Your Most Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Since releasing the second edition of Marketing for Creatives, I’ve received some smarty-pants questions, so I’ve compiled the most common ones together to answer for you.

1. Who is this book for?

Creatives. I thought that was pretty clear from the title. No?

Ohhhh, you want me to be more specific? Fine.

I’ve written it with product-based creative businesses in mind. It’s for artists, potters, knitters, toy makers, dog treat bakers, jewelry artists, yarn spinners, bow tie sewers, soap makers, pattern designers, embroiderists {Is that a thing? It should be.}, candle makers, custom beard oil creators, tulle skirt sellers, studded pillow sewers, bridesmaid dress designers, etc.

2. I’ve taken such-and-such marketing course or read such-and-such book on marketing? How is this different?

Was that course or book specific to creative businesses like yours? If not, that’s the biggest difference. All the examples will apply to your business—not something that you can’t relate to like selling online courses.

I’ve taken some amazing marketing classes and read some kickass marketing books, but none of them focused on helping creative entrepreneurs. You’re like a species onto yourself—some of those marketing tactics just don’t apply to your business. That’s why I wrote Marketing for Creatives.

I’ve worked with so many creatives who’ve asked me questions like: 1. I sell ceramics? What in the heck would I write a guest post about? 2. I’m a headband maker. I don’t sell information, so what should I blog about? 3. Would buying advertising really help sell my watercolor prints? 4. As a knitter, what social media sites should I focus on? 5. I see people who sell ebooks and courses talk about the importance of sending out weekly email newsletters. Is this something that applies to my screen-printed t-shirt business? And if so, how?

I’ve compiled all of that kind of information in this book.

3. Will this help me if I’m in the beginning of my business?

Oh yeah! When you’re overwhelmed with setting up your shop, taking product photos and writing product descriptions, it’s hard to fit research marketing tips on your overflowing to-do list. With Marketing for Creatives, you’ve got all the info you need in one place. It’ll help you cut through the crap. I didn’t include anything that I haven’t personally tested and experimented with when working with other creative entrepreneurs.

4. I don’t like marketing. I’m hoping that people will just find my shop, fall in love with my stuff and buy it.

To clarify, that’s not a question. But, I get what you mean. You don’t want to come across as pushy. You’re not into the used car salesman technique of sales. Well, neither am I. At all.

My marketing style is more about getting your products in front of the RIGHT people—the people who will love them and want to buy them. But, you can’t just wait for these people to find you. You’ve got to find them. If you want to learn how to do that, then Marketing for Creatives is for you.

And, you have to get over your fear of selling if you want a successful business. You’re selling something great, right? Why wouldn’t you want more people to know about it? Let’s spread the word in a classy-this-feels-so-good kind of way.

5. What’s up with the $29 price tag?

What’s up with your nose? Just teasing. You have a lovely nose. Like a little button.

This is just a tiny little slice compared with the $495 price tag for individual consulting, and I’ve poured all my best information into it. You get to ‘work’ with me for the price of six lattes. Not bad, right?

6. Will I receive a physical book in the mail?

You won’t receive a book in the mail, but you will receive your copy of Marketing for Creatives immediately upon purchasing to download. No wait time! And, if you really want a physical copy, you can always print it. I’ve gotten a couple emails and tweets from readers saying they’ve printed and marked up their copies.

7. If I have an information-based business, should I buy this?

Ninety-five percent of the examples I include in the book are from product-based businesses. That doesn’t mean that it can’t help you; however, if you want in-depth info on how to succeed selling ebooks or courses or one-on-one services, you should check this out. It’s more aligned with what you’re looking for—and it’s amazing.

8. Do you really know what you’re talking about when it comes to marketing?

Okay, no one has really asked me this {probably because they’re afraid of seeming like big fat jerks}, but I know some of you are wondering about my expertise. Here are some of my most proud marketing moments:

• I spoke at the Etsy Success Symposium about attracting your target market.
• I was interviewed for U.S. News and World Report.
• Blacksburg Belle was listed as one of the top inspirational and educational blogs in Where Women Create.
• At one month old, I grew Blacksburg Belle from 20 daily page views to 800 daily page views.
• I sold out my first group-coaching program within a couple weeks.

Plus, I’ve helped hundreds of creative entrepreneurs with their marketing plans for their online businesses.

9. What are my payment options?

PayPal. Credit card. Knitting lessons.

10. I bought the first edition of Marketing for Creatives. Do I really need to invest in this edition? Is it that different?

It is very different. The first edition was 76 pages. The second is 159 pages. I’ve doubled the content and I’ve revamped all of the previous content. Maybe two of the sections haven’t changed. Other than that, I’ve updated and re-written huge chunks of the first edition, adding more examples and information.

Plus, it’s waaaaaay prettier. The first edition was the first book {or anything} I’d created in InDesign. I’ve had lots of practice since, and I’ve updated all the photography. I know that’s not a real reason for buying the second edition, but you’re a creative. I know you appreciate good design.

Have a question that I haven’t answered? You can send it to blacksburgbelle@gmail.com and I’ll be sure to send you an answer.

Want even more details about the book? You can find them right here.