Your New Year's Resolution - Get that email list started!

As the Florida art fair scene approaches its peak in the following months, the post-holiday lull in January is a great opportunity to re-organize your art show strategy and prepare for upcoming shows.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of preparing for that next show is getting yourself a book for email sign-ups.

I know that among the list of preparing business cards, flyers, pricing your prints, coordinating giclee productions, and getting your inventory straightened out, a book for email sign-ups might seem trivial. However, I am convinced that taking a proactive approach with all of your booth visitors and requesting them to join the email list is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your art career at every show. You never leave empty handed, even if you don't sell a painting.

It doesn't matter if you aren't set up with a newsletter or email marketing program yet, just get the list started. After you get back from the show make sure to follow up personally with all new sign ups and thank them.

Here's a short list of steps to take to begin building a solid email list of potential collectors for your artwork:

1. Buy yourself a decent sized notebook.
Split the pages into columns for name, email address, and any other contact info you'd like visitors to give you. Remember not to add too many columns or people will look at it and think it's a lot of work to sign up - you want it to be effortless. Asking for a business card if you want more information is a good idea.

2. Place the book in an obvious location.
Make sure that every visitor has the opportunity to see your sign up book. Place it at the front of your booth on a small table with a pen readily available, along with business cards and flyers. The last thing you want to do is lose a potential sign up because you're chatting with visitor number 1 and visitor number 2 can't find your book.

3. Encourage people to sign-up.
Most people need some encouragement to join your list. Make sure to engage every person who enters your booth and chat to them. If they comment on your art and mention that they like it, ask them to join your email newsletter to stay up to date and see your newest work as it is finished. The worst can happen is that they say no. Maintaining a positive and genuine attitude while talking to visitors is the best way to ensure people will want to remain in contact with you.

4. Tell people what to expect.
Let potential sign-ups know that you will never share their information, and tell them how frequently they will receive communication from you. "I send out a monthly newsletter" is sufficient.

5. Follow-up
The golden rule for making this strategy work long-term is following up with all new sign-ups within a couple of days after the art fair, and then maintaining a steady stream of communication with your email list thereafter. Make sure to say thank you, remind them who you are, include an image of your work to refresh their memory, and invite them to visit your website.

6. Sign up for an email marketing solution
As your list grows it will become worthwhile for you to sign up for an email marketing program such as Aweber or Constant Contact. Subscriptions for starter packages usually start under $20 per month, and will make your life much easier. You will also look more professional and stay more organized. These programs allow you to schedule outgoing emails, create specific lists of contacts based on your needs (galleries vs collectors for example), and include images, branding, and more in your communications.

Thanks for Reading!

Chris Kennedy
www.PrintThatImage.com

P.S - If you're in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or South Florida area, don't forget to use PrintThatImage.com for all of your giclee and art printing needs!