How do I promote my art business in these economic times?
By Kim T. Gordon •
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
I am the owner and artist of my own art studio. In these times I am finding that the majority of people are concerned about where every dollar is going, and my business tend to lean towards the "luxury want" category rather than the "need" category. I have been in business for 13 years and in my current location for three years, and the area is not biting at this time. I have a website (www.artedebonefont.com) and ship nationally as well as internationally. How do I move my business in an upward motion despite the downward turn of the economy?Success right now rests on interpersonal interaction. The more one-on-one relationship building you can do the better. Invite your affluent customers to smaller private showings. Send them personal notes when a new artist is showing in your gallery. Make calls to tell individuals about specific new works.
In all, "sales" tactics have to replace more generic marketing efforts. And you may also need to look at special pricing plans or loan out art for trial periods because many affluent individuals have taken a beating in the market.
