Back in January 2013 the Steampunk community received something of a bit of good news/ bad news. Personally, I think it was an omen — a warning that more Steampunk makers need to learn online marketing.

That was when the IBM Social Sentiment Index predicted that Steampunk would be the new fashion trend of 2014 & 2015.

Since then, there's been a lot of chatter online about how all the big manufacturers and retails stores are going to steal all your designs, undercut you, outsell you, and put you out of business.

I believe that if you act early enough, that doesn't have to be true.

There's an advantage to being small and independent. Bigger companies move slowly. That's one of the reasons this won't be a trend for another year or so.

As an independent maker/creator, you can move and adapt a little more quickly, study and respond to trends as they're happening, and use the power of the Internet to your advantage.

Why Online Marketing

One of the more useful revelations from the IBM report was that most of the Steampunk interest tends to show up on Twitter. Not on Facebook, and not out there in the "real world".

This reflects the dynamic nature of Steampunk trends, and how being able to adapt quickly will be important.

It also suggests how to reach the people most interested in buying Steampunk products.

But, that doesn't mean that you can just stick your steampunk jewelry on Etsy, start Tweeting about your products, and you'll start making money selling your stuff online. There's a bit more to it than that.

How It Will Help You

Just because you have created a wonderful and interesting product, doesn't mean people are going to buy it.

Many of us have learned the hard way that "If you build it, they will come" is not necessarily true.

Online Marketing teaches you to flip that phrase around in two ways for maximum effect:

> "If they're coming, then build it."

> "If you build it, get it to where they're coming."

In other words, what exactly are the popular Steampunk sub-trends, and how do you position yourself to take advantage of them with maximum visibility?

You need to learn WHAT people want first. And then, WHERE they are looking for it.

Internet marketing tools and tactics will tell you what is popular, and thus profitable, and what will be a waste of your time, BEFORE you start wasting it.

Why you need to learn it NOW

Getting a head start on building your online presence, and positioning yourself for visibility, will go a long way in setting up a sustained business that will thrive in the upcoming trend of IBM's prediction.

Learning the tactics and building the infrastructure will take a little time, especially without guidance.

Already being a part of the Steampunk community puts you a step ahead, because you are already part of the market.

But, don't assume you know how it all works. Thinking like a marketer is not the same as thinking like a consumer. It isn't "common sense".

There are plenty of ways to learn online marketing quickly and effectively. Books and online courses abound, of course, but are not always effective.

Marketing networks are a better way to get training and guidance, as well as feedback and support. Some can be expensive or time consuming. I recommend Wealthy Affiliate for its cost-effective, comprehensive, hands on approach.

Prepare for the Trend

Don't buy into the fearful idea that the End is Nigh for independent Steampunk makers.

Learn how makers can profit from steampunk, and prepare yourself appropriately.

Learn about the trends, what they are, and how you can best take advantage of them.

And then take action. Set up your website, create your steampunk fashion and gadgets, and stand ready for the coming onslaught in 2014.