Getting over content creation/promotion fears
Hi yall so I just need advice + encouragement today!
Ive been rug tufting for a few years at this point and decided to open an Etsy Shop ~ Rita’s Rugs ~ (I might change the name… not sure yet) in March. I have product listings and have made a couple sales but I’ve really hesitated to promote my shop on my Instagram and on Tik Tok. I think I’m just scared of people I know judging my work or like …. I honestly don’t even know, it’s so silly when I try to put it into words!! Because realistically, no one is going to judge me and if they do then who tf cares?? But still, I keep making excuses for committing to it and really going all in.
Today I’ve decided on a date: July 16th for officially posting on my Instagram and promoting all my items. Until then, I’m going to finish my unfinished projects and make 1 or 2 more rugs to list.
Does anyone have advice or encouragement on how to stop being so scared to post & promote my work?
Thanks girls♥️💗
Starting an Etsy shop can be an exciting yet daunting venture. Many crafters, like rug tufting enthusiasts, often start feeling nervous when it comes to promoting their handmade items due to fear of judgment or criticism. It's essential to remember that this apprehension is common among creators. To overcome this fear, consider joining supportive communities and forums focused on og tufting or handmade crafts. These platforms can provide valuable encouragement and advice from others who’ve faced similar challenges. Setting a clear strategy can also help! Establish a timeline for promoting your products on social media. For instance, if you’re planning to start posting on a specific date, ensure you prepare compelling images and engaging captions that convey the uniqueness of your rugs. You might also want to share the process behind your creations, which customers often appreciate and connect with. This transparency can foster a loyal community around your brand. Additionally, don’t forget to use relevant hashtags such as #rugtufting, #tuftedrugs, and #handmade to improve visibility. Engaging with your audience through comments and messages can help build relationships, making you less likely to feel judged. Remember, most audiences are supportive and will likely celebrate your creativity. Embrace the journey of promoting your work, and let your passion shine through!

I know this fear! I recommend starting a whole new IG and TikTok and blocking people you know at first! As sad as it is, friends and family won’t support you like you think they would so I wouldn’t worry about not making sales from them. Start your new account, post consistently and get familiar with promoting + marketing. Once you’re a bit more comfortable with posting, you can tag your biz account to your personals and let them know what’s up. If they want to follow, they will and if they don’t, they weren’t your target audience anyway 😊