Businesses with any creation based in any location can join in - you don’t have to be based in Caithness! The market name simply allows for a fairly unique name while giving a well-deserved nod to a beautiful and talented wee corner of Scotland.

Here’s how to take part as a business:

ELIGIBILITY - You don’t necessarily have to be a business to take part, charities, societies and trusts are welcome too. Consultants are also welcome but restricted to one from each brand and no weight loss products please. Please get in touch if you’re unsure.

SIGNUP - By signing up using the form below, your business automatically joins the official Caithness Market participant list ensuring you’re included in any pre-market announcements. You’ll also gain access to our private business support group.

FEE - A small signup fee of £15.00 is requested each time you take part as a business. £10.00 of the fee is donated directly to a local charity (chosen by public vote).

Caithness Market was founded by Lisa Poulsen of Inspired by Caithness. in January 2021, digital marketing for the marketing was outsourced to A Highland Blend. From April 2021, a team of business owners (Beverley Miller - Baby Bliss, Eleanor Hargrave, Kerrie Moncur - Kerrie Moncur Design & Typesetting, Lesley-Ann Crombie - Coastline Fashion) now run the market with digital marketing support from A Highland Blend. The remaining £5.00 funds this outsourced work, while securing the future of the market.

SUPPORT - Once your signup form and fee have been received, you’ll be invited to join our private business support group by email. It’s a positive place where we share updates, small business advice, social media tips, encouragement, request feedback, announce opportunities for takeovers, photo challenges, and live interviews.

PLAN - If you’re a shop, maker, charity, restaurant, office, museum, factory, farm, quarry, distillery, bar, cafe, hotel, fitness instructor, artist, you name it… now’s the time to get creative. People love to see behind the scenes. Stuck on ideas? How about some tips and advice related to your area of expertise. If you’re a maker, think about how you could setup up a ‘stall’ in your home, I’ll be using the kitchen table! Maybe you could give a wee tour of your premises to show what people are missing out on. Or share your story - people love finding out more about the person behind the brand, it helps build trust and a true sense of connection.

SCHEDULE - It helps to set out a schedule of what you plan to post and when on the days leading up to Caithness Market and throughout the day itself. It frees up a little time for you to interact with browsers and fellow businesses on the day.

ANNOUNCE - Give your followers plenty of notice. Let them know all about Caithness Market, how they can browse, what you’ll be up to, and how you plan to make it a special day. Will you be offering any exclusive discounts or new products? If you are, shout it from the rooftops!

DIRECTORY - A full list of participants is shared on the ‘Caithness Market’ Instagram and Facebook accounts on the day before market day.

GO ‘LIVE’ - Between 11 and 3 pm on the day, go Live, post videos, and/or photos on your business Instagram and/or Facebook accounts. Introduce yourself with a personal touch and encourage questions. Lives/videos can range from a simple introduction, a walkthrough of your workplace, studio, shop, garden, restaurant, kitchen, items for sale, tips and advice, demonstration, or a chat about how you do what you do. This is a great opportunity for browsers to connect with your brand on a deeper level, to ask you questions in real-time, and get a real sense of what you’re all about.

TAG - Most importantly, add ‘#CaithnessMarket’ to all of your Insta posts and stories to ensure they’re visible to those browsing.

INSTAGRAM - Add ‘#CaithnessMarket’ to all of your Insta posts to ensure they’re visible to those browsing. By adding ‘#CaithnessMarket’ stickers to your stories, they’ll automatically appear on the #caithnessmarket feed too!

FACEBOOK - Since hashtags work differently on Facebook, a new public Facebook group has been launched with an aim to make the market day run more smoothly - it’s called ‘Welcome to Caithness Market!’. Share up to 4 posts within this group between 11 and 3 pm on market day.

NO PRESSURE - You don’t have to go Live or be online from start to finish. If time is of the essence, you’re a little unsure, or you have wee ones to juggle, check in regularly between 11 and 3pm to keep up with any interaction from browsers. Post photos of your wares with descriptions for people to browse throughout the day.

TOO NERVOUS TO GO LIVE? - Buddy up with another business by inviting them in as a guest - it can feel much less daunting.

DOUBLE UP - Use two devices to go Live on Instagram and Facebook at the same time! Not sure how to go Live on Instagram? Watch this video. Learn how to go Live on Facebook by watching this video.

HANDSFREE - Facebook and Instagram posts can be scheduled to upload automatically using Facebook Business Suite.

SHARE - check the #CaithnessMarket hashtag on Instagram throughout the day and browse for yourself, making sure to share a little love for fellow businesses.