Artists hear the word “marketing” and often cringe or run the other way. It isn’t a bad word, though the media and big business has turned our senses against it.
If you are struggling with “marketing yourself and/or your business,” I want you to know that first, you are not alone; 53% of artists use analytics to track their marketing and of that only 47% actually check to see how their efforts are paying off (Hubspot.com). Clearly, most artists struggle with marketing and mostly just avoid it.
How can you get around this and get the word out about promoting your product so people can find you? I have two FREE ways you can do it and they will only take a little bit of time and of course your creativity to get the job done.
1. Submit a tutorial or an article to a crafty/art magazine.
There are several eMagazines out there which are published quarterly, monthly and on other timelines, that accept articles and tutorials on a rolling basis. When you submit a tutorial you will have the opportunity to submit images of your project so people can see your work. Plus, you can often get your website, name and shop name added to the page; after all you will need to be credited with the project.
If you want to submit an article, make sure that the article you submit is relevant to the readers and to the season. For example, if you are submitting something in the spring, think about what people are experiencing then. They might be cleaning things up, organizing, or getting ready for weddings. Articles that talk about helpful information on these topics will get you noticed.
Here is a short list of eMagazines you can submit an article or tutorial to for Free:
2. Write an article or guest blog post for another site.
Guest blogging and/or writing an article on another site is easier than you think. There are a few ways you can get gigs on other sites
(A) You can simply go to social sites like Twitter, Facebook or Google+ and search with the hashtag #guestblogging and you will find opportunities.
(B) Talk to friends and other online acquaintances and let people know you want to do some guest blogging or article writing; most of the time you will find at least one or two people who will be interested in having you write something.
(C) Check out clearinghouse sites for opportunities.
The last bit of advice I’d like to share about guest blogging is this: always be timely, professional and communicate clearly. When you do these things you will find that more hosts will want to work with you again and again.
I’ll see you all next time for another article to boost your spirit, inspire your dreams and help you promote your business. Have a great month everyone!
Guest contributor Martiel Beatty is a graphic and fiber artist, expert blogger, art coach and GIMP Wizard. She is the founder of Sewmantra and Co-Founder and Coach of Dream Your Success. She holds degrees in Anthropology, French and Drafting and has been working in fiber arts since 1986 and graphics since 1998. She lives and works in her home studio outside Washington, D.C.
Tags: Success on Zibbet, Two FREE Ways to Promote Yourself to NEW Audiences
