How to Build a Strong Online Presence as a Quilting Business Owner
- Tori McElwain
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
(Even If You’re Still Balancing a Day Job, Quilt Deadlines, or Life Stuff)
Let’s face it - building an online presence can feel like one more thing on your never-ending to-do list. But here’s the truth: in today’s digital world, showing up online with intention can open doors you didn’t even know were there.
If you're a quilter who teaches workshops, designs patterns, offers longarm services, or sells kits online, your digital presence isn’t just nice to have - it’s how people find you, trust you, and eventually buy from you.
So let’s break this down into clear, doable steps that help you get seen, get booked, and grow the quilting business you’ve been dreaming about.
What Is an Online Presence Anyway?
Your online presence is the collective way you show up digitally. That includes:
Your website
Social media accounts
Blog posts, podcast appearances, or videos
Even what pops up when someone Googles your name
But it’s not just about being everywhere—it’s about showing up intentionally where your ideal customer is looking, and making it easy for them to learn, connect, and say “yes” to what you offer.
Start with Strategy, Not Noise
Too many quilters (and creatives in general) feel overwhelmed because they try to do everything—post everywhere, sell everything, talk to everyone. But the secret to a strong online presence isn’t doing more... it’s doing what works for your audience.
And guess what? You don’t need 10,000 followers to make a great income. You need the right people paying attention to the right message.
The Essentials of Building Your Online Presence
Let’s break this into simple, actionable pieces:
1. Make Your Website Work For You
Your website doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be clear, helpful, and Google-friendly (aka search-friendly).
Here’s where to start:
Use words your people are searching for (That’s SEO! Think: “modern quilt workshop,” “learn free motion quilting,” or “longarm services in Texas.”)
Make it mobile-friendly. More than half your audience is looking on their phone.
Lead with clarity. Make it obvious who you help and how. If you design scrappy patterns for confident beginners—say that!
Add a lead magnet. A guide or tip sheet that helps them join your email list and get to know you.
Remember: your website isn’t just a virtual business card. It’s your home base for building relationships.
2. Curate Your Social Media with Purpose
You don’t have to dance on Reels (unless you want to). Social media can simply be a way to start conversations with your ideal customers and stay visible.
Here's what helps:
Choose ONE platform that fits your business. Instagram is great for visuals, Facebook is great for communities. Pinterest is amazing if you write blog posts or sell patterns.
Stay consistent with your branding. This doesn't have to be super detailed in the beginning. Same logo, same tone, same vibe = trust.
Engage, don’t just post. Respond to comments, ask questions, and celebrate your followers’ wins.
Use a business profile! Create a separate business Page for Facebook/Instagram. Don’t rely on your personal account full of old coworkers and cousins who won’t ever buy your offer.
3. Create Content That Helps Your People
Content marketing sounds fancy, but it’s really about sharing useful, inspiring, or educational content that makes people say, “Wow, I want to learn from her.”
You can:
Write blog posts that answer common questions (ex: “Which batting should I use for a memory quilt?”)
Record videos that show your process or tips
Post stories or reels that give a behind-the-scenes peek at your work and what insipres you
Start a podcast if you’re feeling ambitious (hello, Quilting on the Side!)
Helpful content builds trust. Trust builds sales.
4. Collaborate and Connect
One of the fastest ways to grow your presence? Tap into someone else’s audience.
Be a guest on quilting podcasts or newsletters
Partner with a fellow designer on a mini bundle or event
Write a guest post for a quilting blog
Join online communities where your ideal customers hang out (and offer real value - not just self-promo)
You never know who’s watching. Collaboration leads to visibility and credibility.
5. Protect Your Online Reputation
What people find when they Google you matters.
Make sure you:
Google your name/business regularly
Ask happy customers for reviews (on Google, Etsy, Facebook - wherever your people are)
Reply professionally to questions or reviews, even the tricky ones
Stay true to your voice, even when you’re tired (your email list or blog is often the first impression)
Your online reputation can sell your class or pattern before you even open your mouth.
6. Stay Current Without Getting Lost
Digital marketing changes quickly - but the basics don’t.
You don’t need to chase every trend. Instead:
Follow a couple trusted voices in marketing or quilting (I try to be one of those for you!)
Attend one good workshop or summit each quarter
Keep experimenting, but measure what works and ditch what doesn’t
Don’t let tech fear or “not knowing enough” hold you back. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start.
Real Talk: You Don’t Have to Do It All Right Away
Your online presence is a long game, not an overnight success. The most important thing you can do is start where you are—and keep showing up with clarity, consistency, and connection.
If you're a quilting business owner looking for more visibility, more ease, and more yeses from your audience... the next step is yours to take.
Need Help Getting Started?
This is exactly the kind of work we do inside the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program - my coaching hub for quilters and crafters building their business with intention.
I help you:
Build a digital presence that feels like YOU
Create a marketing plan that actually works
And turn your quilting business into something that supports your life (not the other way around)
You can do this. Let’s make your business easier - and more visible - together.
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