How artists can use the contact list to get results

You were . You've accumulated a bunch of business cards and an email pad of people who love your work. You have added them to your contact list. Now what?

Don't just collect contacts, use them to grow your art business! The more times interested buyers and contacts see your art and get to know you as a person, the more likely they are to buy your work or collaborate with you.

And so, what are you waiting for? Here are six ways to effectively use your contact list today:

1. Keep track of your list

Your contacts are gold, so treat them accordingly. Like any precious material, your contacts are useless if you don't keep track of them. Every time you meet someone who loves your art, be sure to get their full name, email address, and phone number. Ask for their mailing address if you think they are candidates for snail mail - see tip #5.

Make notes about where you met the person—at an art fair or gallery, for example—and any other important details about them. This may include a specific part they are interested in or a request for more information. Providing context for the contact will help you build a relationship with them in the future.

Now that you have the information, treasure it. Put it on an easy-to-use contact tracing system like , not on a note that's easy to lose.

2. Send a "Nice to meet you" message every time.

Every time you meet someone who is interested in your art, send them an email. It doesn't matter if you met them at an art festival or at a party where they were watching your art on a smartphone. It's worth building relationships with people who love your art. The more they get to know you and your work, the more likely they are to want to support you and buy your art.

Contact them via email within 24 hours of the meeting. Say "nice to meet you" and thank them for their interest in your work. If you haven't asked them personally, ask if they would like to be part of your mailing list. If not, see tip #3.

3. Sign up with your personal email

Build personal connections with your most avid fans by emailing them with a quick note from time to time. It keeps you in the spotlight so you won't be forgotten. These notes can include previews of upcoming shows, invitations to visit the studio, and new productions you think they'll enjoy. Don't overload them - a good motto is "quality over quantity". Above all, be sure to focus on the person and create a real connection.

4. Share your world with email newsletters

is a great way to keep your fans and former clients up to date on you and your work. You send emails to people who have asked to be there or have shown interest in your work, so they are a friendly audience. You can send out your newsletter every week, twice a month, once a month - whatever you see as a reasonable obligation while still maintaining quality content.

Be sure to give recipients a sense of who they are as an artist, not just business information like sales and subscriptions. Share your personal artistic accomplishments, inspiration, and images of work in progress. Seeing work in progress creates a closer connection to the final piece. Be the first to let them know when galleries open with your work, new creations, exclusive prints and commission opportunities. Make your contacts feel special.

5. Surprise your best contacts with Snail Mail

In our email overloaded world, receiving a personal card in the mail is a pleasant surprise. Moreover, this cannot be considered spam and will not be removed. Do this trick with your key contacts, such as key prospects, strong supporters, and collectors. Send a card with your picture on the cover to remind them who you are and show off your new work!

Postcards take longer to write than email, so be selective and only mail them three to four times a year. It's good to send a "Nice to meet you" postcard immediately after meeting someone who has shown great interest in your art. Be sure to listen to what people are saying so that your note is thoughtful and sincere. And save the file so you can celebrate special events in the lives of your key contacts. You may also want to consider sending a discount certificate or free sketch offer on your next purchase.

6. End emails with bland promotions

While it's important to maintain a personal connection with your contacts, you shouldn't forget to grow your business at the same time. Consider ending your emails with "thank you" and then directing them back to an online marketplace where they can see more of your work.

All you need is something along the lines of, "If you want to see more of my work, check it out." It can be at the bottom of your newsletter and in personal follow-up emails when appropriate. Bringing potential buyers back to your art results in more exposure. And more people who see your art is always good!

Looking for more ideas to impress your contact list? Verify .