Essential Do's and Don'ts for Artists and Creators on Social Media
This is How to do Social Media in 2024
Happy New Year Intentional Artists!
As we step into this new year, I think we need to consider how we show up online as artists and creators in 2024.
Social media still remains an important place to share our creativity. But simply posting art on social channels isn’t enough anymore. Building an engaged following requires thoughtful strategy and savvy.
The online landscape looks vastly different than it did even 12 months ago. Features like short-form video have exploded, platforms such as TikTok captivate Gen Z creators, and augmented reality and AI art is now a thing.
As artists and creators, we must stay nimble. While social media will keep advancing and evolving, the fundamentals remain: craft compelling stories, foster community, and let your authentic creative spirit shine through.
Easier said than done, right?
That’s why in this edition we’ll explore the essential do’s and don’ts for artists on social media for the year ahead. Consider these your “rules of engagement” — creative guidelines to cut through the noise and thrive in 2024.
Social media may feel complicated or even intimidating at times. It can be easy to obsess over perfection — constructing that ideal artistic identity and curating the ultimate gallery of our work.
But as Salvador Dali wisely noted:
‘Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.’
Instead, know that it’s in the authentic sharing of our messy creative journeys and imperfect artwork that we forge true connections and positively impact others.
Remain mindful of over-polishing your online presence in hopes of chasing elusive perfection. Share freely and create boldly. Don’t be afraid of posting something that’s not perfect.
Before we dive into the social media playbook, let’s review some essential foundations. Now more than ever, cultivating an audience requires forging genuine creative connections, not just showcasing our art.
Here are 3 key foundations to consider for the year ahead:
Authenticity: Your individuality is your greatest strength. Embrace and share your artistic journey - let your admirers connect with the real you. Let your personality shine through. Remember, there’s only one you.
Engagement: Quality over quantity prevails here. Foster a community that actively participates in your journey. Show up and connect with your audience and followers.
Storytelling: Behind every piece, there’s a story. Share your inspiration process to captivate and engage.
Let’s be ‘intentional’ in our efforts and get started with do’s and don’ts for optimizing our social presence in 2024…
✅ Do: Embrace the Power of Visual Storytelling
Visual content is your canvas. From captivating art videos to behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, leverage visuals to engage your audience. Remember, authenticity is key — let your creativity shine through!
❌ Don’t: Neglect the Micro-Influencers in Your Niche
Forget the age of mega-celebrities. Micro-influencers (other artists), those who share your artistic passions, can be your greatest allies. Collaborate with them to reach a more engaged and authentic audience.
✅ Do: Dive into Data Analytics for Insights
Data is your hidden weapon. Analyze your audience’s preferences, track engagement, and identify trends. Craft your content based on data-driven insights for maximum impact.
❌ Don’t: Overwhelm Your Followers with Constant Promotions
Avoid the hard sell. Create a balanced mix of promotional content, artistic inspiration, and interactive posts. Build a community that appreciates your creativity, not just your art.
✅ Do: Stay on the Cutting Edge of Emerging Platforms
Stay curious about new platforms and trends, such as TikTok or Threads. Early adoption can set your artistic journey apart. Be where your audience is now and where they’ll be tomorrow.
❌ Don’t: Underestimate the Power of Stories
Stories are more than mere moments — they are your canvas for sharing your creative process, announcing new projects, and seeking input from your audience. Get creative with your storytelling.
✅ Do: Make Customer Engagement a Priority
Your art is a conversation starter. Engage with your followers through comments, messages, and prompt responses. Turn your admirers into loyal followers and patrons.
❌ Don’t: Forget to Craft a Thoughtful Content Calendar
Organize your creative ideas into a well-planned content calendar. Consistency is key, especially for art reveals, special releases, and collaborative projects. See the posts below for content calendars and inspiration.👇🏻
✅ Do: Create Interactive Art Experiences
Engage your audience with polls, art challenges, and interactive Q&A sessions. Foster a community that actively participates in your creative journey.
❌ Don’t: Lose the Personal Touch
In a digital world, personal connections matter more than ever. Share the story behind your art and let your audience get to know you on a deeper level.
Navigating the ever-shifting social media landscape can feel overwhelming. But armed with this creative roadmap, you’re now equipped to optimize your online presence in 2024.
The key is balancing promotion with value and authentic connection. Share your creative spirit through compelling visual stories. Foster an engaged community that appreciates the art and the artist.
Above all, have fun with the journey!
Need more inspiration for planning social media or converting followers? Check out these helpful posts from last year:
Social to Subscriber: The zero-cost guide to convert followers to subscribers (Part 1 & Part 2)
Struggling to Build an Audience through Social Media? Here’s your Roadmap (Part 1 & Part 2)
That’s it for today. If you found this content helpful, I’d love to hear your thoughts below in the comments.
Artfully yours,
Chris
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Wow! So much good information on your pages. Keep doing what you're doing!