6 Weeks: Using Your Blog to Promote Your Business
Hello SillyGrrl friends, I’m Sandi, and I’m thrilled to be here today joining in for the 6 weeks to a Better Blog Series, thanks so much Sarah for having me. I’m a blogger and a handmade artist and I run a little shop called Benandi over on Etsy. I’m here today to share how I’ve used my blog to help promote my little shop.
Firstly, I never want to force or push people to buy my products; that’s just not me. If they do care to purchase something, I am so appreciative of their support. In a round about way I do however use my blog to help promote my shops. My blog is my creative space where I already share with the world what I’m up to or what inspires me on a daily basis, so featuring my products only makes sense. For me it’s more of a shameless promotion tool where I don’t feel the need to say “buy this” but more or less “hey this is what I’m up to, I hope you enjoy it, and if you want to know more you can find about it here”. There’s no hiding it that blogs are used as a tool in one way or another, but it’s truly how you use your space and what you chose to share which can make all the difference.
My biggest pieces of advice would be “Don’t abuse your blog!”. People (and myself included) hate seeing sites filled with “buy this, buy that” stamped all over the pages. It’s annoying and hard on your eyes to look at. From time to time if you do this in moderations it may fly but overdoing it will surely call for sour faces for everyone involved. People are so sweet and usually very supportive of your creative side and as long as you don’t make them feel pressured into always buying things.
Offering giveaways of your products though, this puts a smile on everyones face. We all love to win something, I know I do. Being able to offer items up for a giveaway, helps me to express to my readers that I am so appreciative of all their continued support and thank you so much for this. With free giveaways, in the end, everyone seems so much more happy. I love knowing someone wanted the item I was offering up. And it’s a great feeling knowing your work is appreciated and the winner is usually over ecstatic with their free goodies. Well I hope some of this advice helps you move forth in a positive manor with promoting your small business via your blog. Thanks, Good Luck & Happy Blogging. :)
Thanks for your advice Sandi!!
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05.14.12 in 6 Weeks to a Better Blog
This is good advice! And it’s got me thinking about doing a little giveaway on my blog. B/c I sell vintage stuff in my shop, and I know that many of my readers aren’t into it, I don’t do a whole lot with my shop on my blog. But this sounds like a good way to meet them in the middle! I mean, who doesn’t love a giveaway?
By the way, this series has been great! It brought me to your blog and the tips/ ideas have been really relevant – good job! :)