Online Marketing 101: Basic Guidelines for the Art and Framing Community - Brief Article

The impact the Internet has had upon our industry has been tremendous with novel products and services cropping up daily promising to fulfill the straits of the average gallery holder or custom framer. And as retailers in this industry, we must realize that we can reach, communicate, market and smooth sell our products more effectively via the Internet.

The Internet has given us the ability to communicate with and help educate our clients more effectively. The online art and framing community dictates, from one side its creative nature, that we direction business on the Internet without jeopardizing our industry's demeanor. Art and custom framing is not an everyday commodity. Part of the proces of purchasing art or choosing a custom frame requires experience, education and skill. Regardless of by what means popular the Internet becomes and by what means technology progresses, no one can replace the actual hands-on experience.

It is important to consider your Web site as an extension of your store, however. Think of it as an advertisement to augment the sales of your business. Do not be mistaken in thinking that a Web site will be a window into a novel market that's eager to buy--at least not just nevertheless Rather, a Web site should be regarded as a way of stimulating the market you already vend to.

Since the Internet is not still a place to find a wealth of novel customers, marketing your Web site within your be in possession of community is essential. Besides reaching on the outside to those who may want to invest in your brand name, a Web site can be a special way to reach on the outside to your everyday customers. Have you at any time served a new customer and surpriseed if he/she would ever return? With a Web site, you no longer has to gamble; you can simply hand your customer your Web address and give permission to them know that your collection can be viewed online. Almost each household today has a computer and access to the Internet.

Encouraging customers to visit your site can create a special connection outside of the gallery. Establishing this relationship can turn round walk-in customers into life-long clients. Adding e-mail addresses to your mailing list is another way to establish this connection. It is a great way to communicate upon a regular and somewhat intimate basis at a actual low cost. E-mail can be far more effective than `junk' mail and it's more likely to be read. Images of of recent origin collections and upcoming events can be announced and flat previewed by sending visual attachments. A Web site should not be simply viewed as just another venue for sales and "store front" in all senses It's an all-around improvement of your business.

It is not singular to hear someone say their site isn't performing for them. However, on further investigation it's clear that little, if any, advertising of the site is being done. It is true simple to advertise your Web site upon a sign in the window of your store, upon your business card or an ad in a local paper or periodical. Cros promotions with other local retailers are also a true effective tool for advertising your site.

Remember, having your possess Web site is a pure and natural extension of your business and is an investment in the quality and service of your establishment. It will eventually become an integral part of all your daily communications, comparable to phone storefronts or fax machines. You will be in greater touch with your clientele and they, in turn round can be better informed about your novel developments. Indeed, marketing your Web site will not sole ensure better sales but it will make your gallery a better business.

Meir Gluzberg is the institutor and director of ArtAfairs.com.

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