how you can market your art WITHOUT social media

Summary

This video script advocates for email newsletters as a superior alternative to social media platforms for artists to showcase and sell their work. It emphasizes the direct control, personal connection, and ownership of the email list, which is free from algorithmic suppression. The speaker shares three key benefits: the intimacy of direct communication, the ability to market to engaged followers, and the potential for automated, passive marketing. Additionally, the script offers practical advice on starting an email list, including creating a lead magnet and utilizing Squarespace for business growth.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Email newsletters offer a more effective and less stressful way for artists to sell their artwork compared to social media platforms like Instagram.
• 🔒 Artists have direct control over their email list, allowing them to build a closer relationship with their audience without the interference of social media algorithms.
• 📬 Email marketing is personal and can be customized to reflect the artist's unique style and voice, making it feel more intimate and direct than other forms of online communication.
• 🤝 Artists can engage with their audience directly through email, starting conversations and building relationships with potential collectors.
• 🏆 Owning the email list means artists have the freedom to switch platforms or providers without losing their audience, ensuring they maintain control over their marketing efforts.
• 🖼 Artists can use email newsletters to showcase their artwork and sell to their most engaged followers, providing updates on their creative process and personal journey.
• 📈 Email newsletters provide an opportunity for artists to practice marketing and sales skills, becoming comfortable with self-promotion and building confidence in their offerings.
• 📝 Automation features in email marketing tools allow for passive marketing strategies, where targeted campaigns can be set up to engage with subscribers based on their interests.
• 🔗 Lead magnets, such as free resources or digital products, can be used to incentivize people to sign up for an artist's email list, growing the audience base.
• 📅 Regular email communication, even if it's just about shop updates or personal musings, helps keep the artist top of mind for subscribers and can lead to increased sales.
• 🚀 Starting an email newsletter doesn't require perfection; artists are encouraged to begin with any topic and build the habit of regular communication to foster connection with their audience.

Q & A

Why are artists struggling to get their work seen on platforms like Instagram?

Artists are struggling because they have to constantly adapt to algorithm changes, post at optimal times, and meet expectations regarding content and frequency, which can be overwhelming and unpredictable.

What alternative is suggested in the script for selling artwork more effectively and with less stress?

The script suggests using email newsletters as a more effective and less stressful alternative to social media platforms for selling artwork.

Why are social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok suppressing certain posts?

These platforms are suppressing posts that use phrases that push people off-platform, such as 'Link in bio,' as they have been linked to a suppression of reach.

What is the advantage of email marketing over social media for artists?

Email marketing allows artists to have direct control over their audience, build a closer relationship, and communicate without worrying about algorithm changes or platform policing.

How does owning an email list benefit an artist?

Owning an email list gives the artist control over their audience, the freedom to switch platforms without losing their list, and the assurance of being able to communicate with their most engaged fans even if their main social media platform disappears.

What are the three reasons mentioned in the script for every artist to have an email newsletter?

The three reasons are direct control over the list, the ability to showcase artwork and sell to engaged followers, and powerful automation opportunities for passive marketing.

How can an artist use their email newsletter to build a relationship with their audience?

An artist can use their email newsletter to share personal updates, behind-the-scenes content, their creative process, inspirations, and dreams, which helps in building a more intimate and personal connection with the audience.

What is a 'lead magnet' and how can it be used to grow an email list?

A 'lead magnet' is an incentive, such as a free resource or digital product, offered to potential subscribers in exchange for signing up to the email list. It can be used to attract new subscribers by providing value upfront.

How can automation in email marketing help an artist with passive marketing?

Automation in email marketing can help by setting up triggered campaigns that send a series of emails promoting a product or service to subscribers who have shown interest in a particular topic, allowing the artist to market passively and efficiently.

What advice does the script give for starting an email newsletter?

The script advises not to overthink the content, to start with any topic, to write in a personal and authentic voice, and to build a habit of sending newsletters regularly to keep the artist top of mind for subscribers.

How can an artist ensure they maintain a connection with their audience even if their social media presence is compromised?

By building and maintaining an email list, an artist can ensure direct communication with their audience, independent of social media platforms, thus maintaining a connection even if their social media presence is affected.