Top Tips for Artists - How To Sell Using Instagram

Instagram has been growing in popularity, and businesses have begun to see the advantages that this social media channel can have on their sales. As a visual-led media, this is the ideal forum for artists to increase their online presence, grow their marketing and ultimately sell more art. Here are the Global Art League’s top tips for artists on How To Sell Using Instagram

1. Start with good content

Instagram is quite a picky audience. You need to make sure that the content you’re posting is engaging, unique and interesting. This means it will be ultimately shareable, and your audience of fans will do your marketing for you. The Golden Rule is “talk the language your audience is talking”...this means that you shouldn’t focus solely on the art you’re creating. You can include images of current events, everyday life and topics you think your audience will find interesting.

2. Flirt with your audience

Art buyers are on Instagram. Find people who are following arts organizations and that is your target audience. Unlike on Twitter, for example, where it’s acceptable to just Follow people you don’t know, this is somewhat frowned upon on Instagram. It’s better to “Like” one of their images first (think of this as the flirt) and then they will see your profile and hopefully browse through your images. If you’ve followed tip #1 then they are more likely to start following you.

3. Have a go with video

They say a picture paints a thousand words...but we say that a video could paint a million! Try out the new Video For Instagram feature, which allows you to upload 15 second videos. This is a really great medium to introduce a piece you’ve been working on with some narration of the story behind that particular piece of art.

4. Use #hashtags

By using relevant art related hashtags, you will be making your posts more visible to those searching to buy art online. This will make your profile show up in search results and will allow you to engage in conversations with the art community - similar to how you already do on Twitter.

5. Embed your instagram on your website or blog

Make sure your audience can find you when they visit your other internet properties - this way you’ll be able to organically grow your audience with members who are interested in your work already. Your fans will ultimately be your best art buyers. Embedding your Instagram on your web page is straightforward - just don’t be afraid of a little bit of code. All of the instructions are on the Instagram website.

Remember, new social media is a great place to get out your message and reach an audience to sell your art online.

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