I asked ChatGPT how to make a business like mine profitable. Here's what it told me.

So maybe you want to start a cross-stitch business.

Awesome! Sometimes it can be an envious journey (EG: "How didn't I think of that idea first?!", "Oh man, they are so much better than I am…", etc.) but I will always welcome new designers to the field!

Before you start, you might be wondering how a cross-stitch business could even break even. And well… that's a great question.

So, for the lols, I thought it might be interesting to ask an AI what it thought would be a good idea to make a cross-stitch and/or embroidery business successful. And I was actually plesantly surprised at the answer it gave me, as I felt they were really insightful and helpful ideas!

Below is what ChatGPT suggested to me when I asked the question.

Note: This is about a finished-piece business, not one selling patterns. I couldn't get the right wording to get it to understand just patterns 🤣

Here are some ideas to make a cross-stitching business profitable:

1. Offer unique designs: Create original cross-stitch designs that are not available elsewhere, or at least not easily accessible. You can either design them yourself or work with designers to create custom designs.

2. Use high-quality materials: Use high-quality materials to make your cross-stitch products stand out. This can include using high-quality fabrics, threads, and needles, and even packaging materials.

3. Sell through multiple channels: Sell your products online through your own website, Etsy, Amazon, and other e-commerce platforms. You can also consider selling through local craft fairs, markets, and other events.

4. Offer customization: Offer custom cross-stitching services where customers can personalize their own designs, including monograms or special messages.

5. Market your business: Use social media platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest, to showcase your work and promote your products. Consider using paid advertising, influencer marketing, and email marketing to reach new customers.

6. Create a subscription service: Consider creating a subscription service where customers can receive new cross-stitch patterns or kits on a regular basis.

7. Offer classes or workshops: Consider offering in-person or online classes and workshops where you can teach people how to cross-stitch or create their own designs. You can charge a fee for these classes, which can generate additional revenue for your business.

By implementing some or all of these ideas, you can make your cross-stitching business profitable and successful.

What do you think?

Leave a comment below with your thoughts on these seven ideas on how to make your small, cross-stitch/embroidery business successful. I would love to hear what you think!

Leading image by Aleksander Vlad on Unsplash