Sales & Marketing Checklist for Makers

April 30, 2025 | John & Marc, MakerFlo Founders

Seven Steps To Build Your Brand

Whether you’re selling custom tumblers, engraved gifts, or crafting for fun on the side, this checklist will help you take simple steps toward growing a real business — without needing to spend a ton of money.

Scroll all the way to the end to download your Free Brand Building Worksheet.

1. Get Clear on Your Brand 

Start with the basics. You don’t need a graphic designer or big budget.

• Pick a name for your shop or small business
  
  
• Create a simple logo using Canva (free!)
  
  
• Choose 2-3 brand colors and fonts and stick to them 
  
  
• Define your services in a few short words like: Custom Engraved Tumblers
  
  
• Write a short story about why you started your business — people love stories. Answer the questions: Why you do what you do; How you do what you do;  What you make and What makes your products unique 
  
  
• Organize your assets into a folder or create a moodboard for yourself which visually defines your brand and vision, this might include your business name, logo, brand colors, your story, inspirational images or quotes
  
  
• Create and / or print business cards or a brand flyer 

2. Make Your Sales Samples

Start small and build as you go. Select the quality items that you plan to focus on selling. In this step you’ll be making your professional sales samples to use in your brand photography and to show potential customers. 

• Pick 2-3 products you want to focus on and order extra samples for practice
  
  
• Carefully select your designs.  You may want to use your own logo or find something from your vision board, or maybe you have a design that demonstrates a special technique you use in your customization process. When choosing designs for your sales samples, consider your target customer, do they cater to kids, adults, or are they more business oriented.   
  
  
• Once finished, take clear, natural-light photos of your sample products showcasing your craftsmanship. Use your brand assets and colors as some inspiration.  You don’t need professional shots to get started,  start by taking photos on your phone. Experiment with backgrounds & lighting so that your brand images exude quality. Be sure to include any gift packaging, accessories or special effects you add to your customizations.  Ideally these photos of your samples should go nicely with your brand assets. 
  
  
• While customizing your these items with your utmost care, take note of how long it takes you to make each item (you'll use this next to calculate your prices)
  
  
• Make your pricing sheet.  First you’ll need to price your products (use this formula = materials + your time + a little profit), offer price breaks based on larger quantities and add your logo, phone number and email and payment methods you accept. Pro-tip: Protect yourself by adding a disclaimer that prices are only valid for 30 days. 
  
  
• As you advance, commit to testing new blank products from MakerFlo to include as samples when you’re ready to grow

 

3. Use Social Media to Get the Word Out

You don’t need ads — just consistency and your personality.

• Create a new Instagram and/or Facebook page for your business and brand
  
  
• Use assets from your brand folder for profile pic, share your best samples, offer some inspiration from!
  
  
• Post at least 2–3 times a week (show what you’re making, behind the scenes, etc.)
  
  
• Engage and follow other accounts that actively post - look for makers like you, local businesses, realtors or others that you may be selling to
  
  
• Use hashtags like #handmadegifts #MakerFlo and #customtumblers
  
  
• Ask friends and family to share your posts
  
  
• Try a short video (Reel or TikTok) showing your process — people love these!

 

4. Build an Online Presence to Showcase Your Brand

No need to build a full-fledged website yet.  Start with free or low-cost platforms like GoDaddy or Wix to get your brand out there.  Create a one-page website with assets from your brand folder, include the best shots you have of your sales samples, add links to your social media, phone, email or a contact form that allows people to reach you. Share your story, add customer reviews or testimonials, include a picture of yourself or workspace, (people love to see the face behind the art). 

• Set up shop on Etsy or Facebook Marketplace
  
  
• Set up (and clearly state) your payment methods – Use Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or Square 
  
  
• List your top 1–3 items with great photos and descriptions
  
  
• Offer local pickup or delivery – try to avoid shipping at first if needed
  

 

5. Start Collecting Contacts

Even if you’re not ready for email marketing yet — start small!

• Ask friends/customers if you can message them with updates

• If you created a website make sure you turn on a subscribe button!

• Create a contact list (email, text, or even a notebook!)

• When you’re ready, use a free tool like Mailchimp to send your first email
  
  

6. Show Up in Real Life

Even if just locally — word of mouth is powerful.

• Tell your friends, coworkers, and neighbors what you’re making
  
  
• Bring your business cards or flyers to a local event, church, or school function
  
  
• Sign up for a local craft fair or selling market when you’re ready
  
  
• Bring your samples door-to-door to local businesses and organizations - show them what you can do! 
  
  
• Hand out business cards at parties, picnics, networking or social events
  
  

 

7. Set Small Goals

Growth takes time — aim for progress, and connections not perfection.

• Set a goal to sell your first 5 or 10 products
  
  
• Track your best-selling items
  
  
• Write down what worked and what didn’t each month
  
  
• Allow yourself to grow from feedback (good or bad) 
  
  
• Celebrate your wins — even small ones!
  
  

Want to Stay Organized?

You can download this FREE Sales & Marketing Worksheet to help you define your brand identity, plan your products, track your goals, and get your business rolling:

Download the PDF worksheet