What to Do If Your Art Isn't Selling Online

Dear my art friends,          

Have you ever found yourself sitting amongst piles of paintings wondering why your art isn't flying off the digital shelves? Don't worry, you are not alone. In fact, one of the main reasons people contact me for help is because they have so much art piling up and they don’t know what to do. So today, we're going to explore some practical strategies to help you navigate this common challenge and get your art moving. 

First and foremost, it's essential to acknowledge the situation. It's natural to feel discouraged when your art isn't selling as expected. But remember, it's not a reflection of your talent or worth as an artist. Take a moment to acknowledge your feelings and remind yourself that setbacks are a normal part of the creative journey.

So let’s take an impartial look at three areas of your business and go from there.

Start by taking a critical look at your online presence. Is your website easy to navigate? Are your product descriptions clear and compelling? Are your images high-quality and do they show your work in its best light? Can someone purchase from your site easily or do they have to email you to get the price or complete the sale? By optimizing your website, you can make it easier and more enticing for potential buyers to explore and purchase your art.

Ensure that you are diversifying your marketing channels. Are you relying solely on one platform or method to sell your art? You should explore different marketing channels, such as social media, online marketplaces, art galleries, local shows and shops, interior designers and influencers to reach a broader audience. Each of these platforms has its unique audience and potential for exposure, so diversifying your marketing efforts can help increase your chances of making sales. I’m not saying that any or all of these specific outlets are a good fit for you or your work, but that diversification is key.

Another question to ask yourself: how large is your audience? Most issues I see with artists who are making good work but not selling well is that they simply don’t have enough eyes on their paintings. So the answer is to focus on audience growth. I go into this in more detail in my free guide on how to build your audience which you can view here if you haven't already.

And finally, I want to talk about pricing. A lot of times when our work isn’t selling we immediately jump to the conclusion that our prices are too high so we mark them down or have a big sale. I completely understand this emotional reaction, but lowering your prices is not a good long-term strategy. Pricing can play a significant role in determining your art's perceived value and sales potential. So rather than slash your prices check to see if you are offering a range of price points to accommodate different budgets. Adjusting your prices strategically can make your art more accessible to buyers while still ensuring you receive fair compensation for your work.

All right friends. If your art isn't selling online, don't despair. By evaluating your online presence, diversifying your sales and marketing channels, growing your audience, and adjusting your pricing strategy, you can increase your chances of success.

Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth and learning. Keep experimenting, stay positive, and trust in your artistic journey; you have the power to turn things around and make your artistic dreams a reality.

All the best,

Jennifer