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Why You Might Be Losing Money If You Blog for Your Business

- June 6, 2012 | by April -

A few weeks ago I stumbled across a really fun, vibrant necklace.

I thought about purchasing it. While I was checking out the seller’s shop, I noticed she had a blog.

Since I love getting to know the person who makes a handmade product I’m thinking about purchasing, I clicked on her blog. It was a mess. All of a sudden that necklace didn’t seem as appealing.

I didn’t think to myself, “Oh my gosh, I can’t possibly buy that necklace because her blog sucks.” It was more of subconscious thing. I didn’t even realize it until later that day when I was walking my dogs and put it all together.

Before I saw her blog, I thought her brand was professional, clean, and modern. Her blog told a very different story. The branding didn’t match. The sidebar was completely cluttered. The posts were all promotional in a salesy, I-only-talk-about-my-products kind of way. It was unprofessional and a complete turn-off.

The necklace no longer seemed like a splurge on something fun and unique. The excitement and sparkle faded. And, that person lost that sale.

Things could have worked out completely different.

What if her blog and shop branding matched? What if she didn’t just post new products, and instead, provided content that potential customers would actually care about? What if her sidebar had been clean with a button to her shop, where she can be found on social media, and an opt-in form for her email newsletter? What if the copy on her about page had made me fall even more in love with her business?

I might have started following her on Twitter and liked her page on Facebook. I might have bought that necklace and become a loyal, repeat customer. I may even have signed up for her email newsletter, especially if she was offering something that I really wanted like 10% off my first purchase.

In today’s video, I want to help you AVOID this from happening. Watch it to get seven tips on how you can up your blogging game and avoid scenarios like the one above.

If you’re looking to build a blog that pulls in your ideal customer–instead of pushing her away–check out Blogging for Your Creative Business. Registration opens today!

25 Comments · Filed Under: Blogging Advice

Comments

  1. Kashoan says

    June 6, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    I look forward to your posts every Wednesday. You are inspiring! BTW I watch from the beginning to the end, in case you were wondering. 🙂 Have a great day!! Kashoan

    Reply
    • April says

      June 6, 2012 at 12:52 pm

      THANK YOU! That makes me feel better! 🙂

      Reply
  2. ginger-vee says

    June 6, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    I love the endings and of course your juicy tidbits…how great is it to have your better half on your team making you laugh 🙂

    There were many times when I found such lovely products online and when I headed over the their site I got turned off. I thought to myself, oh I’m such a bad person for judging their blog/site but I can’t buy from someone whose site is cluttered I feel like I’m visiting their home for tea and its a hot mess).

    Thank you my dear….keep those vids pumping

    Best
    Ginger-vee

    Reply
    • April says

      June 6, 2012 at 1:22 pm

      Thanks lady! He’s amazing. When we recorded this particular video, we also recorded six others, so he was such sweet to spend so much time on it!

      Love this “I feel like I’m visiting their home for tea and it’s a hot mess.” Exactly!!!

      Reply
  3. Mayi Carles says

    June 6, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    I watch EVERYTHING too! Every Wednesday. Twice (at least). I’m here. Hooked for life.

    *I want Friday Video Time rapping yo!

    Reply
    • April says

      June 6, 2012 at 1:23 pm

      Thank you – I knew you wouldn’t be one of the skippers! 🙂

      You’re gonna get Friday Video Time rapping!

      Reply
    • Cupcakes for Clara says

      June 6, 2012 at 1:55 pm

      Oh Mayi I would LOVE to see some Friday video rapping!! In fact maybe you & April could do some kind of rap collaboration next time?!

      Reply
  4. Cupcakes for Clara says

    June 6, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    Are you kidding?! No-one could skip past Wednesday Wisdom straight to the end! I LOVE your videos & learn lots too. I do love the rap though!

    Reply
    • April says

      June 7, 2012 at 8:51 am

      Thanks lady! Rapping is always a good time–we don’t take ourselves too seriously in this house if you can’t tell!

      Reply
  5. Jennifer P. says

    June 6, 2012 at 4:12 pm

    Your video describes part of why I want to open a business. So many artists have lovely work but terrible websites, and it turns people off. I’m hesitant to buy from a site that’s shoddily done, because what if the whole business is shoddy? Will I get my product on time? Is my payment safe on this site? Etc.

    I’m in the prep stages of a business selling arts and crafts from independent artists – I can work on the “front” and the artists can work on art. I hope it’ll turn out to be a win-win!

    Thanks for another fantastic video, April!

    Reply
    • April says

      June 7, 2012 at 8:52 am

      That’s a brilliant idea Jennifer! And, it sounds so exciting. Please come back and share more when you get the chance.

      Reply
  6. lakshmi says

    June 6, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    hey April , awesome post 🙂 Makes you think twice , doesn’t it , if the website is crappy ! It doesn’t have to be fancy – but clean and inviting makes you want to stick around more.
    Nope, I don’t skip to the end either ! Keep doing what you are doing 🙂 Having said that, Kris does add character to your videos at the end 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      June 7, 2012 at 8:53 am

      Yes!

      Thank you! I know he does–but let’s keep that to ourselves 😉

      Reply
  7. Cathy says

    June 7, 2012 at 9:37 am

    I watch your whole video!

    Great blogging tips!

    Reply
    • April says

      June 7, 2012 at 9:37 am

      Thanks Cathy!

      Reply
  8. Meghan says

    June 7, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    You are so silly! And brilliant too. Love the simple 7-tips girl!

    In the college days when I lived in Bowling Green there was a commercial for the “lock it-up” storage units, but not nearly as ghett-oh-fabulous as your auto place commercial. Hilarious!

    Lastly, what is it that you put on your face to always look so dewy???? beautiful 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      June 8, 2012 at 7:37 am

      Thanks Meghan!

      Hahahahaha….I’m never giving away my skin secrets….just kidding! I credit my skin to Boscia’s clear complexion kit. I have combination and sensitive skin, so it’s hard for me to find something that works–and this does!

      Reply
  9. Nathalie says

    June 8, 2012 at 6:06 am

    Oh noooo…I’d never skip just to the end… you’re the star of the show, April 😉 But I do enjoy the silly bits at the end. Great video as always!
    Your course looks awesome too!!!
    PS: I also would like to know the secret for the dewy glow 😉

    Reply
    • April says

      June 8, 2012 at 7:38 am

      Thanks Nathalie!

      See comment above 😉

      Reply
  10. Lori says

    June 8, 2012 at 7:31 am

    You’re right, I didn’t realize this, but when I come across blogs with your 7 ‘don’ts’ unconciously these ‘don’ts’ do make an impact on the impression I have of the blog.

    Although I don’t have a blog (yet!), looking so forward to your blogging course so that I can start off on the right path 🙂 Thanks April!

    Reply
    • April says

      June 8, 2012 at 7:41 am

      Yes, exactly!

      Woohoo Lori!

      Reply
  11. Nicky says

    June 8, 2012 at 12:50 pm

    Can I add one or two?
    I love reading blogs, but there’s a new trend of having a newsletter sign up popup as soon as you enter the site. I love good newsletters, but let me read what you have to say first! If it’s in your side bar then it’s still really easy to find and much less in my face. I also don’t have to click it away every single time I enter your site.

    And writing. Not everyone is a poet, but it’s so hard to read someone’s stream-of-consciousness writing. There’s a very talented aerialist in town, and her blog has incredible information on practice and recipes and inspiration, but it’s so difficult to read. It’s almost as if she forgets what the sentence is about halfway through. Rereading what you wrote can work wonders.

    Also, I love local commercials. There’s a local tanning salon that always has such catchy jingles everyone thinks they’re actually songs 🙂

    Reply
    • April says

      June 8, 2012 at 3:47 pm

      I love that you added to the list! Thank you!

      I agree on both, especially the pop up. Unfortunately, it works really well in converting new readers into subscribers, but it’s so annoying. I was told to add it a couple different times {by people I respect}, and it’s never felt like a good idea. I’m not trying to annoy you guys every time you visit my site.

      Reply
  12. Amy says

    June 13, 2012 at 5:46 am

    Hi April – got behind a bit with starting b-school, but catching up watching your videos – the entire way through!

    Love your 7 tips and have them on my list as I am updating my website.

    PS Love the background this week – is that another Amy Butler fabric????????

    Reply
    • April says

      June 13, 2012 at 7:06 am

      Yay for B-School!

      It’s not Amy Butler, but it does look like that style, doesn’t it? I forget what design it is, but I know that it wasn’t Amy Butler. However, I do use Amy Butler fabric a lot when I choose a fabric background. 🙂

      Reply

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