This week's been a good one for me!
I've been commissioned to write an article about one of my favourite subjects: blogging. I'll be writing this for Craftseller magazine (it's planned for issue 15) and as part of it I want to quote a couple of other bloggers. That might mean you, if you're up for it. So, here's a couple of questions for you:
- What got you into blogging?
- How has blogging helped you sell your products?
Oh, and another question: do you have any bright ideas for images to illustrate an article about blogging? I've a few ideas but they're asking for at least 12 images (yikes!).
Anyway, enjoy Handmade Monday! Feel free to leave a comment about blogging, even if you aren't joining in this week.
30 comments:
Just a quick response - husband is shouting me for dinner! - i think i got into blogging 'cos folks on forums said it was a good thing to do to raise profile. I'm not sure it's helped with sales yet.
Sorry on the third bit though - you're on your own with the 12 images!
I also got into blogging as I thought it would raise my sales, and don't think it really has really. I don't think the people who look are blogs, (who mainly seem to be other bloggers) are necessarily the people who buy patterns. But it has helped improve my computer skills a bit, and it is really nice when you have worked hard at creating something to get some nice encouraging comments. Also other bloggers seem really nice. A lovely lady in Canada helped me make a banner for my Etsy shop yesterday!
I got into blogging as it seemed a good way to keep a record of all of the work I've done over the years, and as a motivator to push me to create more to blog about!
Congrats on being invited to write the article for Craft Seller Wendy! That is super exciting, they must think very highly of you :)
I got into blogging because i wanted to document my creative output and the development of my business - partly for myself, as a way of seeing my achievements and challenges more clearly, and partly as a way of letting others know what i was up to! I also really enjoy browsing other people's art and craft work - i'm not in a position to buy everything that catches my eye but i like to do my bit to promote the work i admire on my blog, as a way of showing my appreciation.
images to do with blogging... ummm... over the shoulder shot of someone writing blogging ideas, a pretty vintage typewriter or pen and paper, image of books on blogging on a book shelf, a quote on blogging/craft writing poster style, a camera taking a photograph, photography/image quote poster style... not sure if these are what you're after but good luck with the article - can't wait to read it!
12 images is a lot! You could try images of computers or things related to writing. Perhaps someone sitting at a computer while they are blogging.I'm guessing they want that many so they can choose just a few to put with the article.
Congratulations!
Natalie (Freespirit) - some fab image ideas there, thank you! I had thought about the shot of someone over the shoulder (my daughter will be the model, not that she knows it yet!) but not the others and I think they'll be useful! Thanks so much x
Stephen - yes, it is a lot, which is why I'm a bit stumped. They did say I could include screen shots, which is helpful. I thought maybe the same thing about them picking just a few, but they do tend to often use small images and group them, so maybe they do need a lot
Congratulations on your commission for the article.I don't blog to sell so I don't think I have any pearls of wisdom to add.maybe for the photos you could include pics of good blog layout v bad or what to highlight where on your blog page to attract attention.I'm interested to see the finished piece!
Good luck with it all. We blogged because of the blogging hype online. We've had a couple of sales but I think a website with the correct tagging is a more progressive way for sales. Lesley
Hi Wendy. My comments won't be very constructive I fear because I don't craft to sell but here is my two penn'th for what its worth.
I initally blogged as a way of getting my poetry into print but my reasons have gradually changed and now I enjoy being part of a community in which I am able to show off my 'makes' and being impressed by others work. Love having followers and following others. For me that is a very important part of it all.
Lesley, do you use keywords as part of your blogging - headings, tags, image titles, etc? I found I was getting a lot of people finding my blog in Google and then going onto my website, so I'm a big fan of the idea of a blog being your salesperson - as well as it being a kind of social hub.
Thanks everyne for your comments so far - very helpful!
Congrats Wendy, well deserved. I got into blogging as an on line diary. To keep tabs on the items I've made over the years. I keep meaning to print it all out into a sort of journal but not got that far, yet!
Just a comment to everyone-I'm doing my best to visit your blogs and comment but I keep getting thrown out!I'm not ignoring you honest!
Congratulations on your commissioned article, I, like many, started blogging as an online diary, keeping tabs on my work and a great way to get input. I also find that being part of a 'community' and joining in linky parties like this one makes me focus on my work. I love looking at other blogs, I love making comments, (although there are not enough hours in the week to enable me to always comment on everyone's blog)I love receiving comments, it's great to know that others have seen and read my blog.
Jan x
I started off a blog to share my stuff, I get so proud when I make something that it sometimes feels a waste when only a handful of people see it
Congratulations on your commission!
What got you into blogging...showing off and an old biddy who refused to show a young girl how to knit with tape scarf yarn when I was at a fair, so I wrote a blog about how to. I happen to think if you know how to make things you should share, like my mother shared knitting and sewing with me.
Best of luck with the article! :)
Well done on your commission for Craftseller - I have a subscription for that mag.
You were a great inspiration in Blogging to be honest. I thought of blogging for a while and starting just writing random posts. Wiith Handmade Monday, however, I found I could focus every week on trying to write something interesting each week. It has helped me focus (even if I didn't blog that week) on what I was doing that week.
Time management is always an issue with a Crafter with a family and blogging has helped me finish pieces in a timescale I would not normally have.
Thanks Wendy!
Lib x
Well done on the publication.
I got into blogging through a US networking group, they blogged every Monday showing off their makes, this group has now sadly gone but HM has taken over.
Blogging has helped me focus on new designs each week and have found that with proper use of tag words keeps me higher up the rankings, which as a business is all we can ask for.
Well done on the publication! I blog really only as a sort of diary of what I've been doing. I don't think my blog has helped sales-wise as it's more really a 'life' blog. Mich x
I started blogging because i got told it was a good think to do to increase sales this didn't really happen i then came across handmade Monday which is a real inspiration to keep me blogging because i now enjoy reading what others are interested in
as for images you could add things like versatile blogger and maybe some some others like it they are out there xxx
I started blogging because i got told it was a good think to do to increase sales this didn't really happen i then came across handmade Monday which is a real inspiration to keep me blogging because i now enjoy reading what others are interested in
as for images you could add things like versatile blogger and maybe some some others like it they are out there xxx
I started blogging because i got told it was a good think to do to increase sales this didn't really happen i then came across handmade Monday which is a real inspiration to keep me blogging because i now enjoy reading what others are interested in
as for images you could add things like versatile blogger and maybe some some others like it they are out there xxx
Wow, congratulations!
Blogging started for me, like others, as it was considered the "thing to do" to help promote your business and increase your web presence. Now, I'm not convinced it has increased sales at all, but it has introduced me to a whole like-minded group of people who are supportive and can give constructive advice and criticism. That helps a lot.
I would second what Tickled Pink said. Well done on your commission Wendy :) I think one of the images for blogging should include coffee and cake! Because a lot of us seem to view Handmade Monday whilst consuming it!!
Oh yes, I like the idea of coffee and cake!
Well done on the commission :D
I wanted somewhere to create a brand, of sorts. Knitsofacto is 'about' knitting with natural fibres, country living, and a touch of nostalgia. That's all in the blog.
Well done Wendy. I started off reading blogs because I was learning to crochet. I then took the plunge as I'm considering starting a business. I think blogging encourages you to create more, allows you to get feedback and definitely encouragement. Bloggers seem to be a friendly bunch. Maybe a happy face pic for your images. You provide lots of useful business information which comes from hands on experience which is invaluable. Good luck with the article. Ali x
Congratulations on your article! I think I started blogging as an on-line diary originally - something my family to look at in the futre, but it evolved into a whole crafty family now. I love reading all the different styles of blogs and marvelling at the incrediibly talented people out there. I like reading that other people have ups and downs, and lifes not perfect!
I don't know if it has helped my 'business' in selling but it has certainly helped my creativity. Pictures though hmm.. will have to think some more.
Jo x
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