Do I NEED a Blog?

It’s finally happened. You were at a craft fair, sales were going well and then someone asked if you had a blog? She says she’s a blogger, loves your work and would like to write about the darling little doodad she just purchased and link out to your blog, hopefully, driving some traffic and sales your way. She loves her doodad so much and knows her readers, friends and family might like doodads of their own.

You answer, “Um, blog?”

Of course you know what a blog IS. You read them all of the time. Blogs about business, crafts, other creative people who you feel like you know. And some you actually may know. But it’s never occurred to you to WRITE a blog yourself.

You say, “No. I don’t have a blog but here is my business card” and she walks away disappointed. And you wonder how much money you may have just lost in sales.

You wonder to your self – Do I really NEED a Blog?

Maybe. Maybe not.

First off. Do you like to write? Are you a journaler? Have you written in a diary since you were 9 and had a crush on cute Jimmy B in grade school? Do you have something to say?

If you don’t like writing, are very shy or introverted and the whole idea of putting your thoughts out there for the whole world to read gives you hives… then maybe blogging isn’t for you.

Do you want to connect with other creative people? If you write about your art/creations on your blog you’ll likely attract other creative readers. Also, if you want comments on your blog you’ll want to read and comment on other blogs.

If you feel that you don’t have a spare second in the day for a cup of tea, let alone time to converse with other people online. Blogging my not be your… cup of tea.

Are you looking for another way to promote your work? A blog is a great place to promote your products or services. Do you have an ebay store, etsy or other shop? Having a blog could be a great way to drive traffic to sites where you sell your work as well as let local people know which art/craft shows you’ll be attending.

If you have more sales than you know how to handle “Well Done!” and a blog may not be in the cards for you right now.

Do you want people to recognize you as an expert doodad maker? An expert business woman or entrepreneur? Have you been thinking of possibly writing a book about doodad making? Having a blog can help publishers and other business women see you as an expert in your field.

Not interested in being seen as an expert? That’s okay too.

Do you want to make more money? Keep in mind that MOST bloggers don’t make very much money at all with their blogs. BUT if you develop a large enough following you may be able to sell ads on your blog. It’s also a great place to promote the book you write increasing sales.

Do you want to share your passion? Are you a fanatic of making doodads? Do you know the whole history of doodad making right from the very first doodad ever created? There are bound to be other people who want to know that information too.

Do you have more creativity than you know what to do with and making doodads is just the tip of the iceberg? A blog is a great place to share some of your other talents, passions  and obsessions.

If you have decided, for one reason or another, that you do not want to start a blog you might find it helpful to create a static website that you only update once a month (or once a quarter) that lists which upcoming shows you’ll be vending, links to your etsy, ebay or other sales sites and maybe a facebook page where potential customers can connect with you and ask questions. At least when that blogger visits your booth at the show she’ll have some place to send her family and readers so they can have a doodad of their very own.

 By Vicki O’Dell, The Creative Goddess.

Note: The above photo was taken by me at the Country Living Fair inColumbus,OHin 2011. The vendor is Jeanne from JunXtapositon. She does have a website and a facebook page where she interacts with some of her customers.