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Why do I need an email list?
What would I even say in a monthly email?
Do people want to hear from me?
Don't they just want to see the art?
These are all valid and popular questions I get when I start to talk about email lists. But your email list is the life-blood of your business.
As artists, we spend a lot of time trying to find and cultivate collectors for our work - hopefully those that return time and time again. Some of us spend a lot of time on social media trying to build that audience and stay connected with people who have seen our art. We dedicate hours to building websites to showcase our collections. Artists design marketing materials and spend time and money to apply for exhibitions, festivals, and other showing opportunities to get our work in front of buyers.
What do you do once you've built that community and network of art lovers though?
For most of us, the answer is 'nothing'!
The solution, however, is an EMAIL LIST! This list is the lifeline of your business and is information you own. Social media is great for connecting and socializing, but it could change or go away at any time. What would happen to your business if all of your followers on social media were gone tomorrow? ... Not great to think about?
That's exactly why you need to get people over to your email list so you can communicate with them on a regular basis. You can get to know them and communicate more personally with them. Guess what?! Buyers of your work want to know you as well. They want to know your story and the inspirations for your work. These are both things you can share with your list.
An email list is also a great place to share information on events/shows/festivals/exhibitions including important details for attending those events. You can showcase new work and collections. Share videos or information about your techniques and processes. If you offer special sales or offers, give your email list subscribers first access or a special bonus. Promote your commission work, reproductions, workshops/lessons, book, etc.
There is no right or wrong way to communicate with your email list. The most important thing is to get started. Send that first email today!
Figure out a schedule that you will stick to and get going! That could be once a week, twice a month, or monthly. Just hit send!
EMAIL SERVICE PROVIDERS
There are many email service providers out there that can host your email list and send large quantities of emails without them landing in the spam folder. There are free options and paid options that you can pick from depending on your needs.
[I use Mailchimp to host both of my lists. ConvertKit and ConstantContact, as well as many others, are also available.]
If you're not on my list already, be sure to come join me for a monthly - sometimes twice monthly - email with helpful tips and information about running your art business.
If you'd like an example of how I use my email list as an artist, join me on that list as well - Melissa Helene Fine Arts.
Find Your Joy
- Melissa
Don't forget to grab my free Start Your Art Biz Checklist to start growing today!