Photo by PhotoMIX Company
by Kevin Elliott
Marketing.
I know, you just cringed. As artists, you’d rather focus on your craft than promote yourselves and your work. But here’s the truth: marketing is essential for transforming your art into a thriving business. Don’t worry; I’m here to help. In this post, I’ll provide you with some valuable tips, encouragement, and a book recommendation to help you become a successful marketer without compromising your integrity. Let’s dive in!
1. No Seeds, No Crops
Think of marketing as farming. Just like a farmer breaks ground and plants seeds, you need to take proactive steps to promote your work. Hoping that customers will magically find you won’t yield results. Identify the marketing channels that align with your strengths and preferences. Whether it’s in-person meetings, social media, writing, or other means, start planting seeds that feel comfortable to you.
2. Consistency Trumps Originality
Farmers don’t plant seeds just once; they do it season after season, year after year. Similarly, consistency is key in marketing. Building a sustainable presence requires regular effort and a continuous flow of content. I’ll choose consistency over originality any day. Stay committed to planting those seeds consistently over time, and you’ll see the fruits of your labor.
3. Nothing Blooms Overnight
There is always a time lag between planting a seed and seeing it sprout. It can take months or even years to witness the results of your marketing efforts. Remember, this doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s simply a natural part of the process. Keep persevering and have faith in your journey. Marketing takes time, and that’s perfectly okay.
4. Feed What Blooms: Embracing Unexpected Opportunities
Guy Kawasaki’s book, “Art of the Start,” offers valuable insights for anyone starting a business. He says that, in every business, you start planting seeds with an expected outcome in your mind. But sometimes, the best stuff sprouts up unexpectedly. When that happens, Kawasaki says to “Water what blooms.”
Sometimes, what blossoms may be different from what you initially expected. Be open-minded and willing to explore new avenues. Feed what blooms, even if it’s not what you envisioned. It could lead you to exciting and profitable ventures.
Conclusion
Marketing is farming—planting seeds, nurturing consistently, and embracing the unexpected. Stay committed, be patient, and watch your artistic career flourish in ways you never imagined.
Kevin
kevin@wewafilms.com
(850) 819-4463