Here are my results.  Please continue with your own success or failures.

 

1. My website https://www.solarstorm.ca .  It is a constant work in progress.  I find I need to keep updating with photo’s and videos.  It also has a blog I try and keep posting to.  It draws people back when things change.

 

1.1 Understanding SEO (Search Engine Optimization).  How people find your site and what they do on your site is critical.  There are two MUST do’s.  Connect analytics.  You can spend lots or use Google Analytics (free).  https://analytics.google.com .  And then you can view how people find your site with the Google Search Console. https://search.google.com/ .  By watching these two sites, you can tailor image descriptions and site text to makes sure the words people are searching for are on your site.  (see picture)

 

2. Google listing.  Make sure your business is listed as a google business https://www.google.com/intl/en_ca/business/ .

 

3. Youtube.  This was a bit of a game changer for me.  Youtube provided a legitimacy to my craft.  People that buy custom blades are always interested in seeing how they are made and it provides proof of who you are as well as showing your attention to the craft.  After the website, this was probably the biggest boost to finding customers.  It also really helped to validate my prices when people saw the work it takes to make a blade.  Im not sure I will ever make any money directly from youtube as you need to be getting at least 10hrs of watch time/day in order to START making money, but it is a great way to show case your work.

 

4. Word of mouth.  When I ship things out, I make a T-Shirt, send a Care and Feeding letter and about 10 business cards.  I would say 15-20% of my orders have come from word of mouth from a previous customer.