5 Strategies for Successful Rural Creative Businesses

Published on 21 July 2023 5 min read

Leverage Local Resources
Build Strong Community Relationships
Optimize for Online Presence
Embrace Authenticity
Diversify Revenue Streams

Operating a creative business outside urban areas can be a unique journey. It's a path brimming with untapped potential, new challenges, and distinct advantages. But how do you navigate this journey to ensure success for your creative business? Here are five strategies to help you make the most of your rural creative business adventure.

Leverage Local Resources

One of the first steps in running a successful creative business in a rural setting is learning how to leverage local resources. It's all about making the most of what's available in your immediate environment.

Utilize the Natural Environment

Often, the rural environment is a goldmine of natural resources. These can be a boon to creative businesses outside urban areas. For instance, a pottery studio could use local clay or a woodworking shop could harness local timber. These resources not only cut costs but also give your products a unique, local flavor.

Tap into Local Expertise

Every community has a wealth of knowledge and skills. Maybe there's a retired craftsman who'd be happy to share his woodworking techniques. Or perhaps there's a local farmer who can teach you about organic dyes. By tapping into this local expertise, you can enhance your products and strengthen your connection with the community.

Take Advantage of Local Events

Local events, like fairs and festivals, are excellent platforms for showcasing your work. They provide a ready-made audience interested in local, handcrafted products. So, make sure to keep an eye on the local events calendar and plan to have a booth or display at suitable events.

Remember, the key to leveraging local resources is being resourceful. It's about recognizing the potential in your surroundings and using it to your advantage. By doing so, you can set your creative business apart and forge a strong identity that's rooted in your local community.

Build Strong Community Relationships

Another crucial strategy for creative businesses outside urban areas is to build strong community relationships. In a rural setting, your community is more than just your customer base—it's your support network, your supply chain, and sometimes, your inspiration.

Engage with Your Community

Don't be a stranger! Participate in local events, join in community projects, or volunteer your time or skills. When people see you as an active and caring member of the community, they're more likely to support your business.

Collaborate with Other Businesses

Team up with other local businesses for mutual benefit. For example, a local café might display your artwork, or a winery might pair your handcrafted cheese with their wines. Collaboration can help both businesses reach a larger audience and attract more customers.

Establish a Positive Reputation

In a rural area, word-of-mouth can make or break your business. Therefore, strive for excellent customer service, quality products, and integrity in all your dealings. A positive reputation will not only attract customers but also open doors to new opportunities.

In conclusion, strong community relationships are a win-win for creative businesses outside urban areas. They strengthen your business, enrich your community, and foster a sense of belonging and mutual support that's truly invaluable.

Optimize for Online Presence

When it comes to creative businesses outside urban areas, having a strong online presence is a must. The digital world offers a plethora of opportunities to reach potential customers far beyond your local area. Let's explore some ways to achieve this.

Polish Your Website

First things first, ensure you have a well-designed, user-friendly website. It should not only showcase your products or services but also tell your story. Make it easy for visitors to learn about your business and make purchases or bookings.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are great for showcasing the creative side of your business. Use them to share behind-the-scenes peeks, highlight new products, or even share customer testimonials. Remember, engagement is key – interact with your followers, respond to comments, and build a community online.

Consider E-commerce

If you're selling products, an e-commerce platform can significantly expand your reach. Platforms like Etsy are perfect for creative businesses, but there are many other options. Choose the one that fits your needs and budget, and get selling!

In essence, optimizing your online presence can provide a significant boost for your rural creative business. It enables you to reach beyond your local community and tap into a global customer base, all from the comfort of your own home or studio.

Embrace Authenticity

For creative businesses outside urban areas, authenticity is more than a buzzword—it's a way of life. It's about embracing your unique story and letting it shine through in every aspect of your business. Here's how you can make authenticity work for you.

Whether you're making handcrafted furniture from local timber or hosting art workshops in a converted barn, your story is unique. Share it with your customers. Let them see the passion, hard work, and creativity that goes into your business. It will not only make your brand more relatable, but it will also set you apart from the competition.

Stay True to Your Roots

Being based in a rural area is a part of your business's identity. Embrace it. Use local materials, partner with local artisans, or contribute to your community. It gives your business a sense of authenticity that urban businesses often lack.

Quality Over Quantity

Authentic businesses focus on quality over quantity. It's not about mass production—it's about creating something unique and of high value. So take your time, put your heart into what you're creating, and your customers will notice the difference.

By embracing authenticity, you're giving people a reason to choose your business over others. It's not just about the product or service—it's about being a part of a story, a community, and an experience. And that's something you can't put a price on.

Diversify Revenue Streams

For creative businesses outside urban areas, diversifying revenue streams is a key strategy. It's all about finding different ways to make money, so you're not relying on a single source of income. Let's look at how you can do this.

Offer Classes or Workshops

If you're skilled in a particular craft or trade, why not share your knowledge? Offering classes or workshops can be a great way to bring in extra income. Plus, it's a fantastic way to engage with your community and build a loyal customer base.

Explore Online Sales

Just because you're based in a rural area doesn't mean you can't reach customers far and wide. Selling your products or services online can open up a whole new world of opportunities. From setting up your own website to using platforms like Etsy or eBay, the internet can be a powerful tool.

Create a Subscription Service

Whether it's a monthly delivery of homemade jams or a quarterly box of handcrafted jewelry, a subscription service can provide a steady stream of income. It's a win-win—you get to create and your customers get to receive something special on a regular basis.

Remember, diversifying isn't about doing more for the sake of it. It's about finding ways to generate income that align with your brand and your values. That way, it feels less like work and more like an extension of your creative passion.

If you're looking to expand your rural creative business beyond local boundaries, don't miss the workshop 'How to Break into International Markets as a Creative' by Sav. This workshop will provide you with the knowledge and strategies to successfully take your rural creative business to the global stage.