It’s very easy to get silo-ed within an industry and only ever look internally for the resources and information you need. One valuable strategy however, to help improve an industry as a whole (and those operating within it), is to look externally, across other industries to see what they’re doing well that can then be adopted by yours.
As most of you know, Jonathan very much has his feet planted firmly within the illustration industry but his experience running a design business online, combined with my social media marketing and business strategy experience means we’re exposed to a wider range of resources, points of view and knowledge than many.
Here I’ve pulled together 10 of the best resources I’ve come across in the past few years to share with you - all of which can be applied to your illustration business…
Marketing & Social Media
The Noob Guide to Online Marketing - a massive resource with all the tasks you need to do to market your illustration business online.
5 Reasons Why You Need a Social Media Dream Team - this is a valuable round-up of the 7 functions that social media can play (and that you need to be aware of) in helping to market your illustration business online.
HOW TO: Launch Any Product Using Social Media - A useful resource which shares 12 core things you can do when you launch a new project (book, ebook, website, gallery etc.)
Ultimate Blogger’s Guide to Search Engine Optimization - targeted at bloggers but just as applicable for your illustration portfolio website, especially if you’re focused on attracting local/location-specific clients or work in specific niche markets.
Tweeting 101: A Twitter Cheat Sheet - a great “getting started” guide for illustrators who are new to Twitter.
7 Tips and Marketing Strategies for the New Facebook Fan Pages - some great tips to make a Facebook page for your illustration business as compelling and attractive as possible.
How to Convert Your Facebook Superfans Into Brand Ambassadors - a useful resource to help you create fans and ambassadors from people who like your art.
Business Strategy, Finances & Income Streams
Why Your Blog Is Not Going to Make You Rich (or Pay Your Bills) - this advice is just as applicable to your illustration business and is one of the smartest approaches to income streams that I know.
Become a Pioneer of Your Money & Finances - this is a post I wrote as part of the Kinetiva manifesto. It’s (almost) everything I’ve learned about money. Ever!
Websites & Blogs
10 Things Every Small-Business Website Needs - Excellent advice, still highly relevant for your portfolio website.
135+ Ultimate Round-Up of WordPress Tutorials - One resource to bookmark if you do your own website and want a reference database for any tech gremlins you face!