Hi all, first post here so please be gentle! I've just started a business selling some luxury, handmade products. I've launched the website but am looking to start getting my brand 'out there'. I have a list of magazines, etc to work through for editorial reviews and product placement.
I've booked in to a few small craft/gift fairs and my first county show but I wondered if anyone has any recommendations for good events that don't cost the earth? My ideal event would be something like Burghley Horse Trials because of the footfall and consumer profiles but I can't yet justify the cost as a start up. Items are a spin on something quite mundane that's gone luxury, priced from £75, so they're quite disruptive when it comes to quality and pricing. Based in Northants but willing to travel for the right events. If anyone knows of anything, it'd be much appreciated!
Also, getting instagram followers - I know it's not the be all and end all, but currently it's a chicken and egg thing, having more followers kind of verifies your brand, does anyone have any positive advice about boosted posts and the like? Is it worth spending a bit on marketing costs to increase followers? Or is it just about being a bit more patient?
I appreciate it's not going to happen overnight but what would you do to get your brand 'out there'?
Thanks in advance, I've read some really insightful stuff on here over the past few months and would appreciate any advice that people who have been in a similar situation can offer.