11 Ways Artists Can Get Their First Online Sale [2023]
So you just set up your shop and are excited to make your very first sale. We have some tips to help you get that first cha ching!
One of the most important things is to make sure that your customers can make a confident purchase from your shop. And we have some tips to help you out with that.
It may take some time to get your very first sale, after all shop owners are adding products to their shops all the time so sometimes it can be hard to be seen.
Thankfully there are some steps you can take to get more eyes on your products and store. Let's go over this list together so you can get your very first sale.
HOW TO GET YOUR FIRST ART SALE
1. Fill out shop policies
When it comes to art marketing, one of the most important things artists can do is fill out shop policies. This may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference when it comes to selling art.
Shop policies help to set the tone for your business and let potential buyers know what to expect. They also give you a chance to explain your art returns policy, shipping procedures, and more.
Taking the time to fill out shop policies shows that you're professional and serious about selling art, and it can help you to close more sales. So if you're an artist who is looking to sell art online, don't forget to fill out your shop policies!
Customers are looking for those shops that make it clear to them when shipping will take place and other information about returns and how long production times are.
2. List new items every day
This let's the Google algorithm know that you are constantly working and building your shop. Also, customers want a good selection so keep working on your creations and don't stop listing until you have at least 100 items.
If you are making one of a kind items, this is going to be tough. So you might want to incorporate some tangible items with you artwork on it too like mugs, posters and jewelry.
3. Share your art on your social media
Social media has drastically changed the art world. In the past, artists were reliant on art galleries and art dealers to market their work. However, the rise of social media has given artists a new way to reach a wider audience.
Through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, artists can connect with potential buyers from all over the world.
In addition, social media can be used to build a following for an artist, which can lead to increased sales and opportunities. For many artists, social media has become an essential tool for marketing their work.
Pinterest is another fantastic way to show of your artwork and we have an article about how artists can use Pinterest for sales.
4. Ask your friends and family to share
Let your friends and family know that you have a brand new shop. They would most likely love to support you and your first sales.
Don't be upset if someone would rather not share but it certainly does not hurt to ask! You might just get your first sale from a friend of a friend or family member. But
5. Sign up for Instagram
Use trending hashtags like #artist #artistsoninstagram #newshop #art #etsyfinds #shopsmall #newshopifystore
6. Etsy selling app to post shop updates
If you are using Etsy to sell your artwork, use the update section to announce your new shop as well as posting new items you make.
Photos of your progress and behind the scenes are excellent ways to promote your new shop.
7. Sign up for Pinterest
When people are looking for décor ideas, they to go Pinterest. Get pinning! And share your works in progress, new listings and behind the scenes.
As an artist, it's important to have a strong online presence in order to reach the widest possible audience for your work. And while there are many different social media platforms out there to choose from, Pinterest is one of the most visually appealing and effective when it comes to art marketing.
By creating boards devoted to your art, you can reach a large number of people who might not otherwise see your work. And since Pinterest is all about sharing visual content, it's the perfect place to showcase your art and get discovered by new fans.
So if you're not already using Pinterest to promote your art, you're missing out on a valuable marketing tool.
8. Be clear about what's for sale in the item description
What is the color or size that your customers will receive? Try to make small 3 sentence paragraphs describing your item and what it can be used for. And then underneath use some bullet points so that it's easy to read.
It's very important to get all of the info on the listing for your customers. Always write a helpful product description for your artwork.
9. Make sure shipping settings are set
Customer's don't want to guess at shipping times and prices. Be sure that all of the information is there for them.
10. Pictures must be amazing
Product photos are the first thing that customers see so this is your time to make them stunning. Stay with a theme so that your shop doesn't look cluttered.
Artists put their heart and soul into their work - it's a labor of love. But when it comes time to sell that art, proper photography is essential. Amateurish photos can drastically reduce the value of the piece in the eyes of collectors and art dealers.
Likewise, poor lighting or composition can make even the most beautiful artworks look dull and unappealing. Browse through other artists sites to see how the most popular artists are showing their work.
Good art photography not only showcases the work in its best light, but it can also be used for art marketing purposes - like creating promotional materials or building an online portfolio. In other words, art photography is an investment that can pay off handsomely for artists.
11. Price your paintings carefully
If you are wondering how to price your handmade products we have a helpful article that covers some basic pricing strategies.
Art is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it. This may seem like a simple statement, but it's one that confounds many artists when it comes time to market their work.
How do you price a handmade painting? There is no easy answer, but there are some general guidelines that can help.
First, consider the materials used and the time involved in creating the piece. These factors will help to determine the base price of the painting.
Next, research the prices of similar artworks by other artists. This will give you a good idea of what the market will bear.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for what you think your painting is worth.
Ultimately, only you can decide how much your art is worth, but by following these tips, you can ensure that you get the best possible price for your work.
In Conclusion
We hope you found these tips helpful. Good luck with your art business.
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