Clint Watson

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Drive Respect, Not Traffic

1/31/2013 12:07:04 PM by Clint Watson
 

Artists often ask me how they can "drive more traffic" to their art websites.  I've seen some artists become practically obsessed with the latest technique du jour while virtually ignoring their small, but devoted, band of fans and collectors.  Over the past few years I've watched some of these artists spend time on SEO, on Digg rankings, on StumbleUpon, on Google Buzz, on Google Wave, on Myspace, on Twitter, on Facebook, and, now, on Pinterest (the current technique du jour).

Nothing wrong with trying different marketing channels, but, please, think about this:

"The difference between what drives traffic and what drives respect is enormous. Even worse, they are often mutually exclusive."

 

- Dustin Curtis [source]

Drive Respect, Not Traffic.  End of Lecture.

Remember, Sharing Art Enriches Life.

Sincerely,

Clint Watson

FASO Founder, Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic

 

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Comments

 

Thanks for this post, Clint! I think that we often forget that we don't need to drive ALL traffic to our website, just BUYERS! Thanks for the reminder!

Posted by Patricia J Finley · via faso.com · 161 months ago

Working on it, Clint.... Miles and miles..

Posted by Marian Fortunati · via faso.com · 161 months ago

Clint, yes these things have come up in my mind often,as I write on my passion on feng shui and gardening as well, as for art, keep making good art, but unless there is traffic no one will see your art, don't we all want one thing, people should see our art, something to think upon!

Posted by Rizwana Mundewadi · via faso.com · 161 months ago

You'd be surprised how many artists fail to keep records of past buyers. I've met artists who I know have sold regularly... but they can only name a few buyers.

In many ways the start of the artist / buyer relationship begins AFTER the artwork is paid for. It is something that should be 'cultivated' by staying in contact in some way (a website and newsletter is a great way to do that). Unfortunately, many artists drop the ball. They get wrapped up with the 'here and now' of having made some money... and fail to think about how that connection may lead to future profit.

Posted by Brian Sherwin · via faso.com · 160 months ago

I totally agree with you Clint--and the comments. It is a fine line we walk. You can get so caught up in making posts, writing newsletters, posting on Facebook, writing tweets, that you forget to paint. When it comes right down to it, it's about the paintings, it's about the art. You have to produce, and the more you work, the better you'll be and the more you will sell. But you do want people to see your work too. It's such a tightrope we walk. I think it has to do with time management. Learning to use programs that will put your message on several sites at one is a help. I use Constant Contact and every newsletter automatically is on my facebook sites, linkedin and twitter. I try to set aside an hour in the morning to do my computer stuff and then work the rest of the day. Check emails again at night. Being persistent with myself about managing my time so I paint at least 6 hours per day has helped me a lot. I've seen my paintings get so much better. the more I paint, the better I paint, and the more I sell.

Posted by Marsha Clements · via faso.com · 160 months ago

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