Marketing is a combination of everything you do to sell or gain recognition for your art.
Olivia Alexander, Ocean Dance 4. Mixed media on Belgian linen, 20 x 20 cm. ©The Artist
Artists frequently think of marketing in these terms:
- Keeping up a mailing list (and using it!)
- Printing postcards, brochures, and flyers
- Maintaining websites and blogs
- Interacting through social media sites
- Writing newsletters and articles
- Sending media releases
- Exhibiting your art
- Entering competitions
- Networking
- Speaking to audiences
But excellent marketing also consists of the following:
- Making the best art you can
- Pricing your art appropriately
- Speaking kindly to others in your festival booth or co-op space
- Handling business phone calls and emails in a professional manner
- Being a valuable source for students in your classes and workshops
- Meeting deadlines
- Exceeding expectations
- Following up with leads
- Budgeting
Where is your marketing falling short?
Get straight with your goals. Join the Blast Off class that starts today.
http://artbizcoach.com/bo.html
http://artbizcoach.com/bo.html
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post! I think the best thing you can do for your business is to keep your promises, even if you only make them to yourself. If you say you’re going to finish a painting today, do it. If you say you’re going to apply for a juried craft show, do it. If you keep your promises to yourself and to others, it’ll make a big difference in your marketing and business success.
Sometimes we are enthusiastic in getting our name out there but fall short when it comes to the follow-through. Recently, I had the opportunity to recommend a friend’s artwork for exhibit. The artist was pleased with the exposure but when it came time to send in additional information and photos, it was like pulling teeth to get a response. I learned a lesson both in recommending others and making sure I always follow-up with the opportunities I have.
Sharon: I hear this so much! Would you recommend this artist in the future? The problem is that then you have to expend too much energy following up with her.
When I launched my website in May 2010 offering online jewelry making lessons – http://untamedspiritstudios.com, my mailing list sign-up page incorporated elements that Alyson recommends on page 100 of “I’d rather be in the studio” and in her course, Cultivating Collectors. I also included three free gifts as a thank you to people who join “Stay in the Loop”. Even though I’m a new name to many people, my mailing list sign-ups have been steady. Thanks for the great advice Alyson!
Kim: Any idea what has been most effective? Do you tell people they get 3 free gifts?
For some reason Kim couldn’t post a response to my questions. Here’s what she wanted to say:
Alyson: In response to your questions, I tell customers on my home page that they receive three free gifts (in bold and italics) when they sign-up for my mailing list. I also have two eye-catching images posted from one of the gifts they receive. In addition, I offer several free samples on my site that customers can download without needing to sign-up for anything. I recall this was one of your suggestions in a one-to-one consultation session we had. Thanks! This combination has been quite effective – http://untamedspiritstudios.com
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