If I were starting an art business in 2018, what should I focus on and where should I allocate my energy?

Start with your own website where you constantly gather emails - this is attention you own. Market consistently on Facebook and Instagram, as that’s where the attention currently is (though you should follow wherever attention moves in the future). Run contests using messaging platforms to build engagement. Attend art shows and fairs, using smart lead capture techniques like fishbowl drawings, then follow up afterwards. Run sales throughout the year when it fits your business. The key is to recognize you’re building from scratch if you haven’t been building your own attention reservoir, and it will take 3-5 years to build anything of real value. Focus on these core activities consistently rather than chasing every new opportunity.

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Asked by general audience · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2018-04-04