Steps To Marketing Success For Artists
1.
—–
Before you do any painting at all, afford yourself the time to do your market research. One of the biggest reasons for artists failing in their pursuit to become professional is a lack of understanding of what the market wants. Don’t be so arrogant as to assume you know everything and that what you paint is “right”.
Chances are that it isn’t, so don’t assume anything. Go out there into the World and see what’s on offer and, more to the point, what is selling. Galleries are full of pictures that don’t sell so ignore those. Ask the proprietor to show you what sells best and why and to whom?
2.
—–
Secondly, remember that what you are seeing for sale is what was created for last season. Most galleries stock prints these days for the mass market so you need to know what is coming next rather than what is on show now. Imagine taking inspiration from a style on display only to return with a new offering to be told that is now “old hat”.
3.
—–
You must ensure that you visit the trade shows to see what the publishers, independents and importers are offering next seasons market. Even this will meet you a step behind as the artists on display there are already working on next season’s ideas.
However, by taking guidance from the trade show you can at least sell to the galleries armed with colours and themes in current context. Most importantly, talk to the publishers about your work and ask them about the process of presenting yourself for consideration.
4.
—–
If you are satisfied to sell your work as “original only” you will need to form relationships with good and reputable galleries. The value of art is in its perception by the viewer. For example, if you hang your work in an exclusive gallery, you will expect to command a much higher price than in your local town, side street, so aim high and get the best wall space you can.
Talk to several gallery owners and listen to what they have to say. Most will be honest about your work and tell you exactly how likely it is to sell in their establishment. Wall space is valuable so they won’t waste it. You will need a thick skin at times so be prepared for harsh criticism. No matter who you are, some will love your work while others will hate it.
5.
—–
Discuss a fair retail price based on a fair price for you and the gallery. If you are happy with a price don’t start flinching when the gallery says they will sell it for maybe over double your price. They have to charge tax for a start, then cover all their expenses and actually find you a buyer before they see any profit for their trouble. So, don’t begrudge them their share.
6.
—–
Wherever your work is on show, make an effort to accompany it so you can talk to prospective customers. Art buyers love to meet the artist in person and you can do yourself a great deal of good by putting in an appearance if only at weekends. Talk to the Gallery, they are sure to welcome such proposals.
7.
—–
If you are going to sell your work yourself, make use of every opportunity to gain exposure. An excellent new way of doing this is through a fantastic new website facility called DebutDay.com (www.debutday.com).
This site is dedicated to bringing artists to the attention of the World by beating the search engine process and parading you in front of everyone searching for what is latest on the market. It’s inexpensive and you can control what you display and how you present yourself.
It’s probably the most proactive site to arrive in a long time and will do as much to find you a publishing opportunity as it will to sell to the general public. If you are serious about your art, you must make use of this site.
8.
—–
When you create new works try and adopt a theme for a collection. Single pieces do little to help the buying public form an opinion about you or your work. Some will want to find an artist to collect, so unless they can see more than one example of your work they will find this difficult to do.
So, don’t settle for one painting, aim for at least three or four in a set, it will do much for your credibility and will considerably assist your success.
9.
—–
Whatever you display for sale, make sure it is accompanied by a Title and a Written Explanation. The buying public love a story, it helps them to understand your work, gain more from the imagery and, believe it or not, such background information will assist them with a good subconscious reason for purchasing. Your information will make them an “informed buyer”. This will in turn allow them to impress their friends when they come to call.
10.
—–
Finally, in my experience the biggest mistakes artists make is to try and be something they are not or to try and convince the public of such. Painting a woman with an eye on the side of her head does not make you Picasso so don’t try to be. Artists like him are famous as much for their creation of “the style” as they are for any integral artistic ability.
The first rule of creativity is to be true unto yourself, unsuppressed by the need to conform to what others expect or may perceive as “art”. If you do not allow yourself this right of expression you will rarely find joy in painting.
But then you must be able to step out of the “real you” and find a way of harnessing your talent in a commercial way that may have more chance to support you until such time as your own passions are recognised as desirable enough in their own right to earn you a living.
For More Information Please Visit Buy Hot Tub Chemicals Or Buy Hot Tub Pumps To Find Out More
10 Tips To Keep Visitors On Your Site Longer And Increase Conversions
Most websites that have a high bounce rate are not currently using these techniques or have no clue as to what their market really wants and needs.
Here are 10 proven tips to keep visitors on your site longer.
1. Teach your visitors something. Visitors don’t want loads of hype, they want to learn and increase their knowledge of your product or industry so they can make an informed decision.
Provide informational content about your product or services. Teach your visitors and this will help them create a good opinion about your site.
2. Keep the navigation simple. Navigation links should be large and clearly labeled. Have you ever been to a cultural restaurant but couldn’t tell the men’s restroom from the women’s? While you may think themed titles are cute, your visitors may become confused and end up leaving your website. If in doubt, always go with the more common title.
3. Keep your content updated. Try to update times, dates, and news articles as much as possible. You don’t want your website to sound like it was published in the stone age do you? If you’re running an information based site than it is important to consistently add fresh and unique content.
4. Add a blog. Blogs can be added to your site with a few clicks if your web host includes the option within your hosting package. If not, you can always start a free blog at Blogger.com or WordPress.com and link it back to your website.
Blogs are an easy way to add new content. It’s a great way to add user-generated content and it’s a amazing way to build a dedicated group of visitors who visit your blog everyday. Since blogs create interaction with your visitors it also builds trust and creates the feel that there is actually someone on the other side of the website.
Blogs that offer quality content always carry a loyal group of followers and often create a hefty income.
5. List and describe product benefits. Most site owners describe the product’s features, example: Rubber coated speaker, 2-ohm total impedance , etc., Your visitors don’t purchase features, they purchase the benefits that the product or service will provide for them. Is your product a time saver? Is it easier to use than most competing products? Make sure you describe how the product will make the visitors life more productive, more fun, easier, or better.
6. Provide product pictures and related images. People like to visualize things. Ever wonder where day dreaming came from? Websites with relevant images help stimulate the visitors emotions and emotions drive sales. Remember a picture is worth 1,000 words.
7. Make sure your visitor knows their purchase is secure. More than one-half of all buyers won’t buy online because they’re afraid of getting scammed.
Proudly display signs of trust like BBB Online and Verisign logos. Make sure your visitors know your site is secure or most will not feel comfortable making the purchase.
8. Make sure your informational content is accurate. Your visitors will stick around to read your message especially when you back it up with references and third party awards.
9. Ask for site feedback. Provide your visitor with a way of leaving feedback for you and other readers.
Testimonials are a powerful tool because they give your product credibility from a third party. Testimonials can be a trust builder, especially if you provide a reference (phone number, email address, ect. ) for them to contact the user that gave the testimonial. Most of the time your visitors will not contact the person that gave the testimonial but it helps build trust and provides a more authentic feel.
10. Test and Tweak. Not every site will be a home run the first time it steps to the plate. Use tools like Google Analytics to determine what makes your visitors stick around and what makes them “bounce”. You then proceed to build on the good and drop the bad.
Tweaking your website will improve the performance of your sales funnel and link popularity over time. The difference between a site that generates 100% ROI (return-on-investment) and 500% ROI is usually a matter of split testing and tweaking.
Successful sites keep their visitors interested with easy-to-find information that fulfills the visitors wants and needs. That is what separates the beauty from the beast.
For More Information Please Visit Cheap Hot Tub Chemicals Or Hot Tub and Spa Pumps To Find Out More
10 Ways To Convert Visitors To Leads
Take a look at the following 10 ways that can help convert your site visitors to leads.
1. Improve your Web Copy
As with all good web copy, trim the fat and give them the cold hard facts. Visitors want to know how the service or product will fulfill their want or need. Compelling, interactive, well written content will pull the reader in. How can you make sure you have good web copy? Follow some of the basic principles of good copywriting and you’ll be fine. Make the copy concise, and speak to the target audience. Remove all the hyped up marketing lingo such as ‘we have a fantastic product’ and ‘we’ve had overwhelming results.’
2. It’s About the Customer
Everyone wants to know “What’s in it for me?” The customer may have a problem and want a solution, or they are looking to invest in a product but need to be convinced it’s a good choice. Your goal here? Show them the solution. Tell them the benefits of the product or service, rather than highlighting the features. The features won’t get their problem solved or make the sale, but the benefits will.
3. Be Approachable
Use an active and friendly voice to engage the customer and keep them motivated to continue through the process of clicking on your newsletter link or making a sale. An active voice is energetic and approachable, and ultimately, it’s more personal.
4. Trust is a factor
Trust is a big factor, so create plenty to go around. A visitor can’t see you, so the issue of trust is even more important on the internet. I’m paid every day by a person I have never met, now that’s trust! How do I know I could trust him? The first time I worked with him, he outlined the process and followed through with my expectations: I was paid on time and in full.
If you are exchanging personal information online, privacy also comes into play. Assure customers you will maintain their privacy. Tell them why you are collecting data and make them aware of what you are using it for. Place your privacy policy on your website so it can be clearly accessed. And if you are engaging in online sales, increase the trust factor by offering a variety of ways to order your product, such as via email, by phone, over a secure payment system such as Paypal.
5. Look professional
Almost half of website sales are lost because the website fails to provide the trust test with the customer. A website with an unprofessional look and feel makes the customer uneasy and gives the illusion that you are not trustworthy. Bye, bye sale.
6. Make an offer
Make the customer an offer they can’t refuse. Provide them with something for free, such as an information package or set of articles: For example:
.5 great advantages to using a virtual assistant at invesp.com. Receive our special report on 5 advantages that will reduce your expenses and increase your bottom line.
.The best web copy ever in a short time with a small investment. Join our “VIP Club” at www. invesp.com to beat others with new killer web copy.
7. Position yourself
Tell the customer what makes you special and different from the other guy. Why should they do business with you? For example, my position as a writer is that I am diverse and able to write in a variety of mediums. This makes me unique, because some writers love writing copy but hate writing proposals, or they’ll write a sales pitch but won’t write a sales manual. Stand for something and make it known.
8. Forms
Give the customer a reason to fill out a form or sign up for a newsletter as a way to continue to communicate with you. Once you have their permission to contact them, you can start offering tools, information, and benefits to communicating with you. Maybe you are sending them information packages, or keeping them in the loop with special offers. Whatever it is, getting them to sign up will increase the likelihood of a lead.
9. Maintain loyalty
You can build and maintain customer loyalty in a variety of ways. Perhaps one of the most important way is to keep your promises. Are you offering a durable product with free shipping or a solid service with a money back guarantee? Stick to your promise and follow through and your customer will remember it. All customers like to be valued, and value builds loyalty.
10. Track it
Track what your customers are looking for. Did they find their information or product? Ask them how they got to you? What words did they use to search and find you? Ask the customer what they liked and what distracted them. Your customer is a great tool to gauge success. Use it.
For More Information Please Visit Buy Hot Tub Chemicals Or Spa Pumps To Find Out More
13 Comparisons of Vista vs Tiger
.
1. Vista has a completely redesigned look and feel; it is aesthetic, functional, and exciting according to industry sources. Mac Tiger on the other hand was always famous for its technology and aesthetics which are clean and clutter free. In fact, many of the visual effects that Vista has like translucent icons, high resolution, and animation effects have been integral to Tiger for more than four years.
2. Vista is yet to resolve problems caused by underlying windows, while Tiger has fine tuned the bleed caused by windows beneath the surface ones.
3. The 128 x 128 pixel icons of Tiger have better rendition and clearer resolution than the 32 x 32 or 64 x 64 pixel icons of Vista. However one will only know whether Vista will have resolution independent vector graphics once the final version comes to the market.
4. Both Vista and Tiger have closely similar desk top search functions. The only immediate difference is that in Tiger the filtering becomes operational only after creation of a Smart Folder or using the shortcut keys. The Virtual Folder of Vista is identical to the Smart Folder of Tiger.
5. Vista has next generation features, where the system has enough inbuilt intelligence that organizes data. This fine tunes any searches that need to be done. In comparison to this, the Tiger has an old fashioned system with no specials.
6. Vista supports meta data processing while with Tiger meta data can be created or edited only by using document processing applications.
7. Vista permits users to visually locate files while Tiger does not. Image previews in Tiger are turned off by default.
8. As far as security is concerned the Tiger is by far superior to Vista. Since the Tiger user base is small the number of hackers and attackers are fewer as compared to Windows.
9. User accounts and log ins are safer in the Tiger system and Microsoft plans to incorporate similar systems in Vista to strengthen security.
10. Vista has new systems similar to Tiger that will enable users to assert parental locks or blocks. Parental controls help limit computer usage by children protecting them from several dangers.
11. Security in Vista includes inbuilt protection against rogue attacks, malware, spyware, adware and so on. In the case of Tiger its security system has remained secure and unbreached. Whether Vista will earn the same distinction will be known only after it comes into use.
12. Both Vista and Tiger have great networking features making both immensely usable both at home and in businesses. The Tiger is simpler while Vista is a bit more complex to use.
13. The hibernation mode works instantly in Tiger and Vista is also trying to match its facilities.
While the above draws tentative comparisons between the two systems a true evaluation can only be made once Vista is released in its completed version and comes into use.
For More Information Please Visit Hot Tub Treatments Or Spa Pumps To Find Out More
15 Brand New Free Websites On Building, Running And Advertising A Succesful Internet Business!
Internet Marketing
Website Promotion
PPC & Advertising
Website Design Information
Blogging & Rss Feeds
Internet Copywriting
Internet Security
Internet Traffic Building
Affiliate Revenue Information
Writing Articles for the internet
Ezine Publishing Information
Website Hosting Information
Website Development Information
Ezine Marketing Information
Search Engine Optimization Information
To access these sites simply click the Freemarketingarticles.org link below in the footer of this article.
These websites cover all aspects of running a profitable internet business. Everything You need to know from building a Website to Search engine optimization!There is a wesite on on Pay Per Click Advertising, How to generate tons of free website traffic All the different types of Affiliate programs and resources and so much more!
Here is a sample of articles covered on the Web Design article site:
Web Design Information
Making Good Websites that Stand Out
Websites, there’s literally billions of them out there in cyber-space. How many of them do you go to and just think this is boring, bland, or hard to use? It seems like too many to mention.
How To Create A Stunning Drop Capital Effect On Your Web Pages
Drop Capitals are frequently used in many newspapers, books and magazines in the offline world. You will frequently see the large capital letter sinking down into the first paragraph of articles, stories and chapters in the majority of publications you come across.
Graphic Design Using Color
Color is everywhere and conveys a message even if we don’t realize it. While this message can vary by culture it pays to know what colors “say” in your own corner of the universe, and even what color means to your target market.
The Monster Garage of eLearning
Have you seen Jesse James on the Discovery Channel’s Monster Garage? Each week Jesse and his handpicked team create a customized vehicle to dazzle and amaze you. So what does this have to do with eLearning? Read on.
Sales Versus Customer Oriented Websites
Should Generating Revenue From A Website Be The Prime Motivator? A pure sales site has only one purpose..
How To Set Up A Professional Website On Your Own Using Web Templates
To create professional websites is not an easy task by any means. There are many things that you got to take into consideration like easy navigation, strategic links, clean coding, professional layout, easy downloading, scanability, usability and so on.
A Website Checklist
If you’ve just finished building your new website (or revamping your old one), how can you be sure it’s “ready for prime time”? Or maybe your site’s been around for awhile and you think it may be due for a makeover. Because Web technologies, techniques and standards change so rapidly, even a website that seems “cutting edge” when it’s built can look obsolete a year later.
Ten Steps to a Winning Home Page
There’s no doubt about it – the first page your site visitors see is the most important page of your website. If your home page isn’t appealing, chances are the rest of your pages will never even be seen by your visitors.
Web Design for Dictators
No question about it, web design is an art. Finding the right blend of style and usability is a delicate balance that few, if any, fully master.
Website Basics
The Basics You have a flourishing business – everything is in its place. You just miss one important piece of marketing: an Internet Presence a website.
Building Your Website to Save You Money
Does your website make you any money? Does it SAVE you any money?Websites are more than just marketing tools, out there in Cyber-Land effortlessly promoting you and your products. While that’s great, why not use that same website to save yourself some money?How? Well, while I don’t know your particular situation, I can provide you with some thought-provoking ideas that you can take back to your web designer for more input.
Ten Design Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes and your site will be steps ahead of your competition. 1.
Design Matters in our Visual Culture
FIRST IMPRESSIONS. First impressions often leave lasting impressions.
Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Professional Designer
All the Websites are Free! These sites are brought to you by:
BestInternetBusinessesReview.com The #1 Source for Internet Businesses That Really Make Money!
To access these sites simply click the Freemarketingarticles.org link below in the footer of this article. See The footer on the free internet marketin articles site for links to the other 15 free websites!
8,000 Free Articles on Making a Living Online @ freeinternetmarketingarticles.org
For More Information Please Visit Cheap Hot Tub Chemicals Or Hot Tub and Spa Pumps To Find Out More
19 Viral Marketing Techniques
Take a look at the following:
1. Creating viral marketing awards.
Creating viral marketing awards help both the companies and users by creating even more users. Awards in viral marketing help innovate the industry more and bring out more effective marketing techniques.
2. Distributing free software.
Anything useful and free gets an instant “fan base” on the Internet. Provide online users with any software that they need for free – even for a limited time – and they will surely grab it.
When using a free software, you can run the program to suit any application, check the flow of the program to learn how it works, make improvisations and have the right to distribute the software for free.
3. Providing free email account.
This is what Microsoft did to initially launch Hotmail. They put in a “teaser” at the end of the free e-mail messages that they send out providing a link for users to sign-up for a free and private e-mail account.
The word “free” has sparked the interest of online users, as well as the fact that this is something that online users really need. Soon, almost all Microsoft users signed up for a free Hotmail account. This started the viral marketing fever.
4. Providing free web space.
Personal web logs have become all the buzz on the Internet.
There are companies now who are competing like crazy just to offer customers the lowest cost on directory listing and have the biggest space allotments.
This competition will benefit the users in such a way that they get their pick from a host of web space providers and have the greatest deal.
5. Creating top 100 site.
Online users often need a list of web sites relating to the topic that they need. Creating a top 100 list is one way to build your list and increase your customer base.
6. Offering free e-cards.
Egreetings.com is one company which provide teasers for online users to send electronic greetings cards. They are animated and personalized, so most users take advantage of the offer.
7. Offering free graphics, banners, templates.
Just like the marketing of regular consumer products, anything that is free and useful will catch the attention of a lot of people. Banners, graphics, templates and other items that online users can use is a welcome addition to their list of freebies and will infuse the viral marketing fever.
8. Offering free consultation.
Most online users do not know exactly where to go for consultations about web services or other services in various fields.
Free online consultation web sites require you to enter your name, e-mail address and other pertinent information and this would help add up to your subscribers and customer base.
9. Offering specialized link directory.
Specialized links directory help build a more specific clientele, as the users who need this service can be classified. This technique yields more accurate results.
10. Free newsletter with bonuses.
An online shopping company might use this viral marketing technique. Offering catalogs with free online gift certificates will generate a huge customer base.
11. Free redirect service.
Redirect services gives out the new contact information of a web site that changed hosts or servers, as well as re-directing users to a new or personalized domain name. This is an alternative to the much longer and complicated URL’s offered by most web hosts.
12. Free screensavers.
You cannot browse through the Internet and not find popup advertisements about free screensavers. This is one way of getting the user’s e-mail address for a company to start building a solid customer base.
Getting online users to take advantage of free screensavers, as well as emoticons or other downloadables that they can use on their computers is one of the most effective techniques used in viral marketing.
13. Free autoresponder service.
Autoresponder services add up to your company’s sales by using follow-up e-mail messages in marketing.
14. Free email course.
You cannot believe the wealth of information that you can gain from free e-mail courses. Most publishers of free e-books want to share their knowledge to other online users and this is a good way to entice users to your web site.
15. Writing articles and distributing them for reprint with resource box.
When writing articles for free download, make sure to have them reprinted with the resource box.
A resource box is a box on one side of the web page where you got the article, and it shows the complete contact information of the author of a particular article.
16. Using forums and discussion boards which uses signatures.
The users of discussion boards and forums have the same interests. By getting their signatures on message boards, you can have a very wide array of potential buyers from a specific target market.
17. Starting your own affiliate program.
This is one of the best methods to generate traffic and sales to your site. Here, a specialized link is provided for your affiliates so that users can be veered towards your web site.
18. Providing free guestbook.
A guestbook makes a list of all your online visitors. After a user visits your website, you would have their contact information for future marketing and mailing purposes.
19. Providing free forums.
Online forums have a lot of participants which can be a very useful viral marketing technique.
By applying these viral marketing techniques to promote your products and services, you will surely generate traffic to your web site, build a huge and solid customer base, add to your sales and contribute towards the success of your company.
Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
For More Information Please Visit Cheap Hot Tub Chemicals Or Hot Tub and Spa Pumps To Find Out More