How to Get Featured on Waterloo Handmade Market
Waterloo Handmade Market is built to highlight local creativity — and one of the best ways for makers to gain visibility is through our Featured Maker program. Being featured helps shoppers discover your work, increases your reach across the Cedar Valley, and strengthens your presence both on Facebook and in Google Search.
If you’re a local maker wondering how to get featured, this guide explains exactly what we look for and how you can prepare your business for a spotlight.
Why Being Featured Matters
A Featured Maker spotlight can help you:
reach new shoppers
increase engagement on your posts
build brand recognition
strengthen your maker page on WHM
improve your visibility in Google Search
attract new customers and custom orders
Spotlights are shared across WHM’s website and Facebook page, giving you exposure to both local shoppers and other makers.
What We Look For in Featured Makers
1. Clear Handmade Focus
Your products should be genuinely handmade — pottery, jewelry, woodworking, candles, stained glass, bath & body, home décor, textiles, or other artisan goods.
2. Consistent Craftsmanship
We look for makers who show care, quality, and consistency in their work.
3. Good Photos of Your Products
Clear, well‑lit photos help shoppers understand your style and make your spotlight more effective.
4. Active Participation in the Local Handmade Community
Makers who engage with WHM posts, share updates, and support other artisans often receive higher visibility.
5. A Complete Maker Page on WHM
Your maker page should include:
a short bio
product photos
category tags
links to your shop or social media
This helps shoppers learn about you and increases your search visibility.
How to Get Featured
1. Apply to Become a Seller
If you’re not already part of WHM, start by submitting an application. This helps us understand your products and your story.
2. Keep Your Maker Page Updated
Add new photos, update your bio, and make sure your categories match what you sell.
3. Engage with WHM on Facebook
Commenting on posts, sharing your work, and participating in community threads helps us see your activity and increases your chances of being featured.
4. Share What You’re Working On
We love spotlighting makers who show their process — in-progress photos, new designs, seasonal items, or behind‑the‑scenes moments.
5. Reach Out and Let Us Know You’re Interested
If you’d like to be featured, send us a message through your maker page or the contact form. We’re always looking for new makers to highlight.
What Happens When You’re Featured
A Featured Maker spotlight includes:
a dedicated post on WHM’s Facebook page
a highlight on your maker page
links to your categories
increased visibility across the site
potential inclusion in future blog posts
stronger Google Search presence
Spotlights often lead to more page views, more engagement, and more local recognition.
Final Thoughts
Waterloo Handmade Market exists to support local artisans and help shoppers discover handmade goods created right here in the Cedar Valley. If you’re a maker looking to grow your visibility, getting featured is one of the best ways to reach new customers and strengthen your presence online.
Whether you’re a potter, woodworker, jewelry artist, candle maker, stained glass creator, or any other type of artisan — we’d love to highlight your work.