Dianne Pajo
The rise of DIY enthusiasm has revitalized hobbies into active industries. Artisanal products are some of the most sought-after, given the rise and popularity of natural living, sustainability, and grassroots lifestyles. For example, there’s a lot of demand for artisanal soaps and cosmetics. Check out these three ways to start an artisanal soap business to learn more.
Create a Business Plan
A business plan is the foundation of any fledging startup. It’s an integral part of understanding everything you need to succeed. Your business plan should include competition research, a target audience, primary location, and preliminary expenses. Also, always research competitors in your area. While one location may have preexisting soap makers, there may be other promising locations to take over.
Keep in mind to whom you’re appealing. This can be the natural health market, young or older people, or the artisanal market. Farmers markets and community ventures are great locations to show off your brand. Finally, preliminary expenses are important if taking out a bank loan. Mortgage lenders want to see upfront costs, expected profits, and marketability before giving you a loan.
Product Packaging
Once you’ve taken care of your business plan, the next way to start an artisan soap business is to consider product packaging. It may seem like a small step to consider, but product packaging is crucial for any business. There are many considerations with soap packaging specifically. If your goal is to market a locally produced product, consider featuring local accents in your branding. Otherwise, you can make the packaging as simple or intricate as you desire. Additionally, keep in mind the type of packaging you want to use. Boxes, sleeves, and paper wrap are some common options.
Market Your Soaps
Finally, make sure to market your product. As previously mentioned, a great first step is to scout out farmer’s markets and community events. These have high foot traffic and outreach opportunities to find new customers. Another option is to optimize your social media outreach. The rise of social media and influencer marketing has fueled innovative marketing opportunities. So reach out to some influencers or channels to promote your products on their platforms.
