SEO For Artists

For your blog and other pieces of your marketing plan, you must be consistent. Building your brand is about building your online reputation. A professional approach is key to standing above the competition.

With the boom of eBay and other online auction/selling sites, many artists are finding new markets.  More markets means more opportunities. However, the down side, as we all know,  is that as the opportunities increase, so does the competition. This is where I think the self-representing artist has an advantage.

If you’re involved in the entire process of selling your work, you know where its strength are. You also can spot areas of improvement. One obstacle artists have is their professional appearance. While you may be working in a back room of your house, you certainly can create professional-looking invoices, package your work to ensure proper delivery, and follow up with clients after the sale. Here are a couple of things you can do to foster your professional appearance.

1. Always use good grammar and proper spelling in all client communications.
There’s a fine line between appearing casual and welcoming to seeming amateurish. Business communication, whether it’s in the office place or from your studio, should be proper and businesslike. An artist places a high value on their work. For buyers, purchasing art is an investment. Appearing businesslike assures your clients that you are a reputable artist.

2. Show respect for your clients.
Knowing a client’s first name or remembering the commission you did of the church she was married in go a long way in showing your clients that they are important to your business. As a self-representing artist, you have an advantage. You probably more chances to communicate with clients. Use them. Take notes. Remember what makes each client unique.

3. Use social media wisely.
Twitter and other sites are fabulous. To be able to connect with friends and others is an amazing prospect. Remember, however, that the Internet is not anonymous. If you have a Twitter account associated with your business, treat it like a business. Save the personal rants for a personal account. I’ve always advocated taking this one step further: do not post, tweet, or update about religion or politics or anything controversial or sophomoric on your business account.

Number one, chances are you’re going to offend someone. I don’t think any of us are in a position where we’d throw away potential clients. Number two, it’s hard enough shaking the amateur-artist badge. Immaturity across the Internet is a step in the wrong direction.

Presenting professional appearance helps to endear trust and respect from your clients. In these hard economic times, trust goes a long way in securing a sale.