Selling Artwork Online: Effective Global Strategies

Published on 18 July 2023 11 min read

Build an engaging website
Optimize for SEO
Leverage social media
Participate in online art markets
Connect with collectors virtually
Offer worldwide shipping
Promote your art through email marketing
Establish pricing strategies for different markets
Protect your artwork and customers' data
Continue learning and adapting

The digital age has brought about endless opportunities for artists seeking to showcase and sell their work. Selling artwork globally through online platforms is now easier than ever, opening up a wealth of possibilities. You don't need to be a tech whiz or have a degree in marketing to get your art noticed and sold online. This blog will guide you through ten effective strategies to help you navigate the world of online art sales with confidence.

Build an engaging website

The first step in selling artwork globally through online platforms is to build an engaging website. Your website is your online art gallery, so it needs to be as impressive as your artwork. Here's how to create an eye-catching, user-friendly website:

Make it visually appealing: Your website should reflect your artistic style. Use high-quality images of your artwork, and keep the design simple and clean. Remember, your art is the star of the show, so don't let the website design overshadow it.
Keep it user-friendly: Your visitors should be able to navigate your website with ease. Include a clear menu with links to your gallery, about page, contact information, and shopping cart. If your visitors can't find what they're looking for, they'll likely leave and not return.
Include detailed information: Each piece of art you have for sale should come with a detailed description. Include the title, size, medium, price, and a little about the inspiration behind the piece. The more information you provide, the more likely customers are to make a purchase.
Optimize for mobile: More and more, people are browsing and shopping on their phones. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, so it looks and works great on all devices.

Creating an engaging website is like laying the foundation for a house. It should be sturdy, attractive, and functional, setting the stage for everything else to come. And remember, selling artwork globally through online platforms is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, patience, and a little bit of trial and error. But with the right website, you're already off to a great start.

Optimize for SEO

Once you've built your engaging art website, the next step is to make sure it gets seen. This is where Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, comes into play. SEO is all about improving your website's visibility on search engines like Google. When you improve your SEO, you increase your chances of potential buyers finding your artwork when they're searching online. Let's break down how you can optimize your website for SEO:

Use relevant keywords: Keywords are the terms people type into search engines when they're looking for something. Include relevant keywords throughout your website, especially in your titles and descriptions. For instance, if you're a painter specializing in abstract landscapes, phrases like "abstract landscape painting for sale" or "buy abstract landscape art" could be great keywords for you.
Create quality content: Search engines love fresh, quality content. Consider starting a blog on your website where you can share insights about your creative process, talk about your influences, or give a behind-the-scenes look at your studio. This not only gives your audience more insight into your work, but it also helps improve your SEO.
Have a fast, secure website: We've all been frustrated by a slow-loading webpage, and search engines are no different. A fast, secure website can improve your search engine ranking. Make sure your images are optimized for web use (not too big), and consider investing in secure, high-quality hosting.
Get quality backlinks: Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They're like a stamp of approval in the eyes of search engines. Try reaching out to art blogs or online magazines and ask if they'd be interested in featuring your work. Not only does this get your art in front of a new audience, but it also helps to boost your SEO.

Remember, SEO isn't a one-time task. It's an ongoing process of making sure your website is as visible and accessible as possible. By optimizing your website for SEO, you're taking a big step towards selling artwork globally through online platforms.

Think of social media as your online gallery, a place where you can showcase your art to a global audience. It's a powerful tool for selling artwork globally through online platforms. Let's discuss some ways you can take advantage of social media to boost your art business:

Choose the right platforms: Not all social media platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to art. Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are all great platforms for artists because they're highly visual. Choose a platform that aligns with your style and where your potential buyers are likely to hang out.
Showcase your art: Use high-quality images to showcase your art. Make sure your photos accurately represent your work's colors and details. Also, use captions to tell the story behind your art—what inspired you, how you created it, and what it means to you.
Engage with your audience: Social media is not a one-way street. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, asking questions, and showing appreciation for their support. This helps to build a community around your art.
Use hashtags strategically: Hashtags can help your posts reach a wider audience. Look for popular but relevant hashtags in your niche. But remember, don't overdo it—keep it to a few relevant hashtags per post.
Promote your website: Don't forget to direct your followers to your website where they can purchase your art. Include your website link in your bio, and mention it in your posts and stories.

By leveraging social media, you can create a global community of art lovers, making it easier to sell your artwork to a global audience. Remember, consistency is key, so keep posting, engaging, and sharing your art with the world.

Participate in Online Art Markets

The Internet is a vast space with numerous opportunities for selling artwork globally through online platforms. One such opportunity is participating in online art markets. These are platforms specifically designed for artists and art collectors. Let's look at how to make the most of these platforms:

Choose the right market: There are numerous online art markets available, each with its own niche. Some cater to high-end art collectors, others to casual art lovers. Research each platform to understand its audience, fees, and selling process. This will help you choose the market that best suits your artwork and business goals.
Set up your profile: Your profile is your digital storefront. Make sure it's appealing and professional. Include a bio that tells your story, and high-quality photos of your artwork. This helps potential buyers understand you and your art better.
Price your work correctly: Pricing can be tricky, but it's important to get it right. Consider the cost of materials, your time, the market rate, and the value you believe your art holds. Don't undersell your work, but also remember to be realistic.
Promote your art: Don't rely solely on the platform to sell your art. Use your own social media channels, email list, and website to direct potential buyers to your online market profile.

Online art markets are a great way to reach a larger audience and sell your artwork globally. They provide a platform where your art can be discovered by art lovers from all over the world. So, why wait? Start exploring online art markets today!

Connect with Collectors Virtually

If you're selling artwork globally through online platforms, virtual connections with art collectors can be your golden ticket. Establishing a relationship with your audience isn't just about making a sale—it's about building a community that values your work. So, how can you make these essential connections? Here are some tips:

Use video calls: Yes, the good old video call. It's a great tool to show your work in real-time, discuss your creative process, or even give a virtual studio tour. It gives your collectors a peek behind the scenes and makes them feel a part of your artistic journey.
Regular updates: Keep your audience in the loop. Whether it's a new piece you're working on, an upcoming exhibition, or even a glimpse of your day-to-day life, sharing updates can help create a personal bond with your audience.
Engage on social media: Reply to comments, thank people for their likes, and engage in conversations. Remember, social media is not just a tool for broadcasting—it's a two-way street.
Offer exclusive content: Consider offering exclusive content to your most loyal supporters. This could be early access to new work, a digital print, or even a virtual art class. It's a fun way to show your appreciation and enhance their connection to your art.

Virtual connections can indeed bridge the gap between you and collectors around the world. It's not just about selling art—it's about sharing your creative journey and building a global community that appreciates your work.

Offer Worldwide Shipping

So, you've connected with art enthusiasts around the globe and they're eager to purchase your artwork. Excellent! But now comes the next step: shipping your artwork safely and efficiently. Offering worldwide shipping can be a game-changer when it comes to selling artwork globally through online platforms. Here are some pointers to help you navigate this process:

Choose reliable shipping services: When it comes to sending your artwork across the world, it's essential to choose a shipping service you can trust. Research different carriers, compare their services, and check customer reviews. You want your art to be in safe hands.
Pack your artwork carefully: Your artwork is not just any parcel—it's a piece of you. Make sure you pack it well to avoid any damage during transit. Use high-quality packing materials, and consider professional packing services for larger or more delicate pieces.
Provide clear shipping information: Be upfront with your customers about shipping costs and delivery times. Transparency can help manage expectations and build trust with your customers.
Offer insurance: To give both you and your customers peace of mind, consider offering insurance on your shipments. It's a small step that can make a big difference.

Remember, offering worldwide shipping doesn't just open up new markets—it also shows your customers that you value their business, no matter where they are. It's another key element of selling artwork globally through online platforms.

Promote Your Art through Email Marketing

While social media is great for catching the eye, email marketing is where you can really connect with your audience on a deeper level. When selling artwork globally through online platforms, an effective email strategy can help you stay in touch with your collectors, keep them informed about your latest works, and foster a sense of community around your art. Here's how you can use email marketing to your advantage:

Start with a compelling newsletter: A regular email newsletter is your chance to share updates about your work, upcoming shows, and any interesting tidbits about your creative process. Make it personal—let your subscribers get to know the person behind the art.
Segment your audience: Not all your subscribers are the same. Some may be fellow artists, others may be casual admirers, and yet others may be serious collectors. By segmenting your audience, you can tailor your messages to suit different interests and engagement levels.
Use a clear call-to-action (CTA): Whether it's inviting subscribers to your latest exhibition or directing them to your online store, always include a clear and compelling CTA in your emails.
Track your results: Most email marketing platforms provide analytics that let you see how your emails are performing. Use this data to refine your strategy and improve your engagement rates over time.

Remember, email marketing isn't just about selling—it's about building relationships with your audience. By keeping the lines of communication open, you'll be able to build a strong and supportive community around your art, making it easier to sell your artwork globally through online platforms.

Establish Pricing Strategies for Different Markets

When selling artwork globally through online platforms, it's vital to recognize that each market is unique. What works in one country may not necessarily work in another. That's why having a well-thought-out pricing strategy for different markets can make all the difference. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

Research the market: Before setting your prices, take the time to understand the art market in each country. What kind of art is popular? Who are the buyers? What price points are they comfortable with? Having a clear picture of the market can help you set competitive yet profitable prices.
Consider the costs: Selling globally means dealing with additional costs like international shipping, customs duties, taxes, and more. Make sure your pricing strategy takes these factors into account, so you don't end up losing money on your sales.
Adapt to local purchasing power: Remember, what seems affordable in one country may be expensive in another. Adjust your prices according to the purchasing power in each market to ensure your art remains accessible.
Stay flexible: The art market can be unpredictable, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Stay flexible with your pricing and be ready to make adjustments as needed.

Ultimately, your pricing strategy should strike a balance between attracting buyers and maintaining your profitability. By understanding your markets and adapting your prices accordingly, you can maximize your chances of successfully selling artwork globally through online platforms.

Protect Your Artwork and Customers' Data

As you venture into the realm of selling artwork globally through online platforms, two elements need your utmost attention — your artwork's protection and your customers' data security.

Artwork Protection: Online platforms have made selling art more accessible, but they also expose your work to risks like counterfeiting and theft. One way to protect your work is to display low-resolution images on your website. This makes it harder for dishonest individuals to reproduce your artwork. Another option is to use watermarks on your images, although this can sometimes detract from the visual appeal of your art.
Customers' Data Security: When customers buy your artwork online, they trust you with their personal and financial information. Breaching this trust can have severe consequences for your reputation and your business. Invest in a secure e-commerce platform that encrypts sensitive data, and always keep your systems updated to protect against cyber threats. Also, be transparent about your data handling practices to build trust with your customers.

Remember, in the world of online art sales, your reputation is everything. By taking steps to protect your artwork and secure your customers' data, you not only safeguard your business but also build a strong foundation of trust with your global audience.

Continue Learning and Adapting

When it comes to selling artwork globally through online platforms, one thing is certain: change is the only constant. Internet trends, customer preferences, and online market dynamics are always evolving. As an artist, you must be ready to adapt and grow with these changes.

Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest trends in online art sales. This includes everything from the most popular art styles and themes to the latest e-commerce technologies. Staying updated will help you meet your customers' changing needs and stay ahead of your competition.
Experiment Often: Don't be afraid to try new things. Whether it's experimenting with different art styles, trying out new marketing strategies, or exploring new online platforms for selling art, variety is the spice of life — and business!
Learn from Others: Look to successful artists who are already selling artwork globally. Learn from their strategies and adapt them to suit your unique style and audience.
Feedback is Gold: Listen to your customers. Their feedback can provide valuable insights into what you're doing right and where you could improve. Always be open to constructive criticism and willing to make changes based on customer feedback.

Remember, the journey of selling artwork online is a marathon, not a sprint. It's all about learning, adapting, and growing over time. So, keep an open mind, stay flexible, and embrace the journey of continuous learning. That's the key to making your mark in the global online art market!

If you've enjoyed learning about selling artwork online and want to take your global strategies to the next level, don't miss the workshop titled 'How to Break into International Markets as a Creative' by Sav. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to effectively expand your creative business into international markets and reach a wider audience.