Social Media for Artists: Where to Publish and How to Attract Buyers
I still remember the first time I advised an artist about their online presence. They were frustrated: posting their artwork on Instagram and Facebook, but nothing was happening. Few likes, no buyers, and a feeling of being lost in the crowd.
This is a reality for many artists: just posting on social media is not enough. You need a strategy. So, where should you publish, and how do you turn followers into buyers? Here’s what I’ve learned from helping artists along their journey.
Where to Publish? The Essential Platforms
1. Instagram: The Must-Have for Visual Art
If you had to choose just one network, it would be Instagram. It’s THE playground for artists. Why? Because it’s a visual platform where potential buyers (collectors, art lovers, interior designers…) come for inspiration.
Tips:
- Post high-quality images of your artwork with staging (hung on a wall, in a studio, in detail…).
- Tell the story of your creation in the caption: What inspired you? What technique did you use?
- Use hashtags wisely: mix popular ones (#artlover, #painting) with more specific ones (#artquebec, #contemporaryartist).
- Post Reels! The algorithm loves video, and it’s a great way to showcase your creative process.
Real-Life Example:
An artist I know tripled their followers in a few months just by sharing their artwork in minimalist settings with well-thought-out captions. They even sold a painting to an international buyer thanks to a local hashtag.
2. Facebook: The Underrated Sales Channel
Many think Instagram is enough, but Facebook remains powerful, especially for art groups and direct sales.
Tips:
- Join groups like "Buy Art Online", "Quebec Painters", or "Contemporary Artists for Sale". Share your creations and engage in discussions.
- Create a dedicated Facebook page showcasing your journey, collections, and availability for commissions.
- Use Facebook Marketplace: some artists sell very well there, especially locally.
Real-Life Example:
A self-taught painter sold several pieces just by posting in a Facebook group dedicated to contemporary art collectors. The key? Responding quickly to comments and offering flexible payment options.
3. Pinterest: A Visual Search Engine Not to Overlook
Pinterest is like Google for images. Users search for home decor inspiration, which is a huge opportunity for artists.
Tips:
- Post vertical, eye-catching images of your artwork.
- Add keywords in the descriptions so your work is easily found (e.g., “modern painting for living room”).
- Link each image to your website or shop.
Real-Life Example:
An illustrator saw a huge increase in sales by posting their artwork on Pinterest with well-optimized descriptions. The result? Daily visitors to their site and consistent commissions.
4. TikTok & YouTube: The Power of Video
Buyers love seeing the creative process. Showcasing your work through video is an incredibly effective way to reach an engaged audience.
Tips:
- On TikTok, focus on short 10-30 second videos showing time-lapses of your art or reactions to special requests.
- On YouTube, post art vlogs, tutorials, or even behind-the-scenes videos of your work.
Real-Life Example:
A street artist gained over 100,000 followers on TikTok by sharing his painting techniques live. He now sells most of his work via Instagram direct messages.
How to Attract Buyers?
1. Talk About Your Art as an Experience, Not Just a Product
Buyers don’t just want a painting; they want a story. When you post a creation, explain:
- What inspired you?
- Why did you choose these colors?
- What emotion do you want to convey?
An artist who shares their emotions sells more than one who simply writes “Painting for sale.”
2. Engage Your Audience: The Algorithm Loves It
Social media favors accounts that interact with their followers. So take the time to:
- Reply to comments (even with a simple “Thank you!”).
- Ask questions in captions ("What title would you give this piece?").
- Encourage shares ("Tag a friend who would love this painting!").
3. Make Buying Easy
Many artists lose sales simply because they don’t make purchasing simple. Make sure:
- Your website or online shop is accessible (or use Etsy, BigCartel, Shopify…).
- You have a clear bio with a link to your shop.
- You specify how to buy in your posts ("Available, message me for details!").
Conclusion: Find YOUR Network and Stay Consistent
Every artist has their own audience. If you love video, try TikTok and YouTube. If you want a decor-focused audience, Pinterest is your friend. The key is to be consistent and experiment to see what works for you.
The artist I mentioned at the beginning? They finally found their audience on Instagram by posting nature-inspired artwork with long captions telling their adventures in the forest. Today, they live entirely off their art, and it all started with a simple post.
Are you ready to get started?
