You don’t have to draft a big plan to spread your small business message far and wide. When you break it into small daily steps and follow through consistently, it’s easy (and fun!) to get people talking about your work. Here are 5 things you can do right now to spread your creative message. Just add each of these tasks to your daily to-do list!
1. Join and participate in forums related to your work
Join a couple of forums (not more than you can realistically keep up with) and actively participate. Leave helpful and thoughtful feedback. Make sure your signature has a link back to your blog, website, and/or online shop. Interested users will click through to learn more about you.
2. Join Flickr, and use it
Add a couple of photos to your Flickr account daily and join groups. An easy way to do this is to add the photos from your blog post if you’re a blogger. Add your daily photos to groups, add photos to your “favorites” list, and really get involved! (Don’t feel limited to photos. Do you draw? Add your drawings to Flickr too as a “mini portfolio”!)
3. Continue with daily tweets
You’ve likely already joined the conversation on Twitter, making daily tweets is a fun and simple way to spread your creative message. Tweet about it when new products become available (Read  5 ways to engage you community with Twitter for more tips on Marketing with Twitter).
4. Make a Facebook page and update daily
Make a Facebook Page for your art and add and update daily. Post a link to your new product or write helpful tips for your audience.
5. It’s all about joining groups and interacting
Etsy, Flickr, and most other social networks have groups and forums you can participate in. You need to join the conversation, instead of simply being a static observer. It’s not just a way to spread your creative message, but it’s always inspiring and will help you with your creative business.
This may seem like a lot of steps, but if you interact in these social networks daily you’ll start to make friends, spread your message, and attract customers. Simply add these tasks to your to-do list and get them done every day. Never spam your social networks, and never rush this process. Have fun with it, be earnest and really interact and meet like-minded creative people! I promise you’ll see a difference in your traffic and sales!
Join the conversation. What issues have you had spreading your message?
Vanessa wrote this post. She is a full time copywriter and webmarketer with a passion for art, creativity, and thrift. She writes about thrifting, creating, and saving money every weekday on her blog, Thrift Core.
10 comments | Click here to reply
You are so right about having patience, it is a slow process and takes time to see results.
lesI could not agree more, A good message is definitely key, and you also need to be consistent!
CreativeFluffGreat very important tips :).Should be framed and put up on the wall as a daily reminder 🙂
stitchinnetka[…] and local clubs. It will make a difference. I give specific tips on how to do this in these posts: 5 Steps for Spreading Your Creative Business Message and How to Get Them Talking About Your […]
You Don't Need Art School to Sell Art | papernstitchthese are really helpful tips, thanks! I’m just starting out freelancing, and finding it difficult but enjoying it. I think the point about patience is very true, I want it all to happen now (as i’m pretty impatient) but I know it all takes time.
ellie hydeNatalie, you’re so right! I casually blogged for 1 year, but really grew (and watched my site grow) when I commented on other blogger’s work, and really participated in social networks.
It’s a slow growing process, but it’s important to have fun along the way. People will see your enthusiasm and get caught-up in your brand’s energy.
VanessaI’m so glad you posted this! I’m also glad the emphasis is on socializing too and not just promoting. If I can add something, I think PATIENCE is so huge. Too many people set up 10 different accounts and get burnt out fast as the months go by and they’re not seeing the response they’d like.
When I started doing freelance web design years ago, I blogged for over a year before anyone knew who I was or wanted to hire me. And when I transitioned away from web design and into the independent handmade market, I had to make a name for myself there too, so it was probably another year, maybe even two before I could see some real results from my time investment.
So be real, be you, and be patient. Unless you happen to catch the eye of several popular bloggers or magazine editors, it won’t happen over night.
Natalie Jost | Olive MannaI always think I have to have some amazing long article to post or share instead of just joining the conversation…I am way over thinking it!
Katrina PadronThese are such fantastic tips! I feel a constant struggle to interact with my online communities because I tend to be introverted and reserved. I don’t enjoy when I comment on a blog and the blogger writes a simple “Thanks for sharing! I know where you’re coming from!” reply. It always seems a little pointless because that reply doesn’t take the conversation anywhere in my mind.
But truly, that reply is a connection the blogger is trying to make with me. They are identifying with what I’ve said and thanking me for the time I’ve taken to read, ingest, and share. I need to begin opening my personality to the wonderful people on my favorite social websites. That will not only be good for my business, but I think it will also be good for my spirit. Thanks, Brittni!
LauraDearest sweet Brittni, these are awesome tips! Thanks so much for sharing your 5 steps! Happy summer and have a lovely merry happy day! Love to you.
jacqueline