How an Artist Can Turn Instagram Likes into Dollars

Please remember that bios are meant to be under 150 characters on Instagram. Although, emojis are not important, it is characteristic of a language style that is appropriate on Instagram. This bio includes several necessary elements, such as, what the artist does, what the artist offers, and encourages potential buyers to reach out for purchases and commissions. It also specifies the artist’s location, which can be important for local buyers or galleries.This can help you attract relevant local partners who might be unaware that you are in their area.

2. Post High-Quality Images:

As an artist, visuals are your forte. Make sure to post high-quality images of your artwork that capture the details and true colors of your pieces. Don’t shy away from using the editing tools Instagram provides to enhance the presentation. Some tips recommended by our platform, ‘Art Scene: Meet More Friends’, to artists include:

• • Photos of the artwork should be taken parallel to where your camera will be.
• • Photos of your work should be done with natural indirect light on a sunny day. If that is not possible, you should set up a lighting kit. At a minimum, you should set up two lights. Place the lights halfway between the camera and the canvas at a 45-degree angle pointing towards the artwork.
• • Photos of your work should not include unnecessary background.
• • Photos of your work should be clear, crisp, and bright. The ISO and aperture of your camera are significant. Please make sure that your camera is in the appropriate settings.
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3. Engage Your Audience:

Likes are good, but comments and shares show deeper engagement. Create opportunities for your followers to engage with your posts by asking questions in your captions, encouraging followers to tag friends, or starting discussions about your art. Our platform recommends reaching out to a writing expert for crafting engaging captions, such as attending one of Sarah Sentilles’ workshops. Sentilles is a renowned author and critic, known for her engaging and thought-provoking writing workshops.

4. Use Hashtags and Geotags:

Hashtags can dramatically increase the visibility of your posts. Use popular art-related hashtags, as well as more specific ones related to your medium or subject matter. Geotags can help you get discovered by local collectors or galleries.

5. Offer a Clear Path to Purchase:

Make it as easy as possible for your followers to buy your art. Include clear calls to action in your captions, use Instagram’s shopping feature if available in your region, or use ‘Link in Bio’ tools to direct followers to your online store. If you do not offer prints, you can also encourage users to DM to purchase the original work.

6. Show Behind-the-Scenes:

People love to see the process behind the finished artwork. Sharing behind-the-scenes content not only satiates this curiosity but also helps to build a personal connection with your audience. This could be in the form of work-in-progress shots, time-lapse videos of your creative process, or even photos of your workspace. You could also share stories about what inspired a particular piece, challenges you encountered along the way, or any interesting anecdotes related to your art.

Remember, Instagram is not just a platform to showcase your work; it’s a space to share your artistic journey. The more you engage your audience in this journey, the more invested they will feel in your work, increasing the likelihood of turning those Likes into purchases.

7. Leverage Social Proof:

Another powerful strategy to increase your Instagram presence and potentially boost your art sales is to leverage social proof. Social proof, in this context, means showing your audience that your artwork is recognized and appreciated by others. This can be achieved through features, reviews, and collaborations with other artists or organizations.

At Art Scene, we understand the value of social proof for artists. That’s why our team of writers and our Instagram channel often select artists to feature in our blog posts or to join us for an Instagram Live session. These features not only offer artists the opportunity to reach a wider audience but also validate their work in the eyes of potential buyers.

Being featured or collaborating with us or similar platforms help build your credibility, increases your visibility, and can lead to higher engagement and more sales. It also gives your audience a chance to know you and your process better, creating a deeper connection that could translate into loyal followers and repeat buyers.

Remember, every mention or feature you get adds to your social proof. So don’t forget to share these achievements on your profile, whether as a post or in your Instagram stories. And always keep an eye out for opportunities to be featured or collaborate – it might just be the boost your art business needs.

If you’re an artist looking for an opportunity to be featured, we encourage you to submit your work via the Art Scene app. Not only could you potentially gain more exposure, but you’ll also be joining a community dedicated to promoting and celebrating art. Click here to submit your work today – who knows, you could be the next artist we spotlight in our blog or Instagram Live sessions!

8. Regularly Analyze Your Performance:

Finally, make use of Instagram Insights (available with a Business Account) to regularly analyze your performance. Keep track of which posts get the most engagement, the best times to post, and what kinds of content your followers prefer. Use this information to refine your strategy and focus on what works best for your art business.

Turning Instagram likes into dollars might not happen overnight, but with a clear strategy and consistent effort, you can certainly leverage this platform to enhance your art business. Happy Instagramming!