Becoming a digital Picasso in the world of creativity
In our fast-paced digital world, gaining recognition as a creative can seem like an overwhelming task.
With countless talented individuals showcasing their work and brilliance online, how do you ensure that your own skills and creations captivate the right audience?
Fear not, fellow artists, artisans, and creatives—the world is filled with opportunities to make your mark.
I have compiled a list of 10 strategies to help you stand out online and ignite your inner creative genius.
So, let’s get started on this journey of self-expression and digital mastery!
Navigating the digital seas of success and how to stand out online as an artist
1. Define your unique selling point or "What makes you different"
To make an impact in an oversaturated market, you need to know what sets you apart from the rest.
Have you ever looked at your competitors? Figure out what's unique about your art or process, and make it a selling point.
Focus on mastering this distinctive element and weave it into your brand narrative—make it a core aspect of your work and the reason people will remember you.
Oh, and if you need help figuring out your business's secret sauce. Read up on what exactly a "USP" is, and how to figure that out here.
2. Stay consistent and authentic
Once you've defined your personal brand, stick to it.
Consistency is key in getting people to recognize and connect with your work.
Be authentic in your creative process, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through your brand. This helps in building an online persona that people will grow to know, trust, and love.
If you don't know me already, you should...so go check out my own social profiles.
You will see that I am consistently posting content that I think YOU would find valuable but I am also sharing my life.
No for real, I share stories about my kids, my clients, my crazy afternoons juggling life as a stay at home mom making it happen...for real:
GO SEE FOR YOURSELF:
Tic Tok
You see, sharing your brand, telling your story is important for connecting and creating the, "Know, Like and Trust" factor for your ideal customers.
I once had a person ask me if I was able to juggle, "motherhood and business equally." I literally died inside and said, "You must not know me, maybe you should go check out my social feed because if anything that literally is something I do on the daily."
Sharing your business, your story and how you struggle is how you connect with your customers.
3. Master the art of storytelling
Behind every great piece of art, there is often an inspiring story.
Share the journey behind creating your masterpieces and invite your audience to become a part of it.
By sharing your struggle, process, and triumphs, you will create an emotional connection with your audience, one that they will remain invested in.
This is so important I had to share it again.
4. Network, network, network
Garnering a loyal following online requires that you step outside your creative bubble and connect with others like you.
Attend conferences, webinars, and other networking events that can help you build relationships within the industry.
Reach out to fellow creatives, influencers, and potential clients—collaborate and feature one another to increase visibility and widen your audience.
Be a part of "Social Media" and actually connect with others.
Stop the scroll and comment, engage and connect with your ideal customers online.
This is marketing at it's finest.
5. Utilize social media intelligently
When used wisely, social media can be the catalyst for your online success.
Pick 2 or 3 platforms that suit your creative niche and focus on them—post regularly, engage with your audience, and collaborate with peers for maximum reach.
Experiment with different formats to meet the interests of your audience—live videos, reels, stories, and more.
Do not use social media to quell your late afternoon lonely spell.
Stop scrolling Tik Tok and endlessly buying into the feed.
You instead need to be posting content more than you digest it. Yep. I said it.
6. Use attractive and high-quality visuals
The quality and aesthetic of your visuals play a crucial role in capturing the attention of your audience online.
Use high-quality images and catchy visuals to showcase your work, ensuring your branding is also on point. Keep your posts visually appealing and in line with your style to create a cohesive online presence.
Please please please, understand the importance of how you look and present yourself to people online. Your visual identity, your photography, your message is super important in capturing attention and maintaining your ideal customers trust.
Think about the biggest brands that you buy.
How would you feel if suddenly they started changing up their visuals, being inconsistent in their message and randomly sharing photos of their cat named Jack.
You get it. Consistency and your visual language is really important in communicating your value and building trust with your audience.
7. Leverage the power of SEO
It's important to optimize your website or blog for search engines to ensure that your content reaches the right set of eyes.
Use relevant keywords, meta-tags, and URLs that resonate with your target audience. Learn and apply the basics of SEO to improve your search engine rankings and increase your online visibility.
Ok wait, I realize that that entire paragraph probably doesn't make any sense to you. If it does, well go you...
If it doesn't...
Hold up.
SEO is pretty much as simple as knowing what things people are searching for when they "Google" something and then creating content that will help them find you.
It's pretty much that basic. So, we use keywords and phrases that people use to search for information and we share posts, content, and blogs that have those words. Helping you connect with your audience online in an organic way.
8. Explore and engage with online communities
Find niche communities, forums, and groups where your target audience hangs out.
Participate in discussions, share your work, and offer useful advice to fellow members. Not only will this create opportunities for networking, but it will also establish you as an expert in your field.
9. Remain open to feedback and growth
As a creative, it’s essential to be open to feedback and criticism. Embrace it as an opportunity to grow and develop your skills further.
Listen to your audience's needs and preferences, and adapt your work accordingly.
I use the phrase, "It's not criticism its feedback" a lot with my students and you really have to grow thick skin, and be willing to listen to your customers.
10. Practice patience and persistence
Lastly, achieving online success doesn't happen overnight.
It requires patience and commitment to your cause. Keep refining your techniques and strategies, and continue to learn and adapt in the ever-changing world of online creativity.
And just so you know...the longer you can keep at it, the more content you share, the more you are engaged with your community and audience online, the more money, reach and success you will see.
Conclusion: The art of standing out amidst the digital whirlwind doesn't have to be overwhelming—you can manage it just fine if you create a plan and build a system.
Go about your marketing in a creative way and I am sure you will find a system that works best for you. And if you don't let me know. I am glad to help.
As artists and creatives in the digital space, we must learn to adapt, evolve, and create our own unique identity.
The 10 strategies outlined above will set you on the path to standing out online, capturing the attention and hearts of your audience, and ultimately, unveiling the creative genius within.
So, grab your tools, ignite the fire in your soul, and embark on this exciting, rewarding journey of self-expression and digital success.