How to Market and Sell Your Hand-Turned Pens Online - 1st Steps

Admin
Oct 14
5 min read

Market and Sell Hand-Turned Pens Online - beginners guide

You’ve turned your first pens. You’ve sanded, polished, and admired the grain. Friends and family are impressed. And now the thought creeps in: “Could I actually sell these?”

If you’re new to the pen-turning business, you’re not alone in wondering how to get started. Most makers wrestle with the same four big questions: How do I market my pens? Where should I sell them? How do I use social media without losing my mind? And how do I actually find new customers?

Let’s tackle each one together — with practical, maker-friendly answers you can use right away.

1. How Do I Market My Hand-Turned Pens Effectively?

Here’s the truth: marketing isn’t about being pushy or salesy. It’s about connection. It’s telling the story behind your pens so the right buyers see themselves holding them.

Start here:

Research what other pen makers are doing online.

Peek at Etsy shops, Instagram feeds, and websites. Notice what catches your eye, what feels “meh,” and what makes you want to click. Don’t copy — just learn what works and what gaps you can fill.

Identify your audience.

Not every pen buyer is the same — and not every pen maker should try to please everyone. Each artisan has their own flair. Some of us love crafting bold, colorful acrylics that pop in photos. Others lean into heritage woods, history-themed pens, or even fantasy-inspired designs that look like they belong in a wizard’s library. There are sports fans who’ll buy a pen made from stadium wood, and journalers who want an everyday writer that feels like butter on paper.

Start with what you enjoy making most — because if you don’t love turning it, you won’t love selling it. Then look for an audience that connects with that vibe. Are you the “sports pen” guy? The “luxury resin pen” gal? The “fantasy pen” maker? Plant your flag there. It’s easier to market when your niche is clear, and buyers love when they know exactly what you stand for.

Remember: your ideal customer isn’t “everyone.” It’s the person who lights up when they see your style of pen.

How Do I Market My Hand-Turned Pens Effectively? creating a story

Create a brand story.

Why do you turn pens? What makes your process unique? That story sets you apart from every other listing on Etsy or table at the craft fair. Buyers aren’t just purchasing wood and ink — they’re buying meaning.

If your flair is sports pens, maybe your story is about preserving history: “I reclaim wood from old stadium seats and turn them into pens so fans can carry a piece of the game with them.”

Use high-quality visuals. Photos sell your pens before words do. Hero shots, detail close-ups, and lifestyle images make your work shine.

Want to uplevel your shots? See all of our photography tips here.

Remember: Marketing is just storytelling with intention.

2. What Are the Best Channels for Selling Hand-Turned Pens?

Here’s the truth: there’s no one right answer — the best channel depends on your goals, your style, and where your buyers hang out. The good news? You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to pick a few places and do them well.

Popular options for pen turners:

Etsy → A ready-made marketplace where shoppers are already looking for handmade gifts. Great for beginners who want instant visibility.

See our Complete Etsy Guides

Your own website → Perfect for long-term brand building. You control the design, customer experience, and email list — no marketplace fees. (Wix - Shopify- Godaddy)
See our Complete Website Guide
Craft fairs & artisan markets → Nothing beats letting someone hold your pen in person. Often, that first tactile experience seals the deal.
Boutiques or specialty shops → Consignment or wholesale can get your pens in front of gift buyers who’d never find you online.
Social media direct sales → Platforms like Instagram and Facebook Shops let you tag products and sell straight from posts or DMs.

See our Complete Social Media Guide

👉 Pro tip: Start with one online channel (Etsy or your own site) and one offline channel (markets or boutiques). Master those before adding more.

Check out some details on our ecommerce page:

✨ Remember: the best channel is the one that feels sustainable and actually puts your pens in front of people who want to buy them.

3. How Can I Use Social Media to Grow My Pen Business?

Think of social media as your free storefront window — but one that sits on the busiest street in the world. The question isn’t whether you should use it, but how to use it without burning yourself out.

Here’s the secret: social media isn’t just about posting pretty pictures of pens (though yes, those help). It’s about storytelling, connection, and showing the human side of your craft. Buyers don’t just want a pen; they want to know the maker, the process, and the story behind the wood or resin.

✨ Ways to use social media effectively:

Showcase your products → Post clear, beautiful photos. Try carousels: hero shot, close-up, lifestyle shot.
Share behind-the-scenes → A quick Reel of your lathe spinning or your hands sanding a blank? Gold.
Engage your audience → Ask fun questions: “Journalers, what’s your favorite paper?” or “Resin turners, what color combo would you try?”
Use Stories for real-time connection → Polls, Q&A boxes, or sneak peeks of new blanks build anticipation.
Run targeted ads → Even a small $20 boost on a great photo can put you in front of gift-buyers before holidays.

👉 Pro tip: Don’t try to master every platform. Pick one or two (Instagram + Facebook are most common for makers), and show up consistently.

✨ Remember: People follow people, not just products. If you show up as the face of your brand, you’re not just selling pens — you’re building a community that roots for your success.

Check out some helpful tips from our social media guides:

marketing handmade pens small business quote about wood shavings and world domination. chess pieces in the background

So there you have it — the 3 biggest questions new pen turners ask when they start thinking, “Could I actually sell these?”

Marketing is connection.
Sales channels are tools — pick the ones that work for you.
Social media is storytelling, not just showing.
Lead generation is opening doors for future buyers.

You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one. What matters is picking a place to start, learning as you go, and building a business that feels sustainable for you.

👉 Want to go deeper?

This post is part of a full introductory series. Subscribe for the upcoming full 14 big questions new pen turners ask about business.

Upcoming Guides include- Turn Buyers Into Fans; Crafting the Perfect Online Shop; Plans, Legal, and Money Basics; Pricing, Branding, and Standing Out; How to Market and Sell

Your pens are already special. Now it’s time to make sure the world sees them.