You have just finished crafting a hand-stitched wallet, burnished every edge, and rubbed in the final layer of conditioner. It looks beautiful.
But now comes the part that many crafters dread—selling it. Who will buy it? How do you reach them? And how do you convince them that your work is worth their hard-earned money?
At Favored Leather, we understand that marketing can feel like a different world from crafting. But it does not need to be.
Marketing, especially when done from a place of authenticity, is simply about helping the right people find and connect with what you create.
This guide will walk you through beginner-friendly ways to market your leather products—without needing a big budget, complicated tools, or pushy sales tactics.
1. Let Transparency Be Your Superpower
In a world saturated with mass-produced goods and flashy advertisements, customers crave something real. One of the simplest ways to stand out as a beginner leather crafter is to be transparent—about your process, your materials, and your journey.
Why Transparency Works
Transparency builds trust. According to a 2019 report by Sprout Social, nearly 90 percent of consumers say that a brand’s transparency matters to them when deciding where to spend.
People want to know who is behind the product, what materials are being used, and why the business exists.
How to Be Transparent
- Share your workspace—even if it is your kitchen table. Show your tools, your leather offcuts, and the mess in between.
- Talk about the challenges of learning to stitch straight or finding the right thread weight.
- Post updates about what you are working on, including the mistakes that helped you improve.
Transparency invites your audience to root for you. You are not just selling a wallet—you are telling a story.
2. Use Social Media as Your Digital Workshop Window
Social media is your best friend as a beginner marketer. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow you to showcase your products visually and connect with people who appreciate handmade work.
Start Simple and Stay Consistent
You do not need to post daily. Posting once or twice a week with quality content is better than posting frequently with little intention. Plan a mix of:
- Finished product photos
- Behind-the-scenes videos (cutting, burnishing, sewing)
- Customer feedback or reviews
- Educational content (how to care for leather, types of leather, etc.)
- Personal stories about your journey
Engage, Do Not Just Post
Reply to comments, ask questions, and support other crafters. You are not just building a following—you are building relationships.
Use Hashtags Wisely
Start with a few broad hashtags (#leathercraft, #handmadeleather) and mix in niche-specific ones (#equestrianstyle, #steampunkaccessories) depending on your products. Tools like Hashtagify can help you find trending and relevant tags.
3. Capture Their Attention with Photography
The photos you use to present your products can make or break your first sale. You do not need a professional camera—your smartphone and a bit of effort are more than enough.
Tips for Effective Product Photos
- Use natural light. Avoid using your flash. Morning or late afternoon light works best.
- Keep the background clean. A piece of white poster board or a wooden table can work wonders.
- Show multiple angles. Include close-ups of stitching, hardware, and interior compartments.
- Use lifestyle shots. Show the wallet in someone’s hand or a belt paired with jeans. Help buyers visualize how they might use it.
For inspiration, browse successful Etsy shops or check the leather sections on marketplaces like Made Trade or Uncommon Goods.
4. Tell Your Story
Buyers do not just want to purchase a product—they want to connect with the story behind it. Why did you start leather crafting? What do you love about it? Who inspires you?
Your story is your brand. Whether you come from a line of craftspeople or just discovered leather last year, your unique experience matters.
How to Share Your Story
- Create a short “About Me” section on your website or social media bio.
- Write a longer version for blog posts or email newsletters.
- Post a video explaining your process or motivation behind a specific product.
Your story creates emotional value. And emotional value builds loyalty.
5. Start Small, Think Local
While building your online presence, do not overlook your local community. Word of mouth and face-to-face interactions remain powerful marketing tools.
Ideas to Get Started Locally
- Attend farmers’ markets or local craft fairs. Even one table can lead to valuable conversations and feedback.
- Partner with a local store to sell a few items on consignment.
- Give a free product to a local influencer or business owner who might spread the word.
Often, your first customers will be people within arm’s reach—friends, neighbors, or co-workers. Let them be your first ambassadors.
6. Build a Basic Website or Etsy Shop
Even if you mostly sell locally, having an online presence legitimizes your brand. If you do not have a website yet, consider starting with Etsy. It is beginner-friendly and already has traffic from people looking for handmade goods.
If you are ready for a website, platforms like Shopify or Squarespace make it easy to build a clean, professional store without coding. Be sure to include:
- Clear product photos
- Detailed descriptions (leather type, dimensions, features)
- Pricing and shipping information
- A way for customers to contact you
7. Gather and Display Social Proof
When buyers see that others trust and enjoy your work, they feel more confident making a purchase.
How to Build Social Proof
- Ask your first few customers to send a photo of their purchase and permission to share it.
- Display reviews or testimonials on your website and social media.
- Repost Instagram stories or Facebook tags from happy customers.
These are not just nice-to-haves—they are trust builders.
8. Be Patient but Persistent
Marketing results do not happen overnight. There will be slow days. There might even be silent weeks. But consistency wins.
Every post, every comment reply, and every customer conversation lays the groundwork for something bigger. Stick with it.
Track Your Progress
- Note how many people visit your website or engage with your posts.
- Look at what kinds of content get the most responses.
- Celebrate small milestones—your first post, your first follower, your first sale.