45 Tips to Rock Your Art or Craft Blog

{Image from Pink Sherbet Photography on Flickr}

1. Create useful content.

2. Have a newsletter opt-in above the fold, even if you don’t know what you’ll do with it yet. You’ll be glad that you collected your fans’ email addresses.

3. Include pictures of your art on your blog.

4. Stop taking yourself so seriously. Let your readers see your true personality.

5. Guest post on other blogs.

6. Respond to comments from your readers.

7. Make it easy for fans to purchase from you.

8. Interview another artist or crafter that you admire.

9. Stop phoning it in.

10. Get involved with social media.

11. Set blogging goals.

12. Improve your headlines.

13. Always link to previous posts in or at the bottom of your current posts.

14. Check your posts for spelling and grammar mistakes before publishing.

15. Introduce yourself to successful people in your niche.

16. Share pictures of your work from start to finish to involve readers in the process.

17. Comment on your readers’ blogs.

18. Set a consistent and realistic blogging schedule.

19. Make sure new readers see your most popular posts by linking to them on your sidebar.

20. Share pages from your art journal.

21. Understand how blogging can increase your creative business success.

22. Use your blog to develop trust with your customers.

23. Host a blog series to sky-rocket your traffic.

24. Blog about the inspiration behind your art.

25. Include pretty pictures of your products in blog posts.

26. Write an easy to follow list post that will provide your readers with a lot of good content.

27. Consult with someone who can give you specific advice on how to improve your blog.

28. Don’t clutter up your blog with blog badges, links, and blog rolls.

29. Host a contest or giveaway.

30. Don’t make the 5 biggest mistakes that artists make on their blogs.

31. Leave thoughtful comments on other blogs.

32. Ask another artist to guest post on your blog if you’re feeling overwhelmed or need a vacation.

33. Get over your fear of writing.

34. Email other bloggers who inspire you just to let them know that they inspire you.

35. Post about your mistakes and successes.

36. Ask your readers what they want more of on your blog.

37. Ask your readers what they want less of on your blog.

38. Post video tutorials teaching your readers the most basic skills of your art or craft.

39. Carefully craft your about page, so it shows your personality and gives new readers a clear idea on what your blog is all about.

40. Make sure readers have a way to contact you.

41. If you’re featured on other websites, include links to those features on your sidebar or on a review/press page.

42. Include a way for your readers to subscribe to your blog.

43. Categorize your posts in a way that makes it easy for your readers to search your archives.

44. Keep 5 to 10 posts stored away in case you get sick, aren’t motivated, or just want a break.

45. Don’t be afraid to promote your creative business on your blog. People who don’t like it will leave, and you’ll give your fans more opportunities to buy from you.