4 Stages of Community Building for Artists
Bloggers love to communicate…those of us who have embraced social media with open arms love to communicate…but are all forms of communication desirable to the artist hoping to build a community of loyal fans and collectors?
Community Building is developing authentic relationships between people.
So being authentic would seem to mean being open…transparent in all your business dealings and interactions and, yes, being open in your unique selfness. (I made that word up.)
I can give you several examples of successful community building in the world in which I operate…Vanessa Valencia (A Fanciful Twist blog), Suzi Blu and Kelly Rae Roberts. I featured Vanessa and Kelly recently on Dream Doer Friday. All are open, compelling, different and bloggers.
Actually their blogs propelled them to stardom in the mixed media art world.
Well, not their blogs really…but how they created their blogs, wrote each post, chose each image and, most importantly, how they interacted with their community. The three artful sisters are masters at engaging you, bringing you into their world and leaving you wanting more.
If you have followed their adventures as I have, you will soon learn that none of them had fame as a goal when they began their blogs. They just wanted a place to talk about their art and their lives and make some friends along the way.
So what does this have to do with marketing you ask?
Community Building is foundational
to your success online and off.
4 Stages of Community Building for Artists
- Knowing Me – know who you are as an artist and a person
- Engagement – be able to put you and your art out there in a way that creates interest
- Knowing You – care about the people who are attracted to your work
- Newtorking – interact thoughtfully, honestly and often
They are successful because the followed their heart and learned to do what they love in front of a world who adores them!!!
Rebecca,
Thank you for this important post. I think that people are definitely doing this within our flying lessons group. I know that I am starting to get to know more people, and it’s not for the marketing aspect. If some of that comes out of starting these relationships, then so be it, but it is definitely not my first goal. As artists we need people that we can talk to and relate to, people who have gone through, or are going through, the same struggles and successes in their creative world. I find it tough to find people in my area who can relate this way, but I am working on it. Until then, I will continue to build and nurture the relationships I am making with my flying lessons friends because I think they will last for quite a long time! Thanks so much Rebecca!
Stephanie
Great post! I think it is also important to offer encouragement and leave comments to give the people feedback on blogs and social network sites. Thanks for the great post.
Dana
Here I am again Rebecca at your blog reading all of your good info! Now I’ve got to figure out how to find time to listen to your radio spots! Happy Summer! xoxo Valerie