Combining a Personal Brand With a Popular Blog: How Tara Gentile Does It
Tara Gentile and I connected a few years ago. Since then, I’ve watched her blog, Scoutie Girl, explode into one of the top online resources for passionate creatives.
I recently noticed Tara’s blog and personal site have undergone a redesign. Curious about the process, I asked her a few questions. She was kind enough to let me share her answers. My questions are in bold.
First, I LOVE the design, especially the icon you created for yourself. Did you create a brand strategy as a foundation for this new look, or did you just go with what felt right? (And is this your work, or someone else’s?)
Tara: Thanks! The change at Scoutie Girl is a part of a greater transition of my business as a whole.
As my business has grown, changed, and refocused, it was important for me to step away from Scoutie Girl as an identity for myself and allow it to live & breathe on its own as an identity for a movement. Continue reading
Building An Online Community Of Women Entrepreneurs
In 2008, Lynn Baldwin-Rhoades created her own online community for women entrepreneurs. Today, Power Chicks International overflows with content and helpful resources. I asked Lynn to answer a few questions about her marketing and her experiences in business.
One Woman Marketing: What was the inspiration behind Power Chicks International?
The inspiration was my own struggle to grow a brand-new business. In late 2008, I left my steady corporate job because I knew there was so much more for me to do in the world. I had a deep desire to live life on my own terms – and for me, that meant diving headlong into the entrepreneurial life.
Because I’d been in marketing for so long, I thought creating a marketing company was a slam-dunk. It was incredibly tough, though and of course, the economy was limping along then. The first year, I made a pittance! Continue reading
How One Artist Fits Online Marketing Into A Busy Schedule
Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Debi Watson. Debi is a watercolor artist whose paintings have won awards in juried shows across the nation. She’s also my mom.
For a visual artist, having your art online is the modern version of a business card. It’s just expected. Yet for many artists my age, finding our way around the internet is like living in a foreign country without knowing the language.
I’m no computer geek, but I actually embraced computers from their beginning. I took Fortran in college. I had a blog. When I started painting seriously, I created one web site, then another. I started an online newsletter, and began growing a mailing list. Technology changed rapidly, often forcing me to let go of programs I was comfortable with for the new and scary. Continue reading
How One Woman Photographer Started Her Own Street Team
When you see the magic captured by Beth Cardwell’s photography, you’ll have no trouble believing that she’s often swamped with work. But talent is only one ingredient in her successful photography business. Beth is also a brilliant marketer whose creative promotions are constantly attracting new clients.
Last February, Beth offered mini photo sessions for custom kids’ valentines. In December, she invited blog readers to nominate loved ones for a photo session and vote on the winners.
The Senior Street Team
Beth’s latest promotion wowed me so much that I wanted to share it with you. Like many photographers, high school senior portraits make up a big part of Beth’s business. To help spread the word about her services, she’s creating her own team of senior representatives. Continue reading
