But first, what exactly is Zazzle? In short, Zazzle is a print on demand marketplace where you can create designs for real life products, like art prints, t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. Then, those products are printed and shipped to customers after they order them. This eliminates the need for inventory and allows you to focus on creating and marketing your designs!
Zazzle is just one of many print on demand marketplaces that you can use to sell products from your art.
I really like Zazzle because they offer a wide range of products, from apparel to home décor to electronics, so you can create a diverse product line that appeals to your audience.
With thousands of shoppers from around the world browsing the site every day, Zazzle has a huge customer base. And their platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, so you can focus on designing and marketing your products without getting bogged down by technical details.
In my Skillshare class, Sell Your Art Online with Zazzle, I’ll guide you through the entire process of setting up your own Zazzle store, from designing your products to customizing your storefront and much more.
Before diving in, check out the class trailer below to get an idea of what you’ll learn and see if it’s right for you. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or post a comment below. I’m here to support you and help you succeed!
Here’s a peek at what we’ll cover in the class:
Setting up your store
Navigating the Zazzle website
Creating multiple product types from simple to advanced
Raising your ZRank
Organizing your store using Categories and Collections
Tips and tricks to streamline product creation
Creating custom banners and cover images for Collections and Categories
Customizing your store front
Additional pro tips from a Pro Bronze seller with nearly 10 years of experience
You can watch my Skillshare class for free with a one-month trial membership using my link.
This means you’ll have access to not only my class, but also thousands of other classes on Skillshare, including classes on graphic design, branding, and social media marketing.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Zazzle seller, there’s something for you in this class. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Running a successful art business requires more than just creativity and talent. It also requires a solid plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and resources. An art business plan can help you stay focused, organized, and motivated as you navigate the ups and downs of running a business. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to take your business to the next level, or a beginner just starting out, this guide will help you create a roadmap for success.
As an artist who has turned my passion into a successful business, I understand the importance of having a well-crafted business plan. Over the years, I have honed my skills and learned what it takes to make an income as an artist, and I want to share my knowledge with you. By following the steps outlined in this post, I believe that you too can create a solid art business plan that will help you achieve your goals and build a sustainable career.
Why You Need an Art Business Plan
An art business plan is a roadmap for artists to achieve their professional goals. Whether you’re just starting out or have been selling your art for a while, having a solid business plan is crucial for success. Think of it as a roadmap that will guide you towards achieving your goals and making your art business dreams a reality. Don’t worry if you’ve never written a business plan before, it doesn’t have to be super complicated or intimidating. You can make it as detailed or as simple as you like, just start somewhere!
As we go through this post, make sure to take notes on all the sections we cover. You can keep your art business plan in a notebook, a Google doc, or a Word document. I also have a Notion template that you can use as a starting point.
What to Include in Your Art Business Plan
When it comes to creating your art business plan, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your plan should be customized to fit your unique goals, vision, and circumstances. However, there are certain elements that most art business plans have in common. Here are some key sections to include:
Business Summary: This section should include a brief overview of your business, your mission statement, and your unique selling proposition.
Market Analysis: Here you will conduct research to gain an understanding of your target audience, your competitors, and the overall market.
Products and Services: Describe the products or services you offer, and what makes them unique.
Marketing Strategy: Outline how you plan to market and promote your art business to reach your target audience.
Financial Plan: This section will outline your projected income and expenses, as well as your funding sources and financial goals.
Remember, your art business plan can be as detailed or as simple as you like, depending on where you are on your art business journey. The most important thing is to just start somewhere, and make adjustments along the way as your business grows and evolves.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what should be included in your art business plan, let’s dive deeper into each of these points and discuss how you can create a plan that will help you achieve your business goals.
A Summary of Your Art Business
The Business Summary section is where you’ll give a quick and easy rundown of your business. It’s important to include your mission statement, which is essentially what your business is all about, as well as your unique selling proposition, which is what sets you apart from your competitors. Think of this section as an elevator pitch – it should be short, sweet, and to the point!
Identify your business’s purpose and goals: Ask yourself what your business is about and what you want to achieve with it. Write down your answers and summarize them into a few sentences.
Define your target audience: Think about who your ideal customer is and what they’re looking for. This will help you create a more targeted and effective summary.
Focus on your unique selling proposition: What sets your business apart from others in your industry? Highlight your unique strengths and what makes you different.
Use simple language: Your summary should be easy to understand and concise. Avoid using technical jargon or complex language.
Get feedback: Share your summary with others and get feedback. This can help you refine your message and ensure it resonates with your audience.
Conduct a Market Analysis
The market analysis section is all about doing your research to gain a deep understanding of your target audience, competitors, and the overall market. It’s important to know who your customers are, what they want, and how you can differentiate yourself from your competition.
This section can include data on your target market’s demographics, interests, and purchasing behaviors. You’ll also want to research your competitors and identify their strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing the market, you can better position yourself to succeed.
How to conduct a market analysis?
Here are some actionable tips for conducting market research as an artist:
Identify your target audience: Think about who your art is meant for, what their interests are, and where they spend their time. Look at demographic data, such as age, gender, location, and income, to get a better understanding of your target audience.
Research your competition: Look at other artists in your niche and see what they are doing. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What makes your art unique compared to theirs? You can also look at their pricing, marketing strategies, and social media presence to get an idea of what works well.
Understand the overall market: Look at trends in the art market to see what types of art are popular right now. Consider the economic climate and how it may affect the art market. Look at art publications and websites to see what topics are being covered and what people are interested in.
Describe your Products and Services
In this section, you’ll want to provide a detailed description of the products and services you offer as an artist. Be sure to include information about the materials you use, the types of art you create, and any special techniques or processes that set your work apart. You can also talk about any additional services you provide, such as commissions or custom pieces. Don’t be afraid to get specific and really showcase what makes your art unique and desirable to your target audience.
Some examples of what you could include in this section are your original paintings, prints, commissions, workshops, or even merchandise like stickers or tote bags featuring your art. It’s important to be specific about what you offer, so your potential customers can understand what they’re buying and what sets your work apart from others.
Develop a Marketing Strategy
Now that you have a good understanding of your audience and products/services, it’s time to develop a marketing strategy that will help you promote your business. Some effective strategies for artists include social media marketing, email marketing, collaborations with other artists or businesses, and participating in local events and markets.
Choose the strategies that best fit your business and audience, and be sure to set goals and track your progress. For example, you could aim to grow your social media following by 100 followers each month, or to send out a monthly newsletter to your email subscribers. By developing a clear marketing strategy and tracking your progress, you can ensure that you’re reaching your target audience and achieving your business goals.
Come up with a Financial Plan for your Art Business
Managing the financial aspect of your art business may seem intimidating, but it’s a crucial step in achieving your goals. First, identify your start-up and ongoing expenses, as well as potential income streams, to determine your break-even point and set reachable financial goals.
You can use online accounting tools or create a budget spreadsheet to monitor your expenses and income regularly. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your finances, so you can make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and investments. In my Art Business Toolkit Notion template, I’ve included a budget tracker to help you get started. By tracking your expenses, you’ll be able to make strategic decisions that contribute to the growth and profitability of your business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing an art business plan may seem overwhelming, but it is a critical step in achieving your goals as an artist. By breaking down the process into manageable sections, you can create a plan that reflects your unique vision and sets you up for success. Remember to use the tips and tools provided in this post, and don’t be afraid to start small and revise as you go. Once you’ve completed all of the sections, put it all together into a cohesive plan that will guide you as you build and grow your art business. With dedication, persistence, and a solid plan, you can turn your passion into a thriving business.
As an artist, it’s important to be constantly learning and growing in your craft. There are a lot of great books out there that can help you do just that. Here are 10 must read books for artists and art business owners that I’ve personally read and highly recommend to you!
These books cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to both artists and art business owners. From managing your creative business to overcoming creative blocks, marketing, spirituality and more, there’s a book for everyone on this list. So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and start reading!
* Please note, some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support and it helps me create more great content for you to enjoy!
Art Inc. is a great read for artists and art business owners for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it provides a comprehensive overview of the business side of the art world. For artists who want to commercialize their work, this book is invaluable. It covers topics such as marketing, PR, social media, licensing, and more.
In addition, Art Inc. offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of successful artists. Lisa Congdon interviews a number of well-known artists and art entrepreneurs, which provides insight into what it takes to make it in the art world. Finally, Art Inc. is simply a well-written and well-researched book. Lisa Congdon is a respected authority on the business of art, and her book is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is one of the most popular books on creativity and the creative process. In it, Cameron explores the idea that we all have a “inner artist” that is blocked by fear and self-doubt, and offers a step-by-step program to help readers overcome these barriers and reconnect with their creative selves.
The Artist’s Way is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt creatively stuck. Cameron’s writing is both funny and inspirational, and her program is easy to follow and really works. If you’re looking for a book that will help you get in touch with your creative side, this is it.
If you’re an artist looking to sell your work online, Cory Huff’s book is a must-read. The creator of TheAbundantArtist.com, Huff offers a wealth of practical advice, from choosing the right platform to promoting your work, pricing your art, and dealing with inevitable rejection.
He also addresses the emotional side of being an artist, and offers advice on how to stay motivated and inspired. Perhaps most importantly, Huff stresses the importance of living a creative life on your own terms – something that is often harder than it looks. This book is an essential read for any artist who is serious about selling their work online.
If you want to lead a more creative life, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is an inspiring read, touching on spiritual. The book dives into what it means to be creative and how to live a life without fear. If you’re a fan her most famous book, Eat Pray Love, then you’re going to love this one.
Gilbert offers readers plenty of advice, such as to embrace curiosity, take risks, and enjoy the process. She also provides inspiring stories from her own life as a writer. Big Magic is an empowering read that will leave you feeling ready to conquer your own creative endeavors.
One of my favourite books for artists is Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. It’s a quick and easy read, and one of the most inspiring and insightful books that I’ve read on the creative process.
Kleon’s book is structured around 10 principles for artists, which he refers to as ‘stealing’: finding inspiration in the work of others, embrace collaboration, embrace your influences, work hard and be persistent, be open to new ideas, and embrace your inner weirdo. Each of these principles is explored in depth, with Kleon sharing examples from his own life and work, as well as from the lives and work of other artists he admires.
Steal Like an Artist is an essential book for artists who want to tap into their creative potential and create meaningful and lasting art.
If you’re an artist or business owner who wants to better understand how to inspire others, then you need to read Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. In this book, Sinek argues that the key to success is not what you do, but why you do it. Sinek explains that businesses and individuals need to start with their purpose, or their “why.” Once you know your purpose, it’s easier to communicate your message and connect with others. This is because people are more likely to be inspired by a shared purpose than by a product or service.
Sinek provides plenty of examples to illustrate his point, including Apple, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Wright brothers. He also explains how to apply the “why” to your own life and business. If you’re looking for a book to help you “find your why”, then you need to read this book.
In today’s business world, it’s all about standing out from the crowd and being unique. If you want to be a successful artist or art business owner, you need to be constantly creating and marketing new and innovative content. One of the best ways to learn how to do this is to read Gary Vaynerchuk’s book, Crush It.
In Crush It, Vaynerchuk explains how to use your passion and creativity to build a successful business. He provides practical advice on how to market your work, connect with your audience, and stand out from the competition. If you’re looking for a motivational read that will inspire you to take your art business to the next level, Crush It is a must-read.
There are a lot of books out there that claim to be helpful for artists and art business owners, but many of them are full of big promises and not much substance. However, there are a few diamonds in the rough, and one of those is Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work.
Kleon is a writer, artist, and speaker who tackles the modern world of marketing and networking in a way that is both simple and effective. In Show Your Work, he provides 10 easy-to-follow steps that will help you get your work out there and start getting noticed. One of the most helpful aspects of Kleon’s book is that he doesn’t try to sell you on the idea of self-promotion as some sort of necessary evil. Instead, he shows you how self-promotion can be a fun and rewarding process that will help you connect with your audience and build a career that you love. If you’re looking for a practical, no-nonsense guide to marketing your art, then Show Your Work is a must-read.
The One Thing by Gary Keller is a book about finding your focus and achieving success in your chosen field. Keller argues that focus is the key to success in any field, and he provides readers with actionable steps for how to achieve it.
He also includes inspiring stories of people who have attained great success by singularly focusing on their chosen field. This book is a must-read for anyone who is looking to achieve success in their career or creative endeavors. The author provides a clear and concise roadmap for how to achieve focus, and the stories of successful people provide motivation and inspiration.
The final book on our list is Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book is all about how to change your habits and make them stick. If you find yourself struggling to make changes in your life or business, this is the book for you.
Clear lays out a step-by-step process for making changes and gives you all the tools you need to make sure those changes stick. One of the things I love about this book is that it’s not just about changing your habits, it’s about changing your mindset. If you want to make lasting changes, you need to change the way you think about change. This book will help you do just that.
Conclusion
There you have it, 10 books for artists and art business owners that I think you should read. Hopefully, at least a few of these books resonate with you and provide you with the information, inspiration, or push you need to take your art business to the next level. There are plenty of books out there for artists, but these are the 10 that I think are essential for artists and art business owners. These books will teach you about the business of art, how to market yourself, and how to run a successful art business. If you’re serious about making a living as an artist, I highly recommend these books for artists.
When it comes to running a successful art business, a big part of standing out from the crowd is creating a strong and recognisable brand identity. But what does that actually entail? In a nutshell, your brand identity is how your business is perceived by both your current and potential customers. It’s more than just your logo or website design – it encompasses everything from your company values and mission statement, to your overall aesthetic and the way you communicate with your audience.
Luckily, creating a strong brand identity for your art business is not as daunting as it may seem. By following a few simple steps, you can develop a clear and recognisable brand that will help you to attract and retain customers.
Define your art business and what it does
An art business is anything that involves creating, marketing, and selling art. This could be anything from fine art to digital art to craft supplies. To create a brand identity for your art business, you need to first define what exactly your business does and what makes it unique.
One way to do this is to sit down and brainstorm what your business offers and what makes it different from other businesses in the same industry. For example, if you sell paintings, what makes your paintings different from others? Do you have a specific style or focus on a certain type of painting? Who is your target market?
Once you have a good understanding of what your business does and what makes it unique, you can start to create a brand identity that reflects this. This can be anything from creating a logo and tagline to choosing a colour scheme and overall aesthetic for your business.
Whatever you do, make sure that your brand identity is cohesive and reflects the overall tone of your business. Creating a brand identity for your art business is an important step in making your business more visible and recognizable. By taking the time to define what your business does and what makes it unique, you can create a strong foundation for your brand that will attract new customers and help you stand out from the competition.
Research your competition
When you’re ready to start creating a brand identity for your art business, it’s important to do your research and find out what similar businesses are doing. This will help you get an idea of what’s working well and what you can improve upon.
One of the best ways to research your competition is to simply search for them online. Check out their websites and social media pages to see what they’re doing right. Make a list of the things you like and the things you don’t like about their branding. This will help you narrow down your own preferences and come up with a brand identity that’s unique to you.
Another great way to research your competition is to talk to them directly. If you know any other artists or art business owners, reach out to them and ask for their advice. They may be willing to share their own experiences and help you avoid making the same mistakes they did.
Finally, don’t forget to ask your customers for feedback. They’re the ones who will be interacting with your brand identity the most, so it’s important to get their thoughts on what you’re doing. Send out surveys, post on social media, or simply ask them in person what they think of your brand. By doing your research, you’ll be able to create a brand identity that’s unique, appealing, and sure to attract more business.
Find your niche and focus on what makes you different
When it comes to creating a brand identity for your art business, it’s important to find your niche and focus on what makes you different. This can be a difficult process, but it’s worth taking the time to figure out what sets your business apart from the rest.
One of the best ways to find your niche is to think about what you’re passionate about. What are the specific areas of art that you’re most interested in? What do you enjoy creating the most? Once you’ve identified your passions, you can start to focus on creating a brand identity that reflects those interests.
It’s also important to focus on what makes you different from other art businesses. What are your unique selling points? What can you offer that no one else can? By highlighting these differences, you’ll be able to create a brand identity that really stands out.
Finally, don’t be afraid to be bold with your brand identity. This is your chance to really put your own personal stamp on your business. So go ahead and be creative! Use your brand identity to show the world who you are and what you’re all about.
Create a mission statement for your brand
Creating a mission statement for your brand is a good place to start shaping your brand identity. This statement should be a clear and concise description of what your business is and what it stands for. It should be easy to understand and remember, so that your customers can quickly identify with your brand.
Your mission statement should be reflected in everything you do, from the products you sell to the way you market your business. It should be an integral part of your brand identity and should be communicated to everyone who comes into contact with your business.
If you take the time to create a strong and clear mission statement for your brand, you will be well on your way to creating a successful and recognizable brand identity.
Mission statement examples for an artist’s brand:
To create art that evokes emotion, inspires creativity, and encourages a deeper appreciation for beauty in the world.
To use my artistic talents to shed light on social issues and promote positive change in the world.
To connect with audiences on a deep, personal level through my art, and inspire them to find their own creativity and passion.
To bring joy and happiness to people’s lives through my colourful and whimsical artworks.
To use my art as a platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability.
To capture the beauty of nature and the human experience through my paintings, and share it with the world.
To create art that transcends language and cultural barriers, bringing people together through the universal language of beauty.
To inspire and empower women through my art, celebrating their strength, resilience, and unique beauty.
Develop a visual identity for your brand
As an artist, one of the most important things you can do is develop a strong visual identity for your brand. Your visual identity is what will help you stand out from the crowd and attract attention from potential customers and clients. This includes your brand colours, logo, banners, avatars, social media posts and more.
Here are five tips to help you create a visual identity for your art business:
1. Define your brand. What are your core values and attributes? What makes you unique? Once you have a clear understanding of your brand, you can start to develop a visual identity that reflects who you are as a business.
2. Consider your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your art business? What kinds of visuals, colours, textures etc. will resonate with them? When you know your target audience, you can create visuals that appeal to them.
3. Keep it simple. When it comes to visuals, less is often more. You want to create a simple, elegant visual identity that is easy for people to remember.
4. Use high-quality visuals. The visuals you use should be high-resolution and professional-looking. This will help you create a strong impression and build trust with your target audience.
5. Stay consistent. Once you have developed your visual identity, it is important to stay consistent with it. Use the same colours, fonts, and overall look and feel across all of your marketing materials. This will help people easily recognize your brand.
Check out this Skillshare class DIY Branding for Creatives to help you design a visual identity for your brand!
Monitor and adjust your brand identity as needed
Like any business, it’s important to regularly monitor how your art brand is performing and make changes and re-iterate as needed.
Here are a few tips:
1. Keep an eye on your sales. If you’re not selling as much as you’d like, it could be a sign that your brand identity isn’t resonating with your target audience. Take a look at your branding and see if there’s anything you could change to better appeal to your desired customers.
2. Pay attention to your online presence. What are people saying about your brand? Are they sharing your content? If not, it could be a sign that your brand identity isn’t strong enough. Again, take a look at your branding and see if there’s anything you could change to make a bigger impact.
3. Monitor your competition. See what they’re doing that’s working and try to replicate it. But also, be sure to differentiate yourself from the competition so you’re not just another “me too” art brand. By regularly monitoring your brand identity and making changes as needed, you’ll be sure to stay ahead of the game and keep your art business thriving.
4. Update your branding regularly. It may take some re-iterating until you’ve reached a point where you feel like your brand truly reflects you and your art business.
Conclusion
Creating a brand identity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a professional and unique brand identity for your art business that will help you stand out from the competition. With a little time and effort, you can develop a strong brand that will attract new customers and help grow your business.
Marketing your art in the digital age requires a diverse set of skills. Artists must not only be well-versed in the creation of their work, but also in digital marketing and SEO.
SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of optimizing a piece of content for search engines with the goal of earning higher web traffic and improving visibility. For artists, this can help your art get found more easily online.
There are a few SEO tips that artists should keep in mind when creating and marketing their work online.
Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions for your art.This will help Google index your work and make it more searchable.
Use social media to promote your work and drive traffic to your website.
Add alt text to your images. This will help Google “read” your images and include them in image search results. This also includes the file name!
By following these simple SEO tips, you can make sure that your art can be found online and reach the widest possible audience.
How can you help your art get found online?
Some artists are under the impression that all they need to do is to post their art on social media and wait for the likes and comments to roll in. But if you want to reach a wider audience, you’ll need to put a little more thought into your online presence.
Here are a few tips to help your art get found online:
Start by creating a website for your art. This is a great way to showcase your work in a professional manner. Make sure to include high-quality images of your work, and a bio or statement that gives visitors a sense of who you are as an artist.
Use social media to your advantage. While it’s important not to rely too heavily on social media, it can be a great way to promote your work. Post interesting and engaging content, and be sure to use hashtags to increase your visibility.
Get involved in the online art community. There are many forums, websites, and online groups dedicated to promoting and discussing art. Getting involved in these communities can help you reach new audiences and connect with other artists.
Stay active and consistent. One of the best ways to stand out online is to simply be active and consistent. Post new content regularly, interact with other users, and make sure your website and social media channels are up-to-date.
By following these tips, you can create a strong online presence for your art that will help you reach a wider audience.
Optimize your website for search engines
When it comes to SEO for artists, one of the most important things you can do is make sure your website is optimized for search engines. This means making sure your site is easy to find and navigate, and that it contains keyword-rich content that will help it rank high in search results.
There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your website is optimized for search engines.
Make sure your site is easy to find and navigate. Include clear and concise titles and descriptions for each page, and make sure your navigation is easy to understand.
Create keyword-rich content that is relevant to your art. Use keywords and phrases that potential customers are likely to use when searching for art online.
Include links to your site on other websites and in online directories. This will help to build up your site’s reputation and improve its ranking in search results (also known as backlinks).
Create compelling and original content. This means writing blog posts and articles that are interesting and informative, and that will help to promote your art.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your art is more visible online, and that you attract more viewers and potential buyers.
Use unique and descriptive keywords for your artwork
By using unique and relevant keywords and phrases in your titles, tags, and descriptions you can ensure that your artwork is more likely to show up in search engine results.
Here are some tips for creating keyword-rich titles and descriptions for your artwork:
Use descriptive keywords. When choosing keywords for your titles, be sure to use words that accurately describe your artwork. This will help potential customers find your work when they search for terms related to what you create. For example, if you paint landscapes, you might use keywords such as “landscape”, “nature”, or “scenery”.
Use keyword-rich phrases. In addition to using individual keywords, you can also use keyword-rich phrases in your titles and descriptions. For example, instead of just “painting”, you could use “original oil painting” or “hand-painted watercolour”. These phrases are more likely to be used by people who are searching for specific types of art, and they can help your work stand out.
Use relevant keywords. It’s also important to use keywords that are relevant to your specific artwork style. For example, if you create abstract art, you might use keywords such as “abstract”, “modern”, or “contemporary”. By using relevant keywords, you can ensure that your artwork is more likely to appear in search results for people interested in that style of art.
Make sure you have unique titles for your artwork. It’s important to have unique titles for each piece of artwork you create. This not only helps potential customers find your work, but it also ensures that your work is more likely to show up in search engine results and won’t be competing with each other for ranking.
Use alt text to describe your artwork
When uploading images to your website, always include alt text to accompany each image. This is an especially important SEO tip for artists. Not only is this good practice for general accessibility purposes, but it also allows search engines to index your images, improving your site’s overall ranking. You can also add alt text to your Instagram posts.
When deciding what alt text to use, be sure to include key phrases that accurately describe the image, as this will help your site come up in relevant image searches.
For example, if you have a painting of a nature scene, some suitable alt text might be “oil painting of a river in the mountains”. This not only tells users what they can expect to see if they click on the image, but also tells search engines what the image is about, making it more likely to appear in results for relevant searches.
Alt text can also used to describe an image to someone who is blind or partially blind, so it can also help with the accessibility of your art and website.
In addition to improving your site’s ranking, using alt text also provides another opportunity to include relevant keywords and phrases on your site, which can further improve it’s visibility in search engine results. So next time you upload an image to your site, don’t forget to include alt text!
Optimize your website’s metatags and meta descriptions
One of the most important aspects of SEO for artists is optimizing your website’s metatags and meta descriptions.
There are many different metatags, but the most important are the title, meta description, and keywords. The title is the main heading of the page or blog post, and it should include your most important keywords. If you’re using WordPress, there are sections for each of these that you can fill out for every piece of content you publish.
The meta description is a brief summary of your website page or blog post, and it should also include your keywords. Keywords are what people will use to search for your website, so it’s important to include them in both the title and meta description.
You can use an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO (which is what I use) that will help you fill out all of the relevant metadata.
Optimizing your website’s metatags is a great way to improve your SEO and get your art noticed online.
Promote your website on social media
It’s no secret that social media is a powerful tool for promoting just about anything – and that includes websites. By promoting your website on social media, you can reach a large audience of potential customers and clients who may not be aware of your site otherwise.
Here are some tips for promoting your website on social media:
Make sure your website is ready before you start promoting your site on social media. Take a look at your site and make sure everything works as it should, looks good, and is something that people will want to share. A well-designed, user-friendly website with interesting and informative content is more likely to be shared than a site that’s difficult to navigate or that doesn’t offer anything new or unique.
Use social media to drive traffic to your website. Once you’ve ensured that your website is ready, it’s time to start using social media to drive traffic to your site. Posts about your website on social media should include a link, if possible, so that people can easily visit it. You can also include a call-to-action in your posts, such as “check out my website for more information (link in bio)” or “visit my website to see more of my art”.
Make it easy for people to share your website by adding share buttons to your site. With social media share buttons on your website, people can easily share your site with just a few clicks.
Monitor your analytics. Monitor your analytics to see how your posts are performing. Look at the engagement metrics for your posts, such as likes, comments, and shares. You can also track how much traffic your website is getting from social media using Google Analytics, and see which social media platforms are sending the most traffic to your site.
By following these tips, you can promote your website on social media and reach a larger audience.
Conclusion of SEO for artists
The most important thing for artists to remember when it comes to SEO is that content is king. Creating high-quality, keyword-rich content is the best way to help your art get found online.
In addition to great content, artists should also focus on building backlinks and creating social media profiles to help promote their work. By following these simple SEO tips, artists can attract more viewers and potential customers to their online portfolio.
If you’re an artist, there’s a good chance that you’ve thought about turning your passion into a business. After all, what could be better than getting paid to do something you love? While there are no hard and fast rules for becoming a successful artist-entrepreneur, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of achieving your art business goals in 2024 and beyond.
Start with a well-defined goal. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Without a clear and specific goal, it will be difficult to measure progress and know when you’ve reached your destination.
Create a plan. Once you know what your goal is, it’s time to put together a plan of action. What steps will you need to take to achieve your goal? What resources will you need? Who can help you along the way?
Be prepared to work hard. Achieving any goal takes dedication and hard work. This is especially true of art business goals, which often require long hours and lots of hustle.
Stay focused and stay positive. It’s easy to get sidetracked or discouraged when pursuing any goal. But if you want to succeed, it’s important to stay focused on your goal and remain positive even when the going gets tough. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your art business goals.
Create a plan
The first and most important step is to create a plan. What do you want your business to achieve? What are your long-term and short-term goals? Do you have specific revenue goals? Who is your target market? Answering these questions will help you focus your efforts and make it more likely that you’ll achieve your goals.
Once you have a plan, the next step is to put it into action. This means creating a marketing strategy, developing a website or online portfolio, and actively promoting your work. You might also consider exhibiting your work at art fairs or galleries, or selling your work online.
Of course, running a successful business takes more than just marketing and selling your work–it also requires maintaining a high level of quality and consistently creating new and exciting work that your customers will love. But if you’re passionate about your art and willing to put in the hard work, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve your business goals.
Put your plan into action
Now that you have figured out your art business goals, it’s time to put your plan into action! Here are a few tips to get you started:
Set a scheduleand stick to it. Having a set schedule will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re making progress towards your goals.
Set realistic goals. If your goals are too unrealistic, you’re likely to get frustrated and give up. Make sure your goals are achievable and within reach.
Get organized. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re using your time efficiently. Create a system that works for you and stick to it.
Take action. Don’t wait around for things to happen, make them happen! Get out there and start working towards your goals.
Persevere. Things will inevitably get tough at times, but it’s important to persevere. Don’t give up on your goals, and you’ll eventually achieve them.
Measure progress
If you want to achieve your art business goals, then you need to be able to measure your progress. There are a few key ways to do this:
Keep track of your finances. This includes both your income and your expenses. Knowing where your money is coming from and where it’s going will give you an idea of what’s not working and where to double down your efforts.
Set milestones. Milestones can help you track your progress over time and see how far you’ve come. They can also give you something to strive for and keep you motivated.
Get feedback. Ask your friends, family, and even strangers for their honest opinions on your art. This feedback can help you see what’s working and what isn’t, and make necessary adjustments to your business plan.
By tracking your progress, you can stay on track to reach your art business goals.
Get organized
One of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success in your art business is to get organized. This means having a system in place for tracking your inventory, expenses, sales, and other important business data. It also means staying on top of your marketing and social media efforts.
One way to get organized is to use a spreadsheet to track your inventory, sales, expenses, and other business data. This can help you spot trends and make informed decisions about your art business.
Another way to get organized is to use a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track your marketing and social media efforts. This can help you stay on top of your customer relationships and ensure that you’re providing the best possible experience.
Make sure to check out my Art Business Toolkit which is a template I developed for Notion to help you get organized, set goals for your business, keep track of finances, create a marketing plan and more. Check it out at the link below!
Whatever system you use, the key is to make sure that you’re consistent in using it. This will help you get the most out of your data and make better decisions for your art business.
Delegate and seek help
One of the most important things you can do to ensure the success of your art business is to delegate tasks and seek help when needed. Trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout and ultimately, a failed business.
When delegating tasks, it’s important to give clear instructions and deadlines, and then trust that the person you’ve delegated to will complete the task to your standards. It can be difficult to let go of control, but if you want your business to grow, you may need to delegate.
It’s also important to seek help when needed, whether that’s hiring an accountant to help with your finances, or asking a friend for advice on social media marketing. No one knows everything, and there’s no shame in admitting that you need help. By delegating tasks and seeking help when needed, you’re setting your art business up for success.
Also consider using automation tools or systems that can help you to more efficiently perform repetitive tasks.
Stay motivated
As an artist, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of your long-term goals. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated and on track to achieving your art business goals:
Set realistic goals. It’s important to set goals that are achievable. If your goal is to sell 100 paintings in a year, but you only sell an average of one painting per month, that goal is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. On the other hand, if you set a goal of selling one painting per week, that’s a much more achievable goal.
Create a plan. Once you have your goals set, it’s time to create a plan of action. This plan should include things like what type of artwork you’re going to create, how you’re going to market and sell your artwork, and how you’re going to keep track of your progress. Having a plan will help to keep you organized and on track.
Take action. No matter how good your goals and plans are, they won’t do any good if you don’t take action. Make a commitment to yourself to work on your art business every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The more action you take, the closer you’ll get to achieving your goals.
Get help. If you’re feeling stuck or like you’re not making progress, reach out for help. There are a number of resources available, whether it’s hiring a business coach or taking an art business course. Getting help from someone who knows what they’re doing can make a huge difference.
Stay positive. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when you’re not seeing the results you want. But it’s important to stay positive and believe in yourself. Remember, it takes time and consistent effort to build a successful art business. Stay focused on your goals and don’t give up.
Reward yourself. As you achieve your goals, be sure to celebrate your successes. This will help to keep you motivated and focused. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Celebrate milestones
You’ve set your sights on some lofty art business goals and you’re ready to achieve them. But how do you keep motivated throughout the journey? How do you ensure that you don’t get bogged down in the day-to-day and lose sight of the bigger picture?
One way to stay on track is to celebrate your milestones. When you reach a goal, big or small, take some time to reflect on your accomplishment. This will not only help you maintain your momentum, but it will also give you a much-needed confidence boost. Here are a few tips for celebrating your milestones:
Set aside time to reflect on your achievements. Take some time, even if it’s just 10 minutes, to really think about what you’ve accomplished. What did you have to overcome to get to this point? What did you learn along the way? How does this new accomplishment make you feel?
Share your successes with others. Telling others about your accomplishments can help you to solidify them in your own mind. It can also be a great way to get some much-needed positive feedback. So, don’t be shy about sharing your news, whether it’s with your inner circle or a wider audience.
Treat yourself to something special. After all your hard work, you deserve a little reward. Whether it’s a night out, some new art supplies, or simply some extra time to relax, take some time to enjoy your success.
Use your achievements as motivation for the future. When you look back on your accomplishments, it can be easy to get complacent. But instead of letting your successes lull you into a false sense of security, use them as motivation to keep pushing forward. Remember, you’re capable of great things and you have what it takes to reach your goals.
Keep a record of your milestones. One way to keep track of your successes is to maintain a record of them, whether it’s in a physical journal or an online document. This can be a great way to look back on your progress and see how far you’ve come.
Set new goals. Once you’ve celebrated your current accomplishments, it’s time to set your sights on new goals. What do you want to achieve next? What’s your next big challenge? By continually setting and achieving goals, you’ll keep your art business journey interesting and rewarding.
Celebrate often. Don’t wait until you’ve reached your ultimate goal to start celebrating. Instead, take the time to appreciate your successes along the way. By celebrating often, you’ll stay motivated and inspired to keep reaching for your goals.
Conclusion
Setting and achieving your art business goals is a lot of work but also highly rewarding. If you can create a plan, work hard, and stay motivated, you can build something that is all your own and that you can continue to build for years to come.
When it comes to promoting your art online, there are a number of different strategies you can use. In this post, I will discuss the most effective methods to help you find your audience, and for your audience to find you!
With the ease of access to the internet, more and more people are turning to online platforms to showcase their work. This is especially true for artists, who can use the internet to reach a global audience.
There are a number of ways to promote your art online. In this article, we will take a look at five of the most effective methods. These include using social media, setting up a website, taking advantage of search engine optimization, experimenting with video, and using online marketplaces to sell and showcase your work.
Top 5 Tips for Promoting Your Art Online
1. Create a strong social media presence
For any business that wants to be successful online, it helps to have a strong social media presence. This is especially true for art businesses, which are usually highly visual.
There are a few key things to remember when creating a social media presence for promoting your art online. The first is to focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to have a small number of high-quality pieces than a large number of low-quality ones. This means that you should focus on creating work that is visually stunning and engaging, rather than churning out a large quantity of content that is quickly forgotten.
The second key is to be active and engaged with your audience. Social media is all about interaction, so make sure to post content that encourages comments, questions, and shares. Don’t just post your art and expect people to engage with it; start a conversation and get people talking.
And finally, the third key is to be consistent. Posting irregularly will only serve to frustrate your audience, confuse the algorithm, and potentially damage your chances of success. Make sure to post regularly, and to maintain a consistent voice and tone across all of your social media channels. By following these three key tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong social media presence that will help promote your art to a wider audience.
2. Develop an art blog or website
There are many ways to promote your art online, but one of the most effective is to develop your own blog or website. By having a dedicated space for your art, you can control the narrative around your work and ensure that your target audience is seeing the message you want to send.
Here are a few tips for getting started:
Choose a focusfor your blog or website. Whether you want to showcase your own art, write about art news, or highlight other artists you admire, it’s important to have a clear focus for your site. This will help you attract the right audience and create content that is interesting and engaging.
Make sure your site is visually appealing. People are visual creatures, so it’s important to make sure your site is visually appealing. This means using high-quality images, an eye-catching layout, and easy-to-navigate pages.
Write compelling content. Even if your site looks great, it won’t be successful unless you have compelling content to share. Write blog posts that are interesting and informative, and be sure to update your site regularly with new content.
Spread the word. Once your site is up and running, be sure to promote it through social media, Pinterest, and other relevant channels. The more people who know about your site, the more traffic you’ll generate.
Monitor your progress. Keep an eye on your website’s traffic and analytics to see how your site is performing. This information can help you fine-tune your content and marketing strategies over time to further improve your results.
By following these tips, you can develop an art blog or website that is both successful and enjoyable to maintain.
3. Use search engine optimization (SEO)
Search engine optimization, or “SEO” for short, is a technique that can be used to help promote your art online. By optimizing the content using key phrases related to the artwork, an artist can make their content more visible to potential customers who use search engines like Google.
One way to optimize your content is to ensure that all images and videos are given descriptive file names, titles and alt tags. This allows search engines to index the content properly and help people find it when they search for specific keywords.
Another way to optimize content is to use key phrases on your artist website that are related to the artwork you want to promote. Think descriptive phrases such as “landscape paintings” or “custom pet portraits”. By including these key phrases in titles, tags, and descriptions, artists can improve their chances of being found by potential customers who are searching for those phrases.
In addition to optimizing website content, artists can also use SEO to improve the visibility of their social media posts. By including key words and phrases in the file name, post description, and alt tags (where available) artists can make it easier for potential customers to find their work on social media sites like Instagram and Tiktok, which are moving towards more SEO based search algorithms in place of hashtags.
By using these basic SEO techniques, artists can reach a larger audience and promote their artwork more effectively.
4. Create short videos of your art
There are many ways to promote art online, but one of the most effective is through creating short videos of your art or art process. Art videos can be used to give potential buyers a tour of your studio, a closer look at your work, or even just to provide some educational information about your process or medium.
Here are five tips for creating great art videos:
Keep it short and sweet. Ideally your video should be between 15 -60 seconds long, which is what most short form video apps accept. Check out my post on how to use TikTok for artists for more short video ideas. If you want to post long format videos of your art, YouTube is a better place for that.
Start with a bang. The first few seconds of your video are crucial in hooking the viewer, so make sure you start with an attention-grabbing image or scene.
Use professional-quality footage and audio. This doesn’t mean you need to hire a Hollywood film crew, but your video should be well-lit and have clear, high-quality audio.
Edit for maximum impact. A good edit can make all the difference in a video, so don’t be afraid to cut out any sections that aren’t essential. I recommend the InShot app for editing videos on your phone.
Include a call to action. At the end of your video, make sure to include a call to action, such as asking viewers to like and share your video, or visit your website to learn more about your art.
If you want step by step instructions on how to create short videos of your art for Reels, TikTok etc. check out my Skillshare class!
5. Sell your art online
When it comes to selling art online, there are a few different avenues that artists can take.
Here are five of the most popular methods:
Set up your own online shop: One of the best ways to sell art online is to set up your own online shop on your artist website. This gives you complete control over the prices, shipping, and promotion of your work. You’ll need to invest some time and money into setting up your shop, but once it’s up and running, it can be a great way to make sales. You can use a storefront app like Shopify (paid) or Woocommerce (free) to set up your store.
Use an online marketplaceor Print on Demand: If you’re not ready to set up your own shop, there are plenty of online marketplaces that you can use to sell your art. These platforms make it easy to list and sell your work, and they handle all the payments and shipping for you. Some of the most popular art marketplaces include Etsy, Saatchi Art, and Fine Art America.
Sell through social media: Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and sell your art. You can use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to promote your work and drive traffic to your shop, or sell directly through DM (direct messaging). Just make sure you’re using high-quality images and engaging copy to grab people’s attention.
Take commissions: If you’re not interested in selling your existing artwork, another option is to take commissions. This involves working directly with clients to create custom artwork to their specifications. You can find clients for commissions through social media, by posting the type of artwork you want to take commissions for, and then taking requests via DM.
Participate in art fairs: Another option for selling your artwork is to participate in art fairs and other in person events. This is a more traditional approach, but it can still be effective. Art fairs can be a great way to meet potential customers and build up a rapport with them, even if they don’t buy anything. You can hand out business cards with your social media links so they can follow you, and then potentially make a purchase through your website later on.
All of these methods can be effective ways to sell your art online. Just choose the approach that makes the most sense for you and your business.
Conclusion
When it comes to promoting your art online, there are a number of different ways to go about it. By utilizing the five promotion strategies I’ve outlined above, you can give yourself the best chance for success. Let me know in the comments below, what’s your favourite method for promoting your art online?
Happy New Year friends! In this post I discuss the top 5 ways for artists to make money online in 2024 and beyond.
Of course, there are many different ways to make money online as an artist or creative professional. This is based on my own research and business earnings. I’ve been selling my own art online for over 8 years, and am now sharing my knowledge and experience with you!
I hope you will find this information helpful, and give you some ideas and inspiration for your own art business.
Watch the video below:
In this video I break down my art business earnings in 2022 to provide some insight into the best ways for artists to make money online in 2024 and beyond.
The top 5 ways artists can make money online in 2024 are:
Print on Demand
Digital goods and products
Education
Affiliate marketing
Consulting and client projects
I go into a lot more depth on each point and show concrete examples in the video so make sure to watch until the end! Also consider subscribing to my Youtube channel as I don’t share every single video here on my blog.
Let me know in the comments below what were your top income streams in 2022? I’d love to know more and keep the conversation going since the online space is constantly changing and different for everyone.
Are you an artist who wants to start selling your art online? I’ve got you. Just follow the steps below to get started!
Selling Art Online for Beginners
1. Build a portfolio of high quality work
In order to start selling your art online, you should have a decent sized portfolio for potential customers to choose from. Aim for 10-25 artworks or products you want to list for sale.
You can either make a batch of new artwork, or dig up some old pieces that could work digitally or physically to sell and repurpose them.
I also want to emphasize that quality and unique-ness is more important now than ever. There is a ton of competition out there so make sure your designs are good and unique enough that you won’t get lost in a sea of competitors.
Not quite there yet? Keep practicing and honing your craft. No one really is born with some amazing artistic ability, it takes times and practice to develop skills. Over time you will get there and build your portfolio in the process.
2: Decide what type of art you want to sell
Next, you’ll have to decide what kind of art you want to sell, which will depend on your medium, style, and goals as an artist.
Identify your audience and how you want to sell your art.
Are you going to sell art prints?
Are you going to sell physical artwork, such as paintings?
Do you create sculptures, jewellery or some other physical product?
Are you interested in designing t-shirts and/or home décor products to sell through print on demand?
Do you want to sell digital products like cell phone wallpaper or graphic assets for designers?
Are you interested in selling NFTs?
All of these are viable ways to make money selling your art online. You can choose just one or a combination of these.
If you don’t already have your art in a digital format, you’ll need to digitize it in some way. Either by scanning or photographing your physical artwork in high quality with good lighting.
Scan or photograph your artwork in high resolution.
Try to get sharp lines and true colors by using a tripod and good lighting.
Post process in a program like Photoshop to fix colors, or clean up scans.
Check out my video tutorial below on how to digitize your artwork using Photoshop and Illustrator.
4. List your artwork for sale on your chosen platform(s)
Upload your designs or create listings on your chosen platform.
If you are going the Print On Demand route, only add to products that look good and work with the design. You may need to customize the design for different products, like having a version with a transparent background for stickers and t-shirts.
For physical products you can sell on your own website, social media or Etsy. Make sure the photos look good and it’s clear what you are selling. Also make sure it’s simple and easy for a customer to purchase from you.
5: Market your products
Marketing sounds hard but there are actually so many ways to market your artwork online!
You can use social media or a shopping website like Pinterest. There are many ways to market your artwork these are just a few ideas.
Share your products and artwork on social media. You can use a mock-up generator like Place It to help show the designs on physical products without having to purchase them yourself.
Create an Instagram, Twitter, and/or Facebook page dedicated to your art. (Ideally, choose one you use frequently so it’s not a burden to learn or use daily).
You may consider building a website, which can be a hub if you sell on multiple platforms. It could be a blog like this, or just a simple portfolio of your work.
To dive deeper into marketing, watch tutorials on YouTube or try Skillshare to hone your business skills or even artistic skills as your business grows.
Consistently create new designs so you can figure out what works and what doesn’t, then make more of what resonates with your audience.
Consistency is key!
I hope you’ve found this guide to selling your art online useful. Feel free to leave any additional tips or questions for me in the comments below!
I recently created this fun and easy pattern design tutorial in which I teach you how to make an ogee and an argyle pattern with the Procreate app for Apple iPad.
In this tutorial I take you step by step through the process of making these 2 easy seamless pattern designs, an ogee and argyle pattern, right on your iPad in Procreate. Watch the video below!
I’ve also got a video for Procreate newbies which includes several tips and tricks to help you get started with the app.
I’ve been kind of obsessed with creating designs and patterns in Procreate over the past year. So I’ll likely be creating more tutorials and videos on this topic in the near future.
Let me know in the comments below if this is something you’re interested in, or if there’s something else you’d like me to cover!
Thanks for stopping by, have a great rest of your day.
