How to Run a Craft Business

Today we've added a newish site called Gentlemint to our Coffee Time section of the Make For Business directory.

This is essentially a Pinterest-alike site that targets a specifically male user base. I'm unsure whether there is large demand for such a site, but perhaps if there's enough gadgets and fast cars it'll take off.

From a craft business perspective, it could offer a couple of things of value if you produce any products designed for the hairier sex. Firstly it offers another online opportunity to showcase your work. Secondly it could also be a good way to see what trends are of interest to men and use this to inspire new products to tap into this interest.

You can read a fuller description of Gentlemint at Appstorm.

Ecommercebytes have announced their Sellers Choice 2012 results which is based on feedback from 7,200 sellers. It looks at their satisfaction with the most popular online market place for aspects such as profitability and customer care.

For craft entrepreneurs, perhaps the most interesting result in the list is Etsy and they should be pleased with their 3rd place spot. There are quite a few seller comments on the page plus a roundup.

ArtFire may be less happy, having been placed in the last spot of 16 sites.

Online Marketing Coach are inviting pre-registrations for the release of a new report that looks at how small businesses address SEO. The study that is based on 200 small businesses and looks at 20 common SEO variables, will be released on 9 February.

It's unclear whether the report offers advice on solutions to common SEO mistakes or just highlights them - obviously Online Marketing Coach do have a service to sell.

However, for businesses that don't have the budget to employ specialists, knowing which common problems they should be avoiding gives them a good starting point for finding the solutions for themselves.