You’ve added your products, you’ve customized your Castiron store to match your brand, and you’ve even made a sale or two! But the fun is just getting started.
I’ve talked with a lot of artisans who are apprehensive about marketing — especially ones who are making the transition from “hobby” to “business.”
“I don’t want to seem pushy,” they say.
But your business is only successful if you’re making money. And to make sales, you have to advocate for your business.
You’ve spent the time perfecting your recipes, setting up your cottage food business, or finding a commercial kitchen. Now it’s time for people to know about it!
The first (and perhaps the most important) step in growing your business and earning sales is making sure potential customers can easily buy your delicious products. It’s easiest to make this happen with an online store, although some artisans choose to take orders through Instagram DMs or Facebook messages (trust us, that can get messy). After you’ve set up your store, you must ensure that your customers can actually find it… without feeling like they’re on a scavenger hunt. Every single place that your potential customers could find out about your business should include an easily accessible link to your store.
Where are those places, though? If you’re ready to spread the word about your store, we’re sharing eight spots to share your Castiron store link. Let’s get started!
On Your Facebook Page
When was the last time you updated the information on your business’ Facebook page? A while ago? Let’s pause — I’ll wait. Go make sure your information is accurate!
Ready?
Now that you’re all updated, you’ve (hopefully) added your store link to your page’s About section. If not, add it in now!
There are several opportunities to drive traffic to your store from your Facebook page. Is your link everywhere it should be?
Call to Action Button
This button sits at the top of your page, making it fairly easy for your customers to notice and start ordering from your store once they land on your Facebook page.
The “About” Section
This section tends to tell the story of who you are, what you sell, and why you started your business. Customers like to know a little bit about who they are buying from! After reading a short description about your business, customers might feel convicted enough to click through to your store link to learn more (or make a purchase)!
In Every Post
Once you’ve gotten someone to “like” your page, they may not come back to it. Your followers are more likely to see posts from your business on their feeds, rather than actively looking at your Facebook page. Every post that you make is a reminder that customers (and potential ones) should invest in your food business. Add a call to action to every post you make — it can be as easy as “Like what you see in this photo? Order one for yourself at [your store link].”
On Your Instagram Page
Instagram only allows one link in your bio, but a standalone link is all you need to make sales with social media. Adding your Castiron store link to your profile is key, especially if Instagram drives a lot of sales for you, because it makes it easier for your customers to buy from you.
If you need to add more than one link to your profile, consider using a link tool like Linktree, which creates a list of all of your important links, all on one page. Just don’t forget to include your Castiron store link with your other links!
On Your Website
If you’re already using a website to showcase your expertise, a gallery of your past work, or just as a way for potential customers to get in touch with you, don’t forget to link your ecommerce site!
It can be as simple as adding a button to the top of your site that says “Buy Now.”
On Twitter & TikTok
If you have a Twitter or TikTok, add your store link in your profile! These social platforms might not be the first ones you think of for selling purposes, but if you’re active on them, use them as an opportunity to get in front of your customers!
A word of caution: TikTok’s virality is helpful when you’re just trying to show off your latest designs, but it can be a tricky platform for sellers. If you can’t ship your food, make sure that’s clear to your customers. You wouldn’t want someone to come to your store from TikTok and leave disappointed, would you? Or worse, what if they make a purchase but then you can’t fulfill it due to shipping laws? Make sure that your fulfillment options are set up correctly and you won’t have to worry about this.
On NextDoor
Is your community on NextDoor? Scroll through your feed and you’re bound to find someone selling their homemade salsa or posting about an upcoming cookie pop-up they’re hosting. NextDoor is a great place to promote your business. When you see posts from neighbors asking for recommendations on local bakers, meal preppers, or other artisans, hop into the conversation and introduce yourself. You can even run ads for your business to get in front of only people in the areas you serve.
In Every Email
No, email isn’t dead. Every email that you send — whether to family, a coworker, or a friend — is a marketing tool. It’s a direct line of communication to your customer (or future customer).
When you link your food business’ website, you show your passion for what you do (and can even generate sales), whether you’re sending from your personal or business email. It’s easy to add a signature that automatically shows up at the end of your emails. Here’s a guide on how to add an email signature in Gmail, and here’s one for Outlook email.
Final Thoughts
Remember: marketing might feel unnatural at first. Sometimes it might be uncomfortable to promote yourself. But you’re an expert at making the food that you sell, and you’ve made a decision to share your products with the world. Let’s get them in front of people!
If you want to make sales, make it easy for your customers to support you — everyone loves convenience.
If you need an online store for your food business, build one for free today.
