It has been almost a full year since I started my adventure with The Knotting Way. I learned quite a bit about how the world of blogging and independent sales work, but I know I have so much more to learn and improve to be successful. With the help of an advertising change at Knit Picks Independent Designers program early last year, I was able to make a very small profit. Now in 2021, I plan to help that grow!
In the spirit of goal making in the New Year, I have come up with a few of my own.
1. Expand where my patterns are being sold.
Currently, my knitting patterns are being sold through Knit Picks and Ravelry. I want to expand the availability of my patterns by offering them through other mediums. I am exploring Etsy, Lovecraft, Shopify, and Payhip. I plan on reviewing the benefits of each and add one or two of these before the spring.
2. Gain more subscribers.
For this goal, I will use social media. I am going to increase my presence on Instagram to drive traffic to my Blog and pattern pages. I also plan on developing a Pinterest account for The Knotting Way. By the end of January, I will be posting several times a week on Instagram and Pinterest. At the beginning of December, I began using Tailwind to help create Instagram posts and it has been a wonderful help. I am going to try Tailwind for Pinterest for three months to see if it is as helpful.
3. Generate more patterns
Over the last few months, I have written three patterns. These will be technically edited, tested, and published this year. The first is to be released in February. The next, in early spring, to release one every other month for a total of six new patterns in 2021. Also, I plan on researching, at least, three publications to submit knitting pattern proposals.
4. Explore colorwork
I would like to explore my knowledge of colorwork. I am capable of changing colors successfully within a pattern when it calls for it, but I typically don’t do this a lot. I am always in awe of the beautiful colors and intricate details in Fair Isle and Intrasea knitting. To begin, I’m going to try the Anthology Hat by Tin Can Knits. It is exactly what I need to walk me through how to plan out colorwork and knit it successfully. Tin Can Knits always provides excellent directions and tutorials.
I’m excited about 2021! I feel organized, motivated, and like I have a successful and doable plan for success.
What are your goals for the New Year?