This week, as the rain has been pelting down relentlessly, I've been painting, sewing and writing. I'm not sure there's much to show for it though! Some of it I can't show, because it needs to go elsewhere first and some of it just isn't finished.
So, I'm blogging about blogging...
Blogging for Sales
While writing the blogging article for Craftseller magazine, it occured to me that when I asked the question on here about how your blog has helped you sell, most people didn't think their blog had helped them to sell. I was actually quite surprised and even a bit shocked by that - but it made me realise that there probably is quite a particular way to blog that can make a big difference to sales (it doesn't need to be done that way all the time). It really isn't just blogging aimlessly that leads to sales - although a well-read blog will obviously help in the same way that chatting to people offline will.
I can tell you quite categorically that blogging is most definitely a huge help to sales, and certain blog posts can carry on bringing you sales even years later - but I think (just occasionally!) maybe a few posts need to be written in a specific way. These are the posts that become your "evergreen" posts and will show up in search engines over and over again for years. It's the most effective, easiest and cheapest form of search engine optimisation I know of. I discovered this accidentally and refined it with experience - and it works.
I've kept that firmly in mind while writing the article for Craftseller but have already written something on the subject. If your blog hasn't helped you sell yet - and you'd like it to - do have a quick look at these posts:
Why Your Blog is the Signpost to your Website
Top 10 Tips for Selling Successfully Online
I will write another one soon specifically about how to create a post which works hard for you over a number of years. Those of you who sell may also be interested in the one I wrote this week: How to get your Products in a Magazine
I'm off to the railway station in a few minutes. My middle daughter and youngest granddaughter are arriving on a train from London (the image above is my youngest daughter and middle granddaughter - confusing, I know...). I'm quite excited to be having them stay, and I hope to be able to take every afternoon off all this coming week to spend some time with them.
They'll be sleeping in my office/sewing room (converted to a bedroom via the magic of sofabed and travel cot and a lot of picking up of pins) so the office/sewing room is relegated to living room and hallway. Another reason to take a little time off I think!
18 comments:
Things have been so hectic here I didn't get back to you and your request for opinions on the relevance of blogging helping sales. My own experience of blogging was that I started it for my own entertainment, found that it appealed to others, and by the time I was brave enough to start my Folksy shop I started selling immediately because I had built up a following in advance. I know that at the moment I need to refine what I'm doing to take it to the next stage which is why I'm looking forward to reading your other blog posts. Thank you in advance for those, and for hosting Handmade Monday which has been a real benefit as well. Have a good week! x
I really enjoyed reading your post on how to get featured in magazines and am looking forward to the next ones. Thank-you for hosting Handmade Monday. Jo x
I really hope that you have a lovely time and I would also like to thank you for hosting handmade Monday - I can't sing its praises enough.
I like others enjoyed the magazine post, very good and informative. Off to look at your other links and make sure you enjoy next week, the work can wait.
I will definitely be checking out the posts that you've highlighted Wendy, you give such wonderful advice to us less experienced bloggers (and it is much appreciated!)
i hope you have a wonderful week putting work on the back burner and spending some lovely quality time with your family - i hope the sun shines for you! x
I am finding these posts really useful... now when are we going to get the one about writer's block? I am sure you will have great fun surrounded by your family... but I bet you sneak into your workroom as some point during the week... tee hee!
Thank you for the links to those posts, I will definitely be reading them. I am also going to thank you for hosting Handmade Monday. It has been a huge boost to me and I really look forward to it.
Have a wonderful time with your family - I really hope the sun shines for you. xx
As ever Wendy- you're a mine of useful information! Your posts have certainly helped me with setting myself up online, so thank you very much for that!
wow, you've been soooo busy! well done on managing your time efficiently. rainy weather always inspires to stay in and craft, craft, craft!
thanks for sharing all your selling experience with us. well worth reading! x x
Enjoy having your family to stay, I had my mum, my daughter and grandson with me a few weeks back and had great fun. Make sure to take time off, you certainly deserve it.
Take care
Jan x
It is really interesting - I have found out abou this by default. I have two blogs - one set up as a 'blog' and the other is on Blogger, but it ment to look like a website. Because I have been focusing on the 'website' bit more and kept updating it and writting new pages, I found the visitor numbers have really improved !
Just a bit a of a though provoking question: ' What happends if we all get it right ?'
Can't believe it's Monday again...so tired! Will be back to have a look at other crafts and read the blog business tips.
Have a good week all!
Lesley
Really interesting info in your post this week. Thankyou so much for taking the time to share wth us. Hugs Mrs A.
Just found Homemade Monday and love it
Thanks for those links will have a read later on. Enjoy your time with your relatives.
I'm looking forward to having a good read-although I'm not a seller I still like to find ways to promote my blog!I don't have any crafting to show today but came anyway to share some news!
Hi Wendy Thanks for sharing your experience. You should write a book you knowledge is invaluable. Hope you have a lovely week with your family. Ali x
Have just finished reading all the blog links, it's like spending 3 evenings each week reading a good book! Love handmade monday! Have a great week Wendy having some special family time
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