Are we blogging just because it’s cool? I responded to that question more than 3 years ago on this blog. Since then, I think I have come to appreciate the value of blogging even more. I figure it’s worth an update.
I think artist blogs are terrific–IF they’re done right. This means a commitment to posting, linking, responding to comments, etc. This is what we teach in the Blog Triage class (which coincidentally begins tomorrow).
Blogging isn’t for everyone, but here are four reasons to have and maintain a blog about your art.
1. Blogs allow you to interact with your fans.
You’re not just talking AT your readers on your blog. You’re starting a conversation the minute you post and open your blog up to comments. You respond to comments and let them know that someone is listening. In short, blogging makes you new friends and . . . the more people you know, the more people there are to buy your art.
2. Blogs bring a little more lovin’ from the search engines.
Search engines love blogs because blogs have (or should have) fresh content regularly. This doesn’t mean that you can start a blog and it will take off immediately. It means that steady posting and building your readership will put you in better favor with search engines than if you maintained a static website. (It’s really not as simple as this, but this is a start. I would say linking and commenting are also important.)
3. Blogging can help you grow as an artist.
You learn a lot about your art and your goals as an artist when you blog and interact with people. Almost every artist who blogs regularly has shared with me that this is their #1 reason for blogging. It may not have been their most important reason for starting a blog, but it’s a big incentive to keep it up. Listen to my interview with artist Margret Short about what blogging did for her.
4. Blogging can make you an expert.
If you post lots of how-to content, demonstrations, and videos, you can quickly become known as an expert in your field. This is particularly valuable if you who want to lead workshops or have your own radio show.
Tomorrow: Why Artists Shouldn’t Have Blogs
13 thoughts on “Why Artists Should Have Blogs”
I was actually going to write this except mine was going to be “Why Everyone Needs a Blog” in fact I’m still going to do it! This however was a wonderful post! I think all of your major point here were valid, and I think people should consider their motives for blogging.
My Artventuring blog will be 3 years old next week. The blog’s tagline says it all: “my creative journey and inspirations along the way.” In Artventuring I show and chronicle my own work; talk about challenges, processes and successes, and I feature the work of artists whose work inspires me.
I have seen my readership and interest in my work increase over time. You’re right; it isn’t immediate, but if you keep posting, it’ll happen.
And, thanks for featuring my “Land and Sea” wall hanging–it looks great!
Alyson, love it all! Stumbled onto you in an Artspan newsletter link (my host site) and since have been spending at least an hour a day going through 5 years worth of links. Didn’t realize it was both feet and how deep when I jumped in with a web site, but incorporating stuff as fast as I can. A suggestion – I’m nearly deaf and know a lot of people who have trouble with recordings (especially info dense, ever miss a recorded phone number?). Could you do e books of your teleseminars asap? I know they’re a hastle and cost but audio is worthless for some of us. The written is also better because can scan/reference info much more easily, reread a crucial sentence to lock it in, etc. I wasn’t going to check the “make site a magnet” seminar -Clint Wilson, 2007 link, but on a hunch checked his site and there is now an e book of the seminar ( I’ll be getting that and your book asap, but layed off my day job and mortgage comes first). Lots of very useful info, your give it away to get it back point has really been driven home for me ! Thank you for all your efforts, Dave Hilton
Hi,
I love your blog! Thanks for all the tips. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with what to work on first and what to put on the back burner. I am just in the beginning phases of trying to get my art business off the ground and there are SO many things to think about. So far, blogging has been fun and it has given me something to focus on while I am new and not getting a ton of work. I hope to do your blog series in September after I am more established. Thanks for all the great free advice! Elisabeth
I agree 100%. My art blog has helped me become a better artist because I have to paint constantly to keep it fresh! Plus thousands more people have found me and my website because of my blog.
jill stefani wagner
http://www.jillwagnerart.com/artblog
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Hi Alyson,
first of all i love your blog and i am happy with all the good tips and links.
Great post! I started my art blog just for fun, to post my work and see what’s going to happen. A year ago or so. And blogging for me surely is worthwile. I like to communicate with my readers and their comments and encouragements makes me grow as an artist. It helps me keeping focused, to think about my art and to understand better what i’m doing. And the supportive comments make me more secure so now i dare to contact an art gallery myself to find out the possibilitiues for an exhibition.
So yeah, for me blogging is worthwile. Very much so!
Sweet greetz for you.
Having a blog is important to me, party because of the links between my blog, my site and other blogs, it really helps the old google bots to find me.
I started the blog last June because I read somewhere (probably here!) that I needed a blog. I figured you knew more than I did so I dove in. It’s been great for my development as an artist, it’s connected me to other artists across the country and it’s helped potential buyers find my work.
What a great idea for a blog Alyson. You do wonderful job! Thank you for that:) Greetings:)
I’m glad that I came across this article. I’ve been thinking about closing my blog for some time. I don’t get much if any traffic and I often feel as though blogging in that case is pointless. But I suppose there are other benefits from it even if comments are non-existent. If anything I think there may be more personal benefits but everything takes time right 🙂
Vanessa: Maybe your blog just needs some tweaking. If you’re okay with the writing and updating part, I’d encourage you to add a little elbow grease.
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