You have probably read about the importance of having a blog or newsletter list for your customers. As an information blogger, I don’t have much trouble coming up with articles to write or curate. But if you are an artisan, specially one in a unique field, what and how do you blog about your creations?
Some of the topics I can suggest you use as subject matter are:
- Your story — how you began your business
- How you make your products — without giving away any trade secrets, this could easily make up several blog posts
- What gives you inspiration to make your products — a continuation of your story
- Featured piece of the month — include a detailed description of one of your best products
- New products you are introducing
- Testimonials from your customers
- Art/Craft/Wholesale shows you are going to attend
- Story about a commissioned piece you made
- And, of course, lots and lots of images of your work
Hopefully, you get the idea.
You don’t need to post or email daily, but once a week or a couple times a month is usually a pretty good rule of thumb.
The Empty Easel featured an article that included the following tips:
5 Ways Make Your Art Blog More Inviting to Readers
1. Use a provocative title
With that in mind, try to create your titles to describe what your readers will get from reading your post. Instead of titling your post with something vague like “I sold a Painting,” try a more specific title, such as “10 Things I Learned from a Recent Artwork Sale.”
2. Put yourself on an art team
Try thinking of yourself as a contributor to an art “team.” When you’re reading blogs, you’re learning, and when you post, you’re in a position to coach and share with others. Even if your primary audience is made up of collectors, you can invite them into the world of creating by sharing more than just what your latest painting is and how much it would cost to buy
3. Create a positive tone
If you want to invite readers to come back to your blog, an encouraging or positive tone is more likely to help. If readers feel like they’re always being lectured or told what to think, they’re probably going to spend their reading time elsewhere.
4. Craft your post with details
Put some thought into what you write. Reading a blog post that’s been crafted with care and has a purpose is like opening a little gift.
If you want to share your excitement over a show you just juried into, go ahead! Just share some details about it: what inspired you to enter the show, how you chose your painting, how you prepared, what it was like to deliver your work.
5. Respond to readers
Don’t forget to respond to your commenters—if someone has taken the time to read and comment on something you’ve posted, by all means take the time to respond to that person.
More tips from Artsy Shark, Create an Artist Email Newsletter that Works