How To Sell Your Art Online?

Selling your art online is a fantastic way to reach a global audience, earn income, and build a sustainable creative career. But with so many platforms and options available, where do you start? In this blog post, we answer the most important questions you should consider if you’re thinking about selling your art online.

How to Sell Your Art Online: Key Questions to Consider

1. Why Should You Sell Your Art Online?

Why sell art online instead of through local galleries or art fairs? The internet gives you access to a global market, where you can reach potential buyers anywhere in the world. Selling online allows you to work on your own terms, with fewer overhead costs than a physical gallery. But is it enough to have your work displayed online, or do you need more than just a beautiful portfolio?

2. What Are the Best Platforms to Sell Your Art?

Where should you sell your art online? Should you use specialized art marketplaces like Etsy, Saatchi Art, or Artfinder, or would a broader platform like eBay or Shopify be better? What about building your own website—should you use a platform like Squarespace, WordPress, or Wix to host your art and set up an online store? What are the pros and cons of selling on different platforms, and how do you choose the one that aligns with your goals?

3. Should You Sell Originals, Prints, or Both?

What’s the best way to sell your art? Should you focus on selling original pieces, or would it be smarter to offer prints? Offering prints allows you to sell more copies of your art at a lower price point, but selling originals can command a higher price. How do you decide between the two, or should you do both to appeal to different types of buyers?

4. How Do You Price Your Art?

How do you determine the price of your art? Should you base it on the time it took to create, the materials used, or comparable market rates? What factors do you need to consider when pricing both originals and prints? Is it a good idea to offer tiered pricing, such as selling limited editions or smaller sizes at a lower price, while keeping larger or more intricate works at a premium?

5. How Do You Present Your Art Online?

How do you showcase your art in the best light on an online platform? Can you photograph or scan your work yourself, or do you need professional help? What’s the best way to capture the true colors, textures, and details of your artwork for potential buyers? Do you need to add extra content, such as stories about the inspiration behind each piece, to create a personal connection with your audience?

6. How Do You Promote Your Art and Attract Buyers?

How do you get the word out about your online art store? Should you rely solely on the platform’s organic reach, or do you need to actively market your art? What are the best strategies for promoting your art on social media? Should you focus on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, or is Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok worth your time? How can you build a following and attract people who are truly interested in your style and work?

7. Should You Build an Email List for Your Art Business?

Why is an email list important for selling art online? Email marketing can help you build relationships with your audience and turn casual followers into repeat customers. How do you collect email addresses without being intrusive? Should you offer discounts, exclusive previews, or content to encourage sign-ups? And once you have an email list, how do you nurture it to keep your audience engaged?

8. How Do You Handle Shipping and Fulfillment?

How do you manage shipping logistics for your art? Should you offer free shipping, flat rates, or variable rates based on location? What about international buyers—should you ship globally or focus on domestic orders? How do you package your art to ensure it arrives safely and in pristine condition? Should you use fulfillment services, or will you handle shipping yourself?

9. What About Art Licensing and Copyright?

What rights do you have over your art once it’s sold online? Should you offer licensing deals, allowing others to reproduce your art for certain uses (like in merchandise or advertising)? How do you protect your work from being stolen or copied? What are the best ways to establish your copyright, and should you consider watermarks or digital signatures for online displays?

10. How Do You Handle Customer Service and Returns?

What happens if a customer is unhappy with their purchase? Do you have a return policy in place? Should you offer refunds, exchanges, or store credit? How do you handle customer complaints about damaged artwork or delayed shipping? What’s the best way to manage communication with buyers to ensure a positive experience and avoid negative reviews?

11. How Do You Build Your Brand as an Artist Online?

How do you create a memorable online presence as an artist? Should you focus on developing a unique voice, style, and message that resonates with your audience? How can you make your online presence more cohesive, whether it’s through your website, social media, or email campaigns? What tools can help you develop your brand identity and grow your art business?

12. How Do You Know If Your Online Art Business Is Successful?

How do you measure success when selling art online? Is it just about sales, or should you focus on other metrics, like social media engagement, website traffic, or customer reviews? Should you set specific goals, such as reaching a certain number of followers or sales in a month, or should you take a long-term approach to building your brand?

13. How Can You Scale Your Art Business Over Time?

What steps can you take to grow your art business once it starts to gain traction? Should you expand your product offerings, such as offering merchandise (like T-shirts or mugs) with your artwork on it? How do you build collaborations with other artists or influencers to increase visibility? Is it time to look into hiring an assistant to help with fulfillment or marketing as your business grows?

Conclusion

Selling your art online can open up a world of opportunities. By asking the right questions and carefully planning your approach, you can turn your passion into a successful business. Whether you’re selling originals, prints, or digital art, understanding the ins and outs of the online art world will help you build a loyal following and keep your creative business thriving.

So, what’s holding you back from selling your art online? If you still have questions or need help getting started, drop them in the comments below!