Social Media Marketing

How to Use TikTok & Reels to Sell Handmade Products

Written by Debbie May
December 2, 2025
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Are you a home-based maker or small business owner looking to boost sales for your handmade creations? TikTok and Instagram Reels offer powerful, visual ways to showcase handcrafted goods—like tumblers and beaded keychains—to eager shoppers. If you want to grow your sales, read on for practical, actionable tips tailored for selling handmade items.

woman filming TikTok handcrafted items

Why Use TikTok & Reels for Selling Handmade Items?

Short-form video has completely changed how we discover and shop for unique products. TikTok and Reels provide a stage for small businesses, startups, and side hustlers to reach new audiences without a big marketing budget. People love seeing the stories, process, and authentic personalities behind handmade goods. By sharing your making process, creativity, and finished pieces, you can turn curious viewers into loyal customers.

Choosing What to Showcase

When planning your content, highlight items that look eye-catching on camera. If you craft tumblers with vibrant designs, or colorful beaded keychains, you have a visual advantage. Sparkly resin details, swirling colors, or custom charms shine especially well in video. Consider showing off:

  • The creation process—from raw materials to finished item
  • Before-and-after product transformations
  • Custom options and personalization features
  • How your handmade items can be used in daily life

Sharing these moments doesn’t require fancy equipment—your smartphone and natural light work wonders. Keep things real and relatable; viewers love seeing the quirks and heart that go into handmade work.

Crafting Engaging Short Videos

Creating videos for selling handmade items isn’t about being a professional filmmaker—it’s about storytelling. Follow these simple steps to maximize engagement:

  • Start with a hook: The first two seconds matter most. Show a glittery tumbler spinning, hands stringing beads, or your smile as you reveal a finished order.
  • Keep it short: Aim for 15–30 seconds for Reels and under a minute for TikTok.
  • Use trending sounds or relevant music to boost discovery.
  • Mix ‘how-to’ clips with quick product showcases.
  • Add captions, stickers, or quick tips over your video to highlight features or benefits.

Use behind-the-scenes content to make your audience feel involved. Ask questions like, “Should I make this next tumbler blue or purple?” to encourage comments and build community.

Leveraging Hashtags and Descriptions

The right hashtags and captions help your videos reach the right shoppers. For selling handmade items, use a mix of broad tags (#handmade, #shopsmall) and specific tags (#beadedkeychain, #customtumblers, #sidehustle). Mention your location if you offer local pickups. In descriptions, share what makes your piece special, how it’s made, and prompt followers to visit your shop or DM for orders.

  • Rotate hashtags to test which ones bring the most exposure.
  • Keep captions conversational and concise.
  • Add a call-to-action (“Tap the link in bio to order” or “Comment your favorite color!”).

Building Relationships and Community

People buy handmade not just for the product, but for the maker’s story. Respond to comments and messages quickly—thank followers for their support, answer product questions, or offer recommendations. Share customer testimonials or user-generated content (like a buyer’s photo of their new tumbler). Celebrating your first sale, restocking updates, or a behind-the-scenes look at your home workspace fosters trust and excitement.

Key Tips for Small Business, Side Hustle & Startups

Many TikTok and Reels creators manage everything from home while juggling day jobs or family. For a smooth process:

  • Batch content: Film several videos in one session to save time.
  • Plan a simple posting schedule—consistency trumps quantity.
  • Use analytics to identify your best-performing videos and what resonates.
  • Experiment with trends, but also develop your own recognizable style.

If you’re selling handmade items as a side hustle or startup, remember you don’t need huge followings—genuine engagement wins sales. Stay patient and open to learning.

Turning Viewers Into Customers

Entertain, inform, and invite action. Pin details about how to buy or order in your bio and on video overlays. Set up links to your online shop, Etsy page, or DM ordering process. Educate potential buyers on what makes your product unique—show how your beaded keychains don’t fade, or how your tumblers are made to order.

Offer occasional limited-time coupons, run giveaways, or highlight custom order slots. Creative businesses that keep viewers involved through polls, challenges, or product launches see higher conversion rates.

Conclusion

TikTok and Reels offer home-based makers and small businesses a chance to market and sell handmade items with real impact. Share your journey, showcase your creativity, and let your passion reach new customers—one short video at a time.

Ready to build your handmade business online? Start small, stay genuine, and watch your following—and sales—grow!

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author
Debbie May
Retired CEO & Small Business Coach
author https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemay/

Hi, I’m Debbie May! I’ve spent more than 25 years in the world of making — building companies that helped crafters, makers, and handmade business owners turn their creativity into profit. My favorite part of the journey has always been the relationships — connecting with creative people, cheering them on, and celebrating their wins. Now that I’m retired, I still stay close to the maker community by sharing tips, teaching what I’ve learned, and encouraging anyone ready to take the next step. When I’m not talking about crafting or small business, you’ll find me with my husband, kids, and grandkids.