How I Started Selling Prints of My Photos

Scott French
19 Sept 202309:43

TLDRThe speaker shares their journey of selling photo prints online without a social media following. They discuss the shift in the market allowing various photographers to sell their work and the importance of having an e-commerce website and mailing list for potential collectors. The script covers the decision between limited or open editions, the recommendation to sell unframed prints initially, and the use of apps like Art Placer to help customers visualize artwork. Pricing strategies and the necessity of marketing for consistent sales are also highlighted, emphasizing that print sales require ongoing effort and attention.

Takeaways

  • 🚀 Start with a small following - Even a small social media following can be a good starting point for selling prints.
  • 🔍 Focus on audience engagement - Regularly post and interact with your audience to build a relationship and increase visibility.
  • 💡 Consider print-on-demand services - These can simplify the process of selling prints without the hassle of handling physical inventory and shipping.
  • 🖼️ Choose between limited and open editions - Limited editions can create exclusivity and a sense of urgency, while open editions allow for unlimited prints.
  • 🖼️ Offer unframed prints initially - This reduces complexity when starting out, and framed options can be added later based on demand.
  • 📏 Size prints to fit standard frames - This makes it easier for customers to find suitable frames and can influence their buying decision.
  • 🎨 Price your art thoughtfully - Consider market trends, production costs, and perceived value, and don't be afraid to set higher prices initially.
  • 🚀 Create a launch strategy - Build anticipation for your print sales with a well-timed promotional campaign and special offers.
  • 📧 Build and utilize a mailing list - A strong email list is crucial for direct communication with potential buyers and for announcing new releases or sales.
  • 📈 Timing matters - Be aware of the best times to sell art prints, with the peak season being between October and December for many buyers.
  • 📈 Persistence is key - Continuous marketing and promotion are necessary for sustained sales and success in selling art prints.

Q & A

  • What was the initial challenge the speaker faced in selling prints of their photos?

    -The initial challenge was that the speaker had zero social media following, which made it difficult to gain attention and promote their work in the online print market.

  • How did the speaker overcome the lack of followers for their work?

    -The speaker overcame this by consistently posting their work, engaging with their audience, and using platforms like Instagram to gradually build a following.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using online marketplaces like Etsy or Pixar for selling prints?

    -Advantages include testing the waters and gaining visibility for demand. Disadvantages involve sacrificing control over pricing and competing with cheaper options due to high competition and fees.

  • Why did the speaker choose to have their own e-commerce website?

    -Having their own e-commerce website allowed the speaker to have full control over their products, build a mailing list of potential collectors, and avoid relying solely on platforms that could change policies or disappear.

  • What printing method did the speaker opt for and why?

    -The speaker chose print-on-demand because it saved on costs and time associated with packaging, shipping, and quality control, and it was more efficient for handling larger print sizes.

  • What factors influenced the speaker's pricing strategy for their artwork?

    -The speaker considered market trends, production costs, and perceived value, and initially set their prices about 25 percent higher than the general guidelines suggested for new artists.

  • Why did the speaker decide to offer unframed prints initially?

    -Offering unframed prints saved the speaker from the hassle of dealing with framing and shipping, and it was a simpler way to start their business.

  • How did the speaker use the Art Placer app to enhance their sales?

    -The Art Placer app allowed customers to visualize how the artwork would look in different sizes and spaces, which helped in making sales as customers could see how well the prints would fit in their homes.

  • What was the speaker's strategy for creating buzz and promoting their art sales?

    -The speaker used Instagram to announce their launch, built a mailing list, offered early access and discounts, and created a sense of urgency by timing the launch and expiration of discounts.

  • What was the speaker's initial sales outcome and how did it motivate them?

    -The speaker made $4,324 in their first 48 hours of launching, which was a promising start and motivated them to continue building their following and refining their strategy.

  • What did the speaker learn about the持续性 of selling prints?

    -The speaker learned that prints don't sell themselves and that it requires persistent marketing and promotion. Success is not just about automation but also about consistently presenting the work to potential buyers.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Breaking into the Online Print Market

The speaker discusses their journey into selling photo prints online despite having no social media following initially. They highlight the shift in the market where more people are purchasing online, and the importance of having a following to turn into collectors. The speaker emphasizes the challenges of standing out on platforms like Instagram and the drawbacks of using online marketplaces like Etsy or Pixar, such as loss of control and competition with cheaper options. They advocate for having an e-commerce website and building a mailing list for potential collectors. The paragraph also touches on the logistics of selling prints, including deciding between DIY printing or partnering with a print-on-demand company, the choice between limited or open editions, and the recommendation to sell unframed prints initially. The speaker shares a tip on using apps like Art Placer to help customers visualize the artwork in their space, enhancing the likelihood of a sale.

05:01

💸 Pricing and Launching Artwork

The speaker shares their experience in pricing their artwork, opting for prices 25% higher than what was generally suggested for new artists. They discuss the importance of offering a starting price point that is comfortable for first-time buyers, with the potential for larger purchases in the future. The speaker emphasizes the significance of creating a buzz for the launch of an online store or new work, highlighting the best time of the year for art sales (October to December). They share their strategy of announcing the launch on Instagram, building a mailing list, and offering incentives like early access and discounts. The speaker details the success of their launch, which resulted in $4,324 in sales, and reflects on the potential of building a following over time. They stress that selling prints requires persistent marketing and promotion, and that success depends on continuous effort. The speaker concludes by expressing their intention to share more strategies for long-term success in future videos.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Prints

Prints refer to physical copies of photographs that are made for the purpose of selling to customers. In the context of the video, the artist is discussing their journey in selling prints of their photographs online. This involves taking digital images and creating high-quality physical copies that can be displayed in homes or offices, adding value and accessibility to the artist's work.

💡Social Media Following

A social media following consists of individuals who choose to view and engage with content posted by a user on social media platforms. In the video, the artist initially had no social media following, which they overcame by consistently posting their work and engaging with their audience. This following is crucial for an artist to promote their prints and convert followers into collectors.

💡Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces are platforms that facilitate the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet. Examples include Etsy and Pixies. The artist discusses using such platforms to test the waters for selling prints, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks, such as the loss of control over the selling process and the competitive nature of these markets.

💡Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand is a service that allows artists to sell their work without having to manage inventory or handle the printing, packaging, and shipping themselves. The artist chose this option to make the selling process more manageable and efficient. It ensures that each print is produced only after a customer has placed an order, reducing costs and complexities for the artist.

💡Limited Editions

Limited editions refer to a set number of prints that an artist produces for a particular piece of work. This creates a sense of exclusivity and can increase the perceived value of the art. The video mentions that the artist opted for limited editions to add value and urgency to their prints, making them more collectible and desirable.

💡Unframed Prints

Unframed prints are copies of artwork that are sold without a frame. The artist recommends starting with unframed prints to simplify the selling process. This allows customers to easily purchase off-the-shelf frames that fit standard sizes, reducing costs and logistical challenges for both the artist and the buyer.

💡Art Placer

Art Placer is an app that artists can use to visualize how their artwork will look in different sizes and spaces. The app integrates with online stores, enabling buyers to upload a picture of their space and see how the artwork might appear on their wall. This feature can influence purchasing decisions and increase sales by providing a more realistic preview of the final display.

💡Pricing Artwork

Pricing artwork involves determining the value of a piece and setting a price that reflects its worth, considering factors like production costs, market trends, and perceived value. The artist shares their experience of setting prices higher than general guidelines, which led to initial success. This process requires careful consideration and the ability to adjust prices based on market response and customer feedback.

💡Marketing and Promotion

Marketing and promotion are strategies used to increase awareness and interest in a product or service. In the context of the video, the artist emphasizes the importance of persistent marketing efforts to drive sales. This includes creating a sense of urgency, offering discounts, and building a mailing list to keep potential buyers engaged and informed about new releases or promotions.

💡Launch Strategy

A launch strategy refers to the planned actions and timing an artist takes to successfully introduce and promote their new work or online store. The artist details their own launch strategy, which included setting an official launch date, creating a sense of urgency, and using Instagram to promote their upcoming sales event. This approach is designed to generate buzz and attract initial customers.

💡Long-Term Success

Long-term success in the context of the video refers to the sustained and growing sales of an artist's prints over time. The artist shares their journey and the realization that success doesn't come passively but requires ongoing marketing, promotion, and strategy adjustments. Building a following and maintaining customer engagement are key components for achieving long-term success in selling prints.

Highlights

The journey of starting to sell photo prints without a social media following.

The shift in the online market allowing a wider range of photographers to sell their work.

The importance of having a social media presence and followers to turn them into collectors.

The strategy of consistently posting and engaging with the audience to grow a following.

Utilizing online marketplaces like Etsy or Pixar for selling prints without a website.

The downsides of using online marketplaces, such as loss of control and price competition.

The benefits of having an e-commerce website with a personal domain for selling prints.

Choosing between print-on-demand services and self-printing, with considerations for packaging, shipping, and quality control.

Deciding between limited and open editions for prints, and the impact on exclusivity and value.

Recommendation to start with unframed prints to simplify the selling process.

The use of Art Placer or similar apps to help customers visualize artwork in their spaces.

The complexity of pricing artwork, considering market trends, production costs, and perceived value.

The strategy of setting prices higher than general guidelines and being open to adjustments.

The importance of creating a buzz and sense of urgency for the launch of an online store or new work.

The optimal timing for art sales, with the majority occurring between October and December.

The strategy of promoting art sales primarily on Instagram and building a mailing list for potential buyers.

The initial success of the launch with $4,324 in sales and the potential for future growth.

The realization that selling prints requires ongoing marketing and promotion rather than being a passive income.

The ongoing strategy adjustments and promotions for long-term success in selling photo prints.

Casual Browsing

How I edit my photos in 2023

2024-05-16 19:45:01

I Tried Selling AI Art Prints On Etsy For 30 Days

2024-03-31 21:45:00

How to Remove the Background of Photos

2024-05-17 06:25:01

I Edit Your Photos!

2024-05-16 19:50:01

How I Make Money Selling AI Prompts ($10k/Month)

2024-05-17 14:50:01