Growing Your Business: Navigating Business Challenges Through Conversation & Shared Insights Rebecca Mercker & Jackilyn Chaplain

Are you looking to start your own online business selling handmade crafts or jewelry but not sure which platform to choose? In this video, we break down the differences between Shopify, Squarespace, and Etsy to help you make an informed decision on the best platform to make money. Whether you're a seasoned artisan or just starting out, we cover everything from selling on Etsy to selling on your very own website, providing valuable insights on how to start and grow your business. Watch now to discover which selling platform can potentially maximize your profits and set you on the path to success in the world of e-commerce.

Website options to consider for your business:
- Shopify https://www.shopify.com
- Squarespace https://www.squarespace.com
- Etsy https://www.etsy.com

Resources for doing Etsy:
- Keyword research https://www.erank.com
- For learning how to do Etsy https://www.youtube.com/@UCcPXCoEtPJxesAXp-evqzqg

**Connect With Us**
Rebecca's Info -
Website: https://www.rebeccamerckerdesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamerckerdesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMerckerDesign/
WhatNot: https://www.whatnot.com/user/rebeccamercker/

Jacki's Info -
Website: https://www.worksofwhimsycrochet.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksofwhimsycrochetco/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/wYcsZKKhK57nRUbe/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worksofwhimsycrochetco
Email: Jacki@WorksofWhimsyCrochet.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/user?u=114207489&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-mercker/support

Are you looking to start a handmade business but unsure where to begin? In this video, we will provide you with valuable tips and resources to kickstart your journey as an artisan business owner. Whether you're interested in selling crochet items on Etsy, fine jewelry at craft shows, or participating in vendor events, we've got you covered. Learn how to make more sales at craft fairs, legally start your business, and gain insights on how to succeed as a small business owner in the US by watching the Growing Your Business podcast. Watch now and turn your passion for crafting into a successful business venture!


Social Media platforms to consider for your business:


Instagram https://www.instagram.com


Facebook https://www.facebook.com


Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com


X (formerly Twitter) https://www.x.com


LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com


TikTok https://www.tiktok.com


YouTube https://www.youtube.com



Website options to consider for your business:


Shopify https://www.shopify.com


Squarespace https://www.squarespace.com



Social Media schedulers:


Canva https://www.canva.com


Meta Business Suite https://www.facebook.com/business/tools/meta-business-suite


Later https://www.later.com


Storrito https://www.storrito.com


Hootsuite https://www.hootsuite.com



Resources for doing taxes:


Quickbooks https://quickbooks.intuit.com
Turbotax https://turbotax.intuit.com
Paypal Account https://www.paypal.com
Chime Account https://www.chime.com

Resources for doing YouTube:


Keyword research https://www.vidiq.com
For turning long form content into shorts https://www.opusclips.com

Resources for doing Etsy:


Keyword research https://www.erank.com
For learning how to do Etsy https://www.youtube.com/ @StarlaMoore 

Where to get free boxes:


USPS https://store.usps.com/store/shipping-supplies/0-to-5/_/N-ong62h?_gl=1*1c7lo61*_gcl_au*MTQzOTc5ODA2LjE3MTc4NzMwNjU.*_ga*Njg5MDc3MDMyLjE3MTc4NzMwNjU.*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTcxNzg3MzA2NS4xLjAuMTcxNzg3MzA2NS4wLjAuMA..

Where to print labels:


Pirateship https://www.pirateship.com

Products for crocheters *these are affiliate links*:


Clover Hooks I have (smaller sizes) https://amzn.to/3yLhsCn
Clover Hooks I have (larger sizes) https://amzn.to/4c6YqVm
Tulip Hooks I have (these are the extra fancy ones. They're expensive so I only have smaller sizes) https://amzn.to/3xbf0Vn
Cricut Maker 3 (for making felt eyes!) https://amzn.to/3Rikrsu

Products for YouTubers *these are affiliate links*:


Camera & Accessories I have https://amzn.to/4c6CEBT
Wide Angle Lens I have https://amzn.to/4bQPIef
Tripod I have https://amzn.to/3VihbPb
Batteries I have https://amzn.to/3Vzk3IL
1T memory card I have https://amzn.to/3wZd3eP
2T external hard drive I have https://amzn.to/4aU92pP
Clip-on Lav Mic https://amzn.to/4bSypJP
MacBook Air Laptop I have https://amzn.to/45coAnH


**Connect With Us**
Rebecca's Info -
Website: https://www.rebeccamerckerdesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamerckerdesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMerckerDesign/
WhatNot: https://www.whatnot.com/user/rebeccamercker/

Jacki's Info -
Website: https://www.worksofwhimsycrochet.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksofwhimsycrochetco/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/wYcsZKKhK57nRUbe/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worksofwhimsycrochetco
Email: Jacki@WorksofWhimsyCrochet.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/user?u=114207489&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-mercker/support

Are you considering starting your own handmade business but wondering when and where to work? In this video, we dive into the ins and outs of planning your artisan small business, whether it be in crochet, jewelry making, or any other craft. Learn valuable tips on selling at craft shows, craft fairs, and online platforms like Etsy. Discover the time management techniques we use to tackle entrepreneurship and become a successful small business owner too! Watch now to get inspired and informed on how to kickstart your journey towards owning a thriving handmade business.



Social Media platforms to consider for your business:


Instagram https://www.instagram.com


Facebook https://www.facebook.com


Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com


X (formerly Twitter) https://www.x.com


LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com


TikTok https://www.tiktok.com


YouTube https://www.youtube.com



Website options to consider for your business:


Shopify https://www.shopify.com


SquareSpace https://www.squarespace.com



Social Media schedulers:


Canva https://www.canva.com


Meta Business Suite https://www.facebook.com/business/tools/meta-business-suite


Later https://www.later.com


Storrito https://www.storrito.com


Hootsuite https://www.hootsuite.com



Places to shop for yarn:


Michael’s https://www.michaels.com


Joann https://www.joann.com


Lovecrafts https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us


Premier Yarns https://www.premieryarns.com


Yarnspirations https://www.yarnspirations.com


Herrschners https://www.herrschners.com



**Connect With Us**Rebecca's Info -


Website: https://www.rebeccamerckerdesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamerckerdesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMerckerDesign/
WhatNot: https://www.whatnot.com/user/rebeccamercker/

Jacki's Info -


Website: https://www.worksofwhimsycrochet.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksofwhimsycrochetco/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/wYcsZKKhK57nRUbe/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worksofwhimsycrochetco
Email: Jacki@WorksofWhimsyCrochet.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/user?u=114207489&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-mercker/support

Are you considering starting your own handmade business but wondering if now is the right time? In this video, we dive into the ins and outs of launching your artisan small business, whether it be in crochet, jewelry making, or any other craft. Learn valuable tips on selling at craft shows, craft fairs, and online platforms like Etsy. Discover the signs that indicate you're ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship and become a successful small business owner. Watch now to get inspired and informed on how to kickstart your journey towards owning a thriving handmade business.


Links to things mentioned in episode:

Marti's Crochet Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FlawsomeCrochet

If you're interested in Marti editing videos for you, email her at support@flawsomecrochet.com



**Connect With Us**Rebecca's Info -


Website: ⁠https://www.rebeccamerckerdesign.com/⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamerckerdesign/⁠
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMerckerDesign/⁠
WhatNot: ⁠https://www.whatnot.com/user/rebeccamercker/⁠

Jacki's Info -


Website: ⁠https://www.worksofwhimsycrochet.com/⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/worksofwhimsycrochetco/⁠
Facebook Group: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/wYcsZKKhK57nRUbe/⁠
TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@worksofwhimsycrochetco⁠
Email: ⁠Jacki@WorksofWhimsyCrochet.com⁠
Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/user?u=114207489&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link⁠


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-mercker/support

Are you looking to start or grow your handmade business? Have you tried following all the advice from the so-called gurus but still aren't seeing results? Do you wish industry insiders would share their secrets?

Look no further! We are two seasoned handmade artists who have built our businesses from the ground up. JaciLyn is a crochet artist specializing in amigurumi, and Rebecca is a jewelry designer working with demi-fine materials. Together, we're ready to share the invaluable insights and knowledge we've gathered over the years to help you succeed.

Join us on this journey to gain insider information, useful how-tos, and listen to engaging conversations. Follow along and transform your handmade business dreams into reality!

**Connect With Us**

Rebecca's Info -
Website: https://www.rebeccamerckerdesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccamerckerdesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMerckerDesign/
WhatNot: https://www.whatnot.com/user/rebeccamercker/

Jacki's Info -
Website: https://www.worksofwhimsycrochet.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksofwhimsycrochetco/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/wYcsZKKhK57nRUbe/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@worksofwhimsycrochetco
Email: Jacki@WorksofWhimsyCrochet.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/user?u=114207489&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-mercker/support