There are so many things to consider when you are establishing or expanding your career as an artist, performer, creative or entrepreneur – a logo, website, email lists, marketing, social media, and the list goes on. For me, the thought of adding another job to the list was not up for consideration until I started reading some really interesting blogs and learning about the value that blogging can offer in support of building relationships and growing my business as a coach.
I had a number of limiting beliefs around blogging – one being that I didn’t have the time to write blogs on a regular basis and another around finding enough interesting topics to write about. The good news is, once I started researching and writing I actually enjoyed the process and I received positive feedback from what I wrote – well, usually!
As a creative artist or creative entrepreneur you need to build relationships with your fans, your audience or with your clients and customers. Blogging can open up a whole new world for you. I recommend you consider blogging as one advocacy channel worth considering.
Benefits of Blogging
1. Builds relationships with your ideal client/audience/fans
Readers welcome the connection with the writer especially when you publish good content. It gives them an opportunity to get to know you.
2. Directs people to your website
Blogs help drive traffic to your website and they work well with social media. Search engines love blogs too.
3. Helps build trust and convert prospects into customers
You can provide information via your blog that leads people to your website to learn more about you, your service and/or products.
4. Helps establish your reputation as an authority, a master, an expert, and guide etc. in your field.
When you share good content people begin to recognize that you are knowledgeable or experienced in your specific area. For example, a songwriter can share how he/she writes a song and can include a sound sample link within the blog of the composition via Soundcloud. An illustrator or visual artist could provide a sketch of the draft designs and then an image of the completed artwork. An author could provide some background about how he/she got inspiration for a new novel and offer the first chapter for free… the possibilities are endless.
5. Your audience can connect with you
Software applications now make it possible for readers of your blog to comment on the content you are sharing and to converse with you and others. This builds trust and strengthens relationships.
What Makes a Blog Interesting?
There are blogs and there are great blogs! Take the time to consider these tips below before you invest your time and money in developing your blog.
- Irresistible Images – A picture tells a thousand words. Choose photo’s that are compelling, interesting, quirky or funny.
- Great Titles – Be creative! Use titles that draw people in, that arouse their curiosity or resonate with your target markets core needs or desires.
- Personable, Relational Approach – Let your own ‘voice’ and personality shine through your writing, Remember, people are generally seeking connection.
- Top Content – Content is key! I like to think of myself as a creative stealer… I get inspired by what others are offering and develop my own content on what I think my clients will be interested in. The content needs to be relevant and resonate with the reader’s experience.
Please share your experience of blogs and blogging. If you already blog feel free to leave your Blog URL in the comment section.
Monica O’Brien is a professionally trained and accredited Coach and founder of Creative Edge Coaching www.creativeedgecoaching.com.au. She blogs on issues about creativity and small business development for conscious artists and business entrepreneurs.
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