How to Effectively Promote Your Art Online with Corey Huff

Looking for an art marketing expert? Corey Huff is a proven internet marketing genius! He has been teaching artists effective online marketing since 2009. Through blog posts, coaching, podcasts and webinars, Corey helps artists take control of their art business. Whether it's using social media or email marketing, Corey knows how to help you successfully market and sell your work. We asked Corey for some tips on how artists can effectively market their art online.

Use social networks

Depending on who your audience is, social media can be really helpful. I would narrow your focus to Facebook and Instagram.

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but. Share and promote your art on Facebook

Facebook is huge - it has so many users, groups and subgroups. I see a lot of artists gaining a foothold on Facebook by joining groups. For example, if you're a spiritual artist, there are a couple of dozen mindfulness and meditation groups on Facebook. Participate in these communities and connect with people who are potentially interested in your art. You can also create your own Facebook page. Showcase photos of your work in progress, in the studio and in your customers' homes.

"Facebook can lead you to more sales in the future." -Corey Huff

I recommend having an advertising budget. You can make $5 a day for a couple of weeks and get good results if you know what you're doing. Facebook is generally a losing leader strategy. If you want to sell pieces for $10,000, chances are you won't be able to do it on Facebook. But artists can sell artwork for $1,000 and $2,000 online, and often sell quite a few pieces for less than $1,000. Later, when they get to know you and your work, sell more to these buyers. Facebook can lead you to more sales in the future. Target people based on their interests and activities. For example, I worked with an artist in Hawaii who created traditional Hawaiian art. We only targeted people who live in Hawaii, are between the ages of 25 and 60, speak English, and have college degrees. We launched ads targeted at this particular audience. The artist spent $30 on Facebook ads and sold $3,000 worth of works. It doesn't always work that way, but it can.

b. Attract dealers and collectors on Instagram

Instagram is an image-only and mobile-only network. People can view images on their phone, and people can easily swipe through the artwork. It is ideal for artists who want to capture the attention of art dealers and agents. Instagram is a must if you are looking for them. You can also use Instagram to sell directly to art collectors. There are a lot of art collectors on Instagram looking for the next best artist. sold $30,000 worth of artwork on Instagram. Vogue says Instagram is a . It's full of wealthy people looking for the next great artist.

Take Advantage of Email Marketing

Email marketing is perhaps the most underrated form of art marketing. Artists dodge this to their own detriment. They usually access social networks without even sending an email. The problem with just social media marketing is that people are mostly there to socialize. Your images compete with thousands of other social media distractions. Email is a direct route to someone's mailbox. (Look at Corey Huff.)

but. Build relationships with email

Your emails should be about building relationships with your contacts. If you are selling a small item to a collector and receive his or her email address, you should send a thank you email. Also say, "If you're interested, here's a link to my website/portfolio." After another week, send an email telling the collector why you create the art you do. Give an idea of ​​what creating your work is like in the form of a video or a link to a blog post. People love behind the scenes and previews of what's coming next. Give them a teaser every few weeks. It could be upcoming work and past successes - for example, your work in other people's houses. Seeing their work in someone else's collection gives people social proof.

"Someone buys a new thing from every letter she sends." -Corey Huff

b. Send emails as often as you like

Artists often ask me how often should I email? More important question: How often can I be interesting? I know some daily artists who email artists three to five times a week. The Daily Painter creates a new series of 100 items two to three times a year. She emails her list three to five times a week with a new installment in her series. .

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