5 Reasons to join the Craft Industry Alliance

I don’t write a ton about blogging but when I love something, I want to share it (like the ad network I use!). I joined the Craft Industry Alliance (CIA), started by Abby from While She Naps and Kristin from Sew Mama Sew, two years ago when they gifted me a membership but I forked over my own money to renew after reading the journals for a year. So many people have asked recently about my experience with them, I thought I’d write about the reasons to join CIA and wrangle more of my friends into the group!

This post uses my affiliate link to join CIA, which means I get a small % back if you use it, thanks!

There are loads and loads of specific discounts, benefits, meet-ups, etc. that come with joining Craft Industry Alliance but I’m going to focus on the ones that have the most value for me. The group is not just for bloggers, but for industry professionals, pattern designers, small shop owners, in all crafty niches (sewing, crochet, knitting, clay, etc.).

5 reasons to join Craft Industry Alliance

1. Regular, relevant journals

As a Craft Industry Alliance member, you receive a new journal every other week that includes articles that address all aspects of running a creative business.

Here a few recent articles that I enjoyed:

How to organize a pattern testing program for productive feedback
Are you covered? Insurance for your craft business
How to hire (and fire) your first employee
Cruising Along: Blend adventure and work while teaching crafts on a cruise
Opportunity knocking at your door? How to negotiate an unexpected offer.
PLUS two articles written by yours truly: How to Get the Most Mileage out of Your Blog Post and Using Autoresponders to Build and Engage Your Audience

2. Access to a resource library for creative business owners

As a Craft Industry Alliance member you can access a library full of printables, templates, check-lists, content ideas, service providers, and wholesale sources.

Here a few resources that I’ve checked out:

The big list of fabric manufacturers
Business retreat planning checklist
Business plan template
Printable social media trackers
Tips for setting up a non-disclosure agreement

3. Useful webinars

As a member, you can watch webinars covering important topics like marketing, Pinterest planning, insurance, newsletter creation, and more.

I will be 100% honest, I have not made the time to watch these yet, but on my to-do list are the three listed below:

Creating and Nurturing a Facebook Group for Your Business by Ebony Love
Learn to Create Easy, Professional-Quality Craft Videos to Share on Social Media by Joy Macdonell
Innovative Ways to Diversify Your Craft Business by Vanessa Vargas Wilson

4. Unique discounts

Craft Industry Alliance members have access to all sorts of savings, the ones that I find most intriguing are discounts on one-year memberships to Adobe Creative Cloud, Acrobat Pro DC and Premiere Pro, discounts at Wyndham hotels, savings at Office Depot & Office Max.

5. Facebook group & forums

By joining Craft Industry Alliance, you gain access to forums on the site and a members-only Facebook group, which is a great place to ask for advice, find collaboration opportunities, and network with other people in the industry. As a content creator, I like having access to fabric manufacturers, book publishers, sewing pattern designers, and other bloggers. Lots of networking opportunities!

“I have to tell you that CIA has been the single greatest investment for my business so far. I’ve had work with Lucky Spool, Quilter’s Planner, Carole Lyles Shaw, Mainsail Studio, Fiber Art Now, and more, all from getting my name out there in the forums and the journal. I can’t thank you (Abby) and Kristin enough for how you support our industry.” -Lauren Lang Copywriter, editor, Wordcraft

Convinced? Sign up to join Craft Industry Alliance with a 6 month or 1 year membership

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