With the advent of e-commerce, the world of business has expanded remarkably. New business ideas are coming up. People are trying out new avenues to run their commercial activities. The market is open now, with endless options to choose from. However, capital has been a major barrier between aspiration and achievement. The same holds true for artists and creators looking to sell their products and stand out in the competitive market.
Thankfully, online has created a plethora of opportunities for budding business owners. One such platform is Etsy which is a popular online marketplace for artists looking to sell their work online. Come explore this platform and find opportunities to expand your art business.
This guide covers everything from store setup to scaling your Etsy art print business.
Setting Up Your Etsy Store
Create Etsy Account
Start selling art prints on Etsy by creating an account. At Etsy.com, click “Sell on Etsy.” Sign up for an account. Enter your email, name, and password. Create your account to start setting up your shop.
Optimize Your Store for Success
Make your Etsy store look professional and appealing as your online storefront. Here are some tips you consider for optimizing your online store:
Choose a Memorable Shop Name: They say, what’s in a name? In marketing, name does the entire trick. So, giving a suitable name to your shop is important. The name of your store should reflect your brand. It would be best to avoid numbers or special characters as they might confuse your potential customers.
Create a Compelling Shop Banner: One of the most effective recipes to add business value to your online store is to use quality banner. Use high-quality images that make your banner look appealing to the eyes. Your banner should look good and represent your brand.
Write an Engaging Shop Bio: A good bio never fails. Engage your customers with something interesting to tell. Why not tell your story, artistic journey, and inspirations? Potential buyers can connect with this personal touch.
Set up Shop Policies: Don’t be lazy with shop policies. Set them right at the onset. A genuine customer appreciates credibility and transparency. Specify shipping, return, and exchange policies. Remember, transparency builds customer trust.
Choosing the Right Prints to Sell
What Sells
Selling art prints requires knowing what’s popular and what’s catching on. Understanding trends and markets will help you choose the right products you want to sell. Some popular categories are:
Nature and Landscape Prints: Nature and landscape prints are timeless and popular. The green vistas, the mountains and skies, the rambling sound of the river, and so much more can be nicely captured in the art print.
Abstract Art: An abstract print is a great artistic endeavor that might baffle any thoughtful artists. Bright abstract prints can attract modern decor buyers and collectors.
Inspirational Quotes: Inspirational quotes are gaining tractions in the art market. Typography art with motivational quotes is popular for home and office decor.
Custom Printed Coffee Mugs: Imagine a gossip or a romantic rendezvous over a cup of coffee. The demand for such items is quite high in the market. If you are looking to sell something unique, you can opt for it. Custom-printed coffee mugs are popular gifts, so consider offering designs too.
Formats to Sell
There are many ways to sell art prints. Choices include:
HD Metal Prints: HD metal prints are a nice option for budding artists to add to their product portfolio. Modern decor favors these vibrant, durable prints.
Canvas Prints: Canvas prints never betrays with your home décor. The good thing about them is that they are textured and can be framed or hung on the wall. Add them to your product portfolio.
Posters: If you want to choose something which is cheap and easy to ship, posters can reach more people.
Research Market Demand
Understanding the market demand is the key for successful expansion. Research the market before launching your products. Check Etsy’s search bar for popular art prints. Demand can be estimated from similar product sales and reviews. You can also find popular themes and styles using Google Trends.
Create High-Quality Art Prints
The quality of your art prints matters. Buy high-resolution images and use the best paper for art prints. Consider archival paper for color vibrancy and durability. Work with a reliable HD metal print service if you want to sell them.
Mockups & Product Photography
For effective art print display, use high-quality mockups and product photography. Here are some tips:
Use Mockup Generators: Placeit and Smartmockups let you create realistic print mockups in living rooms and offices.
Invest in Good Photography: Take a photo of your prints with natural light and a good camera. Make sure colors are accurate and prints are attractive.
Showcase Different Formats: Incorporate images of custom-printed coffee mugs or keepsake boxes with your art prints to give customers ideas for using your designs.
Writing Effective Product Listings
Product listings are your sales pitch, so use them. Effective listing writing tips:
Use Descriptive Titles: Use keywords like “HD Metal Print of a Sunset” or “Custom Printed Christmas Ornaments with Floral Design.”
Write Detailed Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions of the artwork, materials, and printing process. Provide information like size, format, and customization options.
Incorporate Keywords: Use relevant keywords throughout your listing to improve search visibility. Consider what art print buyers might search for.
Highlight Unique Features: Listings should highlight unique features like personalized picture frame mats or custom printed Christmas ornaments.
Packaging and Shipping
Packaging and shipping play vital role in any business. No matter what you want to sell, you must be particular about packaging and shipping. When it comes to art prints, you need to be extra careful. Here are a few tips you can consider for safe and secure dispatch.
Choose the Right Packaging: Protect your prints in sturdy packaging during shipping. While rigid mailers are apt for flat prints, bubble wrap can work well for cushioning.
Include a Thank You Note: Personalized thank you notes can boost customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Offer Multiple Shipping Options: Offer a standard and fast shipping service to satisfy consumer needs.
Marketing Your Etsy Store
Driving people to your Etsy shop requires good marketing. Think about these approaches:
Utilize Social Media: Market your art prints on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Engage your audience with back-end materials, client endorsements, and new product introductions.
Collaborate with Influencers: In the age of reels and stories, striking a relation with influencers or blogger can be effective. So, why not collaborate with them and promote promote your products to their followers.
Run Promotions and Sales: Give discounts during holidays and important events that attract clients. Create sale events using Etsy’s tools.
Leverage Email Marketing: Make a list and send newsletters to inform customers of new products, promotions, and updates.
Handling Customer Service
Maintaining a good Etsy reputation requires great customer service. Here are some tips:
Respond Promptly: Answer customer inquiries within 24 hours. Quick responses boost trust and sales.
Be Clear About Policies: Create understandable and easily available shop policies. Transparency and clarity prevent conflict and misinterpretation.
Handle Issues Gracefully: Respond to customer concerns professionally and quickly. A prompt response can improve a bad experience.
Scaling Your Etsy Art Business
Consider scaling your operations as your business grows:
Expand Your Product Line: Add fresh designs, forms, or related items like custom printed coffee mugs that appeals to potential customers.
Automate Processes: Automate order processing, inventory control, and email marketing by using tools. Thus, you can save time and get engrossed in creativity.
Explore Wholesale Opportunities: Print bulk art works for retailers or boutiques. This can boost brand awareness and revenue.
Final Thoughts
For artists, selling art prints on Etsy might be quite profitable. By creating a professional store, choosing the right prints, creating premium goods, and marketing the business, you can succeed online. Customer service should always come first, thus look for ways to enhance and expand your offers. With diligence and imagination, your Etsy shop can flourish in the lively world of online art sales.
