Low art sales? How artists can recover from a slow period
Have you ever experienced a drop in art sales and felt unsure how to handle it? How do you deal with the highs and lows in your journey?
Today, we’re going to have a heart-to-heart chat about something all artists have experienced at some point in their journey: those moments when art sales seem to be playing hide-and-seek, leaving us pondering what on earth is going on!
First things first, let’s remember one truth: every artist faces ebbs and flows in their sales journey. It’s like riding waves in the vast ocean of creativity, and just like a seasoned surfer, you have the ability to conquer any trough that comes your way.
Even the great masters of art history didn’t achieve legendary status without encountering their share of trials. They, too, faced rejections, low art sales and disappointments, but their unwavering passion and determination led them to greatness.
In this week’s article of business and marketing we’ll explore practical tips that will leave you fired up and ready to take on the world. Remember, you’re not alone in this adventure – we’re all in this together, and we’ve got your back!
From reinventing your approach to reaching out to new audiences and building a strong online presence, we’ve got it all covered. And hey, don’t forget the secret sauce that sets your art apart – YOU!
Your unique perspective, your extraordinary imagination, and your dedication to your craft are the very essence that draws people to your creations.
Before diving into tips to improve sales, let’s take a moment to understand some factors that can cause low sales for artists. These are essential to recognize, as they’ll help us identify which tips might work best for your situation.
What can cause low sales?
As an artist, facing a low sales period is a common part of the journey, and there are various factors that can influence this temporary downturn. Some of which can include:
Art styles and what people like are always changing. It’s normal for what’s popular now to be different from what was liked before. This is how art grows and stays interesting.
Embracing change and staying open to new inspirations can help an artist adapt and connect with their audience. As the same old methods might not resonate with the audience anymore.
Moreover, marketing and promotion play a vital role in an artist’s success. Sometimes, a lack of visibility or effective marketing strategies might be contributing to the low sales.
But don’t worry every artist experiences highs and lows, and it’s during these moments that resilience and determination shine through. Use this time as an opportunity to build a stronger connection and cherish your passion for creating art and remember why you started in the first place.
Below are some ideas that might help you recover from this slow period:
Start with improving your online presence
Improving your online presence is a fantastic way to boost your visibility as an artist. Even if you already have an online presence, making some enhancements can make a world of difference. Here are some tips to help you level up your online game:
To start with, make sure your website or portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to read. Show your best and most recent work, and provide clear information about yourself and your work.
(At Arts to Hearts, we understand the importance of a compelling artist statement that truly captures the essence of your art and resonates with your audience. If you need any help crafting an artist statement that sells your work, click here to avail this service)
Keep interacting with your audience on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your process, interact with your followers, and respond to comments and messages to build a connection.
Also, try to regularly share your artwork to keep your audience engaged and interested. Consistency is key to staying visible and reminding people of your talent.
You can also use relevant hashtags and keywords that align with your art and target audience. This will make it easier for people to find you when searching for specific styles or themes.
(If you want to know about some top hashtags that can help you gain that reach read, Top Hashtags For Emerging Women Artists To Get More Visibility On Their Work)
Improving your online presence takes time and dedication. But with patience and a consistent effort, you can expand your visibility, reach new audiences, and increase your sales opportunities.
Send your audience a newsletter.
Sending newsletters is a powerful and effective method for artists to boost their sales and strengthen their relationship with their audience. To make the most of newsletters for art sales, start by building an email list of your followers, and potential buyers.
Provide incentives for people to subscribe, such as exclusive content or a discount. Send newsletters consistently, showing your latest artworks with high-quality images and descriptions that convey the emotions and stories behind each piece.
You can create a feeling of urgency by announcing limited editions or special offers through newsletters. You can also, encourage interaction and engagement by asking questions, running polls, or requesting feedback from your audience.
Always include a link to your online portfolio or website in every newsletter to direct interested buyers to explore more of your art. Make sure your newsletters are mobile-friendly, as many people access their emails through smartphones.
You can also measure the success of your newsletters using analytics to understand what content connects with your audience.
To make it more interesting you can personalise your newsletters by addressing subscribers by their names and segmenting your email list based on interests or preferences to send more relevant content.
If you need help or are looking for ideas on how you can create your newsletters you can read: 10 newsletters every artist should have in their inbox.
Take every chance to show your work
Showing more of yourself as an artist can be a game-changer for your art sales. Don’t shy away from connecting with call for arts and embracing every opportunity that comes your way.
Participating in call for arts and art exhibitions allows you to show your talent to a broader audience and potential buyers. Be proactive in seeking out local art events, online exhibitions, or art fairs where you can display your work.
Networking is also essential. Engage with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, gallery owners, and curators. Attend art-related events, workshops, and seminars to expand your connections and learn from others in the industry.
If you are looking looking for a platform where you can get your featured and noticed, you can apply here:
Revamp Your Website
Your website is the window to your world, and it’s essential to keep it fresh and captivating. Take this opportunity to update your website with new photos, information, and exciting news that will engage your audience. A well-maintained website not only shows your art but also reflects your professionalism and dedication as an artist.
Ensure that your website is in top-notch shape by double-checking all the links and eliminating any pesky typos. You want your viewers to have a seamless and enjoyable experience when exploring your site.
Your website is your online persona, and it should accurately represent your artistic identity. Consider what message you want to convey to your visitors and how you want them to perceive you as an artist.
Crafting your website, just like creating a thoughtful newsletter, is an opportunity to engage your audience and leave a lasting impression of your art and your unique brand.
If you haven’t taken the time to define your brand yet, now is the perfect moment to dive into this. Discovering and shaping your brand will not only add depth to your website but also strengthen your connection with your audience.
Seo- What is it and how can recover your low art sales
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can be a game-changer for artists when it comes to art sales.By optimizing your website and art listings with relevant keywords and content, SEO helps your artworks rank higher in search engine results. This means more people can find and discover your art when they search for related terms.
Engaging content and proper SEO strategies can also attract art collectors to your website, increasing the chances of converting visitors into customers. Through blog posts, social media, and other platforms, you can show your journey, process, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Moreover, SEO empowers artists to tap into niche markets and target specific audiences, allowing them to tailor their marketing efforts effectively. This targeted approach can lead to higher conversion rates and more meaningful interactions with potential buyers.
In the competitive art market, SEO levels the playing field for artists of all levels.
Remember,
Slow sales are not a measure of your talent or worth as an artist. Every journey has its ups and downs, and these moments offer a chance for growth, resilience, and innovation.
Embrace the challenges, tap into your power, and let your work shine through. Trust that this phase is merely a stepping stone to even greater heights. Seize this moment to transform setbacks into comebacks! And if you need more ideas on how to sell your art you can read How To Sell Art And Make Money In 2023: An Easy Guide For Artists
And with this its a wraps it up for this week! I sincerely hope that the tips provided here have been valuable in elevating your art business to new heights.
Next week, I’ll be back with even more exciting articles to help you further grow your art business. So, stay tuned and keep that creative spirit alive. Keep pushing boundaries, exploring new horizons, and making your mark in the art world.
Until then, happy creating and see you next week with more artistic inspiration!
The images in this article are sourced from:
