The Merriweather Council Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Why Do You Know So Much but Still Struggle to Make Progress? {What you need to know about achieving your business goal} Jun 10, 2021

Show notes

Do you ever feel like you know how to do a lot of things and how much knowledge you have from your years of random online learning and freebie gathering and yet… still struggle to make progress in your business?

I've been there!! (I do not feel nostalgic for it, but because I learned some vital lessons, I will revisit those wayward years today for the greater good!)

On this episode, I am diving into why that happens. I'll be answering the age-old (just me?) question: Why do we struggle to achieve our goals, and what do we really need to reach those goals a little bit easier?

For full show notes and all the links mentioned in this episode, please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/156

Set and Enforce Guilt-Free Policies in Your Handmade Business Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

It's no secret that as a business owner you will, at some point, usually multiple points, have unhappy customers. While unhappy customers are less frequent than happy customers or customers we never hear from, either way, customer service is a daily activity in any business.

It is true that customer service exists at every turn, but the part of it that I've noticed is trickiest is at the very end of the transaction, specifically if someone is unhappy.

What should you do, as a handmade business owner who wants to remain human and friendly but also not have anxiety and stress over what to do with customer service issues that might come up?

Drum roll, please… You have actually probably already done it: it's your policy.

For full show notes and all the links mentioned in this episode please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/155

Launching Handmade Product Lines with Timed Events Jun 03, 2021

Show notes

The idea of launching a product line usually brings up one of two emotions: YAY or UGH.

(Both are entirely valid!)

If you feel more UGH than yay, I get you. I, too, dislike using the launch model in my own business.

The launch model I am referring to is one you are probably familiar with. It starts with teasing out a new product line for a few weeks before launching it live for sale at a certain time on a certain date. Usually, there is some fanfare in that build-up process and on the launch date! It might involve a mailing list, email blast, social media campaign or even the help of influencers. It tends to be a multi-faceted project and quite a bit of work concentrated on a single 'event.'

Launching is a semi-popular approach particularly for product-based businesses and many handmade business owners enjoy it! (I'm not one of them but many sellers do love it.)

I get asked about product launching quite a bit and I've heard a variety of concerns. I am going to address as many of those today as possible!

For full show notes and all the links mentioned in this episode, please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/154

2 Keys to Achieving 'Consistency' in Your Handmade Business Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

Today I am diving into the quandary of consistency in business. So elusive! What does "consistency" in business actually look like? What does it mean when we say we want more consistency? And why does it sometimes seem unattainable or frustrating to accomplish that at times?

We are ALL always looking for consistency in business, usually, that means sales but it could mean other things like subscribers or followers, depending on what you are trying to accomplish.

Is this achievable? I believe that is! BUT we have to work on what we REALLY mean when we say it. Like, truly define what we mean when we say we want consistency.

Consistency is too loose of a term for most of us to feel secure with.

If we give ourselves a more liberal and realistic view of consistency then we have the opportunity to celebrate and 'succeed' more often! For full show notes and all the links mentioned in this episode, please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/153

Etsy Ads: Should you use them? May 27, 2021

Show notes

Here at The Merriweather Council, we are VERY pro-Etsy. That is probably pretty obvious by now. However, we are also huge proponents of having your own standalone eCommerce site in addition to Etsy. (We recommend Shopify for building that standalone site!)

We wholeheartedly suggest handmade business owners have both!

We love Etsy and believe it's the best marketplace handmade business owners have available right now.

Are there things I wish they would change? Of course!

I've been in a relationship with Etsy for nearly 11 years. Just like any long-term relationship, there are things I have found I don't LOVE. But, for me, none of these issues were deal-breakers.

There are a lot of great features of Etsy, and one of those is choice. Sellers can CHOOSE to use many functions or not. Such as shipping labels, sales and couponing tools, listing videos, and on-site Etsy ads.

You've likely heard me say I do not recommend using Etsy's on-site ads. I am not against on-site ads; I just don't think you need them - I know you don't need them! Further, it's not the best use of a marketing budget.

But a little explanation might be helpful here!

For full show notes and all mentioned links please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/152 Disclaimer: This content is published by The Merriweather Council. The Merriweather Council is not affiliated with Etsy Inc. Etsy is a trademark of Etsy Inc. We write about Etsy, from our own experiences, not for Etsy.

How to Spend the Next 6 Months in Your Handmade Business (what to avoid + what to know) May 25, 2021

Show notes

Every year I make an effort to deliver this message regarding the summer sales slump to help you get proactive and manage expectations during this time so you can turn your slump into your most valuable season.

This is about using summer wisely to avoid a lack of focus and preparing for a successful holiday season!

My hope is to make this summer sales slump feel less scary and to assure you that it is very, very normal!

I want to give you the heads up on what you need in order to maximize this season of summer and the season that's coming after it based on what I know from real-life experience.

In this episode, you're going to learn the three major pitfalls that most makers fall into during the summer months that you definitely want to avoid. It will also cover the timeline that you need to understand and know how to work with. Plus, the five key pieces to turning your slump into the most valuable season.

For full show notes and all the links mentioned in this episode, please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/151

A Response to "Algorithm Culture" (+ the sure thing you can count on) May 20, 2021

Show notes

I don't work for an algorithm.

I understand that every platform has best practices and things it's good to be aware of. I'm okay with basic rules and guidelines, but I'm not okay with being told I shouldn't even bother unless what I want to do will make an invisible robot happy. That is so discouraging and toxic.

I don't have any issues with the existence of the algorithms on any platform. I understand and support that there has to be an algorithm in place; otherwise, things would move so fast it would be useless.

Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and other massive platforms handle so much content from so many users and deliver it to so many users; there needs to be a system (algorithm) to manage it.

The algorithm is a huge part of what makes those platforms functional and enjoyable as a user. Are they perfect? No. Are there a million things about it that we don't know and don't understand? Yes.

My issue is with the culture surrounding the algorithms - and the messaging that seems commonplace to appeal to the algorithm or don't expect to get anywhere. This is not a positive or encouraging message.

For full show notes and all the links mentioned in this episode, please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/150

3 Ways to Respond to Intrusive Questions About Sources, Supplies and Processes May 18, 2021

Show notes

At one point or another, I believe all makers will receive a message requesting information related to HOW they make their products and with what materials exactly. I know this is a moderately controversial topic in the maker space, and as always I want to remind you that we do not have to agree on this at all.

Everyone gets to choose how they run their business - it's important that we all respect the choices other business owners have made even if they aren't the same as the choices we would make for our business.

Of course, those kinds of prodding supply questions could come from potential buyers who have a particular interest in something that is not currently outlined in your shop, for example, 'is it vegan' or similar.

Often though, these inquiries come from people who just want to make what you make, either to bypass the purchasing process thinking it will save money (does it ever?) or because they do already (or want to, or think they want to) sell that same sort of product that you do.

It's entirely up to you how you handle these situations. Some people don't mind being asked and will share freely.

Others feel it is an invasion of privacy, and that it threatens their business in some way.

Some people simply don't want to spend their time teaching or educating, as it is not their jurisdiction - not their thing, not what they are here for.

There is no right or wrong answer here.

You don't even have to react or respond the same way each time.

In any event, here are three possible ways you can react or reply to questions about suppliers or when people inquire about your trade secrets.

For full show notes and all links mentioned in the episode, please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/149.

Etsy SEO Reality Check May 13, 2021

Show notes

The ever-popular topic of Etsy SEO is on the docket for today, so let's chat!

What is Etsy SEO?

Of course, when we say Etsy SEO, that means Search Engine Optimization specific to Etsy's native search engine. Etsy SEO is a common focal point for Etsy sellers, maybe even to a fault.

What I really wanted to highlight in today's episode is the reality of search ranking! There is a lack of perspective here that is causing some unnecessary drama and anxiety for a lot of sellers.

I hope that in breaking this down by the numbers, I can help shift the mindset about SEO and the desire to rank on the first page of results.

For full show notes and all the links mentioned in this episode please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/148.

Ditch your Discount!: Why to Avoid These Coupons in Your Etsy Shop or Handmade Business May 11, 2021

Show notes

If this is your first time joining us for an episode of The Merriweather Council Podcast, well, you're diving into the deep end today.

I'm okay with it if you are!! ⚠️ Just a fair warning: this is one of my soapbox topics, and I get so fired up about this!

Today I am doing an extended rating of the coupon types makers in business tend to offer. I did a short version of this on TikTok, but 60 seconds was not quite long enough for all the many things I want to say. 😏

If you are currently offering any of these or more than one of these, please don't feel bad! You might love these, and that's entirely fine. If NOTHING else, I genuinely hope everything we do encourages you to build the business YOU want to run. If that includes doing something I'm not a fan of, so be it! I'm a bigger fan of you doing you than anything.

I'd rather you hear this perspective and decide for yourself what's good than NOT hear it and figure out in a year from now that you actually don't want to be offering these.

For full show notes and all links mentioned in this episode, visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/147

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