Finding Connections : Starting with Relationship
In this week’s video, we are back to finding an audience and marketing to a niche with the first step: identifying your niche. If you remember in Week One’s Video, I talked about two things to start thinking about when it comes to niche and that is what is you artistic voice and connection.
Over the next few weeks, we will dive into how people connect with your work and how to use those connections to find an audience.
Video Recap: Know, Like & Trust
Relationships are among the most significant and common ways people connect with art. As the age-old adage goes, people do business with people they know, like, and trust. Your existing network forms the foundation of a potential audience.
Let’s illustrate this with an example: a client I worked with had an established art business but felt like he was missing out on opportunities for growth. Through assessment, we discovered he had a loyal clientele of repeat customers for high-end commission work. By nurturing these existing relationships, he was able to unlock new opportunities and expand his audience base.
So, how can you start building an audience through relationships?
1 – Make a list
Brainstorm a comprehensive list of your family, friends, acquaintances and, of course, current customers. Of this list, who already knows about your work? Who doesn’t? Who should know about it?
2 – Start Using a CRM
Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track interactions and responses, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.
3 – Reach Out
Ask your connections if they would be interested in hearing about your business, seeing new work, learning about what you are up to in the way of a regular email newsletter. If they respond yes, then you can add them to your list. This approach is not about spamming people but respectfully sharing an asking if they have an interest. Then, you focus on building genuine connections that add value for everyone involved.
Build Genuine Connections
Finally, building connections is the key to growing your art audience. By nurturing relationships and fostering genuine connections, you can unlock new opportunities and reach new heights in your artistic career. Stay tuned for more insights and tips on building connections in the art world in our upcoming episodes.
And if you need personalized guidance, consider a one-on-one strategy session to kickstart your journey toward building a thriving art audience.
Resources Mentioned in the Video
Email Template for reaching out to your connections: Send me an email at becky@artisan-advantage.com to request a copy of my template.
Get one-on-one help creating a relationship marketing strategy in an Artist Strategy Session.
