Look, you’re an artist and you want to sell online. But selling to you might not feel intuitive.
In fact, it might feel icky because nobody wants to be sold to. But the thing is that people love to buy things.
If that wasn’t the case I wouldn’t be running my own successful enamel pin shop. But I am.
And it’s not because I spend all day telling people that they need to buy my things. I would hate to do that.
It’s really because I put a focus on using the strategies that let me feel good about what I’m doing and it’s how you can also do a better job with art sales online.
A Look at the Potential of Art Sales Online
The potential for art sales online is vast and continually growing. According to Art Basel’s annual report, the online art market sales reached an estimated $5.9 billion in 2019, up 9% from the previous year. This shows an increasing trend of collectors and buyers purchasing art online.
| Year | Online Art Sales ($ billion) |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 4.2 |
| 2018 | 5.4 |
| 2019 | 5.9 |
I could keep on going but you get the idea. More and more people are buying art online. But it’s important to understand what I mean by art when I talk about it here.
It’s anything that you create. It doesn’t have to be the Mona Lisa that someone hangs in their living room.
This shift towards online purchasing provides artists with an opportunity to reach a wider audience and sell their work globally.
Whether you’re selling original paintings, digital art, or prints, the online marketplace provides a platform for all.
For more information on how to tap into this potential, check out our guide on how to sell art online.
Understanding Your Audience
In the online art market, understanding your audience is crucial. Knowing who your potential buyers are, what they like, and how they buy art can help you position your artwork for successful online sales.
Your audience may vary based on the type of art you create. For instance, if you create abstract art, your audience might be interior designers or modern art collectors. If you create portrait art, your audience might be individuals looking for personalized gifts.
Understanding your audience is not just about knowing who they are, but also about understanding their buying behavior. Do they buy art to decorate their homes, or are they collectors investing in art? Do they prefer shopping on dedicated art selling websites, or do they find their art on social media platforms?
By understanding your audience, you can tailor your marketing strategies to reach them effectively, display your art in a way that appeals to them, and price your work appropriately.
For more tips on understanding your audience and selling your artwork, refer to the article on how to sell your artwork.
The online market unlocks a world of possibilities for artists. By understanding its potential and your audience, you can create a successful online art business.
As you navigate your way through art sales online, remember to stay true to your creativity and continue producing work that you’re passionate about.
Creating Your Online Presence
In the digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for art sales online. This helps to reach out to a wider audience and showcase your work in the best possible way. Here are some strategies for building an effective online presence.
Building a Professional Website
Your website serves as your virtual gallery, where you can showcase your artwork and tell your story. It’s essential to create a website that is visually pleasing, easy to navigate, and reflects your artistic style.
Here are some key elements to consider when building your website:
- Portfolio: Display your artwork in a clear and organized manner. Use high-quality images and provide details for each piece such as size, medium, and price.
- About Page: Introduce yourself and share your artistic journey. This helps to establish a personal connection with your audience.
- Contact Page: Make it easy for potential buyers to reach out to you. Include your email address, social media links, and an optional contact form.
- Online Store: If you plan on selling your artwork directly from your website, incorporate an online store. This allows customers to purchase your artwork with just a few clicks.
This is my shop. Its design is meant to make my audience feel welcome but also trust that this is a great place to be. Having such a design was a huge boost to my revenue and has allowed me to grow my store in ways I couldn’t imagine.
But you don’t have to start off with an amazing design like this. You can start simple and it’s one of the reasons why I love Shopify so much because you have a number of themes at your disposal.
For detailed tips on how to set up your artist website, check our article on how to sell your artwork.
Utilizing Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are powerful tools for promoting your artwork and driving traffic to your website. They offer a wide reach and multiple ways to engage with your audience.
- Instagram: A visually driven platform, perfect for showcasing your artwork, behind-the-scenes process, and studio life. Our guide on selling art on Instagram can help you get started.
- Facebook: Great for connecting with your audience on a personal level. You can share updates, engage in conversations, and even set up a shop on your Facebook page.
- Pinterest: Works like a virtual inspiration board, where you can share your artwork and ideas. It’s a useful tool for driving traffic to your website.
Remember, consistency is key. Regularly posting and engaging with your followers helps to increase your visibility and build a loyal fan base.
Without social media I’m not sure where I would be with my store. Being able to access Instagram’s community has opened so many doors for me and I love being able to interact with people from around the world.
Pssst…if you aren’t already following me on Instagram then get to it.
Engaging with Online Art Communities
You might not like the idea of networking but it’s really a great way to start to build recognition for your work. And I don’t mean networking like you do at a 9-5.
I mean joining up on some of the online art communities around like DeviantArt and Behance.
Get more of your work out there in the eyes of people is never a bad thing. Too often we can be scared to let the world know that we exist, but until they do then we can’t expect to go very far.
These platforms allow you to create your profile, share your artwork, and participate in discussions. They also offer feedback and critique systems, which can be beneficial for your artistic growth.
By building a professional website, utilizing social media, and engaging with online art communities, you can showcase your work to a wider audience and increase your chances of selling your artwork.
For more tips on selling your, check out the comprehensive guide on selling artwork online.
Showcasing Your Artwork
Showcasing your artwork effectively is crucial for successful art sales online. It’s all about creating a strong first impression and enticing potential buyers to explore your work further.
This involves using high-quality photographs and writing engaging descriptions of your art.
High-Quality Photographs of Your Art
In the online art market, buyers can’t see or touch your work in person. So, the photographs you use become incredibly important in conveying the beauty and detail of your creations.
High-quality photos are not optional. The better you can showcase your work through photography, the better chances you give yourself.
Here are some tips for photographing your artwork:
- Use a high-resolution camera: This will capture the details of your art clearly.
- Natural light is best: It helps show the true colors of your work.
- Multiple angles: Show different perspectives of your artwork to give a fuller view.
- Close-ups: Focus on the unique details of your piece.
- Framing: Make sure your entire artwork fits within the frame.
Remember, the goal is to present your art in the most appealing way possible, so take the time to capture the best photos. For more guidance on preparing your artwork for online sales, check out our article on how to sell your artwork online.
Writing Engaging Descriptions
Once you have captivating images, your next step is to complement them with engaging descriptions. Your words should convey the value, uniqueness, and story behind your artwork. This can make a significant difference in engaging potential buyers and influencing their purchase decisions.
When writing descriptions for your art, consider these points:
- Be descriptive: Describe the colors, textures, and techniques used.
- Share the inspiration: What inspired you to create this piece? Share the story.
- Include the size and medium: Provide practical information like the size, medium, and whether it’s an original or a print.
- Use keywords: Incorporate relevant art-related keywords to help potential buyers find your work online.
Your description should not only provide essential information but also evoke emotion and create a connection between the buyer and your artwork. For tips on how to effectively market your art online, check out our article on art marketing strategies.
By coupling high-quality photographs with engaging descriptions, you enhance the online presentation of your artwork. This combination is key to attracting potential buyers and encouraging them to click that ‘buy’ button. So, invest time in creating compelling visuals and narratives for your artwork – it’s an essential step towards your success in selling art online.
Pricing and Selling Your Art
As an artist ready to venture into the world of art sales online, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is determining the right price for your artwork and choosing a suitable sales platform. Doing these correctly can significantly enhance your chances of success.
Determining the Right Price
Setting the right price for your artwork can be a difficult task. You need to find a balance that reflects the time, effort, and materials you put into your creation, while also being fair and affordable to your potential buyers. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Cost of materials and time: Calculate the cost of resources used, including art supplies and your time. This should be the minimum price of your artwork.
- Market value: Research the prices of similar artworks in the online market. This will give you an idea of what customers are willing to pay.
- Your experience and reputation: If you’re a well-known artist or if your work has been recognized and awarded, you can factor this into your pricing.
For a more detailed guide on pricing your art, check out our article how to price your artwork.
Choosing a Sales Platform
Once you’ve determined the price, the next step is to choose a platform to sell your art. There are many online platforms available, each with its own set of advantages and target audiences. Here are a few options:
- Personal Website: Selling directly through your own website gives you full control over your art sales online. It allows you to build your brand and connect directly with your audience.
- Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon provide you with a large potential customer base. They handle many aspects of the selling process but usually take a percentage of your sales as commission.
- Social Media Platforms: Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube are great for showcasing your artwork and connecting with potential buyers. Plus, they’re free to use!
For more information on choosing the right platform for your art, check out our article sell art online.
Remember, when it comes to art sales online, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment with different pricing strategies and platforms to see what works best for you. Happy selling!
Marketing Strategies for Online Art Sales
Marketing your art effectively is essential for online success. It’s not just about creating fantastic artwork; you also need to get it in front of the right people. Here, we’ll explore some key marketing strategies to boost your art sales online.
SEO for Artists
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a powerful tool for getting your art noticed online. It involves optimizing your website and artwork descriptions with relevant keywords so that they rank higher in search engine results.
Start by identifying keywords that are relevant to your work and your target audience. These could be the medium you use, the style of your art, or the themes you explore. Incorporate these keywords into your website’s content, meta descriptions, image alt tags, and URLs.
Remember, SEO is not just about attracting traffic; it’s about attracting the right traffic. You want to attract people who are interested in buying art similar to yours.
Check out our article on art marketing strategies for more SEO tips.
Social Media Marketing
Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook offer a fantastic way to showcase your art and interact with potential buyers.
Create engaging posts that tell a story about your artwork. Show behind-the-scenes photos, share your process, and even post about your inspiration. This helps form a connection with your audience, making them more likely to purchase your work.
Remember to use hashtags related to your artwork to increase its visibility. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly.
For more tips on how to leverage social media for art sales, check out our articles on selling art on Instagram and selling art on Pinterest.
Email Marketing
Building an email list of interested buyers can be a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. Through email, you can keep your fans updated on your latest artworks, upcoming exhibitions, and special promotions.
When crafting your emails, keep them personal and engaging. Share stories about your art and the creative process to keep your audience engaged. Always include clear calls to action, directing your readers to your online gallery or specific artworks for sale.
Remember, consistency is key in email marketing. Regular updates keep you in your audience’s mind, increasing the chances of them becoming buyers.
For more detailed strategies on selling your artwork online, check out our comprehensive guide on how to sell your artwork.
By implementing these marketing strategies, you can increase your visibility online, attract the right audience, and ultimately, boost your art sales online. Remember, marketing is an ongoing process; keep refining your strategies based on what works best for your art business. Good luck!
Building Relationships with Buyers
When it comes to successful art sales online, building relationships with your buyers is paramount. This process involves two key components: providing excellent customer service and cultivating a loyal customer base.
Customer Service in Online Art Sales
When you’re selling your artwork online, customer service can make or break your business. It’s not just about making a sale—it’s about creating a positive buying experience that leaves your customers feeling valued and appreciated.
Responding to inquiries in a timely and professional manner is crucial. Whether the question is about the price, the size, or the inspiration behind your work, quick and thoughtful responses show your customers that you care about their concerns.
As an artist, you also need to ensure that your artwork is packaged safely for shipping. This involves using sturdy packaging materials and providing clear instructions for handling and displaying the artwork. For more tips on shipping and handling, check our guide on selling artwork online.
Additionally, consider offering a return or exchange policy. Though it’s not always feasible with original artwork, offering some form of guarantee can give your customers peace of mind and increase their confidence in purchasing your artwork.
Building a Loyal Customer Base
Once you’ve made a sale, your job isn’t over. In fact, it’s just beginning. One of the keys to successful art sales online is building a loyal customer base. These are individuals who appreciate your work, believe in your talent, and are likely to purchase from you again in the future.
You can build loyalty by staying in touch with your customers even after the sale. Send them a personalized thank you note, offer them exclusive previews of your new work, or invite them to your studio or exhibitions. These gestures can go a long way in building lasting relationships.
Also, consider starting a newsletter. This is a great way to update your followers about your latest creations, upcoming exhibitions, and any special offers or discounts. Learn more about this and other art marketing strategies in our article on art marketing strategies.
Another effective strategy is to engage with your followers on social media. Share behind-the-scenes photos, post about your creative process, or even post video tutorials. This kind of engagement can help build a community around your artwork and attract more potential buyers. Check out our guide on selling art on social media for more tips.
Remember, building relationships with your buyers is an ongoing process. It takes time, patience, and genuine engagement. But the effort you put into it can greatly enhance your success in selling your artwork online. So, keep creating, keep sharing, and keep connecting. Your art—and your audience—deserves it.
Protecting Your Art Online
Selling art online is a great way to reach a larger audience and increase your income as an artist. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to protecting your work. Let’s discuss some ways you can safeguard your art in the online space.
Watermarking and Copyright Issues
When you display your artwork online, there’s a risk that someone might use your images without your permission. One way to deter unauthorized use of your art is by watermarking your images. A watermark is a visible overlay on your image, usually your logo or name, which can help deter art theft.
Copyrighting your art is another way to protect your work. By copyrighting your art, you have legal proof that you own the rights to your art and can take legal action against unauthorized use.
Remember, as soon as you create a piece of art, you own the copyright to it. However, registering your copyright provides evidence that you are indeed the original creator of the work. For more information on copyright laws for artists, check out our article on art branding and identity.
Shipping and Handling Challenges
With art sales online, you need to ensure that your art reaches your customers in perfect condition. This requires careful packaging and choosing a reliable courier service.
For paintings and prints, use bubble wrap to protect the surface and corners of your art. You can place the wrapped art in a box filled with packing peanuts for extra protection. For smaller artworks, a padded envelope might suffice.
When choosing a courier service, look for one that offers insurance, especially for higher-priced art pieces. This way, you’re covered in case your artwork gets damaged during transit.
Also, keep in mind that shipping costs can add up, especially for international shipping. Be sure to factor these costs into your pricing or clearly state that shipping is extra to avoid any misunderstandings with your customers.
Selling your art online can be a fruitful venture if you’re equipped with the right knowledge and tools. From how to price your artwork to art marketing strategies, our website offers a wealth of resources to help you succeed in your online art business. Happy selling!
