BLOGGING- IS IT HELPING TO PROMOTE YOUR WORK?

[Rebecca New]

Hi there, Just wanted to get some views on blogs, and whether they can lead to more sales of your work.  I have a folksy shop, which I have not sold a great deal on, and have recently opened a shop on Misi.  Along with these I also have a facebook page, and post items onto Pinterest.  I have not yet ventured into the world of blogging, but realise that most crafters who are selling online do,  so any views, and any ideas where or how I can start one?  

Thanks,

Rebecca

[Caroline Nash]

I blog every week, sometimes more joining a linky party on Monday. Using Blogspot with google I find it helps put me higher up the rankings and each week google alert picks up when I have blogged plus when I have commented on other blogs. I think that is the secret you have to put some work into a blog not only to make the content interesting, not just promotion of what you have made by showcasing but stories behind your makes etc. Follow other bloggers, read and comment on their blogs, this is where a lot of bloggers fall down and claim it does not work, they post endless pages of items to sell with links, which is fine but they do not visit or comment on other blogs. I also network my blog with FB and Twitter so they work hand in hand. Don't make it read like war and peace otherwise readers will get bored keep it of medium length with pic's.

Blogging is a bit like a party, you go and then mingle not to sit in the corner waiting for people to come to you. I have been part of Handmade Monday for 71 weeks now and you would be surprised the number of bloggers who join in  but make no effort to comment on other blogs in the link. They claim they are too busy and only have time to read, the thing is it takes seconds to comment and most bloggers know from the stats that this is a porkie, so over time the genuine bloggers don't have time to comment on their blogs either then they disappear.

My advice dive in and have a go, it gets easier and the more you blog the better.

Blog

[Jarnie G]

An interesting discussion point. I started my botanical art blog Sketchbook Squirrel last year just as a bit of fun whilst gaining my diploma in illustration. I now have nearly 7000 hits and 33 regular followers. I had no expectations when I started and was not intending to sell my work. My Facebook Page got going in April this year and I only started selling my prints through links on the blog this month. So early days.

 

Lots of my fellow artists are on Facebook and have blogs. Blogging is great fun and doesn't need to take over your life. Get into a regular routine (I update at least twice a week), and talk about what you are up to, projects and visits, anything really. Make it like a conversation between you and your visitors and you end up feeling like friends.

Of course, what you want is sales. These may not come immediately via your Blog, but the more online exposure you have, the better. You do have to 'be a good neighbour' by visiting, commenting on and joining other blogs you like to build up your own audience, the 'who you know' bit is important. Links to your other Misi and Folksy shops can go on your blog too, so people can find you more easily. A bonus!

Go for it:))