There are many aspects to consider when you try to earn a living as an artist. One point that’s often overlooked is the promotional side. Even if you craft the most amazing artwork, it can struggle to hit the mark if you fail to get it in front of the right people.
The following five tips will help you to effectively promote your work.
1. Get on Instagram
There are numerous social media channels out there. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest – the list goes on and on. However, when it comes to promoting visual content – aka your artwork – one of the best options is undoubtedly Instagram.
As well as possessing one of the biggest global social media audiences, Instagram is built for creative, eye-catching content. Your artwork can be shown off in all its glory. Plus, if your work is top-tier stuff, it’s a quick and effective way to get eyes on your creations. You never know: you may even go viral and build a new audience virtually overnight.
When it comes to using Instagram, it’s important you know how to get the most out of this platform. There are various tips and tricks like engaging with other content, running contests, incorporating hashtags, etc. However, one of the most effective – and easiest – tactics is to simply swap your personal Instagram account for a creator account.
A creator account supplies you with access to additional tools that are otherwise unavailable. You gain category labels, a secondary inbox, a professional dashboard, the ability to schedule posts, and more. For a whole lot more information, Sprout Social has an in-depth guide about what is a creator account on Instagram.
2. Build a portfolio website
You already have social media profiles. Why would you need to create a website? While it’s not essential, a portfolio website supplies you with several benefits – the type you won’t find elsewhere.
Firstly, it gives you an online space that can be unequivocally you. There are no restrictions in terms of design and style, and you’re not constrained by the limitations of social media platforms. This means you have the ability to truly bring your artistic side to the forefront.
Another big advantage is the ability to have your art found in search engine results. With the right search engine optimization (SEO), it’s possible to attract organic traffic to your site, aka people that are interested in the type of creations you are forging.
3. Create videos
With your visual marketing efforts, you can take it to the next level by creating videos. There are various paths you can take in that regard. You could produce timelapse videos as you’re working on your latest piece, for example, or you may decide to create step-by-step instructional guides.
Videos are a great option if you decide to start a TikTok or YouTube channel. Furthermore, the videos you create can then be repurposed for your other social media platforms.
4. Sell on various marketplaces
There are numerous reasons why you might have decided to only sell on a single platform. It may provide the best rates and customer base. Yet when it comes to promotion, it makes a lot of sense to spread your wings, sell across various marketplaces, and maximize exposure.
Etsy, eBay, Amazon, Artfinder, Redbubble – you have ample choice when it comes to online marketplaces for selling art. Your audience won’t all use the same platform, so it isn’t wise to only use a single one to sell your art.
There are certain choices that won’t fit your approach – a print-on-demand marketplace isn’t going to work if you sell original paintings for example – but try and use multiple options when possible. It’ll increase visibility for your work and produce extra sales.
5. Take on commissions and freelance projects
As a promotional tactic, this might not seem like a suitable pick for this list. However, taking on commissions and freelance projects can help to boost your profile – even if it’s only indirect.
Think about it. Say you get a message on Instagram from an interested party. They request a bespoke painting, a price is agreed, and you deliver the goods. Not only do you have an extra piece of art for your portfolio – and some extra cash in your pocket – but there’s the possibility the client also promotes your work on their social channels.
You don’t necessarily have to sit back and wait for proposals to land in your lap, either. You can take the initiative and bid for any freelance projects you feel are a suitable fit. These projects can be found on platforms like Freelancer and 99designs.
