The Soft Sell - Creating Sales Through Non-Salesy Actions
You can reach a lot of people using the Internet, but creating personal and lasting relationships is a more difficult task. It requires an openness and reciprocity that doesn’t come easily to most people. Not that we artists don’t have the ability, but exposing ourselves emotionally outside of our art takes practice and a thick skin.
There’s also a tension between wanting to sell our art and not wanting to be too salesy nor abuse others with self-promotion. So, how can we promote ourselves using a ‘soft sell’ or ‘no sell,’ yet create sales?
Here are a few ideas that members have shared in the Selling Group.
1. Share information, help others, and give encouragement on RedBubble
It’s easy to get mired in the minutia of everyday life. No one can fault you for addressing personal priorities and work, but it only takes a moment to comment on an artwork, t-shirt, or a bit of writing. Share your expertise or give another member an encouraging sentence or two about how their work made you feel.
These activities help elevate your profile – and work – on RedBubble. The more people that view your work, the better your chance of receiving a personal referral.
If you’re interested in sharing ideas or have questions about selling art, join the Sales/Sharing Group here. We don’t judge and we don’t bite.
Also, check out the RedBubble site and individual group forums.
2. Network web-wide with kindred spirits
Track yourself and your interests with Google Alerts and Google Blog Search, among other tools.
Alerts and Blog Search help you find websites that have content related to your artwork, t-shirt designs, interest areas, etc. A practical example would be for the Game of Kings to track websites that talk about chess. Chess destinations and fans would surely be interested in learning more about a stellar collaboration featuring artwork about chess. Track them, and then contact them with a friendly head’s up about your work.
3. Add people to your RedBubble Watchlist, Favorite work, and Comment on work
Here’s a case of quality over quantity. Discover new kindred spirits, curate your Watchlist, and make insightful and positive comments that spur conversion and relationships.
These relationships can bring helpful advice, collaborations, and again, referrals. There have been a number of times that my work didn’t suit a friend’s aesthetic, so I referred them other RedBubble artists. I sent a quick Bubblemail to these artists to note my referral. It’s good karma, and the artists appreciated my thinking of them regardless of the outcome.
4. Publish a blog or website about your subject matter, geography, technique, etc.
The key to a blog is updated content. Ask yourself if you can commit to updating at least once each week – if only to post a quote and a link to relevant resources. Readers can visit your website directly or subscribe to a feed of its content.
Did you know that you already have a RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feed in your RedBubble profile? Just go to your Profile page, click on Journal, and then find the “RSS” button in the address bar of your browser. 
You’ll see a page like this one:
Simply copy the RSS URL from the browser bar and add it to your iGoogle, MyYahoo, Feedburner, or other newsreader account. Outlook and Apple Mail accept feeds too.
Here are a few members that have used their blogs and websites to drive sales on RedBubble:
- As well as, Ron Moss, Bryce Casselman, Diesel Laws, Soniei, among many others. Please post your blog/website below.
5. Develop a rapport with industry websites
Giant caveat – DO NOT simply email a thought-leading website with a generic note and URL, e.g., “please highlight my t-shirt.” Try to develop a rapport with the author first.
- Start by reading their website.
- Make sure their content matches your artwork.
- Ask what it takes to be featured on their website.
- Send them occasional links to related articles unrelated to your artwork.
- You’ll make friends in no time.
We previously discussed tactics for contacting periodicals, magazines, etc. here. RedBubble can help you find the best press contact for your announcement; learn more in the Sales Group PR forum.
6. Give a little, get a lot
Everyone loves freebies, chotchkes – whatever you want to call them.
- Email a digital postcard to a friend or contact. Embed you message in your artwork and subtly note your URL in the email body copy.
- Create business cards or product cards. Here’s an example from the always-giving Nuh Sarche.
Another way to share is to show works in progress. Sam Dantone is painting a wall mural. It’s not for sale, but I loved that he shared his progress on RedBubble. Whenever I think of costal scenes, I’ll return to this mural and then browse through his portfolio.
I could go on forever, but I’m interested in the things that members have tried. Add you comments below, or join the conversation here.
Thank you.
Regards,
Jason
mylittlenative
this was just the article I needed to read today, thank you.
Janis Zroback
Fantastic and comprehensive information…thank you so much..
I publish a regular informational post as part of my personal website..it is called News and Views…I include up to date information on artists, latest art news, art competitions, exhibits, how to instruction on various topics, etc….click HERE
selling replied
We quite enjoy News and Views. Thanks, Janis.
H M Bascom
In addition to blogging (art and current events) I donate a lot of work to educational institutions and students.
El Camino College
DePaul University students used two of my pieces in a domestic violence awareness project.
Collaborations in books and art collaborations are also a great way to get your work seen by more people.
I held a fun Contest recently and bought a card from the winner.
The most recent request to use one of my pieces came just last week:
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:09:01 -0400
Subject: Re: Dear Bascom
From: pamxxxxxx@gmail.com
To: hmbascom@hotmail.com
It is with the deepest gratitude that I thank you for allowing me to use your art.
I will definitely give proper credit. The class I am taking is called The Career Readiness Program grant funded and hosted by the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and The Vermont Department of Labor.
With Thanks,
Pam XXXXX
Donating my work, collaborating with other artists and writers, and supporting others has really helped to increase my name recognition. Never underestimate the value of good will.
selling replied
How did we miss this one? I’ve donated art to the cancer society, cerebral palsy, and leukemia societies. It feels good, it’s great exposure, and it’s typically tax deductible (in the US). (Jason)
jade3hh
second that :)
AnitaInverarity
Fantastic Stuff- Thank you x
FlowersEtc
Thanks for the tips
HRLambert
Cool i was thinking about starting a Journal on Redbubble about using your Redbubble art work ( photos ) into objects and gifts that you cant realy buy through redubble of any other photography site. Plus Hand craft is much more rewarding, and cheeper during the ressesion…
LisaR
Thanks for the info. I am not really interested in pushing my art onto others so these tips are great!
MrJoop
Been doing this in various places on the www for quite some time now. example
(Every so often, little technical hitches pop up. My promo of the two groups that I look after, bit the dust again, recently.)
Jo
Barbara Rahal
Thanks for the tips, and ideas…sharing its so important!!! :O) dont want to force people at all or make them feel obligated to come and buy I just want people to look and give me feed back, if its sales even better!!! :O) I do art to live and love it! fills our souls! Loving the bubble even more!!!
Phillip M. Burrow
Thank you for sharing these tips!
Matt Simner
I think think info is about as good as it gets. There’s heaps of ‘indirect’ things that people can do, and this leads into all of them. Bravo!
It’s funny as my blog started off as simple self-promotion, then promoting other people – now I’m even doing interviews with RB’s finest. The feelgood factor’s addictive :)
Matt Simner
oops – I think ‘this’ info… :)
Troy Dodds
Great tips! Great links, thanks for the info!
Rosemary Scott
brilliant tips….. I’ve just recently started a couple of blogs here & here & am pleasantly surprised to see that people actually look at them!
I’m hoping that more views & interactions will lead to more sales…..:))
Karin Taylor
Thx so much for the info, specially the google blog search! Off to check that out now :)
this info is terrific and nuh is an amazing member so happy to her knowledge,as are you and Janis, matt, diesel and many others. Sharing what you know may seem a little thing, but it can be a stepping stone for someone you help and men the difference between growth and stagnation, hope or despair…... Give what you can even if it’s tiny bits now and then as people do notice and appreciate it, and you’ll feel worthwhile. A lot of people don’t feel they have anything significant to share, I want to reassure those people that they do…every person inthis community is unique and interesting, and I’ll bet if you look below the surface there is a lot you have to offer others from what you’ve learned Long the way :). So don’t hesitate to write journals, blog blogs, and help others where you can. That’s what us this ‘community ’ andnotjusta cut n dried business. We are thebutchers, thebakers, thecandlestick makers of redbubble city, let’s lendeach other a hand :)
Janis Zroback
I also forgot about the art I donate every year…somehow I never think of it as publicity, but I guess it is…
tkrosevear
Amazing information like only RB knows to share with its community!!!!
ViktoryiaN
Very informative and educational, well at least for me since I´m new here. I do want to start selling my photography on RedBubble, and after reading this article I´m one step closer to the goal! :)
Thank you!
gregvm
Thanks for th tips…very inspiring :)
Karin Taylor
The two bubblers that helped me most and showed me kindness and assistance in the early days, were thickblackoutline and mark German … I have never forgotten … They area great example. They are the reason I have helped others. Reciprocation is a great value for value ideal, I truly believe in equal giving and receiving, as it keeps the cogs turning… After people have given us some help here I think it’s wonderful when we can pass that on to someone else to help them too :). It’s really wonderful tosee so many bubblers catching inane doingthat already ..a spirit of giving Is much more pleasant than a sense of entitlement which is alltoo oftern the norm in society. But, I think the world is changing ..- and people are realizing the value in helping each other, show such as masterchef are an example as compared with backbiting programs where people bitch and scheme their way to success :)
Maryanne Lawrence
Thanks for the tips, should be very helpful.
Tama Blough
Karen, I agree. I was helped along by you and others and am passing that sharing along as I go. I puff up with pride when one of my “kids” gets a feature or sale! lol
Mel Brackstone
That “search blog” link just shows me where everyone is ripping off my photos….LOL
Diesel Laws
Brilliant work again. Thanks for referencing my work also. There are so many people that can learn a lot from this info – nice!
Sanne Thijs
Not a direct selling blog but a truly threw and threw redbubbleblog
look here
Rina Botha
A contribution to keep! Thank you Jason, much appreciated!
AngelArtiste
Thank you for the article. When i give comments I do it only and only because i like the artists artwork, But as for a blog, it is a good idea, but I have no idea how on earth one updates a blog when ones computer overheats and crashes every few minutes during the hot weather… =(
Mechellerene
fantastic. thank you! helped me release some anxiety over my utter abhorance to “selling”, even though I do want to have my art be a positive source of income for me (if only 2 b able to buy more art supplies). thanks again
Marilyn Harris
Thank you so much Jason for this wonderful insight! :o)
muzy
great post. Its a pity there isnt a red bubble artwork or clothing RSS feed – only seems to be journals?