How can I use social media contests to build genuine relationships with potential collectors?

Contests create an opening for authentic conversations. When people enter a contest, they’re already engaged with your work. Use that opportunity to respond personally to every comment and direct message—even if it’s just acknowledging them. Many conversations will naturally evolve beyond the contest itself. People will share their thoughts about art, ask for advice, or express specific interest in your work. These conversations build trust, and trust is the foundation of sales. The contest is simply the mechanism that starts the conversation; the real value comes from the relationships you build through those interactions. Be prepared for it to be time-intensive—responding to hundreds of people requires focus and energy—but the conversion from interested viewer to engaged collector is worth the effort.

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Asked by synthesized from discussion · Answered by Mathieu Laca and Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2018-01-24