’s Autumn Craft Fair: Brings Food, Music, and Handmade Treasures to Stonham Barns Read more
Successful Launch of Camborne’s Craft Hub Raises £2500 for Pottery Classes - Discover more here
Etsy Unveils Free Shipping for Subscribers Amid Plans for Major Growth - More here
Camphill MK Craft and Food Fair Returns in November with Local Artisans and Festive Fun - Learn more
Local Crafters Launch The Square Yard in Wickham, Offering Unique Handmade Products - Get details here

Tip Of The Week

Boost Your Email List with Order Inserts: A Winning Strategy for Makers

Are You Missing Out on a Simple Way to Grow Your Email List?

We all know the thrill of receiving a parcel, don't we? Now, imagine harnessing that excitement to boost your business.

For most Makers, order inserts are the unsung heroes of marketing – a bit like finding an extra biscuit in your tea break!

Why Order Inserts Are Your New Best Friend

Picture this: your customer opens their package, still buzzing from their purchase. What better time to offer them a chance to win something fab?

By popping in a simple insert, you're not just promoting a contest – you're opening the door to a whole new relationship.

What's the Secret Sauce?

Your insert should include:

• A QR code (think of it as a digital treasure map)
• Brief 'how to enter' instructions
• Tempting benefits of joining your mailing list

Remember, we're keeping everything ship-shape with Etsy's rules by leading folks to an external landing page. It's a win-win: you stay compliant, and your customers get an easy way to engage further.

To Contest or Not to Contest?

Running a longer contest might seem like a marathon rather than a sprint, but it could be just the ticket. Why? Well:

1. More time means more chances for latecomers to join the party
2. A juicier prize could create more buzz than a bee in a flower shop

The key? Keep that momentum rolling like a well-oiled pottery wheel. Regularly shout about your contest on social media and in follow-up emails. You could even offer weekly mini-prizes to keep everyone on their toes!

What Prize Takes the Cake?

Consider these crowd-pleasers:

• A bespoke item (as unique as your gran's secret recipe)
• A generous gift voucher
• A limited-edition set that'll make collectors weak at the knees

The right prize can turn heads faster than a spinning wheel throws clay!

Ready to Give It a Go?

Why not try incorporating a contest into your order inserts? Start small if you're feeling unsure – even a short-run contest can yield valuable insights.

We'd love to hear how it goes. Have you run one before? What worked a treat, and what was a bit of a damp squib?

Share your experiences – after all, we Makers are stronger together! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's always room to learn and grow.

So, who's up for giving order insert contests a whirl?

For more details of using Mailerlite for your contest landing page and collecting email addresses check out this recent guide.

Purposeful Packaging

Protect Your Products, Protect the Planet: Eco-Friendly Packing Peanuts

Are You Ready to Make Your Packaging as Green as Your Products?

As Makers, we're always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact. But how do we balance protecting our precious creations with being kind to the planet? Enter eco-friendly packing peanuts – the unsung heroes of sustainable shipping!

What's All the Fuss About?

These little marvels come in two flavours:

1. Starch-Based Peanuts:

• Made from GM-free corn or wheat starch

• Fully biodegradable and compostable

• Available from Priory Direct, Eco Packaging Solutions, and Triplast

2. Recycled Material Peanuts:

• Made from recycled materials

• Can be recycled again after use

Why Are UK Makers Going Nuts for These Peanuts?

• They're eco-conscious (obviously!)

• Versatile protection for even the most delicate items

• Light as a feather, so no extra postage costs

• Easy disposal – some even dissolve in water!

• Often outperform traditional polystyrene (who knew?)

• Many are made right here in the UK

• Comply with EU composting standards

But What About the Pennies?

Prices vary, but here's a taste:

• Pack Help - £47 for 100L bag

• Green Light Packaging: £33 for 420L

• The Bulk Box Co: £15.60 for 210L

Is it time to swap your polystyrene for something a bit more planet-friendly? Your customers (and Mother Nature) will thank you!

Have you already made the switch to eco-friendly packing peanuts? We'd love to hear about your experience. Did they protect your products as well as traditional options? How did your customers react?

Remember, every small step we take as Makers contributes to a greener future. So, are you ready to join the sustainable packaging revolution?

Let's make our shipments as eco-friendly as our handmade goods!

Makers Trade Events & Shows

Get Ready for a Festive Shopping Experience: Handmade Chelsea 2024

Ready to Kickstart Your Christmas Shopping with a Touch of Handmade Magic?

Mark your calendars, Makers! The 17th Edition of Handmade Chelsea is set to dazzle London just as the festive season begins. It's not just a craft fair; it's a celebration of British creativity!

A Fresh Face for a Beloved Event

Handmade Chelsea is shaking things up this year:

Date - Thursday 7th – Saturday 9th November 2024
Exclusive Private View - Wednesday 6th November evening
Tickets - From £7 to £18 (private view) - Buy here

Where Creativity Meets History

Handmade Chelsea is one of the longest running craft shows in the UK where visitors can buy directly from Makers or place orders for bespoke commissioned pieces. Imagine wandering through the iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall, surrounded by:

Over 100 of the UK's finest designer-makers
Every craft discipline under the sun - from jewellery to furniture
A dedicated area for up-and-coming talent (The future of British craftsmanship? Yes, please!)

Why Should You Pop Along?

Find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts (and maybe a treat for yourself?)
Support local artisans and the British craft scene
Immerse yourself in a world of creativity and craftsmanship

Don't just take our word for it. Annie Ruthven-Taggart, a jeweller who's exhibited for 16 years, gushes: "Handmade Chelsea show is one of a kind. As a maker who has exhibited for 16 years, it is a fabulous and friendly show to take part in, a highlight of my working calendar!"

So, Makers, are you ready to dive into this treasure trove of British craft? Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift or seeking inspiration for your own creations, Handmade Chelsea promises a day out like no other. See you there?

For more details or to book your spot, pop over to the Handmade in Britain website. Happy crafting (and shopping)!

Fancy Joining the Handmade Chelsea Club?

Want to rub shoulders with Britain's finest artisans? Applying to exhibit is as easy as pie:

15 minutes of your time
Your business details
4 dazzling product photos
1 snap of a previous stand

Jewellery and silverware are currently full, but the waiting list is still open!

Ready to showcase your craft? Pop over to the "Exhibit with Us" page and get cracking!

Makers Essentials

Mirror, Mirror: Why Acrylic is the Best Choice for Makers Markets

Are you looking for a practical alternative to glass mirrors for your market stalls? Acrylic and Perspex mirrors might be just the solution you need. They're gaining popularity in the UK Makers market scene, and for good reason.

Why Consider Acrylic Mirrors?

These modern alternatives offer several advantages:

Lightweight - About half the weight of glass, making transport and setup easier.
Durable - Shatterproof and impact-resistant, ideal for busy market environments.
Versatile - Available in a wide range of colours to suit your designs.
Weather-resistant - Many types are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Added Benefits

Acrylic mirrors are highly customisable. You can cut, drill, and bend them to create unique shapes and designs. This flexibility opens up a world of creative possibilities for your products.

Cost Considerations

You'll be pleased to know that acrylic mirrors can be cost-effective:

Often less expensive than glass, especially when considering potential replacement costs
Many suppliers offer cut-to-size services, reducing waste and unnecessary expense

Ready to Reflect on Your Stall Design?

Why not consider incorporating acrylic mirrors into your next market setup? They could add a new dimension to your display without the worry of fragile glass.

You can buy them from just £5 on amazon - check them out here.

Or you can have them made to measure - take a look here.

We'd be keen to hear about your experience. Have you already used acrylic mirrors at your stall? Share your insights – your fellow Makers could benefit from your market wisdom!

Remember, sometimes a small change in your stall design can reflect big improvements in customer engagement. Are you ready to give your market presence a new shine with acrylic mirrors?

AI For Makers

Unlocking the Power of AI Prompts for Your Etsy Success

Have you considered how to make your Etsy shop more visible among the many talented Makers? Here's an interesting development…

AI models have been trained on SEO best practices. They're not just generally knowledgeable; they're specifically helpful for Etsy too.

Imagine your product listings, optimised effectively, attracting attention from both Etsy's internal search engine and Google.

This isn't a far-off concept - it's achievable now, and it's quite exciting for Makers like you.

Etsy SEO involves a few key elements:

Include relevant keywords: Your product title, description, and tags should feature appropriate keywords.
Provide high-quality content: Clear, engaging, and informative descriptions that highlight your product.
Focus on the buyer: Help them understand how your product fits into their life. What makes your item special?
Categorise accurately: Ensure your products are in the correct categories for easy discovery.

With AI models like ChatGPT and Claude available, you can create product descriptions that not only engage customers but also improve your visibility in search results. Shall we explore how to use these tools?

SEO-Optimised Product Description Prompts for Etsy

Prompt: "Write an SEO-optimised Etsy product description for [product name], focusing on [key features or benefits]. Include relevant keywords for [target audience]."

This prompt generates a description highlighting the main selling points while ensuring relevant keywords are included to boost visibility on Etsy’s search.
Prompt: "Can you create an Etsy-optimised product description for a [product type] aimed at [specific demographic]? Include long-tail keywords related to [main feature or benefit]."

This prompt helps create a description tailored to a particular audience, with the inclusion of long-tail keywords to capture specific, less competitive search terms.
Prompt: "Generate a compelling, SEO-optimised product description for [product] on Etsy, highlighting [unique selling point] and using keywords like [keyword 1, keyword 2]."

This focuses on creating an engaging product description for Etsy, highlighting the unique selling point and including specific keywords for better search ranking.
Prompt: "Write a keyword-rich Etsy product description for [product], targeting customers searching for [problem the product solves]."

This prompt ensures that the description targets customers searching for solutions, positioning your product as the answer, while using relevant keywords for Etsy SEO.
Prompt: "Create a detailed, Etsy-optimised product description for [product], focusing on [specific use case] and including keywords related to [topic]."

This one generates a product description that’s optimised for Etsy, focusing on a particular use case and including keywords that will boost the listing’s searchability.
Prompt: "Provide an SEO-optimised Etsy product description for a [category], focusing on the [features] and benefits for [target audience], and using keywords like [keyword suggestions]."

This generates an SEO-friendly description for a specific category of products, targeting the key features and benefits that appeal to a specific audience.
Prompt: "Can you write a persuasive, Etsy-friendly product description for [product], incorporating keywords related to [industry] and [specific product features]?"

Here, the focus is on creating a persuasive description that will attract buyers within a particular industry, while incorporating key product features and relevant keywords.
Prompt: "Create an engaging, SEO-optimised description for [product] on Etsy, ensuring it appeals to customers searching for [specific keywords] related to [topic or category]."

This prompt generates an engaging, keyword-optimised description that appeals to customers looking for specific terms, helping your product rank higher on Etsy.
Prompt: "Generate an Etsy SEO-rich product description for [product], including keywords for [specific occasion or event] and [related search terms]."

This one focuses on creating an Etsy-optimised product description with keywords related to a specific event or occasion, ensuring your listing is more discoverable during peak shopping times.
Prompt: "Write a concise yet keyword-optimised Etsy product description for [product], highlighting its [benefits or features] and targeting [specific type of search queries]."

This prompt helps create a concise, focused product description that still includes the right keywords to ensure it performs well in Etsy search results.

Time to Try It Out?

Are you ready to experiment with AI-assisted product descriptions? It's a way to refresh your shop's content while maintaining the essence of your great products.

Keep in mind that crafting engaging, keyword-rich descriptions isn't solely about satisfying search algorithms.

It's about connecting with potential buyers, demonstrating why your handcrafted items are exactly what they're looking for.

So, why not give it a go? Use the prompts we've shared and observe how your Etsy listings improve.

With the right combination of compelling content and effective SEO, you could see a noticeable improvement in your shop's visibility.

Are you ready to enhance your Etsy presence? What questions do you have about getting started?

Try out and test these AI-powered descriptions and let us know the results. In the competitive world of Etsy, a well-crafted description could significantly impact your sales.

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.

28% OFF Adult Ticket - Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace 13th October - See offer.
Save up to £62 OFF Gala Tent PDX Gazebos, with many now at £180 (down from £242!) - Grab yours here.
20% OFF when you order 3 or more paper tapes at Cascayde PLUS get and EXTRA 10% OFF using this link.
Eco-Craft Clearance Lines - reductions on pillow boxes, craft envelopes, tags, boxes & more
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.
Tiny Box Company clearance lines - up to 50% OFF selected end of line items - worth a view for a bargain or two.
Craftmill Clearance Offers - wooden items and boxes ready for lasering, painting, pyrography etc