Women in Art 278 Magazine July 2014 | Page 56

A Lasting impression by Angela Capesius So you decided that you want to begin selling your art online? Good for you! If you are not a tech-savvy person though, selling and showcasing your art online can seem like a daunting task. Not to worry - creating a plan and doing research helps smooth the way. With these simple and effective tips you can create your online profile and begin reaching out to your audience. For starters, there are essentially two different types of websites that you’ll use: networking websites and sales website. Networking websites are essential networking platforms that will assist in gaining popularity among your target audience. Sales websites are platforms that will assist in actual sales of your art. These two platforms should be used in unison and work best when they are hyperlinked together - one site directs viewers to the other site and vice versa. In fact, the content (information you provide about yourself and art on both types of sites) should match one another -- this will help with your brand. 1. Sell Yourself. You, as an artist, need to assume that anyone who comes across your art online has no idea who you are or what your art is about. Show your audience how much you believe in yourself. Create an online profile of yourself that sums up your inspirations, your creativity, your techniques, your passion, and yourself. This profile wom en ART page 56 will be featured on several different online outlets. Be genuine and relatable to your target audience. If words are not your forte, ask a friend to help or hire a professional writer. Think of this online profile as a first impression, you only get one – and you’d like it to count! 2. Join Online Sites. There are several websites that you can simply and effectively showcase and sell your art while using the websites popularity to reach out to a large audience. Take time to consider where your art will fit in and what type of audience are you hoping to sell to. Some sites will charge a flat rate while others will take a percentage of sales. Be sure to carefully choose which sites you connect with, make sure they are reputable and credible sites that will not damage your reputation you are working so hard to build. Also, be weary of the prices that these platforms charge. Just because they charge a lot doesn’t mean they will result in sales. 3. Social Media. Social media has the potential to be a very powerful tool, possibly the most important online tool, if it is used correctly. You can use social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, to name a few, to reach out and connect with your target audience. One of the most important aspects of social media is to engage your audience while giving them the ability to reach out and connect with you. By using this outlet you will allow your audience to get to know you better as