Don't panic, I have 8 wonderful ideas.
Did you know that Holiday time is one of the best times for building your art business? I thought I would share some ideas with you in this issue. I hope they motivate you!
Ways to Show Gratitude to Your Customers and Attract More Sales
1. Give your Customers "Thank You" gifts
It is important to show your appreciation to your loyal customers all year long. They deserve to receive some special gifts. Some gift ideas for the holidays are mugs, tote bags, calendars, t-shirts or note cards with your art work reproduced on them. Your customers and collectors will appreciate the gesture and will remember you throughout the year. There are many online resources that offer a range of items and are running special sales this time of year. And, you can sell them all year long.
By the way, if you like the idea of selling cards, posters and calendars here is a book that may be very helpful -- Publishing Your Art as Cards, Posters & Calendars by Harold Davis. This book provides ideas for the self publisher as well as those artists interested in approaching publishers. Learn about: how to find a publisher; royalty schedules; economics of publishing; self-publishing; production methods and much more.
2. Add Smaller / Lower Priced Art Options this time of year
What a great time to experiment, improvise and introduce a new lower price point to your "gallery". Create art work that is smaller or less time consuming to produce and price it for your customers to buy as beautiful yet affordable gifts.
For example, if you normally create only large paintings or photographs consider creating some smaller canvases. You can buy them as small as 2" x 2" and upwards from Dick Blick!
3. Offer Gift Certificates
Your customers may want to let their loved ones enjoy your art as much as they do. So, help them by offering Gift Certificates.
4. Create an Annual Collector's Item ~ Start Now!
This year, combine the concept of "annual" with "collectible".
Sounds special, doesn't it? Well, it is!
Introduce your first Annual limited edition book, CD, or DVD of your art, or an Annual limited edition Holiday print, or a festive 2012 Art ornament. Whatever you choose to make this will attract new sales and also encourage buyers to look forward to your "collectible" items each year. (Double your fun and pleasure and combine this idea with #2.)
5. Arrange a Pre-Holiday Fundraising Art Party
One year my artist friends and I organized an exhibition to raise money for City Harvest, an organization that feeds the hungry. We not only helped those in need but we brought together a lot of very interesting people at the event and it was a win/win/win situation.
6. Go the Extra Mile
As you know holiday time is a hectic time of year. So offer your cherished customers additional services to make their shopping and gift buying go smoothly. Offer to package and ship the art they buy from you to their recipients. Offer to enclose a personalized gift card. Deliver their art work in person if at all possible.
Whenever my customers buy Jewelry as gifts I enclose a personalized affirmation card with information about the piece, the inspiration behind it, and the meaning of the gem stones I used. I love to do it and it makes them feel special.
One of my very special collectors always buys at least one new piece from me when she visits from out of town. So, it is such a pleasure for me to have her favorite wine chilled and the special chocolates she likes. I suggest you keep a record of your special customers and their birthdays as well as favorite things they enjoy.
7. Send a Pre-Holiday Email Newsletter Offering a Special Voucher
If you don't already send regular email newsletters to your followers now would be an excellent time to start. If they own your work, they will want to hear from you!
Add a voucher or coupon to entice the recipients with an offer for special savings if they make a purchase around the holidays.
In addition to sharing information about your art work and upcoming exhibitions, recent awards and publicity also send them your best wishes, Holiday cookie, cake and appetizer recipes (sorry, I'm hungry), home decorating tips, positive affirmations... be creative!
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8. Share Your Creative Passion Throughout the Year!
Start a blog and share your creative passion. Keep your collectors abreast of your new creative accomplishments and career achievements. Keep it friendly and informative with lots of high quality photos.
Do you have any Pre-Holiday Ideas to share? Please comment.
