5 Ways to Increase Your Art Print Sales
Here’s the truth: even if your art is incredible, most artists will find that simply producing great art isn’t enough to drive business. While they make make a few sales here and there, building a robust, reliable sales pipeline requires a little more intentionality, a little planning, and just a little more work. But there is good news! Selling art isn’t rocket science, and with just a few tricks, almost anyone can build a strong art-selling business.
The most important thing to know when developing your strategy is that people love to buy art they feel a personal connection with. Art takes viewers on a journey into the creator’s mind and tells a story. The greater the connection between the artist and the viewer, the more impactful this story becomes.
Therefore, when selling your art prints online or in person, building this type of connection with your audience is paramount. With this in mind, here are 5 fantastic ways to help you increase your sales while also fostering a supportive community for your work to thrive in:
1. Share your art on social media
The worst mistake you can make as an artist today is not embracing the power of social media. Love it or hate it, social media is the fastest, easiest way to get your art in front of potential buyers, one of the best ways to establish your identity online, and a great way to tell your story. Instagram is the most highly recommended for artists due to its focus on visual art and images, but the enterprising artist may also explore other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok
Managing a social profile and online presence is hard work, but it can be massively rewarding. Along with building a larger following for your art, social media can also help you advertise new releases and prints you have for sale.
For the best results on social media, you should aim to post as consistently as possible – at least 3 times per week, but ideally every day.
If this sounds daunting, remember that you can post way more than just final pieces! Your goal with each post isn’t necessarily to make a sale, it’s to build a connection with your following. Share your art, your process, and your inspiration. Tell your story, and bring your audience along with you every time you start work on a new piece.
2. Follow other artists and engage with your community
When building your online presence, don’t neglect to follow and connect with your fellow artists.
Your digital community should consist of more than just fans of your work. Fostering professional relationships with other artists will create a network of support that is mutually beneficial and will help you to reach a broader audience. This is also a great way to get in front of new eyes: if you promote the work of like-minded artists, you can expect that they will promote you in turn. This creates a virtuous cycle which helps the entire community increase tehir exposure.
Additionally, you should be engaging with your community – whether it is just beginning or already thriving. Liking and responding to comments and messages will help you create a sense of loyalty and appreciation amongst your followers, and help Instagram recognize that you’re a legitimate account and increase the visibility of your posts.
3. Consider building a website
Social platforms are great for building an audience, but what then? A website—or at the very least, a bio page—can help you capture the initial interest from a potential buyer and turn that into a sale.
A website doesn’t need to be complex, but it does need a few key things:
An About Page: If a customer has come to your website, they are likely seeking to learn more about you as an artist. An about page on your website gives you an excellent opportunity to humanize yourself, tell your story, and add a face to the work your customers already love.
Your Portfolio: You don’t need to upload every piece you’ve ever created, but you should have at least a few standout pieces that capture your style. Alternatively, many site builders allow you to embed a feed from Instagram—and that might be enough! The important thing is that a visitor to your site can very quickly understand who you are, what kind of art you make, and see some examples. Providing social media links gives them the chance to follow you and keep up with your new releases – and will encourage their patronage of your art in the future!
Print Shop Links: This one should be obvious. On each page of your website, there should be an easy-to-find navigational link that leads visitors to your VSUAL print shop (or wherever else you choose to sell from!).
4. Make Announcements for New Print Releases
Getting in the habit of announcing when you have new prints available for purchase is key. After all, people need to know you have things they can buy!
Social media is an effective tool for print release announcements. However, you should also use your website and in-person events to promote your new prints as well. Alternatively, you may consider building a mailing list. Collecting email addresses in a form on your website or on a clipboard at events is a great way to establish regular contact with your most aid fans.
Another great way to achieve this is by creating flyers or handouts that describe your latest print drop that can be distributed at art shows and fairs. Not only will these flyers help advertise your prints, but they can help bring new viewers to your website and social accounts.
Art Shows and Craft Fairs are great places to connect with potential buyers
5. Build Your Audience at Art Shows
Speaking of art shows and fairs, these events are perfect for finding willing customers looking for a new and exciting print to hang on their wall.
When you attend art shows, bring a table with you that allows you to sell directly. As people stop at your booth, you can show them what you have for sale and ask if they would like to sign up for your mailing list. Alternatively, just bring a few sample works, and provide visitors with a tablet or laptop so they can browse and order from your entire inventory online.
Final Thoughts
Selling art prints is like any other professional or creative endeavor – it requires diligence and determination. It may take a few months before you start driving sales, but trust the process! Eventually, you will begin to see your hard work pay off.
If you are ready to boost your print sales, get started with VSUAL today! You can open a store in as little as 5 minutes. With our print-on-demand service, all the technical aspects of running an online print shop are handled for you.
VSUAL is free to use, so sign up today.
