Aibu to ask about your small business success?

[dusking]

Hiya all, long time lurker here. After loads of going back and forth I made the plunge at the end of last year to launch a small online business - don’t want to say what it is but something handmade and a little bit crafty. Since then I’ve done some advertising and working hard to polish my products to make them as good as I can but finding it really difficult to motivate myself when there’s no results (I’ve had one sale so far). I know it’s perfectly normal for it to take a couple of years and that it needs hard work, but my brain isn’t listening and I’ve got half a mind to pack it in before I lose even more money.

I don’t have any DC (use MN as I’m TTC) and also don’t like my full time job very much due to unsociable hours so this would be the perfect time and motivation for me to get it up and running now rather than later. My problem is I’m not very confident and a bit embarrassed to bring it up to people I know and post on my own fb or Instagram etc and I think a large part of me is scared people are going to think I’m crap compared to other similar businesses out there. I’m really good at IT and have made myself a website and stuff but don’t get many views.

I’ve seen a lot of posts on MN where people mention they’ve got their own business so I’d love to ask if you’ve got any stories for success so I can stop wallowing in self pity pathetically or any tips and tricks etc etc. Love reading positive stories

Set up your company name and use all social media with the company name rather than your own name.

Get a domain name, and create a targeted Facebook ad campaign - there's some really easy to follow how to videos on Facebook for Business help pages.

Try not to get too disheartened. You mentioned craft, could you look at hitting up some craft fairs? If it's wedding or baby aimed look at fairs, venues etc. Tout yourself to local businesses in the same sector but different products.

Of course you should maybe take a step back and make sure the cost of your wears isn't so excessive or that they're so common someone can get a similar product from China for pennies on the pound. If it is then you're going to need to work twice as hard to get established, but still not impossible. I think we all have weeks where there's no new orders at times no matter how busy and successful we might be, you'll learn to savour the downtime! Xxx

OP, I have so much sympathy for you. I felt cringey for years about the work I did. BUT, and I mean this with love, nothing is going to make success harder than that feeling. You have to embrace what you do, warts and all. Otherwise it manifests in little things that stack up — not taking opportunities, not promoting, not prioritizing your work over (say) dishes and laundry. If I could go back and do it over again, that would be the thing I’d tackle first. Once I began to behave like a professional, I did better at my business because I did all those businessy things like get a website and network and skill-build.
Fake it till you make it!

Marketing is key!
If you're not getting views on your website then it's because nobody knows it's there.
You need a driving force there.
So a 'your business name' FB and insta page.

Did the person that bought love it? Your first review.

Do you have multiple products made? That's your gallery- get posting. Take photos in good even natural light only. Overcast day by the window on a neutral backdrop to keep your gallery clean, consistent and professional.

As much as you feel embarrassed about posting etc then if you don't plug your own product, who else will?

It's a common phenomenon to compare in the creative industry but you cannot compare yourself to more established businesses as it'll only make you feel rubbish. Only compare yourself to your progress from 3, 6, 12 months from your previous self..

Good Luck

Thank you all! Some very helpful advice, some of these I’m doing already which is great as it means I’m on the right track. I think the tip about always being professional even if you’re cringing on the inside is really important, I do spend a lot of time being embarrassed and doubting myself which I could spend doing some work or promoting myself

Instagram is a must! Take really lovely, modern photos of your product with hashtags. With a link to your website in your profile.

It really helps! Perhaps do a competition to gain more followers on Instagram and Facebook?