Craft Publicity a la Debbie Macomber

Even if you’re not selling your crafts and aren’t considering making it a business, you still may want to get recognition.  However, if you are developing your hobby into an income producing venture, whether it’s making items, developing workshops, giving talks, writing books or providing a service, you’ll need to let your potential customers know and to keep current ones informed.

Author Debbie Macomber has impressed me with her promotional techniques.  Of course, she’s a good writer and has developed a following of readers.  You can, too, take some lessons from Debbie and perhaps use some of her methods as a springboard for your PR.

• Develop a web site and blog. 
• Feature various characters here, perhaps giving them a blog of their own.
• Create bookmarks and postcards you use and give out.
• Publish a free e-newsletter for fans who sign up for it.
• Develop a newsletter you can send by mail, if you find the expense worthwhile.
• Find a spin-off from your books.  Debbie, an avid knitter, and has written novels about women who knit.  So she has ventured into this field and even has developed patterns and instruction books on this.
• Debbie holds knitting get-togethers along with book signings.
• If your hobby involves quilting, knitting, crocheting, beading, etc. you might develop a blog about it, patterns, ideas, information, and then create stories about someone who participates in your chosen activity.  Work backward from a hobby to a story.

A Clothing & Accessories Line
*Develop a line of clothing, accessories, etc. that will be distinctive. (Ex: Debbie Macomber Floral Striped Tote for knitting and other uses.)

*Brainstorm and see what you can come up with to catch attention.

As you browse Debbie’s web site, you’ll find recipes, excerpts and other news of interest that will inspire you.

Have you used some particularly effective promotional ideas to become better known in your field?

(Amazon book image; Craft World tote image at Amazon)