As an artist, artisan or crafter, creating an online presence through which to promote, and potentially sell, your work is an important step. Even if you only use your social networking presence to showcase your talent and funnel traffic to your own website, these are also important components of successfully promoting yourself as a creative contributor.
Here are a few hints for utilizing social media in your creative endeavors.
Portfolio Building Sites
The social media world offers many avenues for creative people. Portfolio building sites are an essential part of any social media operations for artists, artisans and crafters. These sites work in much the same way as building a “real world” portfolio through creating slides or collecting original works all in one location. You’re able to showcase the best of your work all in one place and direct individuals interested in seeing your skills to that portfolio.
Many portfolio building sites also contain forum features and other social media platforms that allow individuals to network with other artists and crafters and to build their connections within their particular niche in the arts and crafts world. Whichever site you decide to participate in, take complete advantage of all the tools it offers, including those that allow you to build your social/professional networking circles. Every connection matters when you’re promoting your work and the more people who know your name, the better.
Flickr and other Photo Sharing Sites
Photo sharing sites are an excellent way for photographers to build an online presence. They allow individuals who have a hobbyist’s interest in photography to showcase their talents and professional photographers to promote their work as well. In the same way that portfolio building sites offer social networking options, so do sites like Flickr and Photobucket.
Etsy and other E-Commerce Sites
For any creative person, developing an e-commerce or at least an internet marketing presence is important. Sites like Etsy, which is designed specifically for selling and buying handmade items, are a perfect venue for crafters to peddle their wares online. These kinds of sites also allow for followers, incorporating a social media aspect in their design.
Most of these kinds of e-commerce sites, including Etsy, also include blogs, forums and other social media components. Use blogging capabilities on the site to help promote your own store and products and to generate additional traffic. And don’t forget to take advantage of the forums and other “community” oriented features to build your contacts and get your name out there in your niche craft.
Merging Activities
Mainstream social media can also be a means of promoting your artist, artisan or crafter activities. You can develop a business page on these sites through which you market your arts and crafts. Take advantage of the photo uploading options on sites like Facebook and ensure you properly tag your photos so they clearly display on your business profile page, as well.
Your profile page on sites like Facebook can be used to promote your activities and can also be a way to send traffic to other sites. Include links to your portfolio or to your e-commerce site. Put your work into the “marketplace” on Facebook or other sites too.
Awesome Tips!! There are very few resources available to help creative people. Thanks a lot.
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