I know this is a site about art shows but I was wondering if people are also selling online and how they are doing with that. I have had an etsy shop for awhile but have never sold anything on it. I use it for people that I know or who meet me at a show to see my work. Then they usually call me directly or see me at the next show. I recently saw an ad for Ruby Lane and was wondering if that was any different than etsy for jewelry. I am also working on putting up a stand alone website thru Shopify that will inclde an online shop, blog, and show info. Just trying to find the cheese. Thanks
Diane
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I have a question- Can I keep my FB page "private" but have my business page "public"?
Hi Janet.
I think you can... I think when you "publish" your page, you can edit the settings to allow it to be public, and this shouldn't change your FB personal page. Not 100% sure on that, but I believe it is possible. Try looking in the settings/edit area of your page, or try maybe seaching google for FB page security settings.
Having a website is great but you need facebook also. Facebook can help drive people to your website.
Example-friend of mine posted a picture of someone's jewelry on facebook. I liked what I saw so I went to the the artist's facebook page. Saw more great work that I liked, including prices, so I went to her website.
I just received the earrings that I saw and I love them. The color was exactly as pictured. Size is an issue online so measurements are nice to have. The jeweler will also be designing a pendant for me because of stones I fell in love with on her facebook page.
Now that I think of it, it may be better to start out with a facebook page. You can post your work, with prices and on your info page, post your website if you already have one or list your business email. It is easier to get your work noticed because it will show up on your friends' pages and go on from there exponentially.
Agreed, Geri. People underestimate how facebook can drive business to you. for every person who 'Likes' my page, their friends see that 'like' and come investigate if they are so inclined which drives them to my website. I ended up with a bit of commission work last fall just from friends of friends who 'liked' my page... it's free advertising....
True Kathy, I've sold a couple of things via facebook just from posting pics of new pieces that are made. Every little bit helps!
I have started a new FB, again trying to stay business focused... I may just not have the knack (or will) for it. The Brit sitcom The It Crowd had a hilarious episode spoofing FB, their social media site was called Friendface, funny stuff.
I have a Facebook page for my business, but overall my blog (by Blogger) as given me the most traffic. This is because I've had my blog since 2008 and have slowly built a following (not huge but not bad) for my paintings. Also I've joined a popular site that auctions off paintings (Daily Paintworks) and that has increased traffic to my blog, and my sales almost all come from Daily Paintworks or through my blog. My Facebook page doesn't generate much interest and I'm not sure why- may be the format just isn't as appealing as a blog.
Hi Diane, I, too, and perpetually in search of the perfect online solution. I made my current website on iWeb-it's a drop and drag type setup, and the website looks fine. The problem is, Apple is discontinuing support of iWeb, so I'm being pushed out into the website world (kicking and screaming). I have tried Etsy, and currently have a shop on Storenvy that is tied to my Facebook page. Neither has produced anything. What I dream of is a template-based website (that I can design myself), that has a shopping cart and payment gateway, and that is hosted by someone else...all in one! I'm sure it's out there, and I just keep hunting. When I find it, I'll let you know.
Has anyone out there found this elusive online solution?
Claudia,
I'm working on transferring my web site from Homestead to Wordpress.org. I think that might be what the Dolan Geiman site is. You can have a blog page, shopping cart, newsletter, etc, and it's pretty easy to deal with. My hubby just changed over and is writing articles & blogs on his - www.toltriverpressonline.com. It's in process, but he says it's been easy to build, and they have nice, clean templates. He uses Bluehost for his server. There is a "Wordpress for Dummies" out there, hallelujah.
To my mind, selling online, is part of an artist's marketing plan. Building a website, collecting email addresses, sending out newsletters, building a following, letting people at shows know you have a site are all important. It is another job, it is your job.
I've been at shows and heard patrons ask artists if they have a website and the reply is, "no, I only sell at shows." What if that person is only minimally interested that day and then something comes up and they remember what they saw and now see a place for it in their life. How will they ever get it? What about the day coming when you don't want to do so many shows? What about the day when you make something so awesome you want to show it to everyone? What are you doing to prepare for that?
Here's a website of someone who really "gets" it: http://dolangeiman.com/
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