10 Reasons why artists need a blog

What if a blog held the keys to getting the traction you want for your art?

Whether or not you have a blog or even like the word blogging, here are 10 reasons to consider adding a blog to your art business or restarting your blogging commitment this month.

You can also get a printable checklist of the 10 Reasons to Blog below.

10 Reasons to Blog:

1.  You are the gatekeeper now.  The only things holding you back are self-imposed – things like fear, doubt, procrastination, lack of commitment, perfectionism, inconsistency – little buggers like that.
2. This time we are living in is the first time in history that you have access to free and affordable tools, along with the ability to directly reach a wide audience for your art.
3. By publishing your own blog, you can show why your art is unique, tell your story and talk about your perspective, your process and projects you’re working on.  When you show your personality, you’ll naturally connect with people that enjoy your style and want to own your work.
4. Connect with fans in a way that is easy for them to see what you’re up to and to encourage them to share with friends.  Some of these fans may even connect you with collectors or become friends and collectors themselves.
5. Blogging will grow your email list. As people connect with your blog, you can invite them to join your email list.  The more you grow your list, the more prospects you have to share with, show and sell your work.
6. Show what you know.  If you like a technique or style, a blog is a great way to talk about it and walk a reader through the process of learning it through what you’ve shared.
7. Curators and gallerists read blogs.  Showing your passion for your work and showing up publicly on your own space gives you credibility.
8. Blogging alerts Google to activity on your site and that a real human is behind it – it’s alive!  With regular posts, soon people will find your blog and then naturally find your art portfolio and open a connection if they love your work.
9. Use a blog to track your progress, get better at what you do and as your accountability partner. You make a plan, the publishing schedule and timeframe – then commit to it.
10. You can begin linking and exchanging comments and ideas with other artist’s and bloggers.  Like this:  Abby’s post about how to get the most out of your blog post helps with knowing how to structure your post and Sarah’s post on things to think about to keep your blog running long-term helps you think bigger.

Let’s sum it up

So here’s the thing about blogging if you haven’t started, 12 months from now you can stop if you like, but if you wait for 12 months to start, you’ll likely look back and wish you had started.

Okay, you get it, but need a step-by-step plan on how to start?

Start here with your own action plan, ask your questions in the comments or join The Creator’s Club for free and ask away!

3 places to host your blog

There are lots of choices now to start a blog and some for free. Before you jump in, think about what else you do online – If you have a website up for your art you many have a blog option as part of your hosting, if so you can post today with, “Hi, this is my first post and here’s what I’m working on….”

Free places to blog, like Tumblr or WordPress.com are easy, but may not be the best choice if you have a bigger vision for your art online.  Here are three other choices to explore:

WordPress.org: If you can do some tech on your site and have time to manage plug-ins.

A quick list of sites with a simple set-up, small monthly fee, with a shopping cart and blog, are BigCartel, SquareSpace, Shopify , need more options or have a questions?  Ask away in the comments or join the free Facebook Group for a deep dive into your question.

Not sure what to blog about?

Here is a quick list to spark some ideas:

• Art in progress
• Shows and exhibits
• Lifestyle stories and photos that you want to share – trip to the art store, traveling with art, day in the studio
• Opinions and reviews
• Q&A – answer questions from other artists or collectors

>> Download the checklist for 10 Reasons to Blog.

Your turn!  Let’s hear about you – blog or no blog:

> If you have a blog: Share one thing you love about your blog.
> If you don’t have a blog:  Share reasons for your choice.

Blog or not, commit to sharing your art.

Upgrade your action. Create on purpose.
Roxanne

Read Next:  2 Ways to Make Your Art Blog Stand Out

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