A Social Media Primer For Artists

SOCIAL MEDIA is a well-used catch phrase, but what does it mean to artists?  One meaning is the difference between marketing your work to hundreds or to tens of thousands.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE ARTIST

Social media marketing allows the artist’s brand be seen by hundreds and thousands of people in a very inexpensive way.

The artist’s brand becomes known in many social media technologies and platforms (blogs, forums, newsletters, video, podcasts, photos, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.).  IT IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS FOR ARTISTS TO MARKET THEIR WORK — numbers can reach into the tens of thousands with the click of one button.  But be aware, it’s crucial that social media be personal as well as business.  A big part of Andy Warhol’s success was due to his many personal lunches.

Technology is becoming the chosen form of communication in today’s world.  We are becoming a “paperless” society.  It is important for artists to get on board and learn social media marketing skills.  Last, but not least, Social Media is a great way to learn, have fun and meet people.

For this article we’ll focus on two social media platforms… Facebook & Pinterest… 

FACEBOOK
Facebook is like a backyard barbecue: you communicate with your friends, show photos and videos, discuss what’s happening in your life and your business, and share thoughts and ideas.

You do this by “friending” people who become your social network.  Then, you can make posts (entries) of your “status” (what you’ve been up to), which are seen by all of your friends or friends of friends (if you choose to do so).  Your social network can grow to hundreds and thousands of friends — certainly a great way to get news around or share photos and videos.

If you are an artist and want to market your exposure to the public, I highly recommend maximizing your presence with Facebook.  Facebook has personal pages and business pages.  A Facebook business page is now a necessity for artists.  It’s free, easy to use, and gives you access to create, inform, and engage a community.  You can even network your Blog (attach your Blog to be seen on Facebook).  This is done through the “Networked Blog” App.  You can find this App by searching for it in the Facebook Search Bar and then import it into your Facebook page.

For a professional Facebook Business page, make sure to add the Facebook Business Page Tabs that Facebook supplies: Photos, Likes, Notes, Events, and Videos (pictured at the top of this blog post).  The “Notes” tab is used like a Blog and allows you to add “key words”.  Write about one of your paintings, your inspiration, your process and attach a photo. Facebook allows you to add Custom Tabs. There is room for twelve tabs.

Consistent and effective posting keeps you in front of your audience.  Photos are the number one content strategy.

PINTEREST
Pinterest is the newest addition to the arena of social media site presence.  Here you create virtual bulletin boards.  You name your bulletin board, give it a description, and then “pin” pictures to it.  Take advantage of Pinterest.  This visually oriented social site is a great way to display your work.  When you set up your profile, make sure you include keywords and your website address.  Pinterest is searchable, and you can describe each pin clearly.  You can even customize a link to point to your website or a page you are promoting. 
______________________________________________________________

Guest blog written by Hera Hub Member, Barbra Drizin, Social Media Tutor, Trainer, and Manager for the “Ready-to-be-Tech Savvy”.  Barbra Drizin weaves her technical skills, knowledge of social media, experience as an educator, and desire to help people into Start from Scratch Social Media.  Offering training, social media management, and presentations to a target market of the “not-so-tech-savvy” Barbra demystifies social media in a fun, informative, and interactive way.  Her audiences and clients walk away no longer overwhelmed by social media, but with the specific knowledge and motivation they need to use the resources and wealth opportunities of the virtual world.