An Honest Word about Selling Art

Recently I saw a painting that I liked on Facebook. I left a comment asking the size and whether it was for sale. The artist responded with the measurements and the comment 'yes it is for sale.' No price, no offer to chat. Just 'yes it is for sale.'I am not picking on this particular artist because I totally understand and I am guilty of the same mistakes.Last week, I received an email out of the blue from a woman who lived locally. She had found my work online and wanted to see some of the paintings in person. I invited her to to the house, she came the same day, and she bought one on the spot. But here's the thing: I never post prices on Facebook or provide a payment link, there are no 'buy now' buttons on my website, and there is no link to make an appointment to visit my studio. These are all things that I know should be there, but as yet they are not.In order to buy my painting, this lady had to find the contact me page and send me an email. How many people wished they could see the work in person but didn't know they could ask?In order for me to learn the price of the painting I liked, I had to email the artist. How many other people were interested, but didn't want to ask about price?My point is that instead of complaining about how hard it is to sell art, maybe we need to look at just how hard we are trying.I just completed an audit of my sales and marketing strategy and, to be honest, it's pathetic.I've already told you the issues with my website. But there are also issues with the way I post on social media. Yes, I share a lot of content on my blog and on Facebook and Instagram ... but I never share prices or invite contact. God forbid I should use the words "Buy it Now."And the sad part is that I am better at selling than at least 90% of artists I see online (despite being utter rubbish!). We just do not make it easy for people to buy our work.I think a lot of it is about our own beliefs around selling art. It is drummed into us that it's hard. That people don't have the money. That times are tough. That Donald Trump. Or Brexit. Or whatever. So we are hesitant to ask for a sale - after all, if we don't get one, we might get our feelings hurt!And despite our puny sales efforts, people do contact us once in a while to buy a painting. Just imagine how much more successful we could be if we made it easy for them?So my challenge to you is this ... take a  good look at your website. Does it clearly show how to buy a painting? Is there an email link or phone number on each page that features a painting? Are you inviting people to reach out to you?Are you collecting email addresses and then staying in touch with those people monthly?Are you writing blog posts about your work?Are you posting regularly on social media and including the price along with an invitation to connect with you?You do not have to do these things. They are all optional. But I think it's important to be honest with yourself. If you choose not to promote your work regularly, then accept that it won't sell very well. It's not that "art doesn't sell" - it's that your art doesn't sell (because you haven't tried to sell it).I'm taking my own advice and upping my game in this area. By the end of January, I will have rectified many of the problems I see with my current sales efforts. I invite you to join me and let's see what happens!