Online platforms for networking with crafters and artisans

Online platforms ease networking. However, when using the Internet, you should be aware of some basic rules known as the netiquette, and these include using respectful language, not excluding others, respecting others privacy, reviewing information before publishing it, avoiding spamming, updating information published online (e.g., on social media accounts).

Especially for craft blogging there is a set of rules to follow:

Self-promote only where it’s acceptable, which means promoting your work on the sites of others only by their acceptance. This aspect must be considered when you are sharing your work on social media channels or popular blogs that have their own policies that you should know and follow.

Build your crafty network list by request, which means that you cannot collect the data of your followers or notification recipients without their consent due to the GDPR.

Regularly respond to your blog comments. In this way you are appreciating that others are reading you blog, and you are also building your network of contacts.

And remember to give credit to the work of others you are sharing on your own blog.

Following the netiquette, you will be enhancing networking opportunities, “looking more professional” online.

The most influential online platforms for networking are social networking sites (SNSs). Whether it is Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, you can build a public profile, view other profiles and create a network of connections. Accounts are free after setting up profiles. With a profile you can also create a page under the category ‘Crafts’ or ‘Arts & Crafts Store’.

Source: Facebook

You can also join different groups, whether they are on Facebook (e.g. Art and Craft public group,  Art & Craft Supplies – buy and sell public group, Craft Living Marketplace public group) and Pinterest (Craft Community Board collection), to network with other crafters or to put up your crafts for sale.