Craft Your Online Market
Empowering Craft Designer Makers for Digital Success
Craft Your Online Market is an exciting initiative brought to life by the European Crafts Alliance and powered by Etsy, with creative business coach Caroline Jackman at the helm. This 16-week programme is thoughtfully designed to support craftspeople, small craft and creative businesses, and maker cooperatives across Europe. It gives makers the practical skills and confidence to launch their products into the digital world, opening up sales channels far beyond their home market.
The Craft Designer Makers
The programme welcomes a vibrant mix of makers from Germany, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Spain. These talented individuals are at the start of their online selling journey. They make their products, don’t yet have an Etsy shop, and are keen to explore contemporary, traditional, and heritage crafts in a digital marketplace. By the end of the programme, each participant will have a solid business plan and their very own Etsy shop ready to launch by September.
Craft Designer Maker Workshop
As a proud delivery partner, Onwards and Up led Workshop 2, a deep dive into navigating the complexities of shipping, exporting, and optimising online sales channels. Our workshop was all about building a strong online presence so that these brilliant businesses can thrive on multiple digital platforms, creating a sustainable and financially rewarding selling model.
What The Workshop Covered
Shaping Smarter Selling Strategies
We helped participants identify the best-selling strategies tailored to their business models and product ranges. It’s never a one-size-fits-all approach. We believe in finding what works for you, your brand, and your customers.
Building Your Online Home
We showed makers the real benefits of having a personal business website. A well-built website isn’t just a digital business card. It’s a powerful tool that works hand-in-hand with social media and online marketplaces like Etsy to boost your brand and sales potential.
Crafting a Professional Online Profile
A standout online profile is key to attracting new customers. We guided participants on how to present their craft in the best possible light, making it easy for buyers to discover and connect with their story.
Optimising for Visibility
We shared practical tips on how to optimise online profiles, so they don’t just blend into the background but truly shine and get found by the right customers.
Competing (and Winning) Online
We gave advice on shaping selling strategies that make products visually pop and stand out against the competition. From gorgeous product photography to compelling listings, every detail counts.
Exporting with Confidence
Selling overseas can feel daunting, but we demystified the process. We included practical export information. This was to help makers feel confident and proactive about reaching buyers across borders.
Our Workshop Approach
At Onwards and Up, we keep things simple, supportive, and fun. We’re here to demystify the tricky bits and give makers the tools they need to grow boldly. With hands-on advice and plenty of encouragement, we help creative businesses turn their passion into profit and enjoy the journey along the way!
Ready to take your craft to the world? Let’s get started.
