In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for any art business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your reach (don’t worry if you’re new and don’t know what that means), utilizing social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, along with a juicy website, can make you stand out and attract potential buyers. Here’s some of my thoughts on how to effectively use these tools to build and grow your online art business.
Instagram: Visual Storytelling at Its Best
Instagram is a powerful platform for artists due to its visual nature. It can feel cumbersome and even somewhat daunting when you’re just getting started, so don’t try to do it all at once. Focus on just one thing at a time until it all starts to feel easier.
- Create a Business Profile: Switch to a creator account to access insights and promotional tools. This will allow you to track engagement and reach. I avoid switching to a business account, as that will limit the music I’m able to access when creating content within the platform.
- Use Stories and Reels: Engage your audience with behind-the-scenes content, work-in-progress shots, and time-lapse videos of you creating art. Stories and Reels are great for showing your personality and process. I even show my cats enjoying life in my studio and post stories that feature outings I embark on.
- Hashtags and Captions: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts – the keyword there is relevant, make sure they have a connection to the content you’re posting. Write engaging captions that tell the story behind your artwork, share your inspirations, or ask questions to encourage interaction.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages, engage with other artists, and participate in relevant conversations. Building a community around your art is key to growing your following.
Facebook: Building Community and Driving Sales
Facebook: Building Community and Driving Sales
Facebook offers a range of features that can help you connect with your audience and drive sales:
- Create a Professional Page: Set up a Facebook Page dedicated to your art business. Include all relevant information such as your bio, contact details, and links to your website.
- Post Regular Updates: Share updates about new artwork, upcoming exhibitions, and special promotions. Use a mix of images, videos, and text posts to keep your audience engaged.
- Join and Create Groups: Join art-related groups to network with other artists and potential buyers. Consider creating your own group to build a community around your art.
Live Videos: I am sooooo guilty of not doing this as often as I could. It seems like a hassle, but I ALWAYS feel great after I’ve interacted with the people who love my work. You could host live painting sessions, Q&A sessions, or give virtual studio tours – ESPECIALLY if your studio is a little unorthodox, or messy. People love to see how artists live and where they create. Live videos are a great way to engage with your audience in real-time and create a personal connection and nothing’s more personal than them feeling like they’ve peeped in your windows to see your messy space!
Your Website: Your Digital Gallery
A robust (ew – I dislike that word, but it really is a perfect one in this case) website is essential for showcasing your portfolio and providing a central hub for your art business:
- Portfolio: Create an online gallery that displays your artwork in high resolution. Organize your portfolio by categories or collections to make it easy for visitors to navigate.
- E-Commerce Integration: Set up an online store where visitors can purchase your art. Use cutting-edge e-commerce features such as secure payment gateways, customer reviews, and product recommendations to enhance the shopping experience.
- Blog: Maintain a blog where you share insights into your creative process, tips for aspiring artists, and updates on your latest projects. Regularly updating your blog can help improve your website’s SEO and attract more visitors.
- Contact Information: Make it easy for potential buyers and collaborators to contact you. Include a contact form, email address, and links to your social media profiles.
Newsletter Sign-Up: Encourage visitors to sign up for your newsletter. Use it to send regular updates, exclusive offers, and behind-the-scenes content to your subscribers.
Seeking Reader Input on Pinterest and LinkedIn
While Instagram, Facebook, and your website are the primary tools for building your online presence, platforms like Pinterest and LinkedIn can also offer valuable opportunities. I don’t currently use Pinterest or LinkedIn in my art business, though. I’ve just found that I don’t have enough time to do it all – and I hope you don’t worry if you don’t either! But, if you have experience with these platforms, I would love to hear your insights and tips on how they can be effectively used to promote and sell art. Your input can help shape future strategies and provide additional resources for our community.
Creating an online presence for your art business involves leveraging the strengths of different platforms to showcase your work, engage with your audience, and drive sales. By effectively using Instagram, Facebook, and a robust website, you can build a strong digital presence that enhances your visibility and helps you connect with potential buyers. Embrace these tools, do your best to stay consistent with your efforts, and watch your online art business grow.