Because it’s a new year, today it was time to examine my business 2009 sales.  Even I was a little surprised to see that on average, from 2004-2008, annrea.com produced 8% of my business’ total sales.  But in 2009, that number rose to 27%!

Notice that I said “my business’ total sales”.  Tim Mondavi also noticed my reference to “my business” and pointed it out to his youngest daughter, who’s an emerging painter, as we toured their Napa vineyard.

I’m running a business.  And as soon as you put a price on your work your in business too.  Sounds obvious, I know. But if the artist’s mindset doesn’t shift to business owner from creator, it’s trouble.
Generating on-line sales is much more than just having a good website.  Ahhh, if only it were that simple. Wouldn’t life be grand?!

Generating sales on-line requires certain resources, on-going maintenance, sound business and marketing strategy, and top-notch design.  And it appears to be a maze that many artists have a tough time navigating.

But the increase in my business’ total on-line sales was due in part to a number of factors contained in my overall marketing strategy. All of which took time to build.

Just like in the “real world”, you have to market and network in the “virtual world”.  Notice I did not say advertise.  I’ve never had good results with on-line advertising.  And it’s expensive.
I have to say, that my most satisfying on-line sale happened just a few weeks ago when I was in Hawaii for Christmas vacation.  I sold an original oil painting on-line, literally while I was at Waikiki Beach. Mele Kalikimaka!

If you would like to schedule a one-on-one website review please email me at annrea@annrea.com.