One of the biggest questions I receive from aspiring bloggers is, “How do you keep coming up with new things to blog about?” Indeed, these people suffer from blogger’s block!
Yes, blogger’s block is related to writer’s block, and artist’s block, but the remedy is a bit different (this post will help with that!).
Creative people, particularly artists, would rather be in their studios painting and creating rather than sitting at their computers blogging. However, as I have said many times before, your blog is your storefront! As in retail, so online, you need to keep your storefront fresh to attract new buyers and repeat customers into your store.
First, set up a blogging schedule that works for you. Will that be once a week, or once a month? The choice is yours, but practice consistency to keep your following coming back to visit.
It is also a good idea to create a variety of interesting blogging styles or topics.
Although, as with your art, you will eventually find your own voice as a blogger. There are many different styles and types of blogging. Below, I’ve listed some of the most popular types of blog posts to consider using on your own blog.
How-To
The How-to tutorial post is one of the most successful types of blogging styles/topics. Internet readers love to learn, and ‘how-to’ is a popular search term.
My blog, www.FineArtTips.com utilizes the how-to post quite often and successfully. Here are a few examples.
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/05/how-to-price-artwork-for-consistent-sales-success/
http://www.finearttips.com/2014/07/how-to-dramatically-improve-your-art/
http://www.finearttips.com/blog/how-to-start-an-art-blog-or-website-in-minutes
Lists and Resources
List and resource posts streamline information into an easy to read, bite size format. This might be a Top-10 list or ‘reasons why’ list. With lists you most likely will see bullet points used, images, and memes, to help illustrate the text.
http://www.finearttips.com/2014/10/creative-ways-to-showcase-sell-art-online-and-off/
http://www.finearttips.com/2014/09/6-ways-to-create-depth-in-your-landscape-painting/
http://www.finearttips.com/2014/02/3-free-tools-to-create-awesome-images-and-graphics/
http://www.finearttips.com/2011/08/loris-top-10-tips-to-improve-your-art/
To-Do, Cheat Sheet, and Checklist
A bit different than a how-to or resource list, this type of post gives your readers direction to help them get on the right track.
http://www.finearttips.com/2014/04/the-marketing-tools-of-non-starving-artists/
http://www.finearttips.com/2009/04/how-to-pack-for-painting-tips-for-the-painter-traveling-by-airplane-or-car/
Reviews
Reviews are a fun way to write an interesting and helpful post. Oftentimes, I am asked to review art products, brushes, paints, books, applications and other tools. Generally, the manufacturer sends me the product to use and review. I choose products that I feel will be a success, but I do my best to give an honest review.
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/10/strada-micro-easel-little-pochade-box-with-a-big-attitude/
http://www.finearttips.com/2014/10/tabletop-artist-palettes-by-new-wave-art/
http://www.finearttips.com/2014/08/on-the-go-with-strada-easel/
http://www.finearttips.com/2014/10/a-great-read-dogs-rule-nonchalantly/
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Blog Series
Sometimes a blog topic is too big for a single post. A great way to maximize the impact is to break it up into chunks. A series builds anticipation
http://www.finearttips.com/2010/05/should-artists-work-with-galleries-go-direct-to-collectors-or-both
http://www.finearttips.com/2010/06/visual-artist%e2%80%99s-challenge-ii-balancing-self-promotion-gallery-representation
Controversy
If you are passionate and want to spark conversation, take a controversial stance on a subject. This is a sure way to get some heated comments and engagement going, so be prepared! (I don’t think I’ve tackled this subject, stay tuned!)
Infographics
Not all content is words! Infographics are great way to help with Blogger’s Block! When posting an infographic, I usually write between around 100-200 words to introduce the infographic as my blog post topic.You can make your own, or you can easily find one to use from the Internet. Just search on a topic of interest, and when you find one you like, look for the embed code. Copy the code and paste it into your post! Voila – an instant post!I used this infographic, Travel Tips For Europe and it was gotten nearly 7,000 pins on Pinterest! This is slightly outside my art niche, but artists travel too.
http://www.finearttips.com/2013/06/travel-tips-for-europe/
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/01/the-rise-of-visual-content-and-the-fall-attention-spans/
http://www.finearttips.com/2013/09/best-and-worst-times-to-post-on-social-media/
http://www.finearttips.com/2012/10/does-your-job-make-you-fat/
Video (of Podcasts)
Nowadays, it is so easy to make videos to post on Youtube, Facebook and Instagram. But, why not use your videos (or podcast) in a blog post? You can write a brief introduction then embed your video. This will help increase views, and the time visitor stay on your blog.
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/06/the-amazing-history-of-plein-air-painting/
http://www.finearttips.com/2010/02/how-to-paint-a-realistic-vibrant-sunflower-video-demo/
Image Memes
According to Wikipedia, an Internet meme (/ˈmiːm/ meem) is an activity, concept, catchphrase or piece of media, which spreads, often as mimicry, from person to person via the Internet. Some notable examples include the famous Grumpy Cat, or posting a photo of people lying down in public places called “planking”
Marketing professionals have embraced memes as a form of viral marketing to create a buzz for their product or service. Memes are social ideas that can spread spread virally. Memes can include jokes, quotes, urban legends, art and music, and philosophical ideas worth repeating.
Bloggers, like me, simply use memes to create sharable visual content. Here are a few examples of how I’ve used them.
http://www.finearttips.com/2013/11/empowering-quotes-about-life-and-art/
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/02/share-art
http://www.finearttips.com/2009/07/favorite-art-quotes/
Guest Posts
When I first started www.FineArtTips.com, I knew nothing about blogging. Due to its popularity, I soon found out that I couldn’t do all the writing on my own, plus continue with my painting career. I decided to also open up this blog to guest artists/authors. This decision has helped grow my loyal readership base.Bringing in experts gives a blog fresh ideas, content and credibility. Great guest blogging is a win-win for all as guest authors gain exposure and links back to their site.
It is important to set up editorial guidelines, and vet the quality of the guest posts received. Also, make sure each post is accurate, and original. I have learned this lesson the hard way! Here are my guidelines for FineArtTips.com http://www.finearttips.com/contact-me/submit-your-guest-article/
Here’s a few examples of guest posts…
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/05/10-linkedin-networking-rules-for-artists/
http://www.finearttips.com/2010/11/how-to-use-your-art-making-skills-to-create-a-compelling-video/
http://www.finearttips.com/2011/02/when-are-you-ready-to-call-yourself-a-professional-artist/
Self-Promotional
Finally, is the self-promotional post! Obviously, any of the above styles of blogging topics will help spread your message and brand. However, the self-promotional post is the most direct way to publicize your latest news.As artists we should use our websites to promote our upcoming gallery events, art fairs, workshops, special awards, book releases and other important and notable career.
I recently blogged about my upcoming painting and social media workshop I will be teaching in France! Also, announced my new 6-hour social media marketing DVD and my new North Light Book too! Check out the links below to learn more.
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/06/join-fine-art-tips-in-france-with-lori-mcnee/
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/06/powerful-social-media-secrets-for-small-busines
http://www.finearttips.com/2015/03/pre-order-my-new-fine-art-tips-book-on-amazon/
Length
When it comes to web content, length is only one of the factors to consider. There is no magic word count that will skyrocket your blog’s rankings.But here are some important facts to consider. Back in in 2012, the ideal length of a blog article was 500-700 words. But now, readers prefer well-written long-form content, plus Google prefers long-form content.This means that readers would rather read two thought provoking articles with facts and data rather than 5 shorter articles about one subject.
The future of blog posts on the web is content with depth.
Longer content gets shared more, and higher indexing.
Good content will perform better in search results in combination with visitors spending longer on your site.
Keep in mind, 74% of posts that are read are under 3 minutes long and 94% are under 6 minutes long.
The average post is closer to 3-4 minutes to read.
I hope this post helps you with blogger’s block! The article is and excerpt from my popular eBook, which is available from North Light Books.
Originally published on http://finearttips.com
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