How to Get Featured on Waterloo Handmade Market

Featured placement is one of the fastest ways to increase visibility, build your brand, and connect with shoppers who love handmade goods created in Waterloo and the Cedar Valley. Makers can earn featured spots through quality, consistency, strong presentation, and active participation in the marketplace.

Below are the ways you can be featured across the platform.

Homepage Features

Homepage features highlight makers who:

  • have strong product photography

  • maintain consistent branding

  • offer high‑quality handmade goods

  • keep listings updated

  • engage with seasonal themes

Homepage placement gives you maximum visibility and is included in the Featured Maker and Category Spotlight plans.

Category Spotlights

Category spotlights showcase makers at the top of their category.

These spots are ideal for:

  • jewelry

  • bath & body

  • candles

  • home decor

  • woodworking

  • textiles

Spotlights help shoppers discover your products quickly and are included in the Category Spotlight plan.

Seasonal Collections

Throughout the year, we feature makers in themed collections such as:

  • Spring Handmade

  • Summer Market Picks

  • Fall Home Decor

  • Holiday Gift Guide

Makers with seasonal products or strong photography are often selected for these collections.

Meet the Makers’ Features

Our “Meet the Makers” series highlights local artisans and their stories.

Makers are chosen based on:

  • craftsmanship

  • unique style

  • strong maker story

  • connection to Waterloo or the Cedar Valley

This feature helps shoppers learn who you are and why your work matters.

New Maker Highlights

New makers may be featured during their first month on the marketplace to help introduce their products to local shoppers. This is available to all approved makers.

How to Increase Your Chances of Being Featured

You can improve your visibility by focusing on:

High‑Quality Photos

Clear, well‑lit images help your products stand out.

Consistent Branding

Matching colors, fonts, and style across your listings build trust.

Complete Product Descriptions

Detailed descriptions help shoppers understand your craftsmanship.

Active Participation

Makers who update listings regularly or add new products are more likely to be featured.

Seasonal Relevance

Products that fit seasonal themes often receive priority placement.

Featured Placement in Paid Plans

Featured visibility is included in:

Featured Maker — $59/mo

  • Homepage feature

  • Priority category placement

  • Up to 12 products

Category Spotlight — $149/mo

  • Exclusive top placement in your category

  • Maximum visibility

  • Ideal for makers ready to scale

Ready to Get Featured?

The first step is becoming a maker.

Apply to Become a Maker Tell us about your handmade products — we’ll set up your profile for you.