So, you want to grow your creative business, improve your products, or maybe just know if anyone actually read the thank-you note you lovingly scribbled on their compostable swing tag. Enter: customer feedback.
Feedback is one of the most powerful (and free!) tools available to makers in business. It helps you make better decisions, improve the customer experience, and importantly (as anyone will know us we say regularly) build trust. But asking for feedback can feel a bit awkward, right?
Let’s break down the why, where, when and how of collecting feedback in a way that works for you and your customers.
Why Feedback Matters
Customer feedback isn’t just about finding out what’s “wrong”. It can also tell you:
- What you’re doing really well (so you can keep doing it!)
- What people actually value about your work
- What you might need to improve to boost sales or loyalty
- What language your customers use (hello, SEO-friendly copywriting!)
It’s not about chasing compliments, it’s about learning how to make your business even better.
Where to Ask for It
There are so many places you can invite feedback, and not all of them require you to put yourself out there in a big scary way. Here are a few ideas:
Post-purchase emails
Set up an automated follow-up email (a few days after delivery) asking how everything went. Keep it short and sweet.
Instagram Stories
Polls and question boxes are an easy way to casually ask questions like “Which print do you love most?” or “What would you love to see next?”
Market stalls
If you’re at a physical market, have a comment book or QR code linked to a quick form. You can even just ask, “How did you find out about me?” as they browse.
Online store reviews
Encourage happy customers to leave a review and actually read what they say. They’re often little goldmines of insight.
Your newsletter
Add a one-question survey, or ask readers to reply to the email with their thoughts. Your newsletter community is often your warmest audience.
Workshops and events
Running a class or talk? Create a feedback form you can hand out (or email afterwards) asking what worked and what could be better next time.
Inside your packaging
Pop in a little “we’d love your feedback” card with a QR code or social handle to message.
When to Ask
Timing matters! Too soon, and they haven’t even opened the package. Too late, and they’ve moved on. Here’s a handy rule of thumb:
- Physical products: 3–7 days after delivery (cannot stress the AFTER enough)
- Workshops/events: Same day or next day
- Newsletter questions: Whenever it fits with your sending workflow (just not every week)
Keep it timely, relevant and as easy as possible for them to respond.
How to Make It Comfortable (For Both of You)
Asking for feedback can make you feel vulnerable or just a little weird, especially when you care deeply about your work, but it doesn’t have to be confronting for you, or your customers.
- Be specific: “What did you think of the new print?” is easier to answer than “What do you think of my art?”
- Make it feel personal: Use your brand voice and talk like a human. “I’d love your thoughts on this new range. Be honest, I can handle it!”
- Give them options: Not everyone wants to write a paragraph. Offer a mix of short surveys, polls, or simple ratings.
- Say thank you: Always. Whether they loved it or not!
Asking for feedback doesn’t mean you’re not already doing great, it means you care about doing even better! And that, my dear Goodies, is the kind of business we’re all about.
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