Footwear is in demand all year round. This makes shoe-making a lucrative business. With the right skills and business sense, anyone can generate sustainable income from this business. Locally made footwear is the first choice for many people. This is because they are usually customized to suit your specifications and also come in high-quality. The supply of locally made footwear is yet to meet up with the demand for it and this is because many people are yet to go into the business of shoemaking. It is one aspect of entrepreneurship that is yet to be fully explored.

To make a success of this business do the following.

• Sign up for an apprenticeship program with a cobbler to enable you to master the craft. You can learn the technicalities involved within six months to one year depending on your commitment and how fast you learn. Alternatively, you can skip the part of going to learn the trade for yourself and simply hire someone or people who already have the knowledge to work for you while you take up an oversight role. The bonus part of doing this is that with time, you also get to learn this skill.

• After having acquired the necessary skill, you must do research to understand the market around you before establishing your shoe-making business. Your research should take the form of a feasibility study. Research competitors and their pricing and identify potential partners, such as suppliers and manufacturers.

• Create a business plan. Your business plan should include your target market, sales strategy, financial projections etc. Identify the type of shoes you want to produce and your target market. A business plan can also help you secure funding if needed. Here's a guide on writing a business plan. https://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/121-sms-marketing/business-communication/1757-how-to-build-a-detailed-business-plan

• Determine your production process. Are you going to be making this footwear yourself or do you want to hire people to do that for you? Shoes can be produced by hand-making, using a pattern and cutting machine, or using a 3D printer. Ascertain which method is best for your business based on factors such as cost, efficiency, and the type of shoes you are producing.

• Choose your location and set up your workspace. One thing that influences your location is the kind of shoes you plan to make. Are the footwears basic or luxurious? Put that into consideration before settling for a location. Your workspace can be a home-based workshop or commercial space, depending on the scale of your business.

• Begin to source materials and all the needed equipment. Make research on suppliers of materials such as leather, soles, fabrics etc.

• Establish an identity for your brand. Generate a name for your business, design a logo and a website that would help your customers find and learn about your product. Here's how you can come up with a befitting business name. https://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/118-sms-marketing/small-business/1736-tips-and-tools-for-great-business-names .

• Register your business with the corporate affairs commission.

Marketing strategy.

Use online and offline techniques such as social media, email marketing and trade shows to reach customers. Here's how you can promote your business online https://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/83-updates/1780-how-to-promote-your-business-online

Focus on building a customer base by delivering high-quality products and excellent customer service.

SmartSMSSolutions-how we come in.

We at SmartSMSSolutions can help you promote your business and help you earn some cool cash by the side while at it. In promoting your business, we will help you run campaigns using our tools such as bulk SMS, voice OTPs and emails and this will attract more people to your business. You can start making money from SmartSMSSolutions anytime you refer someone to the business using your referral link. Find out more about our refer and earn program. While at it, also buy airtime and data at a very affordable rate as well as payment for your electricity bill.