Resources for Women in the Gunsmithing Industry

Gunsmithing is a great industry to enter. It is one that is full of creativity, comradery, and knowledge, and you will spend a lifetime refining your skills and enjoying the process. There is satisfaction in creating something with your bare hands and being a part of an ever-growing community that regularly feels like a family. As with many hands-on and practical professions, historically, they were completed predominantly by men, but as equality becomes more predominant in our society, more and more women have been stepping into gunsmiths’ shoes.

The inclusion of women in this industry is something that is greatly welcomed, but it can be hard to grow a financially successful brand no matter your gender. This article will show the best ways to push your gunsmithing brand and expand your knowledge.

Grow Your Brand

Invest in yourself! We are in an age where most of your potential customers will Google your company before purchasing the goods or services that you are providing. Investing in a bright and welcoming website is the first step in securing a broad customer base. Ensure that you use an abundance of pictures showcasing not only your repertoire of excellence but also you, the business owner, and your staff. Making your business more personal will give customers a chance to get to know you before they even enter your premises. Adding an “About You” section is also a great way to tell your story, which customers can relate to and empathize with, thus instantly creating a customer/business relationship.

Also, your social media presence is integral to expanding your customer base organically. Posting pictures of guns you have customized, your different educational courses or short educational videos are all ways you can increase the scope of your gunsmithing business. But it is not all about new customers, posting regularly on all social media platforms is also an easy but effective way for your business to continue its relationship with previous customers. It lets them know what is new, what service or goods you continue to provide, and any interesting knowledge you wish to share.

A Physical Store

If your business has a physical presence, it is important to give a customer the correct vibe, as customers will make their minds up if they are going to spend money in your business within the first few seconds after walking through the door. You are appealing to both male and female gunsmiths, so the vibe should be clean and tidy but neutral. Many gunsmithing apparel and accessories can have a distinctly male approach to their design, as it was once predominantly men who used them.

Adding relaxing areas and refreshments will ensure customers will stay longer; the longer they stay, the higher the chance they will spend their money. Having knowledgeable female staff members will put other women at ease when they walk in, especially if they are starting a new hobby. Everyone knows the feeling of walking into a new gym with very little knowledge of how it works; it is the same with every new hobby. It can seem very daunting at first.

Knowledge is Key

Another way to expand your gunsmithing business is to offer informative classes and webinars. Offering courses such as basic classes full of the knowledge every gunsmith should know or classes that increase defense awareness for women would draw new customers to what your business offers. You could also bring in guest speakers to discuss hot topics, which is a great way to ensure repeat business.

Staying up to Date and Growing Your Knowledge

While it is important that you impart your knowledge to your loyal and valuable customers, it is also essential that you keep up with the latest trends and constantly look at increasing any gunsmithing information you may hold. You can complete anything from short webinars to longer courses by following local groups and national education centers. MGS Trade School has an abundance of courses perfect for any female-led gunsmithing business.

Also, attending unmissable events like “A Girl and A Gun,” the AG & AG Annual National Conference, and the NRA Women’s Leadership Forums annual events like “Women On Target,” a women-only shooting clinic, is crucial. There, you will gain some exciting information, but you will also be able to network with like-minded people and advertise your business to other female-led gunsmiths from across the country.

Overall, it is an exciting time for women to enter the gunsmithing industry. The younger generation is pushing boundaries, with many women seeking physical hobbies that are based outdoors. Women are here to revolutionize the industry, and the future looks bright.

Written by: Ryan Clancy, Engineering HQ