For most types of arts and crafts, the artist must choose one of several sales strategies, or, more likely, come up with their unique mix of promotional practices.

A popular strategy is to simply promote an overall brand, and not focus on individual works. The strategy is usually implemented when an artist works with traditional media such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, carvings, etc.

Some artists use networking skills to find a suitable gallery and then hand off the actual sales process to someone else.

A third second strategy focuses on specialized interests. This form of selling revolves around understanding potential buyers. After learning how to recognize a niche audience, the seller must find a way to reach those people.

In other words, there are artists and (potential) buyers. These two groups are often separated by distance, cultures, or the sheer expanse of civilization.

The key to niche sales is to find a way to connect producers of a product with consumers that are seeking these items.

Fortunately internet search engines are indispensible for helping connect users that share a niche interest.

The challenge starts with learning how to present information online in such a way that search engines recognize information as being relevant to a given search term.

Although this task is often done in house, it is often worthwhile for artists to explore options such as having a specialized copywriter create niche content.

The following links give a few examples of online articles or blog posts which target a very specific increment of interest in arts and crafts:

Brown Trout Art

Regional Fish and Seafood Logos

Waterfowl T Shirts – Art

Birdwatching Gifts

Once the business owner has a clear set of goals for attracting customers via the internet, a good idea is to create a list of features that are needed for the website. A blueprint of the site may include only a single page or a menu which includes several pages. Essential to any arts and crafts website is the home page, which may feature a few photos and a brief description of products and services. Larger sites will have a full menu on the home page, listing all the important sections that clients may need to access.

Many crafters and artists will need a photo gallery which accurately depicts the products they offer. For some artists, this section may include descriptions, pricing and in some pricing even and a buy now link.

Many artists will include sections on their experience, influences, sales policies, upcoming events and other important information. These sections can eliminate mix-ups and provide customers with a clear understanding of the products and services available from the artist.

Some arts and crafts venders include a blog on their website. Blogs, news pages and events sections are extremely popular among audiences and can be a vital tool for building a portfolio of repeat customers. Most blogging tools combine artist’s entries, photos and guests comments to create an interactive experience that attracts a loyal following of readers throughout the season.

Once the website is launched, a specialist can show you cost effective ways to improve your search engine ranks, target specific search terms and bring more readers to your site. The end result of these steps should put more paying customers aboard your boat.

For help with setting up an art or crafts website, improving your search engine rankings or online advertising, visit Daybreak Web Designs.

Back to Creating an Arts and Crafts Website – Part I

A key aspect of most arts and craft sites will be their ability to be found via web searches. For many niche crafters, having their website ranked well for relevant search terms is vital to their success. For artist and crafters that need internet traffic, the choice of a web designer will rely heavily on their search engine optimization experience.

Before selecting their design company, the business owner should learn the basics of keyword research, create a list of important search terms that relate to their business and choose a specialist that can create a successful site. Not all web design companies specialize in search engine optimization, so it is important to review past examples of success when choosing a web design company. Do they have existing clients that rank high in search engine results? Are they up to date on the latest technology?

A reputable designer can explain all the factors that influence a website’s search engine rankings, suggest which key phrases might be important and offer services to help your site perform well on Google, Bing and other search engines. After all, the most exquisite and artful website in the world cannot serve your business unless they can find you online.

Creating an Arts and Crafts Website – Part II

www.tidewater-virginia.net – this site accepts business and organization listings, press releases, news, events, etc. Listings on this site are free and most business categories in or near Hampton Roads are welcomed. The site is in its early stages, more features are forthcoming.

www.virginia-beach-va.net – this site accepts business and organization listings, press releases, news, events, etc. Listings on this site are free and most business categories in or near Virginia Beach are welcomed. The site offers more features at present than the Hampton Roads – Tidewater site.

www.chincoteague-island.net – this site accepts business and organization listings, press releases, news, events, etc. that are related to Chincoteague Island Virginia . Basic listings on this site are free and paid advertising is available.

www.chesapeake-bay.org -  this site accepts press releases, news, events, etc. related to the Chesapeake Bay.

www.nautical-art.org – this site accepts business and organization listings, press releases, news, events, etc. Listings on this site are free but are limited to artists and organizations that offer nautical, maritime or beach art. An artist does not have to produce nautical art exclusively to be listed.

www.fresh-seafood.net – This site includes a directory with categories such as seafood art and regional blogs, which may allows artists to qualify for free listings. In addition to directory listings, artists or organizations can submit news, press releases, events, etc.

www.commercial-fishing.org – This site also includes a directory with categories such as nautical art and regional blogs, so artists may have resources that qualify. In addition to directory listings, artists or organizations can submit news, press releases, events, etc. This site is among the top ranked commercial fishing sites, so being listed here is a good way for artists to get exposed to national and international audiences.

Submitting information to these sites is a good way to gain links to your site, which in turn helps to boost your search engine rankings. Each site directory has a “submit link” button to list your site or simply contact daybreakwebdesigns.com with your business information. Articles, press releases, events, announcements, etc. can be emailed to daybreakwebdesigns.com. We can format those and get them posted to all sites that apply.

In addition to the free tools listed, we offer a wide range of affordable services for small business including online advertising, press releases, article marketing, social media, search engine optimization, backlink building, computer graphics and more.