The Artists Business Lounge
Art Business Coaching for Visual Artists
6 Reasons Your Art Isn't Selling That Has Nothing To Do With Your Art
Believe it or not, your art is not one of the main reasons why your art isn’t selling.
So what is then?
In the world of art sales, success extends beyond creating remarkable artworks; it involves understanding the nuances of the market, audience engagement, and strategic business approaches.
Six key reasons art doesn’t sell, that have nothing to do with the art itself, are:
1) Unclear Value Proposition
2) Inaccessible Pricing
3) Inconsistent Branding
4) Limited Exposure
5) Lack of Engagement
6) Neglecting Marketing Channels
Which one of those made you nod your head in recognition?
If you find yourself wondering why your art isn’t selling as anticipated, exploring various aspects might shed light on potential hurdles. And potential solutions.
1) Unclear Value Proposition
Storytelling Mastery: Dive into the backstory of each piece. Share the inspiration, techniques, or emotions behind your art to create an emotional connection with potential buyers.
Emphasise what sets your art apart. If you don’t know what is special about your art, how can you communicate it? Get in touch with your work and explore its value so you can communicate about your work in a way that reflects its value.
2) Inaccessible Pricing
Transparent Pricing Strategies: Offer clear and accessible pricing information. Consider tiered pricing or payment plans to cater to various budgets.
A survey by Art-Tech Report found that 90% of collectors who bought art from websites wanted to see pricing. That is 9 out of 10! Times have changed and the idea of not having transparent pricing exists from a time when things were a little different.
Clear pricing on your shop is a must, but what if you don’t have a shop on your website? Create a pricing guide that is easy to see and access. There are plenty of options for sharing your pricing.
3) Inconsistent Branding
Branding isn’t about having a logo and it isn’t about only making one kind of work. It’s about consistency in the way you show up as an artist.
Brand Cohesion: Ensure consistency across your portfolio, website, social media, and promotional materials. Align visuals, messaging, and tone to create a recognisable brand.
4) Limited Exposure
Are you hiding?
Do you create a post and disappear?
Are you not getting new sign-ups to your mailing lists every day?
No matter how wonderful the art is that you make, if people don’t see it, they don’t see it. Visibility can come about online and offline but if you want to be seen you need to be visible.
Online Visibility Strategies: Leverage social media platforms, artist communities, and online galleries. Engage authentically, share your artistic process, and interact with your audience.
5) Lack of Engagement
Interactive Engagement: Foster engagement by responding to comments, conducting Q&A sessions, or live demonstrations. Don’t offer a mailing list sign-up option and then never communicate. Make your audience feel valued and engaged.
Community Nurturing: Create exclusive content for your followers. Offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, exclusive deals, or early access to artworks.
6) Neglecting Marketing Channels
Diverse Marketing Approach: Strategically use social media, email newsletters, blogs, and other platforms to showcase your art consistently.
Data-Driven Strategy: Analyse metrics to understand which channels and content resonate best with your audience. Tailor your marketing efforts accordingly.
ACTIONS
Check the list and check your website, your socials and your marketing with an objective eye. Are you doing any of these 6 things?
If so, make a plan and take action. If you are making several of these mistakes, start with one (in my experience the one you resist the most, is the one you most need to take action on, but it’s OK to give yourself a quick win by tackling an easier one before going to the one you resist).
Need help making a plan and putting it into action? Get in touch.
❓Want to know what marketing channels are available to you? Grab the free download below. ⬇️
Free Download - Marketing Channels for Artists
Marketing Channels for Artists
