Help me turn DIY dream into reality

Dear Biz

I have turned my passion for DIY and upcycling of items into a business, The Freedom Trade.

I offer a restoration service and make custom-built pieces and take on commissions.

From my home workshop I create unique pieces of furnishing and decoration, such as lights, mirrors and upholstery from objects I find at markets.

I’m on Etsy (etsy.com/uk/shop/ thefreedomtrade) and Instagram.

I’d appreciate any advice you can give me on finding more customers.

Biz replies

You need to pack your website with lots of examples of before and after projects so that people can see your skills and craftsmanship.

Also, showcase some of the items you have ready to customise to tempt people in.

As well as posting on Instagram, you could find Twitter and Facebook a useful way to spread the word.

Also, look for opportunities offline, such as craft fairs and events where you could take a stall.

Link up with other small firms, such as interior designers or gift shops, and then recommend each other to your respective customers.

Get good quality pictures with views from different angles. People will want to see the details. And try to get some pictures of your creations in situ in clients’ homes.

Lifestyle shots work well on social media and let you tell the story of items through the stages, from original product through upcycling, to the product in its new home.