Dear Design Doctor I do want to get more involved with social media. But, do I really need to spend the whole day replying to tweets and liking Facebook posts if I want to expand my network? Is there another way for the social media averse? The Design Doctor for this question is Hilary [...] Read more »
Book review: Want to get your hands dirty with marketing? Get Clients Now!™
(PLEASE NOTE: The 3rd edition of this book was published in the UK on 7 May 2013, we will be reviewing this new edition shortly. The image of the book cover is from the 2nd edition) I will be honest here … when I first saw the cover of this book I thought it was [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How to get clarity on what to do next?
Dear Design Doctor I graduated 2 years ago in Graphic Design. I have been able to get some freelance work, but it has been hard financially. I have done some illustrated card designs, and sold these at local craft fairs last Christmas. Should I do more of that this Christmas? How can I make a [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How can I do market research?
Dear Design Doctor I am the founder of a new furniture and product brand. I set up the business last April and our first furniture range is being sold with a major retailer nationwide. I am writing a new business plan and would like to read about the size of the UK industry to understand [...] Read more »
The Design Trust Guide to Start & Run a Successful Craft Business
I wrote this guide to help creative people get clarity and direction in how to start and run their own small craft business. It gives lots of practical advice and information, but also looks at the big picture. Setting up as a freelancer or sole trader can be really daunting. There are so many things [...] Read more »
What is niche marketing? And 8 good reasons why you should bother and not worry about loosing out
There is a lot of talk on small business websites about the importance of creating your own niche. So what is that all about? What is niche marketing? A niche is a focused, targetable part of the market. You are a specialist providing a product or service that focuses on specific client group’s needs, which [...] Read more »
How to identify your niche market?
As a creative business adviser and trainer I regularly see clients who have identified a target market because they think it will make the most money. Many of my crafts business clients focus on the high end luxury market, but they actually hate working for rich people who don’t appreciate their skills and love for [...] Read more »
The Design Doctor: How to get started with marketing my crafts on a limited budget?
Hello The Design Doctor I am just starting out with my own eBay shop. I make all my own jewellery and buy only the highest quality of home decor and gifts. I have just started Facebook and twitter and all this is new to me too. How can I get myself noticed more? I don’t [...] Read more »
Top 5 tips to sell your crafts online successfully
Do you want to sell online, but find that creating a website takes too much time and money?! Promoting or selling online with an established website or directory is one of the best and cheapest ways to increase your profile and to generate sales all year round. They have overtaken galleries and other sales opportunities [...] Read more »
11 initial actions to build your credibility faster
Without credibility you will have a real hard time to get potential clients. Unfortunately for you building credibility is a slow process that takes time and effort, and especially if you are just starting out it can be a really hard job! Credibility is based on building trust and the relationship with potential clients. In many [...] Read more »