EBOOK DETAILS:
This is an ebook co-authored by Elise Blaha Cripe and Maggie Whitley. Immediately after purchase you’ll receive an email with a download link to the .PDF, .mobi and .epub files which can be printed or read on your mobile device or e-reader.
The PDF is 114 pages and the ebook is over 37,000 words! We’ve packed it with everything we have learned about running an online shop, and we are thrilled to be sharing our handmade journeys with you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Welcome and Introduction
Part 1 – Background
Maggie’s Business Story
Elise’s Business Story
Part 2 – Dreaming
Brainstorming Your First Products
Writing a Mission Statement
Determining a Price Point
Branding and Naming Your Business
Part 3 – Planning
Deciding Where to Sell Online
Obtaining a Retail License
Pricing Your Products
Paying Yourself
Setting Goals for Your Shop
Part 4 – Creating
Ordering Wholesale Materials
Ordering Wholesale Products
Hiring a Team to Help with Production in Your Home
Transforming a Living Space into a Creative Workspace
Producing in House by Yourself
When to Hire Help
Expanding Your Line
Part 5 – Selling
Photographing Your Product
Writing Product Descriptions
Creating Product Videos
Selling Digital Downloads
Packaging Your Product
Shipping Your Product
Shipping International Orders
Inventory Management
What to Do When Things Don’t Sell
What to Do When You Can’t Keep Up with Demand
Part 6 – Sharing
How to Promote Your Business
Running Sales and Discounts
Using a Blog for Promotion
Running a Newsletter
Creating Promotional Pieces
Tips for a Successful Social Media Strategy
What to Do When You Make a Mistake
Conclusion
Resource Links
BONUS : “Balancing” Work and Parenthood
INSPIRING REVIEWS:
“The Building a Business ebook is such a treasure chest of knowledge, insight and ideas. This book is useful for all ranges of businesses from an intriguing story of how businesses are built and run to an idea generator for blog posts, shop items and newsletters, and third, to an in-depth, intense math lesson on how to price your products and create a sustainable business. The book is well organized, thorough and applicable whether you have a creative business or are looking to grow your blog, newsletter or social media followings.
While reading through it I was constantly grabbing for a pen to write down ideas and have come up with a full marketing and content plan for my newsletter and an upcoming ecourse while reading it. There are so many great ideas and helpful resources in this book that I will be coming back to over and over again. I have already recommended it to three different creative businesses owner friends who have asked for help with issues that are specifically addressed in the book. I cannot recommend it highly enough as there is so much great content for such an amazing price that will be long lasting and applicable in so many scenarios.” — Lauren
“I am in love with this book! Although I have been working at my business for a while, this book is giving me the direction I need to get noticed. I am currently updating my business practices, and am using Building a Business as my go-to guide. This was the kick in the pants I needed to go from a hobby to a business. Maggie and Elise have done a great job of providing relatable advice and great resources to figure out the nuts and bolts of running a business. The advice given is invaluable!” — Naomi
“I read this book although I don’t have a handmade business and don’t plan to start one anytime soon. So far I only made and sold stuff for friends and family. Even when you make something for a friend you have to consider the costs you have (except when it’s a gift of course). I usually don’t account my time but I want to cover all expenses I have. In the past I only estimated my cost but in this book I learned how I have to price the products correctly and also include small things I haven’t thought of.
This book is full of information how to start or improve your business and also a huge source of inspiration to take action. It’s an easy read but they prompt you to think about several aspects of your business where you have to take your time to go through. My favorite quote, that I also pinned to my wall, is what I take with me from the book: I can act and accomplish or I can wait and watch.” — Andrea
for $12 USD
QUESTIONS?
please email me at maggie AT maggiewhitley DOT com
