How to Create and Promote Brilliant Art Business Tweets

Artwork Archive | February 10, 2016

Trying to navigate the constantly changing Twittersphere can sometimes feel like trying to navigate a country that speaks a foreign language.

What time should I tweet? Which hashtags should I use? How much should I write? It’s hard to stay up-to-date! This can leave you feeling overwhelmed, caught up in using the wrong practices, or make you dismiss Twitter altogether, which won’t help your art business.

But, we are here to help! Since Twitter can be such a beneficial marketing tool, we’ve rounded up  the latest tips from time and day to post to hashtag length to help you promote your artwork. Check out these 7 Twitter tips so you can tweet like a pro!

1. Keep It Short

Your tweet can be 140 characters long, but beware–if you include a link, image, or retweet another person’s post with a comment, that uses up characters!

How much can you write with 140 characters or less? Aim for having one or two short sentences. HubSpot’s “The Handy Character Count Guide for Blog Posts, Facebook Pages & More” recommends writing 100 characters without a link and 120 characters with a link.

Links can be shortened automatically with sites like Buffer or Bitly, so they don’t take up as many characters in your tweet. HubSpot also found that links account for 92% of all user interaction, so don’t be afraid to share your art blogs, artwork on your other social media accounts, or your Artwork Archive Public Page.

See more of Lori McNee's stellar tweets by following @lorimcneeartist.

2. Become a Hashtag Whiz

Are hashtags confusing you? HubSpot recommends keeping hashtags to under 11 characters, but shorter if you can. Also, tweets have been found to perform better when they only have one to two hashtags.

With limited space, more than two can be overwhelming. To figure out the best hashtags to use, try using a handy tool called Hashtagify to look up the most popular hashtags related to what you are tweeting about. For example, use #acrylic or #fineart when tweeting about your latest painting.

Clark Hulings used his hashtag perfectly. Follow @clarkhulings to see more.

3. Provide Value in Every Tweet

Always make sure you are providing value when you tweet. Buffer advises, “Tweet about them, not you.” Focus on what your followers want to see, whether that’s a new piece of artwork for sale or your own tips for creating a new piece.

And, if you have something you know people will want to see, it’s okay to tweet again says Buffer. They can be lost easily among the vast amount of tweets people see everyday, or you may have new followers who haven’t had a chance to see it yet.

Just avoid being overly promotional–it turns people off quickly–and remember to sound personable and authentic.

Annya Kai sounds authentic and not overly promotional. See more of how she provides value in her tweets by following @AnnyaKaiArt.

Now that you know what to post, learn when you should post.

4. Time Your Posts Right

CoSchedule’s “The Ultimate Best Times to Post on Social Media” found that the best times to tweet Monday through Friday are noon to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. On Wednesdays, noon and 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. work best.

They found that Twitter is used most often during work breaks and the commute to and from work. That is why weekdays are typically best for tweeting, unless you have an active audience on the weekend. However, don’t be afraid to experiment.

One thing to consider is what time zones your followers are in because it may be different than your own. Luckily, you can use a tool like Tweriod to figure out the best times to tweet for your audience. Signing in with your Twitter account let’s you see when your followers are online and when your tweets get the most exposure.

5. Follow and Respond

Good Twitter etiquette includes responding to everyone who interacts with you. If someone retweets you, go ahead and say thank you!

Just be aware, if you start your tweet by using their Twitter handle (their username starting with the @ symbol) only people who are following both of you will be able to see it. If you want everyone to see, feel free to add a period before their name. It still reads like you are talking to them personally, but your followers will be able to see your great piece of art getting attention.

It is also good manners on Twitter to follow those who follow you if their account interests you. Because of this, Buffer suggests if you are looking to gain more followers who are relevant to your art and business, try following people who are already following a Twitter account which shares your target audience. For example, this could be an art gallery, an artist organization, or an art collector.

6. Organize Your Feed for Easy Content

Now that you know some basic Twitter etiquette, Buffer recommends organizing the people you follow into lists–that way you can keep up on the types of tweets you want to read when you have the time.

You can make different lists for potential customers, fellow artists, influencers in the art industry like Art Biz Coach Alyson Stanfield, businesses like Artwork Archive, galleries, and the media. This also gives you a great source to easily retweet content from lists you trust.

7. Build Your Brand

The last piece of the puzzle is recognizing that Twitter is an extension of your art business. Start by making your bio section strong because that is what followers and potential clients will see first and associate with your brand.

In “Twitter Tips for Beginners,” Twitter pro Neil Patel follows these rules for writing a strong and descriptive bio:

Your bio is just the beginning, so read “Are You Damaging Your Online Brand? (And How to Stop)” to get more tips on building a strong brand.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Twitter is essential to a thriving art business. It can help you connect with everyone in the art industry, from collectors to galleries, and show the world who you are as an artist. If it makes you stressed out or nervous to think about using Twitter, don’t worry. Start with these tips and be on your way to getting your art business noticed.

Want more terrific Twitter tips? Check out our article: Lori McNee Shares Her Top 6 Social Media Tips for Artists

Share This Article
Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Cookie Policy