The internet and social media are redefining how artists and businesses large and small do businesses. How did art and social media change the art world?
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Facebook did not exist when I started selling my art online. There was hardly any competition, which made it easy for me to drive traffic to my online art gallery.
Online art sales have steadily increased over the past ten years and are continuing to grow, but it is becoming more difficult for artists to have their art seen online.
Why is online art sales increasing?
The main reason is that people feel safe in purchasing goods online now. When I started my e-commerce store, people did not feel comfortable purchasing online. It didn’t take long for people to realize that shopping online was not only safe, but it was convenient.
Soon artists and small businesses started to sell and promote their businesses online.
The internet changes the playing field for large and small businesses.
Businesses with the most significant marketing budget like Coke, Budweiser, and Nike started to realize that small companies could reach a broad audience online. Small companies didn’t have to invest in television commercials, newspaper ads, radio ads, and bulletin boards.
Every business was now equal.
The businesses that thrived were the ones who learned about digital marketing.
Then social media came along.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter changed how people socialize and meet new people.
Marketers soon realized that they could promote their products and businesses on social media for free and reach a broader audience.
It did not take long for social media newsfeeds to become over-saturated with advertisements.
Social media networks new they had to make a drastic change in their algorithm if they wanted people to continue to use their services.
People went on social media to meet new people and to stay in touch with their friends and family not to see advertisements.
The end result. It is more difficult for artists to reach their following online.
So how can artists build a business online, sell more art, reach more people, and grow their audience with social media?
1. Engage With Your Art Collectors
Social media has made it possible for artists to communicate, get into a conversation, and build relationships with their art collectors in realtime.
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are the social media powerhouses that have made it possible for artists to build their brand and grow their audience online.
Facebook and Twitter provide a way for you to communicate with your fans about you and your art business.
You can share your mission statement, vision, and goals as a real person, not a “sales” person.
Potential art collectors can inquire about a new piece of art you are creating or one that you have for sale on your artist website.
I can not tell you how many times I landed a sale before I had the piece completed because I was posting in-progress photos.
Instagram allows you to have a virtual online art gallery that can help you to build brand awarness.
2. Solopreneur Artists
I decided to sell my art online because I lived in a small town where there were no art galleries, and I did know much about local craft fairs.
To be honest, I did not know what to expect. I didn’t know anything about selling online or how to promote my art online.
I spent every spare minute I had to learn how to sell and market online.
And you can see the same success I have received as long as you are willing to put in the work.
All the tools you need to start and grow a thriving art business is right at your fingertips.
For example, Instagram has become an artist’s virtual art gallery making it possible for critics and collectors to enjoy art from artists around the world.
Facebook and Twitter make it possable to converse with your fans.
Blogging allows you to drive organic traffic to your artist website.
Websites allow you to have a place where people can purchase your products online.
The internet provides everything you will need to start and grow your online art business.
3. Increase profits
Artists no longer have to pay high commissions to art galleries, art agencies, and dealers.
Instead of working with galleries and dealers, you can promote your art on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and collect the full asking price of your artwork.
- Drive Traffic To Your Artist Website
If you have a website for your art business, you own a virtual art gallery where people can visit, view, and purchase your artwork.
Social media allows you to communicate with your audience and provides a way to direct them to your artist website.
Always include a link to a blog post or art that relates to the topic you are sharing on social media.
When I started selling art online, I had to focus on SEO and keywords to drive organic traffic to my site.
Altho organic traffic is still crucial for online businesses. Social media provides another way you can boost your site’s traffic.
Conclusion:
Social media has not only changed the way people interact with one another, but it has also made it possible for artists to build a thriving art business.
Social media will help you to build a more significant following than you could have ever imagined.
Take the time to learn how to market and promote your art on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
It will take some work, but your efforts will be paid off with more art sales.
Popular Art Marketing And Sales Tutorials
Below are some of the most famous art marketing courses that will grow your online art business:
Most Popular – How to Make a Living Selling What You Make by Megan Auman
Most Popular – Build a Successful Creative Blog by April Bowles-Olin
How to Build a Business While Learning Your Craft by Megan Auman
Pinterest Marketing for Makers & Designers by Megan Auman
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