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Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
I've been reading in various marketing venues how critical having a blog is in your marketing. This probably stems from the position that sending periodic emails to your clients will keep you in front of them. However, as I look around I have never found a performer that keeps a blog going for more than a few months. Many of the blogs I've looked at are a couple of years old and I think that even looks worse than not having one at all. So wondering what the consensus is. Is it worth it and if you have one, are you sorry you started it?
Coram Deo
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magicmaninsd Regular user San Diego, CA 199 Posts |
I used to have a blog, but took it down (you can check it out here though: http://joshlondonmagic.com/blog/).
Here's the reason for having a blog: Drive traffic to your site and become a wealth of knowledge for potential clients. The problem: It is extremely difficult to keep up with ona regular basis, let alone know what to talk about. After looking at my analytics, visitors do spend time of my blog, but it is such an undertaking. I may start it up again. However, when you post a new blog you can distribute it via Twitter, FB, and LinkedIn thereby 9 times out of 10 getting a new follower. Here's my question, does that new follower of FB, LinkedIn, Twitter mean more shows? I'm struggling with that questions now. Josh London |
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Steven Steele Chief of Staff 1868 Posts |
That's exactly my feeling too Josh.
Coram Deo
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MrHyde Special user 810 Posts |
Steven, another strong reason for having a blog is that google likes them.
You may have a fantastic website, but I believe google will love more a fantastic website that is getting updated on a regular basis. On my main entertainment site I have a News Page which acts as the blog and I update that monthly with news etc. |
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lou serrano Special user Los Angeles, CA 671 Posts |
I've had a blog for over two years now for my marketing business, and although it's sometimes tough keeping it updated, it's turned out to be wonderful for my business. As soon as I put up a new website for my magic business, I'll have a blog connected to that as well. It not only sets you up as the expert in your field it can also help create a loyal following. A loyal following helps in creating repeat and referral business.
MrHyde's comments are right on. Google loves blogs which can be very helpful in your SEO efforts. The key is to identify your target audience before starting your blog, and then update the blog as often as you can. Seth Godin says every business owner should have a blog, and you should update it every day. If you can't find something interesting to write about regarding your business, then you should find a new business. I'm paraphrasing of course. Respectfully, Lou Serrano |
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MichaelDouglas Special user Portland, Oregon 766 Posts |
I maintain a blog and am trying to post at least weekly. Although, there have been lapses in posts longer than that. I can't say yet whether it has helped my business. I too have read that having one that is kept current helps your SEO. Also having links in your blog to your other pages helps, and having links to other highly ranking sites helps with SEO. Analytics shows that some do read it. Mine it set to automatically post to my FB fan page to help keep that fresh.
I guess the diffuculty in blogging is related to how much you like to write. If that's not in you to start with then I'd recommend you don't start because you won't keep it up unless you are very disciplined. Even if you do like to write, it still takes discipline. Writing comes easily for me so I've a list of 50 blog topics to post but just havent got to them yet. It's always easy for me to find something to talk about and link it back to a magic business related topic. I like to add a graphic to mine and that takes a few minutes to search google images to find something and then if it needs to be sized down to fit the thumbnail size of my wordpress "featured image" area, then I've got a couple more minutes to resize it. |
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Andrew Zuber Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 3014 Posts |
I co-hosted a podcast for a few years that aired five days a week, and I can tell you that even sharing the duties with another person, keeping a blog updated, fresh, relevant and entertaining is hard work. If your posts start to lack clarity or focus, or you find yourself writing just because you think you should, it's time to take a step back and reevaluate your process. If you're struggling, post a link to something you find interesting and write a bit about why it intrigues you. Share a story from your performing life, or rehearsing, or what inspires you. Anything to keep it updated while still keeping it interesting to the reader. I agree with Michael - an image or two adds visual interest and is always a good idea.
One problem that I find a very large number of magicians face is that they're just not good writers. I'm sure I'm overly critical because I've been writing my entire life, have been published, and often look at details that most normal people probably won't care about. What I'm talking about, however, are the basics - grammar, punctuation, spelling. This is 5th grade English. I get a weekly newsletter from a magic shop that is obviously not proofed before it's sent out. I see websites full of errors. Some people post here, talking about their books or manuscripts, and their posts look like they were whipped out in about 45 seconds and submitted without so much as a second glance. To me, it's unprofessional and shows a lack of attention to detail. I think if someone can recognize their weakness in writing, they should have someone else look over their work before posting it. It's why books are proofed before being sent to the printers - even the best of writers make errors. We all do. A poorly written blog simply indicates that someone isn't taking the time to do things properly. That's why one of my biggest recommendations for anyone hoping to add a blog to their site is to really commit to doing it the right way; don't be a sloppy writer. That won't help your cause at all. As for writing one, I think it IS a good idea. It shows active participation in your business, and it allows people to feel like they know you a little better. That way, when they're trying to make a hiring decision, they'll go with the guy they feel comfortable with because they've read his thoughts and observations, rather than the stranger they know very little about. I think a blog is also a nice way of tracking your progress. You can look back on it and see where you were in the past and how your business may have changed (and hopefully expanded) over time.
"I'm sorry - if you were right, I would agree with you." -Robin Williams, Awakenings
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magicmaninsd Regular user San Diego, CA 199 Posts |
Totally agree with you Andrew. When I visit websites and their blogs and notice their last entry is from 2009 I have second thought about doing business with them. That was my feeling when I had my blog. If I went over a week or so of no entry I felt guilty. It is increditbly hard to post worthwhile information client/leads will find usefull. I think the idea of making a list of 50 topics at the start is a better idea than just starting one.
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Quote:
The key is to identify your target audience before starting your blog, and then update the blog as often as you can. I think this is the key right here. A blog is a way to express yourself to your customer. Can you talk to someone at a gathering or on the phone about what you do and how it is amazing, exciting, etc? Then write that into your blog. Who are you talking to? What would you say to them if you met them at a networking meeting? If you can't pull out some excitement for your profession and put it down in writing, maybe you really are in the wrong business. Ed |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
This is funny because I had a woman last week contact me to be a ghost writer for my blog (I have no blog). Who wants her email address?
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Ken Dyne Inner circle UK 2268 Posts |
I've had a blog for 5 years...the current incarnation, look and feel is only a few months old but I've been blogging a while both for my public clients (see http://www.mindofkennedy.co.uk/top-pages/kennedys-blog/) and for fellow performers in a totally different place: (http://www.MentalUnderground.com)
I enjoy blogging, and as Mr Hyde rightly said, Google likes blogs. Not only that, psychological studies show that readers are less resistant to sales messages when presented on a blog, rather than a web site. I am a TERRIBLE writer, but I'm lucky enough to have a knack for thinking up funny, funky stuff (sometimes) so I share that instead. A Ghost Writer is one way to go, but could they write in your voice? Have your knowledge? A good Ghost Writer will want to spend some time absorbing you and your personality. I pride myself in being on the edge and so many 'social media experts' who offer done-for-you twitter and linkedin stuff openly say "I couldn't pretend to be you". Plus, that's not as honest is it. Where as magic...that's an honest thing
MR GOLDEN BALLS 2.0: https://mentalunderground.com/product/mr-golden-balls-2-0/" target="_blank"> https://mentalunderground.com/product/passed-out-deck/
BAIRN: Named 'Best Mentalism Product Of 2014 by Marketplace of the Mind is my collection of more than 40 mentalism routines in a beautiful paperback book: http://www.mentalunderground.com/product/bairn |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Ed
You have done 5 or 6 charity jobs in your life. Do you really feel qualified to tell anybody to get out of the business?
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Scott Burton Inner circle 1131 Posts |
Benefits of a particular activity must be considered along with the opportunity costs. Just because something has a benefit doesn't mean it's the best use of our time. Continually evaluate how blogging contributes to your actual sales and adjust your commitment to it accordingly. I think that blogging will be great for some but likely a waste for many others (you decide for you in your business).
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
The "5 or 6 charity jobs" that you refer to, Al, are a part of my magic business, which is a small part of the rest of my life. The statement I made did not tell anyone to "get out of the business"; it was meant as a thought-provoking challenge - if what you are doing doesn't excite you any more when you talk about it, just maybe you should consider that you're in the wrong business.
And with the life I've lived outside of magic - yes, I feel fully qualified to throw that challenge at anyone. How they respond and what they come up with at the end of that road is up to them, and there is where I am not at all qualified to tell anyone to "get out of the business". Does that clarify my statement? Ed |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Ed
With several charity jobs under your belt you are definitely fully qualified to throw your weight around.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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magicmaninsd Regular user San Diego, CA 199 Posts |
Ed, I took the statement the same way Al did. I'm a very seasoned performer in San Diego, however I admit I struggle with an interesting subject to write about as it related to magic. Maybe wth your vast knowledge of performing and marketing and seo you're better at it than me, but I will not put up useless advice just so something is up on my blog.
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
I said:
Quote:
I think this is the key right here. A blog is a way to express yourself to your customer. Can you talk to someone at a gathering or on the phone about what you do and how it is amazing, exciting, etc? Then write that into your blog. Who are you talking to? What would you say to them if you met them at a networking meeting? and: Quote:
The statement I made did not tell anyone to "get out of the business"; it was meant as a thought-provoking challenge - if what you are doing doesn't excite you any more when you talk about it, just maybe you should consider that you're in the wrong business. I was simply saying that if someone calls you on the phone to discuss a possible gig, or you met up with someone somewhere and you begin talking about your show and what it can do for them, you can usually begin to generate some excitement and enthusiasm. I was suggesting that a blog can be viewed as those kinds of conversations in a written form. It doesn't have to be useless or made-up information. What are some real questions you've responded to? What are some real and unique situations you have overcome? Why are you enthusiastic about doing the next show? What is it going to do for your customer? Day ater day for year after year, magicians answer the phone and speak to customers with (I hope) some kind of excitement and enthusiasm about what they do and how great it is to do it and how much they would like to do that for a customer. How much of that do you consider "useless information"? Yet these same magicians stare at a blank page on their computer and can't think of a single thing to write down? I understand that some people are not much for writing. I'm totally different, with a few fiction pieces written just for fun, free newspaper op-ed columns because I enjoyed it, some actual articles with my by-line, and the last 20 years as a technical write and editor. Writing isn't enjoyable for everyone, but it can be learned if it is seen as enhancing your business. No one, including me, is suggesting we throw our "useless information" just to have a blog. But a blog is a place to express your enthusiasm and excitement for why you do what you do in a written form. As I said, my statement "was meant as a thought-provoking challenge - if what you are doing doesn't excite you any more when you talk about it, just maybe you should consider that you're in the wrong business." If I'm not excited and enthused when I talk to someone about doing a show for them, how can I expect them to be excited about hiring me? This is not to say that if you don't have a blog or can't see yourself writing one that you shouldn't be a magician. I'm only thinking about - as a general rule of thumb - the ability to get a bit excited about doing your magic for someone. If you don't have that any more, maybe you would want to consider that it could be time to do something else. If you do still have it, maybe you would want to consider that it could be time to share your enthusiam in a blog. Ed PS - As far as my own business and blog are concerned, both are the beginnings of great things to come. I've never yet seen a building's foundation look as good as the finished product. Check back often and see what's happening - just watch your step and wear a hard hat, please. |
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magicmaninsd Regular user San Diego, CA 199 Posts |
Here is my position in regards to a blog: Why would a potential customer/past customer want to read a magician's blog? To get reviews of other kid friendly venues as Ed does with his blog? I don't think so. I think people read magician's blogs to see cool stuff. We are in the visual arts arena with magic being predominately a visual art form.
To say "Yet these same magicians stare at a blank page on their computer and can't think of a single thing to write down?" I think is a misconception of exactly what you do. The number one question I get almost everytime I answer the phone is "What kinds of tricks do you do?" I am going back and forth with how to convey that. Yes, I have show footage, but I don't really want to put that up on my site as I think photos do a much better job of leaving some mystery in leads' minds (but that is a whole other thread). Ed, your blog's focus as I see it is taking attention away from you as a magician. Sure you have the "What the magician thinks" section of each entry, but why even put it in your customer's mind that they can 1) Have the party at some place other than their home and spend quite a bit on an outside venue and 2) Not hire you because of the price of the kid center and the kids will be so busy with other activities at these kid centers? I love my relationships with the kid centers, but I find that customers want the cheaper shows because of the high price they're paying (we're talking $400-$500) for these kid centers. Then after cake, presents, food, my fee, the parents are in the hole close to $1000 for a bday. I like the idea of a blog, but I'm not going to put too much thought into your opinions as I've seen some of the questions you have here on the Café. Josh |
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Carducci Special user Denver 543 Posts |
Quote:
...another strong reason for having a blog is that google likes them. Quote:
...Google loves blogs which can be very helpful in your SEO efforts. Every time someone says "Google loves blogs" I die a little inside. I know the people I'm quoting here actually know this already but some people reading might not. Google's ranking algorithm has no idea if your site is a blog, has a blog, is running on a blog platform etc. To the googlebot, a website is a website is a website. What Google actually loves is (in more or less this order):
A blog sometimes contains frequently updated content and will occasionally attract many inbound links but the number of inbound links depends on the content not the format. Most blogs (mine included) are not updated frequently enough and, frankly, just aren't interesting enough to develop any kind of following or attract more than a handful of links. If you work hard, you can be one of the few but most (including me) don't. I started my blog to keep my homepage updating and also to have something interesting and regular to put on my (pathetic) facebook "fan" page. I ran out of interesting things to say a long time ago. Quote:
On 2012-02-08 09:17, MichaelDouglas wrote: MichaelDouglas. Please learn from my mistake and don't do that! I did this once and paid dearly. Stock Image copyright holders/managers are aggressive about going after infringement and they've got some fairly advanced technology to find you. The image that did me in was scaled down and semitransparent (as part of a collage) and the bots found it. That was also in 2005 and technology has come a log way since then. There are tons of free CC licensed images and tons of dirt cheap (like $1 or less) stock image sites. Make sure you're clear on the copyright and save yourself a lot of grief. |
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Josh:
I understand what you're saying, and I'm not disagreeing with any of it. As previously stated, that blog is just a start, began as a community service more than a promotional device, and will be going in different directions in later installments. (See also http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/searc......7380548) I am not holding my blog up as the perfect example for anything. Sheesh, guys! I only expressed my opinon on writing a blog with enthusiam. Can we get back to the OP?? Steve: I'm not sorry I started the blog. But it might have been better to have waited to start until I had mapped out more than two or three topics to write on. Now that it's up, though, it's one of those goads: you started this thing rolling - keep it going. Making the time to do it is always going to be an issue. Ed |
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