Blogging

[Former_Member]

Why is blogging so difficult?

I started a blog in March on a whim, neglected it like crazy for months, and now I want to get back into the swing of things and start blogging again. One problem: I just don't know what to say! Silly, isn't it? I've thought about making my blog Etsy-centric, and that's still a possibility. All about me, maybe? Fashion, style, home decor? No ideas stand out. (And I don't love writing about myself).

What is your blog focused on? Any advice for me?

[PaperFlora]

I started a blog awhile back. But it turned into just one more thing to do. I vacillated back and forth on what to write about too. I started with straight on Etsy stuff but I felt that the blogs that I read, on a regular basis are always a mixture of this and that. So I started doing that too but I still couldn't keep that up, along with all the other social networking.
Then I started getting all caught up in views, hits, followers...it was too much.
I recently changed it so that I only post fabrics I have in stock along with new prints that I've ordered.
http://paperflora2.blogspot.com/
It just didn't work for me as a typical blog.
Good luck with your adventure-

[Former_Member]

Maybe because I LOVE writing, I love to blog. I wouldn't put too much emphasis on what needs to be said - just say what you feel, your current interests, your etsy shop. Speak from what inspires you, even if you just make a post of photos you found around the internet.

Your shop is jewelry so perhaps a blog on an emphasis on accessories and jewelry you like, your own jewelry, etc. is a place to start off with.

When I started my blogs, I came up with 15 post ideas. Perhaps try the same, work on those blog posts, and see where it takes you!

I have three blogs (shameless promotion: http://www.thedramallama.net, http://www.potterblogger.com, and http://www.flairfulliving.com) - I just invest my time and interest into each one, and it really does pay off. I feel much more creative and passionate for each blog with every post - but I just take it one post at a time. :D

Good luck!

[PennyBirchWilliams]

I just restarted my blog about 6 weeks ago, after abandoning it a couple of years ago. It can be hard to find the time, but I'm trying to aim for 2 to 3 posts a week.

While I'm trying to keep it focused on art/painting/etsy, it seems to be evolving into a sort of journal as well. My own sister said she sees a side of me through my blog that she rarely sees in person. Maybe because I'm a bit reserved, but have kept a journal since childhood and I'm used to writing more openly.

I do think that you have to write about who you are, what interests you, what you are passionate about, and I'm sure that will relate to your shop too. Personally I don't think blogs that are only about selling something are as interesting as blogs about a variety of subjects, which would include getting to know you better and seeing your work as well as other things. Many people seem to like seeing works in progress, tutorials, inspirations for your work, and LOTS of photos.

Sometimes I do feel I'm running out of ideas that might interest others, so I'm working on a list of possibilities, getting advice from more experienced bloggers, & visiting blogs to see what I like and what inspires me. Mine is at pennysartadventures.blogspot.com

[AnneLondezGlass]

Interesting, I'm one of those who struggle. I know people are avid for blogs that detail day-to-day musings but when I try to go that way, I feel that it's either too personal info or too trivial and no one will ever be interested. As a result, I post very little...

[TheRogueBaby]

I love writing, but too struggle with my blog content. I don't want to get too "personal" on it, but then again, to be a successful blogger you have to let your self shine through and make yourself somewhat vulnerable. Readers want to connect to you.

I do feel like I need to bring my blog more into focus. I plan on doing so over the coming months. It's definitely a time consuming process. I tend to lean towards humor in my blogs when I don't have any particular stellar thing to write about.

www.roguebaby.blogspot.com

[Former_Member]

Oh my gosh, I was -JUST- thinking some of the same things a couple hours ago! I have two blogs, but only a couple followers. I'm in the same boat as you in that sometimes I don't know what to say, either! Both blogs are basically about my thoughts during my creative process, things that I like (artists sometimes), or things that make me happy in a particular moment (I shot a photo of summer squash in a bowl over the weekend and posted it - the yellow was so great!). Definitely wish there was more time during the day to focus more on blogging, but at the moment I try to post once per week.

Penny - Great idea about writing out a list of ideas to choose from, that could be very helpful (I'll have to start doing that!)

Good luck! Looking forward to see what others respond with as well:)

[Former_Member]

My blog is about anything and everything. I write about my family, DIY projects, updates on my shop and lessons I am learning in my walk with the Lord. It's MY blog so I can do what I want :) I really want people to get a picture of who I am and what my shop represents. When a blog follower buys from my shop they know they are supporting a stay at home mom who loves Jesus and knows how to make quality products. They see me as a real person not as just a store front.

You can check it out here: http://theperfectshadeofgrey.blogspot.com/

It doesn't have a big following but it is a great platform for Etsy (i have been featured on bigger blogs because they found me through my blog) and to keep up with friends and family.

Hope that helps!!
xoKatie

[BethWold]

Zoe - Since you sell jewelry, I would think anything fashion and style related works. Also, I imagine people would love to see process photos - of work in progress. Or reviews of certain metals, or stone that you use, and why you chose them. Also, there's things like - what kind of earrings should I wear with a square face, etc.

I've seen about a zillion blogs related to "what I wore today", and they seem quite popular - if you're big into wearing your own jewelry - you could probably show pictures of items being worn - what it was worn with, etc. You could even do close-ups if you're not comfortable with your face being on the blog - or convince friends to wear it!

[Former_Member]

Thanks guys. I actually love writing too, so I thought starting a blog would be a natural thing for me to do, but coming up with a good focus is difficult for me. I think I'm there, but I'm not sure if it's good enough...you tell me!

You can see what I've 'focused' on here: stonetreejewelry.blogspot.com
(Left hand side, under 'About Me')

I'm hoping to get it rolling soon, but I know darn well I need to add more items first! We'll just see what happens and when...lol. :)

[WithLoveFromLucille]

I'm just starting one! I've always wanted to, but I'm my worst critic. I don't think that I have nothing to say, but rather I'm not articulate enough.
Maybe it's just me.
But good luck! My theory is, the internet is full of endless possibilities, so if what you write has been done before...it'll be from a new perspective...you!
:)

[Former_Member]

Beth - I love the point about the face shape/jewelry questions. Really great idea. I'd love to do a post about flattering your face shape with jewelry. I', thinking this blog will be focused on things along the lines of affordable fashion, jewelry styles, etc...I'm actually considering a really style and accessories focused blog, but I love Etsy and could seriously write novels about the things I've seen, found, experienced, and learned here. I think I may start another blog for that though, since this one is, on some level, a promotion tool for my business.

[Former_Member]

Does anyone else have any advice or thoughts?

[Former_Member]

Sorry, but I have to ask again...anyone?

[SantasSockCentral]

I've had a blog since June, so I'm no expert!

At the moment I'm in two giveaways which is bringing me a few followers.

I'm posting about my current projects, for example I post a Friday evening picture next to a Sunday evening picture which shows how much I knitted over two days. I'm trying to sell socks here on Etsy, so I'm working on a series of posts called 'Why knitted socks are better' I've made a few youtube videos, so they get featured. I want to start a series of posts where I post a link to favourite songs of mine on youtube and talk about why I like the songs. This isn't about my products, but it's something I can talk about, I think. I have so many favourite songs! I could do that with books too.

[Former_Member]

Sounds like an interesting blog, Gigi! More thoughts are welcome and wanted.

[Former_Member]

I was determined to launch a blog as my New Years Resolution. It is up and underway. Admit to design challenges and could use some advice.
I purposely did not want it to become another venue for selling my Etsy shop. I have sprinkled in links here and there. can anyone walk me through putting the ETSY mini on.
I have just been published for the first time in a magazine and would love to add their button too if someone can help me with that.
Here's the link. Feedback welcomed.
www.valburgesscollage.blogspot.com

[Former_Member]

I don't seem to be getting much advice...I think I'll have to start another thread.

[additionsstyle]

Blogging can be challenging, but if you blog about what you are passionate about it will be easier and a lot more fun. I blogged for about a year before I turned my passion for creating, being creative, and finding inspiration into the focus of my blog. Once I found my focus, I started blogging everyday and 3 years later, I still find things to blog about and post 5 days a week.

If you are blogging often or even a couple times a week, it helps to have regular features. I have seen a lot of blog that have wordless Wednesday, or thankful Thursday. That helps with trying to figure out what to post every week.

Another idea, is to schedule your posts. I usually write my posts for the week on Sunday and schedule them for each day of the week. That way you don't have to get up each day and worry about what to post.

Have fun blogging!

[HappyTreePress]

I find the writing part of blogging a challenge.

I'm much more comfortable with the visual sides of things but I look at my blog as a way to practice my writing when I can. Sometimes I put up a visual with a quote that I find inspiring.

http://littlesunnystudio.blogspot.com

[Former_Member]

At first I had a hard time with blogging. I stopped for a while.. But recently I kind of "let go" and stopped worrying about what others would/could think of me, and now it's fun! Now I just rant and rave about whatever, usually about my art dolls and what I love..
ladybugdreamland.blogspot.com