How to appeal to more customers online?

This is just a musing post.

Obviously, with the second lockdown of the year the shop I share can not open as art can’t be described as essential. So that leaves the dilemma of how do you attract an audience to buy from you when the shop door is closed?

This was my first account for my art and it is primarily an information source and a blog to share thoughts and developments. I briefly tried Etsy and use Facebook and Instagram daily with a variety of posts. I have now started the AndyKnillArt.shop online store. I also have a small Twitter presence and a Pinterest account.

I have realised that marketing is a mystery and I continue to develop an awareness of how to reach out to possible customers. It is an additional learning curve on top of artist skills and shopkeeper skills. I am enjoying the adventure of learning new things and I am sure the real answer to attracting more customers is going to be lots of work over a long period of time. Just by saying that of course is the reminder that I am still very new to this art business idea:

2017 – Year 1: craft markets, sold card design and commissioned to do three more by Swanage Tourist Information, Purbeck Art Weeks Open Studio – had about 8 pictures in my range and finally Artisans on the Beach.

2018 – Year 2: Purbeck Art Weeks Open Studio – a vast increase in work on offer, Artisans on the Beach – now on the committee, work and bay in Purbeck Artisan Yard

2019 – Year 3: Purbeck Art Weeks Open Studio, Purbeck Artisan Yard, Artisans on the Beach, rented half a shop as co tenant with fellow local artist

2020 – Year 4: The Courtyard Studio shop, Purbeck Artisan Yard then lockdown 1.0. No Purbeck Art Weeks but sold some work in linked auction. Artist in residence at Knoll House Hotel. Left Purbeck Artisan Yard. Started online shop. Commissions placed with me, Lockdown 2.0 ….. now

I think it is because this has become my career after retiring from teaching I find myself looking at what others achieve and aspire to do as well forgetting that it takes time. After all, I am already known for the building I used for my open studio for three years,my energetic behaviour at the beach huts, my hand drawn boiler suits, now the hand drawn hats and developing awareness of the shop and outreach work withSwanage Primary and Art Workshop in Swanage. Also this year commissions are starting to come in as well as shop sales.

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