For an actor, blogging can be a powerful way to increase visibility, nurture a fan base and showcase your talent. Here are five practical ways to use your blog to promote your acting career and build a following of loyal fans:
1. Tell Engaging Stories
Blogs are most effective when they attract a loyal readership. And the best way to do this is to entertain, inform and engage your audience. Write about things that are worth their time to read … be it on an emotional level or a professional level.
Actor/Director Kevin Smith shares events from his life on his blog, silentbobspeaks.com. Trevor Kimball shares his personal journey being an actor as well as tips and advice about the craft of acting on his blog, www.anactorsjourney.com. Although completely different in tone, both blogs give readers a sense of the writer’s personality.
2. Write Reviews
Maybe in addition to being an actor, you’re a movie, TV or theater critic. Why not share your unique perspective on the movies and shows that you see? The way you experience a show will be very different from the way someone without acting training experiences a show … and your perspective can be very interesting to non-actors.
Don’t make your reviews all sugar and roses, let your readers know the faults of the productions you review. Try to be objective. And don’t think narrowly about this technique – reviews can include DVD reviews using your Amazon affiliate link. (Why not get some affiliate income on the side?)
3. Hold Contests
This is a great way to get your fans interacting with you online. Announce your contest in a blog post and have your readers write their submissions in the comment box. Want to hold a raffle? Have your readers leave their names in the same comment box. The possibilities for contests are limitless, and blogs make all of them possible. Samuel L. Jackson uses this technique to some degree on his website, samuelljackson.com.
4. Gather Feedback
Would you like to know what your fans want? Ask them! Post surveys and polls on your blog. Encourage readers to post feedback in the comment box. The blogging platform truly gives you the power to gather instant and valuable feedback from your audience.
5. Promote Projects
Your blog can be an excellent platform for promoting your latest acting project or even a cause that you feel strongly about. If your following is large or active enough, your blog could help fill seats, sell DVDs or raise significant money for charity. And, at the same time, these activities help your audience feel more connected to you.
