While we can’t underestimate the value of all social media platforms for artists, the truth is that one application remains king above all: Instagram. As a predominantly visual app, Instagram has all the right tools to make your artwork shine (or even better, sell!), but are you using it to its fullest? Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of what Instagram has to offer.
Don’t be afraid to show your process. Finished works are your pride and joy, but it’s not like they appear out of thin air. Try posting images of your process from start-to-finish, including your studio space, your materials, and even mistakes made along the way. This will give your fans a better sense of what exactly goes into every single one of your pieces, and possibly even a newfound appreciation for your finished product.
Try to have more “followers” than “following.” As with anything on the market these days, exclusivity, desirability, and a solid sense of supply-and-demand can make you look more appealing to potential buyers. If you’re following 700 accounts and only 7 are following you back, it could send the wrong message and weaken the strength of your brand.
Try a follow cycle. If you’re looking to build your fan base, you can try something called a “follow cycle” to find people who might be interested in your art. To do this, visit the profiles of other artists and relevant pages and follow a handful of their fans. You might be surprised to see just how many follow you back (and you can always unfollow the ones who don’t!).
Tag, tag, tag. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a hashag is worth a thousand views! Labeling your Instagram uploads with relevant tags like #art, #sculpture, #modernart, #photography or #acrylics can help people find your page. More specific tags will likely get fewer views, but will have a higher chance of converting those searching for them. Give it a try and see what happens.
Add a link to your profile. It might sound obvious, but including a link to your website is of the utmost importance! The last thing you want to do is make people have to work hard to find or purchase your art. Make sure that your profile is equipped with an easy link to your website or sales page.
Don’t just post—engage! There’s a reason it’s called “social” media. It won’t do you any good to just log in, upload a post, and then leave. Start conversations, ask questions, and engage with Instagram users on your own posts and on the posts of others. To keep the conversation going, so remember to @tag the names of people you’re conversing with or mentioning.
Be prepared.
If you’re Instagramming a piece to sell, make sure you have all the details squared away before posting. That means knowing how much you want for it, having a payment process in place, and being ready to ship. Don’t false advertise—if you’re not ready to part with a piece, don’t put it up for sale!
Copyright © PR FOR ARTISTS Blog 2020