Blogging Do's and Don'ts

• Do make the time to update your blog. Once might be good enough but a good average to shoot for is three times a week. The more you blog the more interest your blog will gain and the more repeat visitors you will have looking and buying your work.
• Don't make similar posts every day. It might be nice to show a painting everyday, but just posting the painting and no thoughts, insights or process will lose your visitors interest.
• Do reply back to emails and comments from your blog. The personal interaction is key to keeping them coming back.
• Don't engage in online drama. You might get some criticism about your work and it is important to be polite, thank the person for perspective and then move on. Don't get in a battle your time is more important.
• Do make sure your blog loads quickly. You only get 8 seconds to lure them to stay and get to know you.
• Do visit other bloggers, comment and add their link to yours if you enjoy their blog. Interacting with other blogs brings them to you. And eventually you will get more people linking to you adding more traffic to your website and blog.
• Do give it time to grow and become a success for you.

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this is part of the brochure that we handed out in the blogging class

Blogging for the Artist

copyright Reflecting Time Productions

http://www.reflectingtime.com

Why and What Should I Blog as an artist?

Why Should I Blog as an artist?

Marketing is the main reason. The following points all bring it back to a blog is good for marketing your art.

• It is the easiest way to keep your website fresh and new without needing to revamp your website constantly. Fresh content means visitors will be more apt to re-visit your website to check out what’s new.
• It creates a personal experience for both the visitor and you. Your vistors/customers see "behind the scenes" of your work, your art and your mindset. A visitor – goes to the gallery - they look at the piece and go: "that’s cool." And then walk on to the next piece. A blog allows you the opportunity to discuss the piece – what was the inspiration, the state of mind or emotion that went into the piece.
• Communication and networking with not only people locally but world wide.
• Easiest way to get on your art on the web. CAVEAT: you SHOULDN’T be treating the blog to be your "end all, be all" A blog should be ENHANCING your online presence and not become it’s only presence. Your blog should be a piece of your online presence.
  

What Should I Blog as an artist?

• First and foremost - show off your art. Finished pieces or
  progress of a piece or series.
• Tell about your experiences and thought process on your work.
• Share what inspires you - a story in the newspaper nature, something you found at a flea market. Whatever it may be share it.
• Share your knowledge tips and techniques associated with your works and the art business.
• Share your daily life (within reason).
• Share your upcoming shows, events or anything else significant in promoting your art.

Your visitor wants to get to know you and the art you create. Each of those things will help you bring them back again and again. And also of course buy your art.

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this is part of the brochure that we handed out in the blogging class

Blogging for the Artist
copyright Reflecting Time Productions
http://www.reflectingtime.com