Creative Business

Instagram is the social media channel for both artists and online sellers. So if you’re both of those, it’s even more important that you up your game. Instagram is a visual platform but there’s more to it than just posting beautiful photos of your work. Here are five apps that will help you up your Instagram game, which should, in turn, lead to more followers, more engagement and more sales of your work.

Here in America, we love Halloween. We love it so much that as a nation, we’re going to spend nearly $7 billion dollars this year on costumes, candy, parties and décor. The National Retail Federation says that 81% of consumers 18 – 34 will be celebrating the day with half either giving or attending a party. 7 out of 10 will don a costume and 1 out of 5 plan to dress up their pet as well. All of this Halloween hubbub means an increase in Google and social media searches, too as consumers look for new ways to celebrate this old holiday. Why not join in the fun? Here are a few Halloween tricks and treats you can use to scare up some last minute customers for your online business.

Back-to-School time is a time for new clothes, fresh crayons and backpacks that express our latest interest and it doesn't matter if you're 5 or 50! Most of us grew up with the back-to-school routine, so we're programmed to think of school supplies in September like we think about costumes in October. Because of this, every major retailer is rolling out a large supply of traditional back-to-school supplies and lowering prices at the same time. So even if you don't have kids to shop for, it's still a great time to get super deals on school supplies that you can use in your home business. Here are our 5 favorite, must-have items:

Back to school time is here and that means a new beginning for the year. Whether you are heading back to class yourself, have little ones about to start up again, or you just want to capture that new school feeling for your business, here are some ways you can freshen up your online store and seize some of that excitement!

Handmade jewelry is one of the most popular categories here on IndieMade. From fun and funky, to statement pieces with rare gems, there really is something for everyone on our platform. That’s great for buyers, but sellers without a distinct brand can get lost in a sea of beads. Why should buyers choose your store over any other? It’s all about narrowing your brand and in turn your audience.

Spring is a time of change and renewal and it’s the perfect time to refresh the offerings in your online store. The best place to start is with the fashion and designs for 2017. Your customers have read about these trends on Elle, Vogue, and House Beautiful. They’ve send them on Instagram and Pinterest. They’ve actively looking to add these fresh touches to their home and wardrobe so why not give them what they’re asking for.

Today, we don’t seem to mind being a carbon copy – in fact, we seem to relish it. Carrying the same designer bag as a celebrity means you’re on trend. Having the same, brand new iPhone means you’re in the know and giving your kids the same toys as every other kid in their class makes you a good parent. It’s weird how we’ve come to covet sameness. Happily, this isn’t true for all of us. Some people enjoy being different. Some people covet the unusual and thrive on having a one-of-a-kind item that no one else has. These are the heritors of handmade. They’re people who truly appreciate the lost art of handwork be it jewelry or clothing or toys, bathsoaps, carved ducks or dog leashes. These people are willing to spend a little more in order to buy something with fingerprints.

Today, we're shining our spotlight on Michelle Eavey of Moore Jewelry Style. She's all about family and home and love and you'll see all of that in her work. From delicate bridal earrings to rugged paracord watches, you'll find something for everyone in your family in her IndieMade store. Take it away, Michelle. . . .