Few professions can benefit more from blogging than artists. Because search engines favor text over images, it can be difficult for young or obscure artists to make a name for themselves in the same way that an excellent writer or poet may be able to. However, thanks to blogging, it is possible to increase visibility and promote your work by building a loyal audience.
The Truth Behind Blogging
Before covering the many advantages of blogging, it’s crucial to understand what blogging is not. It’s not a quick fix and it won’t drastically increase your sales over night. Blogging is not something that can be done half-heartedly or without passion. It takes time, effort, and patience; but despite these realities, it can be a rewarding opportunity for diligent artists everywhere.
Making a Blog Successful
It’s important to understand that not just any blog will do. A poorly-kept, rarely-updated blog will have little, or no effect. For a blog to be successful, it needs to provide something special. Your blog should tell a story, because those are what sell. If it’s true that people buy the artist, not the art, then a blog is the perfect opportunity to promote yourself. Tell a story that will connect with your audience. When readers leave your blog feeling better connected to you, your blog has done its job.
As Albert Scaglione, CEO of Park West Gallery, recently said in a radio interview, “If you have the passion and you have this unique special thing that you feel you need to bring along, that’s when it really starts.”
Successful art blogs also know how to blend text and visuals. Too many visuals and not enough text leaves your blog lacking substance, while too much text and not enough visuals can lead to boredom. Your blog should find the perfect blend that allows you to engage with your readers.
Why You Need a Blog
If you believe you can find that happy medium, then you need an art blog. Here are some of the benefits you can expect to experience:
- A blog can increase sales. Again, it won’t happen overnight, but a blog can help you increase art sales. Consistent blogging will allow the search engines to find you, which in turn will bring potential customers to your site. From there, depending on the power of the story you tell, you may be able to leverage the platform through calls-to-action.
- Blogs let you give back. Artist Lori McNee believes you can’t receive with a closed fist. That’s why she started her blog during the recent recession saying, “Blogging was a perfect opportunity for me to share my knowledge and my art with other artists and art enthusiasts…and to give back to my art community.”
- Blogs have the potential to go viral. One of the top reasons you should consider blogging is because of the potential for them to go viral. Social media platforms make it easy for followers to share posts and link them back to your site. Even one well-received blog post can have a major effect on an artist’s career.
Launching Your Blog
There are plenty of resources on the Internet to help you start blogging; just remember to take it one step at a time. If it becomes overwhelming, take a break and come back later. Much like producing good art, blogging takes patience. Over time, you’ll learn about the art of blogging and how to effectively engage with your audience. It may be weeks, months, or years before you notice an effect, but your diligence will eventually pay off. In fact, your blog may very well become your best piece of art.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.