Blogging can be an effective way for stores to bring in new business, but it's tricky to find the right balance between engaging content and self-promotion. Here are 10 stores that got it right — their blogs remain at the top of our bookmarks for inspiration, project ideas, trends, and product spotting.

• 2Modern: BLOG: 2Modern Blog
  Online shop 2Modern posts interviews with designers, roundups of new products, tips from the trade, and general inspiration. With a full roster of contributors, they stay up to date on the latest design trends.
• Design Public: BLOG: Hatch
  This webshop posts projects, inspiration, and personal photos from contributors. It's an entertaining read that covers "chit-chat on design, art, fashion and more."
• Purl Soho: BLOG: The Purl Bee
  This is one of our all-time favorite project blogs. The site is filled with gorgeous photos and step-by-step instructions for quiltmaking, sewing, and knitting — all dreamed up by the talented Purl staff.
• The Curiosity Shoppe: BLOG: Smarts and Crafts
  San Francisco shopkeepers Lauren Smith and Derek Fagerstrom have a background in DIY media, having worked with Todd Oldham, ReadyMade Magazine, and Design Sponge.
• Design Within Reach: BLOG: Design Notes
  One of the longest lived store blogs, DWR's Design Notes dips into mid-century modern history and current design trends. They also post warehouse sales and markdowns here.
• High Street Market: BLOG: High Street Market
  Interior designer Kelly Galvin Robson runs a vintage Etsy shop from her 120-year-old house in Philadelphia. She posts the restoration process on her blog, along with inspirational photos and project ideas.
• Le Souk: BLOG: The Style Files
  Based in the Netherlands, Danielle de Lange runs online store Le Souk, but she's probably best known internationally as the author of the Style Files, a blog that aggregates the web's most beautiful inspirational photos.
• Renegade Handmade: BLOG: Renegade Blog
  This Chicago store is the brick and mortar incarnation of the popular Renegade Craft Fair. Their blog features independent designers, craftspeople, and artwork.
• Hindsvik: BLOG: Hindsvik Blog
  One of our favorite Etsy shops, Hindsvik has a well curated selection of vintage housewares. Owners Daniel and Valeria also have a blog "about the young couple renovating and redecorating their first home together."
• The Post Family: BLOG: The Post Family
  They're an "art & design collective, blog, gallery, store and website." Their blog is rich in graphic design, artist studio tours, interviews with designers, and random finds from around the web.

Photo: High Street Market Blog