So you want to start your own business blog- great! If you love writing and have advice to share this can drastically increase your exposure and site traffic while helping others. Whether it’s a part of your website or a stand alone blog, be sure to offer a unique perspective on various topics to keep your readers engaged. Here are my top tips for what to focus on for your blog. These pointers are geared towards handmade-type companies, but anyone can benefit from this info if you want to start blogging about small business!
Your Experiences
Nothing comes across as more valuable and relatable than writing about your experiences in business. Whether you have been making pottery for years and selling it at craft fairs, run your own retail boutique, or are a fine artist, always go with what you know. It sounds simple but this will make for the most enjoyable blog for both you and your readers. For example, my posts for this blog (as a contributor) focus on my most comfortable topics and are based on past experiences. This ranges from selling online (which I’ve done for years now) to selling wholesale to doing craft shows (I’ve participated in many). Write about what you have experienced while running your business and give readers specific examples of situations you’ve faced.
Your Successes
Readers love to hear about your successes! Sometimes it feels awkward to talk up the good things that have happened to your business, but don’t be shy- especially on your craft tips blog. This is the place to describe your positive outcomes and give some hints for how you made them happen. You don’t have to give away your most guarded trade secrets, but definitely write about how you’ve made money and gotten recognition for your work.
Your Failures
Taking about your failures is the not-so-fun part of telling the story of your business. But without this your blog’s advice won’t seem as authentic. People starting out in business want to be inspired by others who have had failures but rebounded to have big successes. You can write posts about which decisions worked out for you and which did not. Your blog can also be a place to vent about the stresses of owning a small craft business. Just be sure to balance out the negative with encouraging, positive hints and tips.
What other tips do you have for starting a business blog?
- 7 Essential Tips for Accepting Credit Cards at Craft Shows - September 30, 2020
- How to Create a Press Release for Your Handmade Business - September 23, 2020
- 6 Ways to Get into a New Craft Scene After You Move - September 16, 2020
This is really helpful when you have established a business and then start blogging but what if you’re going about it the other way around?
I’m trying to develop an online presence with my illustrations and blogs so that I can one day have a business. I have separated what I plan to blog about into categories; DIY/Home Decor, Featured illustrations (I don’t know if I should keep this one), Musings (My thoughts and blogs that don’t really have a category) My Business Journal (where I plan to discuss my journey through starting my own business) and Crafty Travels (since I try to frequent small businesses, craft fairs, and vendor fairs)
I think it’s a good list but do you have any suggestions? And even if they are good how do I get them noticed?
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Sorry my comment is so long, I’m really enjoying your blogs!
Hi Rachel, That’s a great question! I think you have a wonderful angle to write about- your journey of starting a craft business. A lot of people can relate to that and will find it interesting. Perhaps you can start with those sections you described and see what appeals to you and your readers the most and go in that direction. To get your posts noticed I would recommend promoting your blog on social media as well as collaborating with other artists and bloggers. Hope this helps and wishing you much success with your blog!