Marketing Brainstorms for 2008

[Carol Norton]

Some new ideas that came to me this year have to do with client appreciation gifts and holiday cards. First of all, as a thank you to my newest clients, I have given a porcelain tile (6 x 6) with the image of the subject on it. (wooden frames can be added) The tiles can be used near the stove for hot pots, as a coaster or an art piece. I have also offered them the ability to have tree ornaments made for family and friends with the images on them. I am sending the information and prices out in an email newsletter to past clients, also.

The second idea that has worked out well is that I gave each client a cropped version (head) of their portrait on a CD) (included the full image also) to place on a holiday card. Along with the CD, I included return address labels with their address and a mini photo on it. These clients took the CDs to COSTCO and had 100 cards made with the photo on it for about $16.00. They paid for my advertising! They loved the cards. What could be more of a Win-Win than that?

[Carol Norton]

Did anyone come up with any good ideas for marketing during this economic time that they would be willing to share???

[Patricia Joyce]

The best one I've come up with so far is the Christmas Home Tour. I think many cities have these, at least it is popular in many suburbs in Cleveland. Pick the richest city. My only cost was to donate a portrait and even that brought me a commission of the dog. I just learned that over 1500 people walked through the eight homes. Pretty fun way to get 1500 people to actually see your work up close and personal. I have received three calls of interest so far, but no signed contract yet. So I don't know as yet, how this may pay off.

I would love to hear other artists' ideas for marketing.

[Michele Rushworth]

Many of the marketing ideas mentioned in other threads on the forum would work well. Everything from auctions to advertisting, networking, etc.