How to Earn Money Online as an Artist Without a Big Social Media Following

If you're an artist, you've probably been told that building a large online following is essential to earning an income. While having an engaged audience can be powerful, the truth is you don’t need thousands of followers to start making money from your art. Today, I’ll walk you through strategies that allow you to monetize your creative skills even if you’re just starting out online.

Building a thriving community is fulfilling, but it takes time. If you’re looking to start earning sooner, there are platforms and techniques that can help your art find the right audience. Let’s dive into these methods.


Why Having an Online Audience is Valuable

When you have an established online community, you have a direct way to connect with potential customers. Here’s why it matters:

  1. Direct Sales: You can promote your products or services directly to people who already trust your work.
  2. Sponsorships and Partnerships: Brands are eager to work with creators who can authentically introduce their products to a like-minded audience.
  3. Visibility: A loyal audience can amplify your reach by sharing your work.

However, for those without an audience, the focus shifts to leveraging platforms that let your target customers find you.

How to Earn Without a Social Media Following

There are plenty of ways to start selling your art online without a built-in audience. The key lies in making your work discoverable and creating trust with potential buyers.

1. Leverage Platforms with Built-in Audiences

These platforms already attract users searching for specific products or services, giving you an edge:

  • Etsy: Perfect for handmade or digital products. Optimize your listings with keywords and compelling photos to increase discoverability.
  • Print-on-Demand Sites (e.g., Society6, Redbubble): Upload designs and let these platforms handle production and shipping.
  • Skill-Based Platforms: Websites like Fiverr or Upwork allow you to offer custom illustrations or design services to a wide audience.

2. Focus on Search Engines

Platforms with robust search engines can bring your art to the right audience:

  • Google & Pinterest: Use SEO techniques to optimize blog posts, product listings, or portfolio pages. Pinterest, in particular, is a visual platform that works well for showcasing art.
  • YouTube: Create valuable, engaging videos like tutorials or time-lapse art sessions. YouTube serves as both a content marketing tool and a search engine for creatives.

3. Content Marketing

Content marketing allows you to provide value for free while subtly promoting your products. For example:

  • Blog Posts: Write about your creative process, share tutorials, or explain how your products solve a problem.
  • Videos: A demonstration video (e.g., creating a painting) can inspire viewers to purchase your tools or prints.

The Key to Selling: Building Trust

Without an established audience, trust becomes the foundation of every sale. Here’s how to build it:

1. Professional Presentation

  • High-Quality Visuals: Your photos or graphics should immediately convey professionalism. For product photos, use natural light or invest in studio lighting. Create styled shots that show your art in context, like a framed print on a wall.
  • Clean Design: Whether it’s your Etsy shop, personal website, or portfolio, ensure it looks polished and easy to navigate.

2. An Engaging About Section

  • Share your story, creative journey, or mission. This makes potential buyers feel connected to you as an artist. Keep it concise and focus on what makes your art unique.

3. Social Proof

  • Testimonials, reviews, or endorsements can build credibility. Even a few positive reviews on platforms like Etsy can make a big difference.

Mastering SEO for Artists

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a game-changer for getting your art noticed online. Here’s a simplified approach:

  • Use Relevant Keywords: Think about what your ideal customer is searching for. Instead of “art print,” try something specific like “botanical watercolor print.”
  • Be Specific: Narrow keywords increase your chances of standing out in search results. For example, “coastal-inspired digital downloads” is more targeted than “digital art.”
  • Stay Accurate: Misleading keywords might attract clicks, but they won’t convert into sales.

SEO strategies vary depending on the platform (Google, Etsy, YouTube, etc.), so take time to learn what works best for each.

Combining Immediate Income with Long-Term Growth

There are two main approaches to earning online as an artist:

  1. Build an Audience First

    • Spend time growing a community around your work. Once you have a loyal audience, you can monetize through sales, sponsorships, or ad revenue.

  2. Sell Immediately While Building Slowly

    • Start selling your art on platforms where people can find you (e.g., Etsy, print-on-demand sites). Meanwhile, build your audience through content marketing or social media at your own pace.

Both approaches are valid. The best option depends on your financial goals and how quickly you need to earn income.

My Personal Journey

When I started my illustration career, I focused on building an audience first. I had the flexibility to live cheaply and prioritize improving my skills over immediate income. Over time, my audience became the foundation of my business, bringing opportunities for sales, collaborations, and sponsorships.

That said, if I needed to start earning right away, I would’ve chosen platforms like Etsy or Society6 while growing my audience in the background. Both paths have their challenges, but the most important step is starting.

Learning as You Go

Feeling overwhelmed? Remember, every skill you need can be learned. For example, improving your SEO, marketing, and product presentation are all things you can master over time.

That’s why I recommend Skillshare—an online learning platform with classes on creative and business topics. One class I recently loved was Introduction to SEO Tactics and Strategy for Entrepreneurs by Rand Fishkin. It’s perfect for beginners and offers actionable tips for improving your online presence.

Skillshare is a great resource for artists looking to grow their business skills, and the first 1,000 people to use the link in my description will get a free one-month trial.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a massive social media following to start earning as an artist. Platforms like Etsy, Society6, and Pinterest can connect you to the right audience, while SEO and content marketing help you stand out.

Whether you choose to build an audience first or dive straight into selling, remember that success as an artist is a journey. Start where you are, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to try different approaches.

If you found this helpful, consider liking and sharing this article. And if you’re interested in exclusive resources like digital brushes, guides, and printables, check out my Patreon this month!

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