What's Better Than Etsy For Growing Your Handmade Business?

I've been selling on Etsy for over 15 years and throughout that time, I've never found anything as good as KZbin to help you grow your handmade business and bring in sales. And it's free!
The downside though? You need time and patience on your side. But for those of you who enjoy making video content, and aren't put off by this, if you're not already on KZbin, now's the time to start!
PATREON COMMUNITY 🎥
For handmade sellers who want to use KZbin to grow their business
/ kimbliss
CRAFTING CONNECTIONS CLASS 📒
Find the ideal customers for your handmade business
kimbliss.thinkific.com
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL 💚
For bonus vlogs and occasional content
/ @kimbliss
SHOP 🛒
Where I sell my hand embroidered products (also on Etsy, but I don't link to it)
www.beechtreehandmade.com

[@vezirmertcan]

The first sentence was enough for me to tap the like button!

[@angelas.vintageshop]

Hi Kim, you inspired me to start on KZbin 🤩 I filmed my first video today and it will be up tomorrow. I have an instagram community which is amazing but I thought that KZbin can help me reach some new people which prefer longer videos. It’s scary but I hope it will be all right 🥰 Thanks for being such an inspiration ❤️

[@KimBliss]

Angela that's fantastic! Welcome to the dark side. 😆 Seriously though I hope you love it as much as I do.

[@angelas.vintageshop]

@@KimBliss hehe thank you! 🤩

[@runaroundsueaccessibletrav6357]

Thank you. I have had a small you tube channel for a few years. I have also have a completed unrelated handmade small business with an Etsy Shop and craft shows. I have been thinking the same way you do and a few months ago built a new You tube channel where I was going to put more craft related content but havnt done anything about it yet. I am just about ready and strangely nervous considering I have had a channel for a few years now. You have energised me and I am ready to do it. thank you for being a like mind.

[@KimBliss]

You're welcome Sue. If I could offer any advice it would be to have fun with it and not got bogged down with strategies that suck all the fun out. If you're enjoying making videos and talking about your work, others will pick up on that. 💚

[@paperpliers]

It's always nice to hear from you, Kim. You're so encouraging, but grounded in reality, and I love that! Working on my video now!!!

[@KimBliss]

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@caro-stitched]

Hi Kim, love the video, thanks for the inspiration for starting on KZbin really appreciate it, my mantra is 'done is better than perfect'.

[@Joblizz]

Thanks to your encouraging, inspirational videos, I started my own crochet tutorial KZbin channel in November last year. My aim was to increase my pattern sales (Etsy and Ravelry) and it actually worked 😃 I had no intention of being monetized, but my number of subscribers (1220 subs so far) and watch hours are increasing daily, so, who knows 😊 So... a huge thank you Kim, you are very wise 😉 Brummie Jo x

[@KimBliss]

That's great Jo!! This is the thing, if you start off just using it as a tool to promote your business (ignoring the pressure to get monitised) it can often end up going that way organically. So chuffed for you cariad! Now I'm off to go and tell my husband that someone thinks I'm wise. 😁🧙‍♂️

[@Joblizz]

@@KimBliss 🤣

[@nice2nettles]

As a knitter and crocheter, I really should have checked out your other channel by now!

[@KimBliss]

It's ok, I don't really talk about it here. I wish u had more time to spend on it as it's my happy place. ☺️

[@cheynneedmonston1974]

Definitely not a boring video Kim. I think you’ve just given me the nudge I needed to (re)start a KZbin channel. I’m going to check out your vids on that too. Thanks for the tips and the convos. Great stuff. 👌🙏

[@KimBliss]

Thanks for saying that. I always worry about talking about KZbin here. It's definitely a long game and people either love making video content or they absolutely loathe it so it can be a tricky balance to hit. I'm glad you enjoyed the video though, thanks for watching. 😊

[@ny007ny]

Very informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@hannahmitchell87]

Lovely to see you so happy! X

[@KimBliss]

Thank you! 😁😁😁

[@eileenaherne3793]

Thanks Kim 🥰

[@KimBliss]

😊

[@gileswhiteheadartist]

Thanks Kim. It’s great to hear your ideas. I’m already a KZbin convert and started my first channel 13 years ago. That one reached the total of 8 followers. A few years after, I started a new one which reached 78 followers - but my output was probably a bit random and inconsistent. Then, 3 years ago, I made a distinct effort to give my channel a distinct style and art focus - interviews/tutorials/insights into the process etc. I spent weeks crafting my videos and promoting them on social media etc, but still very few people watched them. Then, exhausted and looking for some less time-consuming content, I uploaded an old video (that had been on my old channel) I had made in the nineties transferred from VHS video and it got 90,000 views. Despite my efforts to make lovely new art focused videos, most of my views and 500 or so subscribers have come from this one, old video. But, I continue making and uploading videos as it’s all part of the creativity, but I’ve not found a rhyme or reason for KZbin success. Was there a point when your channel started to grow and flourish?

[@KimBliss]

In short yes, it was when I started leaning into learning more about what made good video 'packaging'. You might already know where I'm going with this, but it's the old titles and thumbnails thing. It gets talked about to death here on YT, but for good reason. You can have the best video on a topic, but without getting these two things right, people just won't click on them to watch. KZbin pushes out videos to more people when they get watched by your existing audience so you need to know a) what kind of person your ideally making videos for, b) make videos with those people in mind and c) craft your thumbnails and titles to be interesting and intriguing enough so that they want to click and see what your video's about. That sounds so simple, but in truth it's a whole new skill set. One that takes practice, time and patience to master. I'm still learning and think I always will be for as long as I'm here, but you asked when I saw a turning point in my channel and it was when I started learning what works here on the platform and implementing it into my own work. I hope this is helpful, Giles!

[@gileswhiteheadartist]

@@KimBliss thanks so much for taking the time to write. I spend so much time trying to make attractive/interesting thumbnails and considering interesting titles that sum up the content in a snappy way, but not hit the push algorithm yet. Then, my wife pointed out that the 90,000 view video had a thumbnail of a semi-clad female (albeit an artwork)!

[@KimBliss]

Oh wow, yes, that would do it! ☺️ You mentioned that you were getting most of your subscribers from that video too, so it could be that it's bringing in the wrong kind of viewer to your channel. This in turn could slow down your growth as it would confuse the algorithm as to who your videos were for.

[@gileswhiteheadartist]

@@KimBliss Thanks for the advice Kim. The video was consistent with my quirky art related theme so shouldn’t have confused the algorithm too much, but you’re probably right. I guess I’m just getting lost in a confusing sea of noise, but I continue to make my own bit of noise and great we all have an opportunity to do so.

[@designowlie]

Hiya Kim, I enjoy your videos, you should invite other handmade sellers to your podcast, I think it would be interesting to get different perspectives! :)

[@belindaroadley]

Was listening to you while doing laundry; surely I get productivity bonus points for that!😄 I wanna start a youtube channel, but I'm going to have to work hard on my umming... so, SO much umming 😅

[@KimBliss]

I am *terrible* for umming! I cut so many out, which would surprise people because so many still get left in. I'm trying to sit in silence in between sentences, but once I get into the flow I just can stop myself! Ah well. It's a muscle to flex I guess. But I'm with you for sure. 😁

[@rebeccaledford8202]

Thank you for the Monday fix, needed some Kim-ness today. I like coffee *and* tea. And hot cocoa, hot cider, soup, and making all the things in all the ways. And naps. Or for main weapons are... Oh, you get the idea. You seem energized. But you often are when you espouse your love of KZbin and communities. Joining you soon in the KZbin-Dom. Just learning editing. Be well, game on, and oh! You should stitch some gamer-y things! Niche unlocked! Ok, I need a nap. Looking forward to the July reset!

[@KimBliss]

I actually do want to stitch up some gamer-esqe stuff! I made a couple of RTPG themed patches in my last shop update and we were joking in my D&D group last night that we should have some stitched patches or merit badges. I think they were joking, but I was sat there just thinking, "OHMYGAWDYEEEES!". 😄

[@getknitfacedinco]

Hi Kim! Knitter here, and indie dyer. Love your content and I’ve just subscribed to your “itty bitty” other channel. ❤

[@KimBliss]

Oooh hey! Well you're definitely the kind of person I chat to over there. I've got another pair of socks on the go that I can wait to share soon too. Thanks for joining me over there! 😁👍

[@GamingTreasureChest]

I’ll have to check out that patron as I’ve started getting back into making videos on KZbin, aimed at D&D players to hopefully help sell my D&D related goods. Which as I know we have talked about you playing D&D in the past I wouldn’t mind sending you an item as a thank you for being an inspiration! Keep up the good work!

[@KimBliss]

Aw that's really lovely of you. I don't accept gifts nowadays which I hope doesn't make me sound ungrateful, but truly, I am extremely touched that you would even consider it. Thanks so much for thinking of me. P.S. My group had a session earlier this week and we're off to fight a banshee and if we survive that, we've been tasked by one NPC to fight a white dragon. We're level 5, what could possibly go wrong?? 😄

[@GamingTreasureChest]

@@KimBliss that is absolutely fine and I completely understand. Nice I wish your party the best of luck in those fights haha

[@pinkscampi]

Instagram wants everyone to pay for boosts and ads.

[@KimBliss]

Yeah, they do seem to be pushing then pretty hard lately. I've noticed a notification offering £5 off boosting my posts with an ad, and I can't seem to get rid of it. Ah well. I don't play the Instagram growth game anymore, and I enjoy myself there so much more as a result.

[@pinkscampi]

@@KimBliss Im trying to play the Tiktok growth game so might as well upload to instagram. hard seeing a reel only get 5 views. Unrelated question but I have a fourthwall merch store linked to my youtube channel and they said that self fulfilled products cant be linked due to youtube policy, but i see your kits linked above. Please can you elaborate?

[@CoventinaSoapery]

Hi Missus Kim! Well I for one am really enjoying the process of video editing my footage, but it can take a fair bit of time. I'm gradually growing a following, but I'm finding getting a cohesive community together illusive! I am sticking with it though, so shameless plug, please take a look if ye like 😊. Lotsa love, Missus Cress xx

[@KimBliss]

KZbin is definitely a long game, but I believe it's well worth it. And if you're already building up an engaged community, then you're already doing really well! The conversations and connections alone can make all the work worth it. ☺️

[@CoventinaSoapery]

@@KimBliss Thanks! I hope so x

[@gillianmcmurray]

Your enthusiasm is wonderful, Kim 😀 Making longer videos (i.e. 6 minutes of nature and painting) was taking me too much time. It was the editing mostly. So I'm back to the drawing board for now.

[@KimBliss]

Yup the editing can take a while, especially if you're using a lot of different footage. I find vlogs a lot more time intensive than these talking head videos where editing is pretty basic. That being said I'm itching to make a faceless video on the other channel. Pretty much what you just described, but I need to sit down ans think about it some more first. It's definitely a skill to learn eh? 😁

[@gillianmcmurray]

@@KimBliss It's definitely a skill. I think a lot of people underestimate how much there is to learn and do while making videos. If you make a faceless video for the other channel, you could add the chickens to it 😁

[@KimBliss]

@gillianmcmurray Oh there will definitely be chickens! 😁🐓

[@gillianmcmurray]

@@KimBliss Yay! 🎉🥳

[@stephpicton6092]

Hi Kim you have inspired me to consider a website and KZbin but at the moment I'm feeling tight on spending money on things. I want to invest in a camera so I can do KZbin but I would like to have something that does good product photos too. My phone isn't great so I think a camera would be better. Any advice on cameras you use? X

[@KimBliss]

You don't need to spend a lot of money to start KZbin, that's the good news. The camera I use is one I splashed out on after using my phone for a few years and cost a fair amount, it's a Canon m50. That being said, I grew my channel to 10k+ subs *without* it. I started with only my phone and a cheap lav mic from Amazon. And honestly? I sometimes still choose those over my expensive camera and mic combo! Ultimately don't worry about your phone not being perfect, it doesn't need to be and chances are folks won't notice. They tend to notice poor sound quality more than a slightly less crisp video and it's easy enough to get your hands on an affordable lav mic. Everything else can be bootstrap'ed until you have the budget to upgrade. That's the beauty of KZbin. What's more important than the equipment you use is your video and what you share with your viewers. Everything else can grow as you do. 💚

[@stephpicton6092]

@@KimBliss thank you. X

[@hookinateacup]

It might be free but it’s a whole other skill set. I don’t want to be on camera so I’ve filmed a tutorial. I find the editing the biggest pain. That being said, that has got me a couple of hundred views, which I think I’m lucky if I get 1 view on Etsy. That video is aimed at crocheters. The handmade items are wearables but I’ve tried all sorts of keywords etc and I find that posting on Instagram is the only thing that gets me views after the initial push by Etsy when it’s first listed. I’ve given up on Etsy for now. Nobody will buy winter wear in Summer. However, I’ve still been making stuff and taking a mental break from ‘the push’ which I needed. In that time, I’ve tried learning another skill and that might bring a different type of channel as well as improve my crochet channel. I think a lot of people watch you to have a giggle. You’re very entertaining ❤

[@KimBliss]

It is absolutely another skill set and it's a long game, which is why I think so many folks are put off sadly. 💚

[@LadyValkyri]

Hi, Kim! I know you said you started with your phone to record your videos, but my phone is an honest to God piece of garbage. I haven't had time or head space to look over at your Patreon much YET, but is there a section in your page for equipment discussions? It IS an investment, whether buying lighting, what are the best lav mics, plus how to effectively set design. It's a whole big thing that feels so overwhelming. I want my hobby to become a business that will help to support me. Living hand to mouth with very little help is daunting, then to add even more daunting stuff (Getting my merch in front of people) on top of serious health issues, I just don't know where the best use of my limited resources ($ & Time) should go. I've got skills. I create beautiful things. Sometimes people even buy them. I have many pretty things for sale on Ko-fi. Do I need your Masterclass about Ideal Customers? Yes. Can I afford it? Nope. Can I afford NOT to take it? I don't know. Oh, Great Guru Kim, I love you, chicken, no matter what. Hugs & ta-rah!

[@KimBliss]

You don't need to take my class or pay for anything Val. Yes all of these things are investments, but if they're not within your budget then you can get far with what you can find online for free. I did. As for your phone, you don't say which model you have but why don't you just try filming something with it anyway and see how it turns out? You might be surprised. I see videos here that have been filmed on grainy computer webcams and people still watch. In fact I actually prefer them over many of the crisp, cinematic videos you can also find here. As for the lav mics, I just bought a cheap generic one off of Amazon to start with. There was no more thought put into it than that. They might be cheap, but they tend to be a lot better than relying on the phone mic. But forget all of that for a second. Do you really want to make video content? Because if you feel that it's something you *should* do rather than something that you want to do, then you'll end up hating every second and it will make you feel worse. Video content is what works best right now for sure, but it's not a good fit for everyone that is perfectly ok. If it is something you want to pursue, honestly, just bootstrap it. I did and people liked what I put out there enough to stick around. It's more about what's in the actual video and the energy you put out there than the quality of the equipment, I promise you. 💚

[@rickmartinez1769]

❤❤❤

[@jane.c.c]

Wow.. Just as my head is smoking with anger about youtube. Usually my shorts videos get about 1-2000 impressions. Yesterdays short video got 7. Hence smoking head..

[@KimBliss]

Oof! Was it a video you'd used somewhere else like TT or IG? I know that the latter don't push out videos that have the TT logo/meta data attached to it, so I thought I'd ask on the off chance it could be a similar thing at play here? Otherwise I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm not a fan of shorts as a creator personally for this reason. They have completely different algorithms than long form and seem to get battered by changes so much more.

[@jane.c.c]

@@KimBliss No Kim. No TT or IG. But I didn't really think about them having different algorithms. I'll just see how it goes. Also, I'm in Italy. Would that make a difference? I have no idea.. Thanks anyway ❤

[@KimBliss]

Oooh actually you said you posted it yesterday.. I posted my last video yesterday and noticed the views were way down compared to usual too. Could be something going on behind the scenes? It does happen occasionally sometimes due to algorithm changes, big world events or simple bugs. Keep an eye on your analytics and look out for any notifications from YT.

[@jane.c.c]

@@KimBliss Thanks Kim Xx

[@JohnLee-mk1tj]

😁