I am here today to tell you that blogs are not just for “bloggers”. Blogs are also an amazing tool for artists, crafters, and other creative entrepreneurs!
A lot of people hear the word “blog” an instantly think of a lifestyle blogger who posts articles related to everyday life and/or tutorials on how to create a DIY piece or cook a recipe. But, that’s not all blogs are good for.
A blog is, essentially, a website that frequently updates the content on the site. If you sell crafts or artwork, you can use a blog to showcase your work. You can also sell your product directly on your blog, or use it to link to your Etsy page where you sell your product.
1. Use WordPress to create a website for your creative business
To create a blog for your business, follow these steps for How to Start a blog. To have your blog be more of a website, set your WordPress settings to display the blog feed on a screen other than the home page. Or, turn it off all together and just use WordPress to create a website.
2. Network with photographers, other vendors, and bloggers.
Photographers and crafters work well together. Reach out to local photographers and offer them a product to use as a prop in exchange for pictures of your product. Or sell them your product! Post those pictures on your blog/site. I met Jessica of Oh So Antsy a few days ago and one of her latest posts is a perfect example of this! She collaborated with and event team for a photo shoot and they used her wooden state pins. The shoot ended up being featured on Green Wedding Shoes. Great exposure!
Another idea is to offer giveaways for bloggers to host! This will help you connect with others on the web and gain more traffic to your site.
3. Have an awesome about page
The about page is one of the most important pages on any blog or website. Use your about page to explain your company and your product. Make sure to include your geographical location, people love buying from local companies. Read my post on 10 questions to answer on your about page, but alter it to fit your business.
4. Continue learning about being a business and your presence on the web
I know it’s hard to balance being an artist and a business owner, but take time to learn more about the web side of things! Look for opportunities to increase your business knowledge to promote and sell your artwork. You can always follow our blog for tips on building your website. 😉
If you are a creative entrepreneur in the Seattle area (or you want to travel to Seattle!), I have an exciting opportunity for you!
2014 Annual Fall School House Craft Conference for creative entrepreneurs
I have partnered with School House Craft to give away 1 free class ticket to their upcoming fall conference. I was so excited to tell you, I had to blurt that out. But, let’s talk about what the conference and School House Craft are all about first.
What is School House Craft?
The purpose of School House Craft is to:
“…help artists and craft makers find the knowledge they need to build businesses that last!
School House Craft offers classes and hands-on workshops at our annual conference for artists and crafters. With classes from beginning to advanced, taught by instructors from all over the region. School House Craft is your place to learn how to start and grow your creative small business empire!”
What is the Annual 2014 Conference?
This is a 2 day conference geared towards, “Artists, Crafters and Makers, both emerging and experienced, who are looking to invest in their businesses and learn a wealth of information that will help them start, run, and grow their small creative businesses more efficiently and with greater success.”
School House Craft’s annual Fall conference will be held September 27th & 28th at the Sunset Hill Community Club in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.
There are several classes, an amazing line up of teachers, an exciting new round table event, a happy hour soiree and a book signing, and a crafting social. The one and two-day tickets include daily inspirational keynote addresses, over 17 classes and events (as well as lunch and snacks.) One day tickets are available for $85, two-day tickets for $155 and individual classes for just $35.
Some of the classes they are offering to better your business are: Getting Started Selling Online and Non-icky marketing to get the word out with ease
See all classes offered at the conference!
Win a class ticket to the conference!
Now, back to the exciting part. You can win 1 class ticket (or use the $35 towards a 1 or 2 day ticket)! Simply follow the directions on the rafflecopter below (it will take a few seconds to load). It’s pretty easy to enter, all you have to do is leave a comment anywhere on my blog. Get a bonus entry for liking my Facebook page
This contest is sponsored by School House Craft. This contest is not endorsed or affiliated Facebook. Winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter and notified by email.
Great info – I am totally going to re-do my About page! Thanks for the info on the conference too – I really want to go!
Jeni
Can’t wait to read your new about page. P.S. I love your blog design. And business cards.
Looks great, I’ve never been to a conference like this before.
Hopefully you’re able to go!
What great blog site!! This information is wonderful! I have so much to learn 🙂 thank you!!
Glad you came! Hopefully you can go to the conference!
This looks like such a great resource!
This will be my first year attending, I hope it is a good resource for all of us!
I wish I lived in Seattle because this looks great!
Too bad! Just fly out. 😉 I’d offer my guest room, but I don’t have one.
THis is such a great post! Thank you for putting more excellent content out there to help bloggers and artists! I value everything you post!
You’re the best Janelle. Thank you.
Hey! Thank you so much for linking to me in the previous post! It’s so great to be able to collaborate with brands and get more exposure and its also so fun to see how they style my pieces. 🙂
You’re welcome!