Have you ever wanted to turn your passion for art into a career? Do you spend countless hours creating artwork? Have you ever wondered how to monetize your work?  Selling your artwork online is one of the best ways to monetize your talent and turn your creative expression into a profitable venture. It’s never been easier to create an online store and start selling your artwork than it is right now. Let’s explore what it takes to open an online store and get those sales rolling in.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Select a Website Builder
The first step in monetizing your art with an online store is to create a platform that will host your work. You’ll want to use a website builder like Shopify, SureCart Wix or Squarespace that allows you to easily setup an aesthetically pleasing store. Once you have chosen a platform, create a beautiful storefront that will showcase all your pieces.  With the rise of online shopping, it’s essential to have an attractive and credible website – investing in a professional web designer is key for success. Don’t risk making your business look like something crafted by your nephew in his mom’s basement; take advantage of expert design services instead. Make sure it offers a great user experience so people can find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.
Step 2: Incorporate Social Media
Want to monetize your art? Start by making a splash on the major social media platforms. From Instagram and Twitter to Facebook, use these online tools as powerful showcases for your work and help draw in interested viewers. Keep it professional though – steer clear of personal accounts when promoting yourself or risk appearing insincere; today’s savvy audiences know how to spot authenticity! Videos, photos of artwork, images from behind-the-scenes can all be used effectively – just make sure you come across genuine at every turn for maximum engagement with potential fans. Give your online audience what they crave! Spice up their digital experience with marketing specials, discounts and useful content that will make them come back for more. With the 80/20 rule in mind – try to devote four-fifths of your message to great value-adding content and just one fifth on ads – it’s a formula that ensures customers become loyal followers.
Step 3: Design Your Website
Once you have established yourself on social media, it’s time to design a website where visitors can purchase your artwork. Crafting a website that stands out from the rest is easy when you consider key elements such as layout, color, and industry relevance. Select modern hues for an up-to-date look that will have visitors feeling like they’ve just stepped into your world!  When designing the website, make sure that it is easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing. This will make the shopping experience more enjoyable for customers, increasing the chances of them making a purchase.
Step 4: Content, Content, Content
Content is key when crafting your perfect website. Clearly describe each product to ensure customers are informed before they make a purchase, then take it up another notch with SEO-friendly content – use the latest keywords and technology for maximum impact! Attracting search engines will help set you apart in today’s competitive landscape. This way, everyone wins – both shoppers browsing on your site directly and those finding it through Google or another search provider!
Step 5: Add Payment Methods
Once you have built out the front-end of your store, be sure to add payment options like PayPal or Stripe, Square, and ApplePay; all of which offer secure payment processing services with minimal fees attached, so customers can pay for their purchases with ease. If you are selling physical items, make sure you include shipping information and costs as well so customers know exactly what they are getting and when they will receive it. Be sure to do research and find out which payment system works best for you and the products you are selling before making any final decisions
Step 6: Print On Demand
A print on demand arrangement allows you to upload your designs, photographs or illustrations to the website, The company then prints your artwork on products, such as apparel or drink ware. You are only charged when the product is printed and shipped.  With original artwork, there’s only a single chance to make an impression – but it doesn’t have to end with the sale. Through partnering with print-on-demand services, your artistic creations gain immortality by being printed on mugs, cards, and wall art – allowing viewers around the world access while ensuring you receive its true financial worth. You can even offer framed laser prints for those who aren’t willing to financially commit totally to your original work! It’s truly a win–win situation for both creator and consumer alike!
Step 7: Market Your Online Gallery
Now that you have everything setup, it’s time to start marketing! Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to share photos of your artwork and get people excited about visiting your store. Consider hosting T-shirt or mug giveaways or offering discounts on popular pieces in order to generate more interest in what you’re selling. Additionally, try creating content related to the art world—such as tutorials or opinions on current trends—to draw in potential buyers who may not have known about you before reading the article.  Â
Final Thoughts
Now that we have discussed what it takes to monetize your art with an online store, there’s only one thing left for you to do—get started!  With the right platform, payment methods, and marketing strategy, turning your art into an online store is possible! It takes time and dedication but if done correctly can be incredibly rewarding both financially and emotionally – allowing more people than ever before access to the beauty of artistic expression through your work! So don’t be afraid; take the plunge today and start selling! So don’t wait any longer; take action today!
