I am often asked for recommendations on tools, courses, resources, and services available for selling art online. I have put together this art marketing resource page to help you grow your art business.
This is a list of resources I am currently using, have used in the past or have been recommended by people I trust. These are all of the tools you will need to run an online art business.
This list will continue to grow as I learn about new tools available to help you sell art online, build your art business and make your days easier.
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Art Marketing Resource
Content Marketing
WordPress – Is the only CMS (Content Management System) I use for sites I own. If you are interested in building a site for your online art business, WordPress will be everything you need.
Hosting
If you are building a WordPress site you will need to purchase a hosting service. There are many hosting services available for WordPress. The two hosting services commonly used by bloggers are HostGator and Blue Host.
HostGator is what I am currently using for this site. I am very pleased with the pricing, customer service, and the options they offer.
They make it easy for you to purchase a domain name and will have your WordPress site up and running in minutes with their WordPress Quick Install link.
Customer service is available 24/7.
Blue Host is another hosting service used by many bloggers.
They also offer a one-click WordPress installation, 24/7 customer support and offer an affordable rate.
Themes
There are thousands of blog themes available for WordPress blogs.
I strongly suggest choosing a theme that is updated regularly. The updates make it more difficult for hackers to find a hole in security.
I use and highly recommend StudioPress.com.
If you are looking for an easy solution to build a professional art website that is safe Genesis Framework by StudioPress.com is the way to go.
Extra benefits of Studio Press:
- 30-day money-back guaranteed – No risk. You lose nothing if you are not happy with the product.
- 20 mobile Optimized Themes – Google rewards mobile-optimized themes by ranking them higher in search engines.
- WordPress-Optimized Performance – Perfect for WordPress.
- Advanced SEO Functionality – Advanced SEO tools to help you optimize your site.
- One-click Install of Included Plugins – Easy to install.
- SSL Certificate through Let’s Encrypt
- Plugin and Theme Maintenance – Updated regularly.
- And much more.
The theme I use for this site is the Executive Theme. There are many other themes available for you to choose the perfect theme for your brand.
Social Share Plugins
To build an audience, you will need help from your readers. If you write content that helps, inspires and motivates your audience, they will share your posts with their friends.
You want to make it easy to have your posts shared. There are many social share plugins available for WordPress, and I have tried many of them.
Social Warfare is what I use today.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is a big asset for online art businesses and should be a part of your art marketing plan.
Here are some services and tools that many professional artists, bloggers, and I use to run an effective email marketing program.
MailChimp – Email provider that allows you to send marketing emails, automated messages, and targeted campaigns to your email list.
OptinMonster – Lead generator plugin to help collect email addresses.
AWeber – an email/newsletter management tool used by many professional online businesses. Easy to make professional newsletters that will help you convert.
Try AWeber free for 30 days! – AWeber Communications
Graphic Design Tools
Adobe Photoshop CC – Free Trial – The world’s most powerful creative imaging app available. If you would like to make professional images for your content marketing and social media marketing, Adobe Photoshop has everything you will need and more.
I use Adobe Photoshop for my more detailed designs. You will need to spend some time learning how to use this app. Once you become familiar with the features you will soon realize you will be making professional images that convert in no time at all.
Here is a great video to help get you started.
Online Image Editing Services
PicMonkey has a free and paid membership program. PicMonkey is similar to Adobe Photoshop but does have limited features. This will be a great option for you if you are new to editing photos. Once you get familiar with the editing process you might want to upgrade to a stronger software.
Canva makes making images for your social networks a breeze. They offer templates for the most popular social platforms so you will not have to edit the size of the image before uploading to your social networks.
Social Media Management Tools
Time is limited for artists operating an online business. Social media is a great way to build brand awareness but if you are not careful you could find social media will be eating up your time.
Here are some tools to help you save with your social media posts.
Buffer – offers an easy solution to scheduling social media posts. They offer free and paid membership.
Meet Edgar – is a powerful social media tool that allows you to take control of your social media updates.
CoSchedule – is a tool helps you create an editorial calendar right on your WordPress site. Stay organized all in one place.
HeyOrca! – HeyOrca is an online social media planner built for marketing agencies. Cut delays in client approvals and eliminate redundant tasks.
Online Art Marketing Courses
Nevue Fine Art Marketing Courses – These courses will go over everything you will need to know about how to start selling art online as well as advanced tactics on how to build an online audience.
Nevue Fine Art Marketing – The Ultimate Online Marketing Course
Nevue Fine Art Marketing – Developing A Niche Marketing Strategy Course
Nevue Fine Art Marketing – WordPress Basics Course
Nevue Fine Art Marketing – WordPress SEO Basics Course
Nevue Fine Art Marketing – Create An Online Art Gallery Course
Nevue Fine Art Marketing – How To Open An Etsy Store Tutorial
Nevue Fine Art Marketing – How To Write Goals Course
Monetizing Blog
Amazon Associate – Make money referring products and make a commission on sales click from affiliate links.
Adsense – Earn money by placing Google Adsense ads on your blog posts.
YouTube Ads – Monetize your YouTube videos with ads.
Art Supplies
Blick Art Materials – Save money and time purchasing your art supplies online.
Artist Supply Source – Save money and time purchasing your art supplies online.
Arteza® Art Supplies (affiliate link) – Save money and time purchasing your art supplies online.
Continued Learning Resource
Watch creative classes online from the world’s top experts at CreativeLive.com