Want To Make More Online Art Sales? You Need an Email List!

In the realm of art, the focus is often on creative expression. However, artists often overlook one of the most critical components to successfully selling their art - building relationships with buyers. This is what sets the "starving artists" apart from financially successful artists. Successful artists know how to market their art and maintain relationships with customers, eventually turning them into collectors. The most important element of maintaining this close relationship is the email list.

Direct Communication Channel
Unlike social media, where posts may go unnoticed, emails offer a direct line of communication with your audience. On social media, only 2-3% of your followers actually see your content. In email, you can have upwards of 50-90% open rates. When someone subscribes to your email list, it's a commitment to receive your updates. This direct channel ensures that your announcements and messages reach your audience without getting lost in the noise of other online content.

Building a Community
An email list is a means to cultivate a community around your art. Your subscribers are individuals who have expressed a genuine interest in what you create. By regularly communicating with them through newsletters, you can strengthen this connection. Share behind-the-scenes insights, upcoming projects, and personal stories to make your audience feel more engaged and invested in your journey.

Fostering Loyalty
Consistent communication through email helps build loyalty among your audience. When people feel a personal connection to you and your work, they are more likely to support your artistic endeavors. Whether it's attending your exhibitions, purchasing your creations, or simply spreading the word about your art, a loyal email audience can significantly impact your success.

Monetization Opportunities
Beyond the creative aspect, artists often need practical ways to monetize their work. An email list provides a platform to offer exclusive content or limited edition releases directly to your audience. This targeted approach can turn your subscribers into paying customers, supporting your craft and providing a source of income.

Adaptability in a Changing Landscape
The art world, like any other industry, undergoes changes. Social media algorithms evolve, trends shift, and platforms come and go. Amidst this uncertainty, an email list remains a stable asset. It's a tool that allows you to adapt to new circumstances while retaining a direct connection to your audience, irrespective of external changes. Mark Zuckerberg owns Instagram and Facebook and your follower list, but only you own your email list and can do with it as you see fit. I cover my favorite email list building tools in my comprehensive guide: 7 Steps to Your First Art Sale. Sign up below to be one of the first to get it when it comes out in mid-February

In summary, if you want to be a financially successful artist, an email list is not just a luxury but a necessity. It provides a reliable means of communication with your customers, a platform for community-building, and opportunities for monetization. As an artist, focusing on the practical impact of building and maintaining an email list can significantly contribute to the sustainability and success of your creative journey. If you want to learn more about selling your art online, fill out the form below.