8 income streams to add to your handmade or small business

Running a handmade business is a passion project, but it can also be a challenge. Most of us start with one income stream (usually selling our original artwork), but eventually, we begin to wonder: what happens if sales slow down? And – how do I grow this into a full time labor of love? 

I’ve been there!

I’m Sterling Rhyne, the fiber artist behind Cactus Lady Creation, and over the years, my creative brand has gone through several phases. Through them all, I have learned how invaluable it is to have multiple income streams. Some income streams are steady and even grow over time, while others are more passive—but altogether, they’ve helped me build a sustainable business.

In this post and video, I am sharing 8 income streams you can add to your handmade or small business. The ones that I mention are specific income streams that have worked for me, so I am speaking from my personal experience. It’s also great to keep in mind that you don’t have to begin them all at the same time—I know I sure didn’t. It’s important to begin with one that feels exciting, and grow from there.

Let’s get started! 

1. Sell your physical products (and get over the shipping overwhelm)

Selling your handmade goods—like art, jewelry, stickers, or textiles—is often where every creative business starts. There’s nothing like the exhilaration of making your first sale and wrapping it up with care. But have you ever panicked about shipping your beautiful creations? 

Shipping was the thing that almost held me back. I spent so long trying to figure out the best carrier, how much to charge, and how to ship without eating into my profits. Early on, this fear kept me from growing my art business.

What helped me keep going was using tools that took the guesswork out of it, like Shippo. You can compare rates from major carriers and save up to 90% off USPS, UPS, and FedEx, all in one place. You can print labels, track packages, and avoid standing in line at the post office, which means more time to create.

Here are a few ways to make physical product sales more sustainable:

• Price strategically – When pricing your work, factor in your materials, time, cost of shipping supplies, platform fees, and any additional hidden or unexpected costs.
  
  
• Start batching – Make several products in one sitting, and designate set shipping days to streamline fulfillment.
  
  
• Consider your packaging design – Memorable product packaging creates a unique experience. Attractive packaging doesn’t have to be expensive—as long as it has your personal touch, it will allow your pieces to stand out.
  
  
• Offer flat-rate or free shipping – Use flat rates or set a free shipping minimum that makes sense for your margins. Use Shippo to calculate shipping fees, and factor it into your product pricing.
  
  

2. Add digital products to your shop

One of my favorite types of products to make is digital products. Creating them can take time, but once you do—your work is complete! You can sell it again and again, even while you're off creating art or taking a break.

If you’ve got knowledge that can solve problems for your audience or clients, and can package it up as a downloadable file (such as an eBook or online course) then this could be a great option for you.

Here’s how to get started (and grow from there):

• Think about what people already ask you for – As a fiber artist, I’m constantly designing crochet and macrame designs, and often fellow artists wonder how I made them. This motivated me to begin creating digital patterns for other fiber artists in our creative community. So, consider what your customers typically ask for, and let it guide your creative direction.
  
  
• Start simple – Create a PDF template, a printable art file, or even a short guide.
  
  
• Bundle your offering – Add value by grouping a digital product with a bonus like a video, checklist, or mini guide.
  
  
• Use Etsy or your own site – Etsy has low start-up fees and built-in traffic, while your own site gives you more control and customer data.
  
  
• Make your listings clear and inspiring – Use mockups, clear instructions, and SEO driven descriptions.
  
  

3. Content creation

Content creation can absolutely support your business, usually through three main ways: ad revenue, brand partnerships, and UGC.

I don’t see a lot of creators discussing UGC, which stands for user-generated content. This is where you make videos or photos for a brand to use on their platforms. You don’t even have to post on your social media pages. 

Brands typically post something on their socials every day, and if you love filming and editing videos and enjoy a specific brand’s products then creating content for them to use could be a great way to earn income.

Here’s how to get started with UGC:

• Make a portfolio – Include your headshot, social media experience, metrics, and your latest partnership videos. If you haven’t partnered with a brand yet, then create a couple of example videos, including how you’d naturally talk about a product and voice over B-roll of your unboxing or using the product.
  
  
• Reach out via email or DM – Share your portfolio, and let them know you’re interested in working with them.
  
  
• Use UGC platforms – Sites like Trend or Social Cat help match creators with brands looking for fresh content.
  
  
• Keep it casual, but valuable – Show off your personality and speak as though you are sharing your thoughts on the product with a friend. 

4. Blogging to grow your reach, and your income

Blogging has become one of the quiet powerhouses in my business. It helps people find me, builds trust, and can also earn money. But like anything, it takes time, dedication, and intention.

Blogs are perfect for showing your creative process, teaching something useful, or telling the story behind your work. But they’re also a great way to make money if you build them with that goal in mind.

Here’s how to get started and make it worth your time:

• Write blog posts that solve problems – Consider topics such as “How to hang fiber art without damaging walls” or “Why handmade gifts mean more.”
  
  
• Link back to your products – Always include call-outs to related products, digital downloads, or your custom work.
  
  
• Add a mailing list opt-in – Offer a freebie (like a shipping checklist or art care guide) in exchange for email sign-ups.
  
  
• Apply to ad networks – Once your blog traffic picks up, you can apply to Google AdSense or premium ad networks like Mediavine or Raptive.
  
  
• Use affiliate links – If you use and love tools (like your favorite yarn, printer, or packaging), share them with affiliate links to earn a small commission when someone buys.

5. Teach what you know

Teaching is one of the most rewarding things I do—not just financially, but emotionally. There’s something so fulfilling about watching someone light up when they finally master a skill you’ve shared. Whether it’s a full-blown online course, a casual workshop, or a helpful mini-guide, teaching allows you to share your expertise and get paid for it.

Here’s how to start small and grow:

• Host a mini live workshop – Organize a 1-hour class over Zoom with 2 or more participants. This is a great way to test how interested people are in learning from you.
  
  
• Create DIY kits – Prepare all of the materials needed for your class, presented in an attractive package. Your students will love receiving this package in advance of the class!
  
  
• Use online teaching platforms – Create an online course at a site like Teachable, Thinkific, or even Etsy’s digital product features make setup simple. Once your course is done, you can continue to sell it passively.
  
  
• Offer add-ons – You can add private coaching, bonus videos, or printable PDFs to increase the value (and price!) of your course.
  
  

6. Reach a new audience with wholesale

Wholesale is one of those income streams that feels intimidating at first, but it’s such a good way to grow. Instead of selling one order at a time, you’re selling many products in one go. Fewer customers, bigger paydays.

Here’s how to get started:

• Create a wholesale line sheet – Include photos, product descriptions, pricing (including MSRP), minimums, and order terms. Canva has great templates!
  
  
• Start with boutiques in your area – Walk in with samples and a friendly pitch. Local stores love supporting local makers.
  
  
• List on wholesale marketplaces – Sites like Faire, Abound, and Bulletin connect you with buyers already looking for unique goods.
  
  
• Offer themed collections – Stores like to see bundles or seasonal sets that they can build a display around.
  
  
• Be production-ready – Make sure you can fulfill larger orders on time. Create a plan for batching and shipping ahead of time.
  
  

7. Launch a membership

A membership is like a VIP club for your community—a way to share exclusive content, connect more deeply with your people, and build a steady monthly income.

This can look a lot of different ways, so make it your own:

• Offer something small but special – Consider offering monthly patterns, behind-the-scenes videos, early access to new products, or members-only Q&As.
  
  
• Use simple tools – Patreon is a great starting point. You can also use tools like Buy Me a Coffee or even an email newsletter (as we discussed in Section 4).
  
  
• Treat your members like insiders – Give sneak peeks, let them vote on your next product, or send the occasional happy mail surprise.
  
  
• Keep it consistent – Whether it’s once a week or once a month, choose a cadence that works for you (and that you’ll stick to).
  
  

8. Begin coaching and consultation

If you've been running your business for a while, chances are you’ve learned lessons others are dying to know. Coaching is a great way to share what you know—whether it’s product photography, pricing, setting up an Etsy shop, or building an audience—and get paid for your hard-earned experience.

Here’s how to ease into it:

• Start with a single offer – Try a 1:1 “pick my brain” session where people can ask questions.
  
  
• Use booking tools – Tools like Calendly or Acuity help with scheduling and payments.
  
  
• Niche down – Determine who you are helping—for example, new sellers and part-time makers (wanting to go full-time) are two potential niches.
  
  
• Offer follow-ups – After your session, send a summary or a custom checklist to add extra value.
  
  
• Test group coaching – If your advice applies to a lot of people, try a small group session to scale your time.
  
  

Turn ideas into action

Did one of these income streams spark an idea for your business? Whether you're just starting out or already running your shop full-time, I hope you walk away feeling encouraged and equipped.

You don’t need to master everything all at once—just take the next right step. Start small, experiment, and tweak as you go.

And if shipping logistics have been your biggest hurdle, a tool like Shippo can make a huge difference by helping you save time and money while keeping your workflow smooth.

Thanks for reading—and don’t forget, the full video is embedded above if you want to see more!

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