About

The I Heart Handmade virtual handmade markets started back in July 2008.  Our first show, the Fall Festival, launched in September, and we received such positive feedback about our participant's experience that we decided to offer seasonally-inspired markets throughout the year (including Valentine's, Spring and Eco-Friendly shows, among others).

Purpose

One of the biggest challenges of selling online is just being seen.  There are lots of talented people selling their handmade goods and it's hard to find ways to stand out or gain that extra exposure.  Sometimes we all need a little push, and that is really what the I Heart Handmade markets are all about.

We never promise any sales as a result of being in the show; however, we do introduce your business to people who may have never known about you had you not participated in the show.  Think of it as marketing -- only we handle all those pesky details for you!  (Now, that's not to say our participants don't make sales from the show!  Many do!!!) 

Marketing and Advertising

We understand that you didn't get into the business of selling handmade because you were an expert marketer.  Leave that up to us -- and we'll leave the creating up to you. 

What we do?  We work with a variety of advertising mediums such as Google Adwords, paid ad placements, press releases, social networking sites, Twitter and lots more to advertise the show.  If your eyes are rolling to the back of your head right now, the good news is that you don't have to worry about a thing!  Your registration fee goes to advertising the show and you never have to think about these 'annoying' details.

What's it like?

We get a lot of questions about what the markets are like.  You really have to experience it to understand, but since we don't offer year-round shows, a site is not always up for you to see.  So here's our best attempt at explaining it:

The I Heart Handmade market has its own website.  Each shop participant has her own page on the site with up to 10 product images so visitors can see a sampling of what you make and sell.  We link directly to your online store -- be it your own e-commerce site or a shop on Etsy, Artfire, 1000 Markets, ebay, etc.  Since we link directly to your store, WE NEVER have to charge a commission or fee for any sales you may get as a result of being in the show. 

While the markets are open, we run daily features on the site with a new "shop of the day" and "things we heart."  These are strictly editor's picks and serve to spotlight all the fabulous artists and crafters participating, as well as their products.  We'll also be spotlighting our finds and artists over on our blog at http://blog.indiehandmade.com. 

A few other points: we encourage our participants to offers special sales offers and prizes just for I Heart Handmade shoppers.  Sometimes we all need a little enticing, but these are also great ways to introduce yourself to potential new customers.  (Prize giveaways are hosted on the blog to give you twice the exposure.  Please note that only shop participants can offer prize giveaways while the markets are open.  If you'd like to offer a giveaway while th emarkets are closed, pease get in touch with us via the blog.) 

There are so many nuances and small details to the show that we really can't explain it all.  We hope you'll stop by and check one out for yourself!