As a result of conducting workshops over the years, I have discovered that some of the same questions come up repeatedly – questions that could be quickly answered by pointing students to an old blog post or resource.
When this happens, I respond: “I'll give you all the details for that in the follow-up information.” After they hear this a few times, they are enthusiastic about what they'll be receiving long after the workshop is over.
I ask an assistant to write down any new questions that aren't already on my follow-up page (I know by now what is there) and promise to include that in the post-workshop material.
Please note that this doesn't mean I don't respond to questions at a workshop. That's not at all the case! It just means that I don't need to spend time, for instance, reciting a list of artist software when I can just point students to a blog post.
After the workshop, perhaps 5 days later, I send all students an email with a link to a special page just for them. This page has about 20 additional, highly relevant resources.
I opt for doing it this way because:
- It allows me to put my name in front of students once again.
- It gets them to visit my site and become familiar with it.
- The page also, not coincidentally, advertises my next online class in big, bold letters.
It would be an error to give workshop participants everything in the handouts or in the body of an email. I want them to visit ArtBizCoach.com!
For their troubles, they'll be rewarded with extremely helpful resources.
5 thoughts on “How to Get Students to Visit Your Site”
I’m just finding my way into retirement from public education. I have immersed myself in your tips and wisdom for the last year, even though I’m not sure whether my focus will be art, writing, or both~you are already a solid source of inspiration and information.
I have scoured your blogs and newsletters, happy with the concrete tips and delighted with your consistent ‘voice’. Thanks, and I look forward to meeting you at one of your classes in the future.
Thank you for this. I have given out countless sheets of paper with information on various aspects of creating art: tips and techniques, etc. I like the idea of offering an after the workshop type of material. Most times some of what I have given out is beyond the capability of some of the artists at the class or workshop. This solves a dilemma for me. Creating an “added” value to taking the class or workshop is great … these tips and technique sheets!
Great idea! And it makes much more sense, when people have had a little time to digest what you covered in the workshop, to send this as reinforcement.
Try it sometime, Karen!
Alyson, this post is very timely for me. I have been teaching social media and art business webinars on the Internet, but this October I am teaching a ‘live’ painting/social media workshop for artists right out of my studio! So, your timely tips are a helpful reminder to follow up with my students ‘after’ the workshop.
Cheers,
Lori
PS. FYI http://www.finearttips.com/2012/09/autumn-plein-air-painting-social-media-workshop-with-lori-mcnee/