Does Your Artist Twitter Account Have What It Needs?

Artwork Archive | February 24, 2016

Sometimes it feels like the whole world is on Twitter except you.

And even if you are, it can you feel like you need a thirteen-year-old to be your guide.

You know Twitter can be a great marketing tool for your art business. But how do you know where to begin?

Start by perfecting your artist Twitter page. That will not only attract fans, but keep them interested in your art business, so you can sell more art. Here are five key elements to focus on to help your artist Twitter page thrive.

1. Pick a Professional Profile Picture

When it comes to your profile picture, social media expert Lori McNee suggests sticking to these three elements: friendly, professional, and high quality.

Your picture sends a message to your audience about the kind of person and art business they are about to interact with, so the more friendly you appear, the better. Same goes with being professional. That doesn’t mean you have to use a professional headshot. Using a picture of you and your art can be fun and unique, and it comes off as professional when the photo is high quality with good lighting.

Your profile picture is the first step to building your brand online, so don’t just use this photo for Twitter. Stay consistent by using this photo across all of your social media channels, then people can easily recognize you and your art business.

 

Artwork Archive Artist Jill McLean has a friendly, professional Twitter profile picture.

2. Craft a Creative Cover Photo

The possibilities are endless when it comes to your cover photo. Switching out your cover photo often is a great way to showcase your artwork, and that’s just the start. Use the free and easy-to-use design website Canva to create custom cover photos, turning a basic photo into the perfect advertising platform.

You can include text on your cover photo about discounts or giveaways, art auctions or galleries you are featured in, commissions, contests you are holding, and anything else currently happening in your art business to impress and make your audience aware.

Show what you are selling or the transformation of a work-in-progress by using Canva’s grids or by making a collage. Canva has an enormous selection of templates and elements waiting to be used for your art business.

Artist and social media expert Lori McNee uses her Twitter cover photo as a promotional tool.

3. Beef Up Your Bio

Your Twitter bio is the description that helps people make the choice whether to follow you or not, reminds Lori McNee. That’s why you should choose the words you are going to brand your business with carefully. Learn how to craft a strong bio in “How to Create and Promote Brilliant Art Business Tweets.

Also, be sure to include a short link to your website or your Artwork Archive Public Page so people can check out your art business in a more professional setting. If you want to include links to other social media platforms you will have to put them in your bio, but beware that it will take up some of the 160 characters you are allowed.

Another fun feature is that Twitter allows you to add in a location, which is perfect for showing fans where your studio is located and to attract interested art buyers in your area.

4. Narrow Down Your Name

Much like your profile picture, your name should be consistent across all platforms. Picking a name that is recognizable and relates to your art business is key, otherwise your audience will get confused and won’t be able to find you in search results.

Including a keyword like “artist” with your name like Lori McNee suggests can be helpful not only for fans trying to find you, but also builds association with your name and your art career.  If you have a great studio name, use that across all of your platforms.

Sergio Gomez brands himself well with a descriptive bio and using the keyword art in his username.

5. Pin a Terrific Tweet

Twitter allows you to “pin” a tweet you’ve already made to the top of your Twitter page, which is a great way to highlight work or an announcement you want everyone to see. Just click the icon with the three dots at the bottom of your tweet and select “Pin to your profile page.” It’s easy as that!

 

Buffer recommends using one of your best tweets, an upcoming event you are in, special announcement  about your art sale, or a tweet that summarizes the mission of your art business perfectly. That way no important tweet will get buried deep in your Twitter feed.

Artwork Archive artist Robin Pedrero pinned her tweet about new artwork for sale.

Now you can use this great marketing tool for your art business!

Figuring out Twitter can be overwhelming and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Focusing on these basic elements for your artist Twitter account is the best place to start. These elements alone will portray your professionalism and help you easily market the current happenings of your art business, getting you one step closer to selling the art you’ve worked so hard on.

Want more Twitter guidance?

Check out “How to Create and Promote Brilliant Art Business Tweets” and “Lori McNee Shares Her Top 6 Social Media Tips for Artists”.

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