How to Run Your Own DYI and Craft Workshops for a Profit
Teaching DIY, crafts or any other art in a workshop is like being the superhero of the creative world. You swoop in with your abilities, share them with others and leave behind a trail of happy crafters clutching their masterpieces. But let’s get real: you’re not just in it for the joy of spreading creativity. You also want to make some profit out of it.
The good news? With a little planning (and maybe a few jokes), you can turn your passion into a profitable venture. Here’s how to teach something you’re good at in a workshop and profit while keeping the experience fun, engaging, and totally worth your time.
Find your niche (aka, your crafty superpower)
First things first: what’s your jam? Macramé plant hangers? Hand-painted tote bags? Soap that smells like dreams and lavender? Whatever it is, own it. The more specific and unique your workshop offering, the more likely you are to stand out in the crowded craft marketplace.
Remember, not everyone can turn a pile of yarn into a boho-chic masterpiece. Your niche is your superpower, so flaunt it.
Price it right
Pricing your workshop is like walking a tightrope over a pit of budget-conscious crafters. You don’t want to charge too much and scare people away, but you also don’t want to end up earning less than minimum wage.
Here’s the formula:
- Add up the cost of materials (don’t forget those sneaky extras like scissors or snacks).
- Factor in your time (yes, your time is worth money!).
- Add a little cushion for profit.
Then, take a deep breath and own that price. People are paying for your expertise, your prep work and the fact that they don’t have to figure out how to make a candle from scratch on their own.
Create a buzz-worthy workshop title
No one’s signing up for “Basic Candle Making 101.” But “Glow Up: Create Your Own Luxe Candles”? Sign me up and take my money.
Your workshop title (and your workshop description) should be catchy, fun, and tell people exactly what they’re getting into. Bonus points if it makes them laugh or feel like they’re about to embark on an adventure.
Location, location, location
Where you host your workshop matters. A cozy studio? Perfect. Your dining room table? Intimate and charming. A drafty garage with questionable lighting? Maybe not, but hey, it’s a start!
If you’re using a venue, make sure it has enough space for people to spread out, good lighting for those Insta-worthy photos and plenty of outlets, even if it’s just to charge your participants’ phones.
Market like a pro (or at least like someone who knows social media)
Your workshop won’t sell itself, you need to attract your audience. Use your Hands On profile to showcase your offering, share behind-the-scenes prep on Instagram and post testimonials from past participants who left feeling like crafting royalty.
Pro tip: Create a few short videos of your projects in action. Watching you create magic with paint or paper is way more convincing than a paragraph of text.
Make it an experience, not just a class
Anyone can teach someone how to make a wreath. But not everyone can make it an experience. Play some fun music, tell a few funny stories about your crafting fails, and offer a little extra something (like a cute take-home kit or bonus project idea).
The goal is to make your attendees leave thinking, “That was so much fun!” rather than, “Well, I have a wreath now.”
Upsell like a boss
At the end of your workshop, don’t be afraid to pitch your next event or sell some extra kits for people to take home.
Something like, “Loved today’s macramé session? Sign up for next month’s ‘Macramé: Beyond the Basics’ workshop and take your skills to the next level!” works wonders.
Use Hands On to your advantage
Listing your workshop on Hands On means you’re tapping into a community of people who are already looking for their next creative adventure. It’s like having a team of marketing pros in your corner (without the awkward team-building exercises).
Keep your profile fresh, update it with new workshops regularly and let Hands On do some of the heavy lifting when it comes to connecting you with eager crafters.
Celebrate your wins (and laugh at your fails)
Not every workshop will go perfectly. Someone might spill paint, another might glue their fingers together and you might forget the name of that one tool mid-demo.
Laugh it off, learn from it and keep going. Every workshop is a chance to grow, connect and maybe make that profit you seek, with a little extra money while you’re at it.
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