Selling art online has become a popular way for artists to showcase their work to a wider audience and for small businesses to profit. With the threat of a recession upon us, more and more businesses are looking to expand their online presence, tapping into the digital market to ensure sustainability and growth during these uncertain times. This strategy allows companies to reach a wide range of potential clients, from enthusiastic art collectors to casual buyers looking for something unique to adorn their walls.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to sell your art online successfully.
Selling Art Online: A How-to Guide
As the founder of a small business, you know how challenging it can be to market your products. Finding the right customer base and creating strategies to spread awareness can be daunting, especially when it comes to selling artwork online. However, in our modern world, there’s a growing demand for the art sector to become more digitally integrated, making selling art online a potential game-changer for small businesses.
Establish your brand
Establishing your brand before you start selling your art online is important. Your brand sets you apart from other artists and makes your art unique. Your brand includes your logo, color scheme, website design, and social media presence. By establishing a clear brand, you’ll be able to create a consistent look and feel across all of your online channels, which will help you stand out and build trust with your customers.
Pricing Strategy
The key aspect of any business is an effective pricing strategy. One of the best things about selling artwork online is that it gives you a wider range of opportunities to price your artwork. You can break down your pricing by size, style, and materials. Besides, if you are selling originals, consider creating limited-edition prints or merchandise like mugs and tote bags that feature your art, resulting in increased sales and revenue.
Embrace Simplicity with ShipSimple.ca: Your Art Shipping Solution
Attention artists and small business owners! You’ve crafted your masterpiece, found its new home online, and now it’s time to ensure it gets there safely. But who wants to be bogged down with the hassle of shipping? That’s where ShipSimple.ca steps in.
We offer an efficient, reliable, affordable solution tailored to your needs. Why worry about the logistics when you could be focusing on your next artistic endeavor?
So why wait? Discover the simplicity of shipping with ShipSimple.ca today and get back to doing what you love – creating inspiring art. Explore our services, and let’s streamline your art delivery process together!
Get started today for FREE and see how much you can save on courier shipping.
Expand Your Horizons
Once you have established your presence and have sorted out your pricing strategy, it’s time to expand your horizons by collaborating with art marketplaces. Some popular art marketplaces available are Artsy, Saatchi Art, and Art.com (only available in the US), enabling you to reach a broader customer market. Leverage these marketplaces to gain more exposure in the industry and increase your sales revenue.
Choose an online platform
When it comes to selling your art online, you have many platforms to choose from. Some of the most popular options include Shopify, Etsy, and Instagram, each offering unique advantages and considerations.
Shopify is known for its robust e-commerce capabilities, providing a comprehensive platform for artists to showcase and sell their creations. It offers customizable themes, secure payment options, and powerful marketing tools to help artists reach a wider audience.
On the other hand, Etsy is a well-established marketplace specifically designed for handmade and vintage items. It has a strong community of art enthusiasts and provides a platform that is easy to use and navigate. Artists can benefit from its built-in audience and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
Instagram, a social media platform known for its visual focus, has also become popular for artists to showcase and sell their artwork. With its visually appealing layout and extensive reach, artists can leverage Instagram’s features like hashtags and direct messaging to engage with potential buyers and collectors.
When deciding which platform to choose, it’s important to consider factors such as fees, ease of use, and the specific features that each platform offers. Take the time to research and compare these aspects to find the platform that best aligns with your needs and goals as an artist. Finding the right platform can greatly contribute to your success in the online art market.
Optimize your product listings
Once you’ve chosen an online platform, it’s time to start listing your art for sale. The key to success is to optimize your product listings. This means including high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and accurate pricing. Make sure to use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions to help your art get discovered by potential customers. It’s also important to keep your listings up-to-date and respond quickly to customer inquiries.
Market your art online
Marketing is essential to selling your art online. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can be powerful tools for promoting your art and connecting with potential customers. Make sure to post regularly and engage with your followers.
In addition to the aforementioned strategies, you can explore running targeted advertisements to increase your visibility and engage with a broader range of potential customers.
Another effective approach is to seek collaborations with like-minded artists or businesses, leveraging their existing networks and audiences to amplify your reach and establish valuable partnerships. By adopting these proactive measures, you can expand your presence and establish a strong foothold within your industry, achieving greater success in reaching and connecting with a wider audience.
Provide excellent customer service
Providing excellent customer service is crucial to building a loyal customer base and achieving long-term success. Make sure to respond to customer inquiries promptly and professionally. Always be honest and transparent about your art and pricing. And don’t forget to package your art carefully and ship it promptly to ensure a positive customer experience.
Monitor & Optimize Results
Once the business starts to flow, the next critical aspect is to monitor and optimize the results. Be aware of buyer engagement, customer journeys, browsing habits, and conversion rates. Based on this, analyze performance data, improvise on your strategies, invest more in proven areas and tackle the weaker sections.
Selling art online can be a rewarding and profitable venture for small businesses. By establishing your brand, choosing the right online platform, optimizing your product listings, marketing your art effectively, and providing excellent customer service, you’ll be well on your way to success.
Remember to be patient, stay committed, and strive to improve your online presence. With time and effort, you can build a thriving online art business.
