You’re casually scrolling through your Instagram feed when you notice one of the art and design pages you follow has posted a new piece for sale. One of the reasons you decided to follow them was for the style of their art. However, you became a devoted follower as you interacted with their page; getting to know the artist and their process better. After investigating the new work, you begin wondering if you could sell your own work on Instagram. Or if it would even be worth it. Because, if you’re being honest, the market already seems saturated as it is. Well it’s possible, and likely not nearly as difficult as you think.
So, where do you start?
Create an Account
Even though you already have an account, having a fresh Instagram account wholly dedicated to your art is setting yourself up for success. Don’t import your contacts from your phone. While it’s ok for mom and dad to follow you, the whole purpose of this account is to showcase your art. That means establishing yourself in your niche. For inspiration look at the successful accounts you already follow, and maybe even some you don’t. Pay attention to how they have branded themselves. Read their bios. Investigate hashtags they use. Essentially, do the research.
Now that you have this new account, you’ll need your own unique bio that reflects you and your art. Include a website for followers to be able to purchase your art. Be prepared to consistently post.
Embrace the Culture
As mentioned before, you gotta do the research. Instagram has a ‘culture’ so to speak, aka Hashtags. They are what’s going to help you get exposure. From the list you’ve compiled, plus maybe some you want to try on your own, start incorporating them.
Key things to remember about hashtags:
- Keep them relevant. Don’t use #oilpainting if you’re selling a watercolor.
- Track your hashtags. Find the ones that are giving you success. Cut out the ones that aren’t. Keep refining the process until you’ve found your sweet spot.
- Don’t overdo it. Somewhere between 5 – 10 hashtags are going to be ideal. Too few won’t get you very much traffic. Too many can be overwhelming for viewers, and difficult for you to track.
- If you’re struggling to come up with hashtags consider these things: What medium(s) did you use? What is the subject matter of your piece? Where was it made?
For a little extra help, use the Hashtagify website to test how relevant your hashtags will be to current trends. It’s also a great resource for more suggestions similar to what you are already using.
Bring on the Content
Next it’s time to consider your page content. This may seem obvious, but there are some basic guidelines to follow. First of all, do not over promote. Yes, the whole goal is to sell your work, but you need followers to feel ‘connected’ to you and your work. Post content that’s within your branding and page theme. Even if the picture isn’t of your art it should still carry the same vibe as the rest of your page. Be open and engaging. A few good ideas for content are to tease your art with #sneakpeaks as you are getting ready to release a new piece. Include #inprocess moments. Let your followers be a part of the journey. It will make your account more personable, and they will value your art more.
A quick note, when photographing your work to post make sure there is good lighting, a clear angle, the whole piece is in the picture, and they are clear and crisp images. If needed touch them up in a photo editing software so the image looks truer to the actual art.
Captions are important. Give them personality. Don’t just say ‘buy now’. While you are trying to sell, there are much more creative ways to make a pitch. Try something like, “I can’t wait to see where this piece’s new home will be’. Give the caption flair. It should carry the voice of your page for consistency and engage your followers. If it’s always a sales pitch, no one’s going to want to keep reading.
Post on a schedule. Whether that’s one or two times a day to every other day, be consistent. Share moments on your story. Keep your account active and give fresh content. Don’t be afraid to be creative. After all you are an artist.
Be Prepared
This point is key. Don’t post things for sale if you don’t have a game plan ready. Get all the details fine-tuned. How much are you selling it for? How are you going to ship it? Is shipping included in your price? How is the customer going to pay you? How is it going to be packaged? Is it a print or the original piece? You need the answers to all these and any other common questions you expect to come your way BEFORE you post something for sale. Also, once it’s sold, make sure you let customers know.
Social Media is Social
You’re here. You’re ready. You’ve done what it takes to get your account going. Now what? Well, it’s time to be social. It is ‘social’ media after all. Interact with followers. Reply to comments. Answer responses to your stories. Use this as an opportunity to network. Think LinkedIn, but on Instagram.
If you post or spotlight other artists you like on your page, tag them! That can give you cross exposure, and it might attract their attention. Who knows they might even share some of your work on their own page, or at the very least give you a shout out. Reach out to pages, or groups you like. Offer to do art trades with them. Consider doing challenges to keep your audience engaged, such as the #drawthisinyourstyle challenge. This is how you grow. There is no idly sitting by waiting for it to happen. You need put in the work.
And finally, have patience. It’s not going to happen overnight. Give your page time to develop and grow. Continue to track your results on Instagram. And most importantly, keep at it, a little faith, hard work, and hope can go a long way.