Are You In The Loop?

How to Use Social Media as Your Next Level Marketing Tool:

“Anyone who has never made a mistake, has never tried anything new.”
Albert Einstein.

I know what you are saying, “Ok, I give up, I’ve just mastered building a website and using my email, what the heck is social media?”In plain English, it means, the days of direct mailers and catalogs are over. The new generation of artists, gallery owners and consultants are programmed for faster, higher quality marketing techniques. Thanks to social media networking sites like Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter, we are able to connect 24/7 with our colleagues, fan base and peers. In short, social media leads to more exposure in less time.

There are a few things you must know before you delve into the world of social media marketing.

1. This is a platform to showcase your work and your art…not your personal life.
If you already have a Facebook page, consider making a separate one used specifically for career purposes. No family photos, no vacation pictures, just work related news and images.

2. This is a way to meet people, you wouldn’t normally meet and find people you have lost contact with.
These sites are international. You might offer the best services in the world, or have some amazing work- but how will you ever get mass recognition? Social media is the missing puzzle piece. All it takes is a short e mail to let someone know you’d like them to view your work and become a part of your page or network. This is also a way to see who their contacts are and possibly connect with old friends. This eliminates what used to be years worth of networking and/or lost phone calls and e mails.

3. Keep it up to date.
Once you establish a profile on one or all of these sites, keep your pictures, blogs, and contact information up to date. You never know who will be curious about you. Stay current and accessible.

4. It is FREE exposure.
There is no cost to sign up to any of these sites. No domain name to buy, no price per picture uploaded. This is a necessity to keeping your business in the “now.”-with no cost to you.

Still not 100% convinced? Here are some interesting facts about social media:

1.346,000,000 people globally who ready blogs

2.700,000,000 photos are uploaded to Facebook.com monthly
3.55% of internet users upload and share pictures

4.57% of internet users have joined a social network

Which site do I chose?
You can start with one and eventually join all of them. The three referenced below are currently the most popular and most viewed.
Facebook.com
A typical Facebook profile consists of a number of different sections, including Information, Status, Friends, Friends in Other Networks, Photos, Notes, Groups, and The Wall. Most of the sections are self-explanatory but some are specific to Facebook. Facebook is more interactive than Linkedin or Twitter. It allows other “friends” to leave comments about your work, your status or just to make a connection. Once you’ve joined Facebook, join our Facebook Group

LinkedIn.com.
A typical LinkedIn profile consists of your work status, previous employers and experience. It allows connecting with others, and requesting recommendations, but there is no “comment wall” and there is only room for 1 profile picture. LinkedIn is specifically for building business contacts. You can also post your resume and search for employment as well. This site is less for the artist wanting exposure, and more for the artists interested in developing a network of contacts. Once you’ve signed up you can view our LinkedIn profile.

Twitter.com
This is a micro-blogging service. It enables users to send “tweets.” Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters and are delivered to said users “followers.” It is basically a way to direct others to your blog, Facebook page or website. Keep people posted about current exhibitions, or new work.

Using one or all of these social media sites is the new wave in marketing and networking. The growth of these sites on a daily basis is beyond measure. I am confident that by signing up with one or more of these sites, you will be able to reach a broader market, and gain more exposure to your art or service, faster than you ever thought possible. Follow us on Twitter.
Resources: Sylvia White-ArtAdvice.com