Are you an artist looking to sell your work online but don't know where to start? Look no further! Selling art online is a great way to reach a larger audience and get your work out there — and we have 5 top tips that will help you do just that. From setting up shop to building relationships with potential customers, our blog post will help you maximise your sales potential and make your passion pay! So grab your supplies and let's get started!
Step 1: Build a good body of work
Once you're ready to start selling your art online, the first thing you need to do is build up a good body of work. This means creating a large portfolio of high-quality pieces that potential buyers can browse through when they visit your online shop.
One way to ensure that your portfolio is always growing is to set aside some time each week (or month) to create new pieces. The important thing is to be consistent in your output and keep your shop fresh and updated as inactivity will put customers off buying.
Step 2: Find the right marketplace to sell your art
Once you have all of your artworks, you're ready to start selling online and it's important to choose the right marketplace or eCommerce platform. There are a lot of different options out there, and not all of them will meet your needs or suit your budget. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a marketplace or platform to sell your art:
- Make sure the marketplace or platform has a good reputation. You want to make sure you're doing business with a reputable company.
- If you're looking to sell on a marketplace, look for a one that specializes in arts and crafts, or has a section dedicated to this category. This will help ensure that you're reaching the right audiences.
- Consider the fees associated with selling on the marketplace or platform. Some charge higher fees than others, so be sure to factor this into your decision.
- Read reviews of the marketplace or platform before you commit to selling on it. This is a great way to get an idea of what other artists have experienced while using the site.
Step 3: Create your shop
There are a few different ways you can set up your shop. One option is to use an online marketplace like Etsy or Not on the High Street. These platforms make it easy to get started selling since they handle all the payment processing and shipping logistics for you. However, they do take a cut of your sales, so you'll need to factor that into your pricing.
If you want more control over your business, you can create your own website or use an eCommerce platform like Shopify. Building your own website will take more time and effort than using an existing marketplace, but it'll be worth it in the long run. You'll have full control over how your shop looks and functions, plus you won't have to pay any fees to list or sell your products.
No matter which route you choose, be sure to spend some time creating attractive product listings and writing helpful descriptions. Good photography and clear pricing information are essential for selling art online, and remember to price your art accordingly. And finally, don't forget to promote your shop through social media and other online channels!
If you're looking for help with setting up your online shop, we can help! Feel free to get in touch with us if you would like to find out more.
Step 4: Expand your social media skills
In order to build a successful customer base online, it is important to be present and active on social media platforms. This means creating accounts on popular sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and then regularly posting engaging content that will interest and attract potential customers.
It is also important to interact with other users on these platforms; follow others who might be interested in your work, engage in conversations, and re-share relevant content. By building up a presence on social media, you’ll not only attract potential customers but also create a community of followers who will support and promote your work.
Step 5: Be patient
Patience is a virtue when it comes to selling your artwork online. The internet has a massive amount of content competing for viewers’ attention. It may take time for your art to be discovered by the right buyers and collectors. Do not let the lack of immediate sales discourage you. Instead, use this time productively.
Continue honing your social media platforms and online shop to maximize their effectiveness. Avoid the temptation to underprice your pieces due to impatience. Do not oversaturate your followers with posts. Your artwork deserves proper promotion and valuation! Steady, consistent marketing efforts will yield results over time, so just hang tight! With patience and perseverance, your artwork will find its audience online.
We hope that these 5 top tips have given you an idea of how to get started selling your artwork online. It is important to remember that it takes time, effort and dedication in order to succeed at selling art online, but when done right it can be incredibly rewarding.
Running a creative business is no easy feat - it takes juggling admin, marketing, financials, logistics and more - all tasks that take away from the time you'd rather spend creating art. We understand the pressure and are here to help! We provide 1:1 support sessions, designed to help you manage the demands of your business. You can out more about this service here.
Contact us for more information, a quote or help and get started with your online sales journey!