It's been good to be back working at improving and marketing My Highland Dance Notebook. When I reflect on why there was such a long gap of activity, and what my life looks like now compared to 3 years ago, it's pretty substantial.
- Two new sons-in-law
- Two new granddaughters
- A new son, arriving at 5 weeks old
- A daughter now in university
...and other drama I won't get into on a blog. :)
I've just finished a series of posts where each book is highlighted, and then a single post about my website overhaul. I really enjoy making Canva designs and with the pro version, there is lots to choose from. I've been joining new Facebook groups and posting there where I'm allowed. I've put sale posts on Marketplace and Kijiji. I've been liking and following new groups, pages, and studios on Instagram and Facebook. I discovered that I had a marketing spreadsheet list of highland dance studios, stores, and organizations, so I went through that and updated it. There were sadly a few who are now defunct.
A number of years ago, when I was running a small studio for preschool music classes, I did a fair bit of reading and research about marketing, specifically digital. A lot of that stuck with me, and I'm still using it now.
I have discovered however, how helpful AI can be! Generally, I don't use it for anything except in the Google browser for searches. I used ChatGPT once to create a small cartoon figure for one of my music theory worksheets. Recently we started adoption proceedings and we're attempting to do it without a lawyer. AI was super helpful in identifying the right forms, and even supplying text for some of the affidavits. I've been careful to doublecheck the information as it was supplied, but in many ways, it's been just as helpful as a lawyer.
So then I turned to it again for another marketing step I've been thinking about for the last five years, ever since I published my first MHDN's.
When I used to take Honour to highland dance competitions, there would always be vendor tables set up with costume pieces, accessories, and related gift items. When Stéphane Beguinot and I released the French translations, he later sent pictures of them being offered on vendor tables at European competitions. This is what I would like to see here in Ontario.
And so, I started reading up on how abouts to do that. AI was only too happy to help. I'll stop now and continue if and when I see any success from my efforts. 🤞
