Instagram Marketing Strategy for Handmade Business Owners and Etsy Shops

[@CreativeHiveCo]

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[@KeyPrintCo]

Love it! We started using these strategies and it worked wonders!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

YAY! I love hearing this!!!

[@underconstruction90]

Hi Mei! My name is Lluna, from Barcelona. I follow your videos since 3 months ago, and I want to say you a big "THANK YOU MEI!". Because all of your shared knoweledge, that makes me lose less time trying to struggle with handmade business marketing related topics. Sorry for my poor English, I'm learning it with you too!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so so happy to hear that! I definitely want to help lessen the struggle so I'm so glad to hear you've found the videos helpful.

[@kristindoja44]

Your English is great!

[@underconstruction90]

@@kristindoja44 hahaha Thank you! 😅

[@karajohnson6540]

This is actually incredibly helpful! I don’t have a product based business, but I’ve just started a podcast and a VA business and these tips are EASILY transferable! Truly, thank you!! I’ll be referencing this a lot in the future!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's wonderful Kara! Good luck with your VA business!!

[@bosssweetie2242]

Thanks for these tips. Definitely! Helpful for ROI on energy

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for watching!

[@malthegal2894]

I just wanna say a big thank you Mei. Your videos/channel have been so insightful and given me such valuable information I've spent years already trying to figure out which has resulted in me starting and giving up multiple times. Now I can't wait for my life to settle down (stupid virus nonsense) because I absolutely hope to join your sales a day workshop. You have single-handedly seriously boosted my confidence and motivated me to keep moving forward and not give up.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's awesome, Mal! I'm excited that you have got the motivation to move forward. When you are ready to join A Sale A Day I will be ready for you!

[@darren8854]

Great strategy, thank you. I'm starting my own bath and body product business in April this year and I'm watching all your videos to help me prepare for what's to come.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You got this! I'm so happy to be a part of your pre-launch preparation!

[@DanPackard-be2ne]

what an effective teacher this person is. Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Wow, thank you, Dan! That is so nice of you to say.

[@jasminbrekke588]

Great practical tips as always will implement your strategies. Best, Jasmin Brekke

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Happy to help Jasmin!!

[@priscagbadamosi3488]

You are a genius Mei. God bless you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awww, thank you so much, Prisca! I really appreciate that!

[@laurice8056]

This is such valuable advice. I started an Instagram account about 3 months ago because I was told that it was good for business. But I still haven’t posted anything because I wasn’t sure what to post and how to post or build up a list of followers... That is until now. Thanks again for sharing!🤗

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy this was helpful Laurice! Happy posting!

[@giulia6853]

i want to start a handmade buisness but i didnt know where to sell, this video helped a lot and now i have a better on how to sell on instagram !

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy this helped you Giulia! Starting a business is really exciting.

[@floriankristel]

I love the honesty. To be honest, a lot of users on Instagram just like free content. Few would actually pay for it. So, the time invested is not worth it if you are a serious business owner. I think that you were right when you mentioned about having a website and an email list.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Your own website and email marketing list are the smartest thing you can do. Other sites and platforms are great for diversifying but those two are key.

[@judi112]

the best video I've seen so far! Had to start it again and take notes. Thank you xx

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching Judi! I'm really so happy that you love it!! ❤️

[@nadiafrias9210]

Great tips. And you explain everything so well and easy to understand and follow. Thanks. It helps me a lot.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy it helps Nadia! Thank you for watching.

[@fidebona7238]

Really enjoy on watching your video and found it is useful! thanks!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching!

[@heatherbell9924]

Amazing! so incredibly helpful!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for watching, Heather!

[@alanemarie5]

Thanks for videos, you pack a lot of good information in them. I am bumbling around on social media, mostly FB, IG and Etsy. I'm selling some, but I have a long way to go to understanding all this. I'll keep watching. Thanks

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Once you nail down a good rhythm for your social media channels you'll definitely see results! Keep working on it! 💖

[@ZacharyAghaizu]

Wow especially the last section was insightful!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad it was helpful for you, Zachary!

[@rechelleestorba6354]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am thinking of starting a small business and i know everything here can help me. Thank you so much for sharing..♡♡♡

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's great, Rechelle! Good luck getting started!

[@viviartgallery1004]

Thanks Mai for sharing your experience. It was super helpful 🙏🌸

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for watching!

[@janebaylis7689]

Love the social media tips. So important to focus your strategies as it seems so overwhelming! Thanks

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It really is! Thanks so much for watching, Jane!

[@trudy2323]

Thank you for sharing Mei! I just started painting again and finding this video is a true gem xx

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's wonderful, Trudy! I appreciate you watching.

[@victoriarossiter9654]

Thank you so much for all the content you've posted, I've watched so many of your videos! I've got a handmade crochet boutique I'm getting rolling right now and I'm eating up your content! Trying to figure out who my customers would be right now.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

This blog post might help you, Victoria! www.creativehiveco.com/5-questions-to-ask-to-understand-your-ideal-customer/

[@Shealikebutter]

Thank you this was super helpful

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@Charlotte-wx4jz]

I’ve really struggled gaining followers on Instagram. And I know it’s not all about followers but I don’t seem to have the following the likes or the interest to buy my stuff. And that’s not because my stuff doesn’t seem to sell because it does. So I just don’t really get it. I have watched a bunched of these videos, from a bunch of people, that give ideas of what to do, I follow ideas but I’m getting nowhere. I’ll try with some of the advice in this video, your stuff is always good! But right now I’m so disheartened with it all. Putting the time in to make the product look good, then nothing comes of it. I don’t normally moan sorry 🤦🏻‍♀️ Great Video!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Charlotte, I can totally understand how that can be disheartening. When you click on the hashtags you use check to see if your work fits into that feed. Then look at those other posts and see what other hashtags you could use.

[@Charlotte-wx4jz]

Creative Hive thanks for the reply. I have researched # and I try and use a some from 1000s, 10000s and beyond. I use words/ phrases, that relate to my art. I try and use between 15 and 30 #. My art is quite niche maybe it’s that. 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

[@DraNchan]

Thank you for your professional advice :D I realized I already do most of those things instinctively, but I'm stuck with under 250 followers in 2 years, oh dear. I guess I treat insta more like a blogging platform instead of an image platform - I always make sure I'm posting something 'new' and have 'something to say', which lands me with one post a week. Gotta try more quantity instead of quality, that maybe only I appreciate/

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes, consistent (more often) posting can help keep you relevant in people's feeds so they have more of a chance to interact with you. Think of Instagram as a micro-blogging platform, where instead of longer things to say you maybe give a paragraph instead. You want to engage the audience and if your captions are continually long your followers may lose interest in reading it all.

[@807002044]

Not even through the video yet... but thank you! Great content and delivery!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thanks so much for your comment, Govinda! I hope you found it helpful to the end! 😊

[@yogaluna4579]

Really enjoyed your advice and helpful tips! Thank you for sharing, Mei.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Etsuko!

[@HannahGarnier]

I never thought of doing the comments on other pages! Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome Hannah!

[@arielleautumn3848]

You've defintely helped me increase my buisness audience! Thank you 💕

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That makes me so happy to hear Arielle!

[@nancylargent6203]

I totally love your videos. They are so helpful!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That makes me so happy to hear Nancy! Thank you for watching.

[@dlkdesigns8010]

Mei! I am getting sucked into watching all of your videos, lol. They are amazing - Thank you :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That sounds like a great problem to me! 😊 Thank you so much for watching them - I appreciate it so much!

[@jennifermasiero4195]

love this, thanks for sharing!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome, Jennifer! Thank you so much for watching!

[@darlenebimbai2145]

Great tips Mei! Question, do you have any videos on Twitter marketing and how to be successful on there? I think there’s potential for a handmade business to do well on there and I wanna see if I can make it work.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

No, I'm sorry, I don't. I don't think that Twitter is designed well for selling handmade products, and so I don't spend much time on it. I found this blog that might help, though it is several years old: blog.folksy.com/2016/06/07/10-super-useful-twitter-tips Instagram is really the place to be for handmade.

[@darlenebimbai2145]

@@CreativeHiveCo Thank you!

[@lauriesuzanne8848]

Excellent wisdom shared, and gratefully received. Even for those of us familiar with Instagram?? Well, hey, I bet most can use a little brush up! Me? I need major improvement! Thank you, Mei(:

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Laurie! I hope you found it helpful!

[@CharlieCoopertv]

SO GOOD! Thanks so much for these tips. I definitely plan on implementing them!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Wonderful Charlie! Let me know how it turns out!!

[@naturesbestart-vickiachard8067]

Unbelievable video Mei, so many important tips and strategies, thank you so much, I appreciate you sharing, you are awesome. Hope you are doing well. All the best to you and your husband.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Vicki! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@multaniahandmade6664]

Thank you for this informative video, Mei!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching!

[@inicreativeminds1588]

Hi Mei, Great video and great advice on using IG as Part of your media marketing strategy. Thank you so much Kuljeet x

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching as alawys, Kuljeet!

[@goldenratio5529]

New to your channel! Thank you so much for all the tips and tricks ♥

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Welcome!! Thank you so much for watching!

[@thereseh7846]

Thank you for this great video!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I appreciate you watching, Therese!

[@onetwist7983]

does hashtag usage mentioned in this video can be applied in FB too?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes, hashtags are still relevant on Facebook. sproutsocial.com/insights/hashtags-on-facebook/

[@Pokefan899]

This was so informative thank you 🙏

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@juniorbee1564]

When Mei Pak is point upwards while telling us to watch her other videos, where is the link to the other video???

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Junior Bee! A little white banner should pop up in the corner of the video, and if you click that, that is the link to the other video! 😊

[@jaspiondetanga6991]

Great video. ❤❤

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you! 🤗

[@kell-e7y]

Loveeee love love!! Thanks for these tips! ❤️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're so welcome! Thanks so much for watching! 💖

[@alexiscraftyourlifeaway9587]

I start taking notes when I watch your videos thank You for so much information

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's amazing, Alexis! I hope that you have found some good tips and tricks!

[@alexiscraftyourlifeaway9587]

Yes many

[@Samadrita0]

Wow,Thank you so much for this video Mam,You are my teacher😚❤️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's my pleasure, Samadrita! Thank you for watching!

[@faeryalchemy]

Thank you so much for your videos - so helpful and appreciated

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My pleasure! 😊 I really appreciate you watching!

[@Maddiekjk]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us you are beautifully amazing♥️🙏🏻🌹

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you, Maddie! That is so sweet of you to say!

[@cordialgreetingsart]

I want to know what is best to use now with all 3 different video styles on IG. There are stories, IGTV and now Reels. It’s all confusing and which video method will be the best to use to bring new traffic to your account? I know each video section has different amounts of time the video runs. But which method works the best?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Ella, I would say start with stories. It's the best place to get comfortable in front of the camera. Then you can move onto IGTV when you have longer videos to show such as a how-to or behind the scenes.

[@humblelovingsouls]

Have you tried etsy.ads on Instagram? I reached out to them and they have terrible customer service. I asked for some customer testimonials and they told me they have 2500 posts. They completely ignored my question even after explainingit a second time. So I assume service is not good. It isn't cheap I'm wondering if anyone on here has used it. Thanks!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I haven't because I don't have the two integrated at all and I tend to stick to the Facebook ads format. Etsy's regular customer service has never had great ratings so I'm not surprised that this is similar.

[@jacquelineking9095]

Great information, thanks 😊

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Jacqueline!

[@ovlogs525]

The content is real good. Thank you @Creaitve Hive. Another substantial video :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear this! Thank you so much for watching! 💖

[@cryavi2005]

Hello Mai. Im a paper flower florist/artist and about to start a hair bow maker I try to stick to the same hashtags but dont think they're the right ones to use for my certain business. I really dont know what kind of hashtags to use to attract potential buyers. Is it possible to get help for that?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes, there are hashtag generator apps that you can use based on keywords that you pick out. You can also see what hashtags people who make similar items to you/who have a similar target audience use.

[@karlamarinee]

Hi there. This was a very helpful video. Where can I see the other video you talked at the end. I couldn’t find the link

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Karla! You can find that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Pckmqojshjb5I

[@karlamarinee]

Creative Hive thank you!!!! You’re so amazing. I’m thankful I found you

[@jackieheath9120]

really great advice brilliant!!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Jackie! I appreciate you watching!

[@ashleygesty7671]

Great tips!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you like them, Alana! I hope you find them helpful!

[@hushthatfussbus1357]

These are great tips! Thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're so welcome! I hope it was helpful to you!

[@waddlingweedle]

Can you make it so your videos will play while browsing your phone?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I have no control over that but it looks like if you get iOs 14 you'll be able to: mashable.com/article/apple-ios-14-youtube-videos-background-play-picture-in-picture/

[@umeshbagri4501]

Great video thanks 🙏

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@everyoneaccessorizellc.898]

Excellent tips, thank you😁

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching, Sabrina!

[@bonitabarnes4191]

Good advice. Thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome Bonita!

[@danielavazquez4165]

You are great! Thank you very much.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awww, thank you so much, Daniela! I appreciate that!

[@connieworship3678]

Love your ideas thanks

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I hope you find them helpful, Connie!

[@misscamilleneri]

Yeyyy another video!!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I love your enthusiam, Camille!

[@misscamilleneri]

Creative Hive ♥️♥️♥️

[@rosemarydavis8785]

Enjoyed your classes M!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that, Rosemary!

[@thedisgustd]

Well I haven’t seen the whole video yet but still commenting. When you say email listing is better than any social media, in terms of conversations rate, doesn’t that mean that you need bunch of customers and their emails in the first place? By sending them email increases the ration of conversation of exiting customers and turning them into returning customers, but what about approach new customers? how to find them without any social media. nah I get it that you didn’t ask us to totally stop using social media but that’s a doubt that I have.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! Another great and effective way to direct traffic to your website/shop (without relying on social media) is through media/influencer outreach. You want to pitch to influencers/bloggers/media where your ideal customers are at.

[@nameless929]

Thank you it is very insightful.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Glad you think so! Thank you for watching!

[@kittyconroy8184]

How often should posts be made on Instagram? Weekly /daily?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You can check out my blog post here for some reference: www.creativehiveco.com/the-top-10-instagram-marketing-mistakes/

[@krauselee877]

Damn its like your reading my mind. Btw your insanely beautiful Mei. (:

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, krause!

[@cicihoward2595]

I thought she was an actress when I first saw her!

[@krauselee877]

@@cicihoward2595 she gorgeous

[@kwrer6087]

Great sharing! just sharing for businesses who wants to promote internationally , here's an Advertorial placement on Global Banking & Finance Review Website and Social Media Promotions: theadvertorial.com/collections/featured-collection/products/advertorial-placement-on-global-banking-finance-review-website-and-social-media-blast

[@wildearthling]

It's sad because since the algorithm I don't enjoy instagram as a user while scrolling through my feed anymore. Now I'm just posting, really.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I wish they hadn't changed it. It was great when it was chronological and actually "insta".

[@keshundramajor5894]

This is great

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you, keshundra! I appreciate you watching!

[@paycheckfrank6796]

Thanks it works!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm super happy to hear that!

[@adiankonina]

Thanks a lot

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching Adi!

[@catherinemiss6360]

Thank you xxx

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Catherine!

[@YONCE8701]

My business is still a baby....I have so many questions!!!! 😣

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I have lots and lots of videos here so I help they help you find some answers!

[@njushaoliang]

Can you team corporate with us to grow in IG?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm not sure but you can email me at [e-mail] so we can talk further.

[@njushaoliang]

@@CreativeHiveCo sent mail~

[@mastergirl922]

Now that Instagram is streamlining shopping, it might help a smidgen bit better

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes, it's one more platform that people can use.

[@pinkyfish6850]

thank you so much 💓 Jesus loves you give ypur life to him 💙

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@shannonclaire7800]

I’ve just started my Instagram business making handmade bracelets and embroidery. This couldn’t have come at a better time. @ShannonClaireCreates

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad you've found it helpful, Shannon!

[@zainababubakar7127]

may you live happy

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you zainab. You as well.

[@asdasda7940]

watch 1.5x speed and save time

[@CreativeHiveCo]

If it helps!

[@DIYcraftsFYI]

Instagram is a waist of time 🤣

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Not true. If you can work Instagram, which is such a visual platform, this can bring lots of sales your way.

[@myorangeglasses2018]

She just selling her course. Not much useful content.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I don't mention my course once in this video. ???

[@SunskritiSingh]

Watch this in 1.25 speed

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Good tip!

[@CoreyZeiman]

Hey Mei, love your content! I've emailed you about a potential collaboration-let's create something amazing together!

[@roparas]

This is super helpful, thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for watching, Rodolfo!

[@733-y1c]

Great video!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!