Creating your own greeting cards

• Decide on a brand. Your brand is the defining aspect of your company. How do you sell your product? Are your cards sweet, sincere, heartfelt? Or are you selling that are humorous, edgy, and at times crude? Having a solid, recognizable brand type can increase your likelihood of selling your cards.

• Understand the greeting card industry is incredibly competitive. Cards that are unique tend to sell better so don't be afraid to let your personality show through. Even if you feel your ideas are slightly unconventional, anything that sets you apart can help.
• Settle on a target audience to help determine your brand. Are you planning on selling cards for the younger generation? Are you working on cards for children, teens, adults? Make sure you choose a target audience you have a personal connection with. If you're a 20-something with no interest in children, it's probably not a great idea to try and write children's birthday cards. However, you might do a great job of selling greeting cards to young adults.

• Compile a team, if necessary. Depending on how much experience you have with design and illustration, you may need to compile a team. If you have great idea, but aren't great at drawing consider reaching out to an illustrator. If you're artistically talented, but can't think of funny or interesting captions for your drawings try talking to a writer or cartoonist. Take some time to consider how big of a team you need and then gather some likeminded people.

Consider getting some education. Selling greeting cards requires more than creativity and artistic talent. You also have to know how to market yourself effectively. Consider taking a business or marketing course online or at a local college. This can help you gather the necessary skills you'll need to succeed.