How to Start and Run a Soap Making Business

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How to Start a Soap Business

This article is broken down into three steps. We’ll look at business planning, marketing, and then making and selling your soap.

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Business Planning

Part 1:

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The Business Side

When you’re setting up a business selling soap, you’ll want to complete some steps before you get into the actual soap-making and selling step. You’re going to need a business name, purchase your domain name, set up your website, and get all your legal ducks in a row. You’ll also want to put together a business plan. 

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Why Do You Need a Business Plan?

The business plan will allow you to outline your vision, mission, and goals. Elements of a business plan to consider: Executive summary Company description Market analysis Product line Sales and marketing Operational plan Organization and management Financial projections Funding request

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Structure Your Business

You’ll also need to decide what kind of business entity and business structure you'll have. Will you be a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company (LLC), a partnership, or a corporation? It’s recommended that you meet with a lawyer and accountant before launching your business; they’ll be able to guide you through the process.

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Marketing Planning

Part 2:

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Marketing Your Soap Business

Marketing can also be a bit overwhelming if you haven’t experienced marketing a business, but it really doesn’t have to be! Marketing can actually be fun. Really, it can! Some marketing ideas: Social media Pinterest SEO Paid ads Business cards Word of mouth

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Social Media Marketing

Depending on your niche and target market may determine which social media platform is best for your business. No matter what platform you choose, I’d recommend not having your hands in too many pots. Platforms to consider: Instagram Facebook TikTok Twitter YouTube

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Search Engine Marketing

It’s highly advisable to incorporate search engine optimization into your marketing plan. Every business can benefit from showing up in the search results of search engines like Google. Even on marketplace platforms like Etsy, it’s good to utilize SEO to show up in their search results. 

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Pinterest Marketing

Pinterest isn’t social media, as many think. It's considered a visual search engine. People tend to go to Pinterest to ask a question, to learn, or to find products. You’ll want to treat Pinterest similarly to Google in that you’ll want to use specific keywords and use SEO tactics in order to show up in their search results for those specific keyword phrases. 

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Paid Ads

Social media platforms offer paid ads. Sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow their users to run ads in order to get your ad in front of buyers. Even Pinterest allows you to promote “pins.”  Although not necessary for a successful business, paid ads can give you immediate sales and results vs. the typically longer route of social media marketing and SEO.

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Business Cards and Word of Mouth

Don’t discount old-school marketing like business cards and word-of-mouth marketing; they can really help kick-start your business. Tell your friends, family, and colleagues. Start a FB group and invite friends and family. Give out samples for people to test. Give out business cards and marketing materials at craft shows.

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Soap Making

Part 3:

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Soap Making Supplies

Now, the most fun part of all is the soap-making process! The steps below will give you a great jumping-off point to getting your soaps made! Supplies you’ll need for your soap business: Soap molds Soap dyes Fragrance oils Melt & pour soap bases Spatula Kitchen scale Soap cutter

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Soap Recipes

If you’re just tossing the idea around of making soaps and haven’t researched yet how to make the soaps, you’ll want to find soap recipes online to practice with. 

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Where and How to Sell Your Soap

You have a business plan, social media handles, a marketing plan, and you're making soap. Your last step will be deciding where and how to sell your soaps.  Will you sell on a marketplace like Etsy or Amazon? Will you sell on your own e-commerce website like Shopify or Squarespace? Or do you plan on wholesale orders and craft fairs?