Promoting Your Patterns
When I started writing patterns, promoting them was one of the things I struggled with most. I'm a designer, not a marketer! I felt "spammy" and even a bit narcissistic whenever I did any type of self-promotion. I have since learned that when I promote my designs, I'm talking to my customers and fans. That's not spam! That's giving relevant information to people who want it.
So with that in mind, you will want to promote your patterns in places where the people who *want* to see them, will. And this doesn't have to just mean current followers; I'm sure there are lots of knitters out there who want to see your patterns and don't know it yet. There are four main channels where I promote my patterns: my email list, Instagram, Facebook, and Ravelry. Each channel is different and requires a slightly different approach (checklists come in handy here).
My new release cycle consists of:
1. Teasing the release on social media
In the week leading up to a pattern release, I post to Instagram (both in my Feed and in my Story) letting people know that they'll get an exclusive discount when the pattern goes live if they sign up for my email list.
Your Instagram Story is also a great way to give your followers a sneak peek of the design process. They're less permanent than posts to your Feed, too (they only last for 24 hours before they disappear).
Posting testing calls on social media can also help generate an early buzz around a pattern, as well!
2. Providing an introductory discount
I always offer an introductory discount for the first few days after a pattern release (I currently do 25% for email subscribers and 15% for non-subscribers, but something different may work better for you). I've found this to be a great way to increase sales of both the new pattern and my back catalogue (this is because talking about my new pattern leads people to my Ravelry page where they might see something they like even better than the pattern I've just released).
3. Promoting the pattern via my email list and on social media
- Email list: Any internet marketing guru will tell you that your email list is worth its weight in gold, and I wholeheartedly agree. I consistently get the majority of my new release sales from email clicks.
As for how to build your email list, most of the marketing advice I have seen recommends creating and promoting an incentive (a free pattern, a coupon code, etc.) that people receive in exchange for signing up to your list. This is beyond the scope of today's topic, but something I could talk about in the future if you are interested!
- Instagram and Facebook: On the day I publish the pattern, I announce it in my Instagram Feed and Story (don't be afraid to use those hashtags!) and in my Facebook Group.
I am also a member of a few knitting and designing Facebook groups that allow self-promotion on certain days of the week, so I make sure to add a reminder so I don't forget to post in those groups on the permitted days.
- Ravelry: There are lots of groups on Ravelry that allow cross-posting for promotions in particular forum threads. Some of my favourites are: the monthly "New Release" threads in the Designers, Budding Designers , and Designed in Canada groups, the promo thread in the main Patterns forum, and the Discounted Patterns thread in the Lovin' the Freebies group. Be sure to read the groups' rules before posting!
It all boils down to this: if you don't talk about your new pattern, people won't know about it. Talking about it to the right people in the right places is key!
If you have any comments or questions about this topic, just hit "reply" and send me an email! I'm happy to help in any way I can.
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