5 Ways To Kickstart The Holiday Season
Introduction
Right now the majority of cultural and arts events are cancelled due to the pandemic. With no in-person art shows, how can artists and makers still expect to make revenue? Sure, there are a number of short-term resources available such as grants and loans for local artists to take advantage of. But long term planning could be playing on the minds of many and is important for budgeting, scheduling, and managing time too. In this article, I’m sharing five different ways that artists can kick start their business during the 2020 holiday season.
Online
If you haven’t already, it’s time to go digital. Building a website can be a bit tricky if you’re new to certain computer programs and software. Once it’s up and running, a website can bring you business like nothing else! Above all else, it will help showcase your beautiful artwork.
If you’re putting your artwork online for the first time, it could be useful to keep it simple with a page for your portfolio and perhaps some information about you. It is important to note that high-quality photography is required to highlight your work, but that this can certainly be achieved with the smartphone you likely already own. Just ensure that your background is light and clutter-free and there is plenty of light.
Socials
Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook can help you add personality to your artwork and overall brand. They allow you to connect with like-minded individuals (and customers!) through features such as hashtags. You should research hashtags that your audience would be using as that’s how new people will find you! It’s also important to take into account the volume and popularity of each hashtag.
But there are a number of other social media tactics that you can take advantage of. In fact, you could use the “stories” feature to:
Take videos of your studio and processes
Do market research by offering polls to your followers
Give exclusive “behind-the-scenes” content to build brand momentum
Let’s connect on socials! You can follow my Instagram handle here: @planningforcreatives
Marketing your business through emails, automated or not, can generate a massive return for your business. This is because an email goes straight into the inbox (and probably sends a notification) to your prospect- and 99% of people check their inbox every single day.
So how can you make email work as an artist?
Get personal with customers
Get creative with subject lines
Weave a call-to-action into your emails
When you spark the curiosity of your reader, you ensure that they read on. So kick start your art business by thinking up fun or thought-provoking headlines that will make your readers click. As your email list builds, you’ll be able to gather more and more data about your customers, and start personalizing emails. At the very least, you can use a free automation program, such as Mailchimp, to reach your customers.
When you build a proper relationship with email subscribers, they will in turn invest in you and your business. So ensure you ask for replies, or put buttons and links into your emails where prospects can explore your work.
Virtual Shows
It’s time to show that artists can adapt with the times just as well as any other profession. You only have to type your city, along with “virtual art show” into google to know that arts events are live and well!
But what exactly are “Virtual Art Shows”?
They allow you to get involved with the usual local art shows that would be happening but are online. Some make use of 3D technology like immersive VR headsets, while others are simple videos for the audience to watch.
These shows can also aid artists in networking with other professionals that live in the area. From here, you might choose to support each other and share resources, or team up on projects.
Flexible Commissions
While it’s not ideal, artists are not the only professionals struggling during the pandemic, their clients are too. As you rebuild your business, it could be a smart idea to offer more flexible payment options for your creations.
This might include only taking 25% instead of 50% upfront or allowing your customer to spread the cost over a longer period. However, it is recommended that you have a strong contract in place to protect yourself and your business against anybody trying to take advantage.
So there you have it, five ways to kick start your art business in the 2020 holiday season. For those looking for financial planning as you rebuild, get in touch with me today!