🎧 Listen to this blog post as a Podcast instead -  How to keep going when you're not seeing results - AMA (Ask Me Anything)

👋 Welcome back to the How To Be A Handmade Boss podcast!

🎉 In this episode, we tackle a common struggle for many handmade business owners: staying motivated to complete those essential but less enjoyable tasks, like bookkeeping, PR activities, and business development.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to reframe your mindset from "I have to" to "I get to"
The importance of focusing on the positives in mundane tasks
Techniques for breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts
Ways to implement a rewards system to keep you motivated
The benefits of visualising long-term goals and establishing routines
How to use the Pomodoro technique to enhance productivity
The significance of celebrating your achievements, no matter how small

💪 Whether you're just starting your handmade business or looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stay on track and motivated.

🔗 Ask me anything here

🔗 📒 HBSA planner

🔗 40 - Unlock Extraordinary Business and Personal Growth with My Proven Dream Board Method

Not Seeing Results Yet? Read This Before You Give Up 

Let’s just say it. Not seeing results sucks. You’re showing up, doing the work, posting on social media, tweaking your listings, trying all the things… and still, the sales feel slow, the engagement is flat, and you’re wondering what you’re doing wrong.

If that sounds familiar, I recorded a full AMA episode just for you (listen here), and this blog pulls out the key mindset shifts that can help you keep going, even when it feels like you’re getting nowhere.

Because you are going somewhere, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

1. Results Aren’t Always Immediate, But That Doesn’t Mean They’re Not Coming 

Let’s start with the truth. You could be doing all the right things, and it might still take a while to see results. Especially in a handmade business, where trust takes time and growth can be slow and steady.

The people watching your stories today might not buy for weeks or months. That reel you posted last week might go viral next month. That customer who ghosted your Etsy listing might come back when they need a birthday gift.

It’s frustrating, but it’s also normal.

2. Don’t Make It Mean Something About You 

When things are quiet, it’s so easy to turn it inward.

 “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”

“Maybe my stuff isn’t good enough.”

“Why is it working for everyone else and not me?”

But low sales or quiet seasons don’t mean you’re not good at what you do. They don’t mean your business is doomed. They don’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

Sometimes they just mean it’s a slower season, or you’re in the messy middle, or your audience isn’t quite ready yet.

Keep going anyway.

⛔⛔⛔⛔

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3. Focus on the Inputs, Not Just the Outcomes 

You can’t always control the outcome. You can control your actions.

Did you post consistently this week?

Did you write an email to your list?

Did you create something you’re proud of?

Those things matter. And over time, they stack up and build something real.

Instead of chasing instant results, focus on building systems and routines that help you show up consistently. Even when the numbers are quiet. Especially then.

4. Take a Step Back and Reconnect With Your Why 

When you’re in a rut, it’s easy to forget why you started.

So pause for a second. Ask yourself:

 • Why did I start this business?

 • What does success actually mean to me?

 • What would I be proud to say I built in five years?

It’s not just about the numbers. It’s about creating freedom, flexibility, joy, impact, confidence — whatever your version of success looks like.

You don’t have to have a six-figure shop to be successful. You just have to keep showing up for what matters to you.

5. You Can Slow Down Without Giving Up 

It’s okay to take a break. To rest. To do less for a little while. That doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re honouring your energy so you can keep going.

Sometimes the most powerful move you can make is to step back, regroup, and come back stronger.

Your business isn’t going anywhere. Neither is your creativity.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think 

If you need a sign not to give up, this is it.

You don’t need a viral moment or 100 sales in a day to prove you’re making progress. Every post, every product, every tiny decision you’ve made has brought you this far.

And your story is still being written.

If this blog gave you a little boost today, I’d love to hear from you over on Instagram. What’s one small thing you’re doing this week to keep going? Pop it in my DMs or tag me in your stories. You’re not alone in this.

👋 Welcome everyone! My name is Steph, I've been running my handmade business full time on Etsy since 2016, and I'm here to help you! 

🧡 I'll help you to start an Etsy shop, Etsy ads, show you how to sell more on Etsy, get to grips with Etsy SEO, Etsy branding, Etsy product ideas, finding your target market, identifying your niche and many many more.

🛍️ If you have an Etsy shop or your own website selling handmade products, or want to start one, this is THE channel you need to be subscribed to!

💰 I help makers start, run and scale their handmade businesses. Turning them from an expensive hobby to profitable businesses making 4 and 5 figure months on Etsy and your own website.

✨ Join the HBSA waitlist

✨ Free resources: Want to make headway in your business but don't want to pay yet? You're in the right place! 

✨ Work with us for deeper transformative results

✨I go live most Mondays on YouTube and in my Facebook group for mini workshops to help you make more money from your handmade business! You can see our upcoming events here

That’s all for now! Be sure to subscribe and follow us on IG for announcements of new videos, workshops, content and more.

Love Steph & Team HB xox