Did you know there is an unbelievably easy way to keep people up to date on your artwork at Imagekind? It’s called RSS, which stands for Real Simple Syndication. Read on and I’ll show you just how “Real Simple” it really is.

With RSS, all you need is a link and an RSS reader, and you can keep up with hundreds of thousands (maybe millions to billions) of different content sources on the web. From blogs and news sources, to YouTube and yes, Imagekind Galleries and Groups. Just click and your RSS reader will automatically update every time there is new content to view.

At Imagekind, we’ve incorporated this same technology to make it simple for people to stay up to date on their favorite galleries and groups on Imagekind. Whenever someone adds a new image to a gallery you are following via RSS, or posts a new image to a group, the reader will automatically update and show you what image was included and other useful information about the artwork for sale.

So, whenever you encounter an artist’s work on Imagekind you particularly like, scroll down to the bottom of the gallery, and click the “RSS for this Gallery.” Next time the artist adds more images to that gallery, your RSS reader will update, allowing you to easily simply view the new content.

The Potential for Artists

Incorporating RSS into Imagekind provides huge marketing potential for Imagekind Artists. With RSS, artists can share their feed links with their friends, family and fans outside of Imagekind. That way, they can click and stay up to date when an artist posts new images to their galleries.

To share your RSS feed link, simply right click on the and select “copy link location.” You can then paste that link as you would any other URL. Once you have the link, share it on your favorite social network, twitter, flickr, blog or even send an email. Once someone clicks the link, it will ask if and how they would like to subscribe to your gallery via RSS.

See, a real simple way to share your content and keep people up to date on your artwork for sale on Imagekind.

Want to learn something else you can use your Imagekind Gallery RSS Feed for? Read the post An Easy way to Display your Art Online and discover how to market your Imagekind galleries with banners via RSS.

Note: please allow some time between posting new images and them showing in the RSS reader. There is an expected delay for the reader to update.

A few weeks ago I showed you how artists can make their own slide show and video using their artwork.

Now, I want to show you an even easier way to add your artwork to your website, blog or social network page using tools already provided to every artist on Imagekind.

It’s called Widgetbox. Users can import their content and make custom boxes to display their content. In this case, I’ll show you how to easily display the art in your gallery.

1. Visit www.widgetbox.com
2. Click “Join Now” at the top and fill out your info
3. Once registered, click the green “Make a Widget” box
4. Select “Blog/feed”
5. Go to your Imagekind gallery you want to display
6. Scroll down to the bottom of the gallery and click “RSS for this Gallery”



7. Copy the RSS Feed URL at the top and paste it in the URL box on Widgetbox (note: you can also right click on the orange “RSS for this gallery” and select “copy link location”)
8. Follow the options to customize your widget
9. Once you are finished, click “Publish Widget” (you can leave it private if you want)
10. Copy and paste the embed code on your blog, site or network

** One Special note, to change the image displayed at the top of the widget with your Imagekind profile avatar, go to your Imagekind profile, right click on the avatar and select “copy image location.” Once you have it copied, paste the code in the image box under “Choose your blidget’s header style and details.”

If you need further instructions, or help on creating a personal widget with your Imagekind gallery, visit this helpful tutorial, or feel free to leave a comment and ask a question.

Nate

For all pro and platinum artists!

In lieu of our Member Appreciation, month-long free shipping promotion, I thought I’d get some banners for you to help promote your artwork for this special offer. I tracked down Scott, one of our designers here to help with the graphics, and he was cool enough to comply.

So, if you are a pro or platinum artist, and want to place some exclusive free shipping banners on your website, blog, or social networking page, grab the code and follow the instructions below.

Not a pro or platinum artist? You still have time to sign up to take advantage of this exclusive offer!

**Just remember that the free shipping offer is valid in September only and you should remove the banners from your site once the promotion expires.

Spread the Word!

Copy and paste the code below the banner on your website, blog or social network site. Just make sure to change SCREENAME with your Imagekind screen name (found on your profile page) to correctly send shoppers to your Imagekind art prints for sale!

<a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://blog.imagekind.com/media/free_shipping_234_1.gif alt=free_shipping border=1></a><br/>

<a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://blog.imagekind.com/media/free_shipping_234_2.gif alt=free_shipping border=1></a><br/>

<a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://blog.imagekind.com/media/free_shipping_234_3.gif alt=free_shipping border=1></a><br/>

<a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://blog.imagekind.com/media/free_shipping_468_1.gif alt=free_shipping border=1></a><br/>

<a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://blog.imagekind.com/media/free_shipping_468_2.gif alt=free_shipping border=1></a><br/>

<a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://blog.imagekind.com/media/free_shipping_468_3.gif alt=free_shipping border=1></a><br/>

______

Thanks to artist Ed Kinnally for helping clear up my last mistake!

Nate

So, you’ve set yourself up on a couple of social networks, now what?

Promoting your artwork where fans of your work congregate online is one of the best ways to help increase your art print sales. Whether its MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or any of the other myriad social network choices, you have to first let people know your work is available in order to spark their interest.

If no one knows your artwork is for sale, how can you expect people to buy it?

I know most artists don’t like to promote their artwork for sale. Whether it’s because they’re timid, shy, unsure about their talent or just don’t want to be pushy, most artists don’t like this idea at all. However, I hope to explain three of the simplest, most passive ways to market your work online; no bullish sales pitches needed.

Here are three ‘passive’ tips to help you promote your artwork for sale on social networks. I say passive because, in most cases, it simply requires you to do something once. For the sake of brevity, I will explain how to do this on MySpace as not only is it one of the largest networks; the other choices require fairly similar processes.

Tip #1: Include a button or banner pointing people back to your art prints for sale on Imagekind

Even if you are not very technical and know absolutely no HTML, I can show you how to do this easily.

1. Login to your Imagekind account
2. Go to “my account” and click on “Marketing Tools” in your admin
3. Choose either “Link to my Profile” or “Text Link” (note: because most online network sites don’t allow flash, I am sticking with the simpler, static options available through Imagekind. However, you can still opt to use the flash buttons and banners if you choose.)
4. Follow the steps and copy the code in the yellow box
5. Login to your network profile and select “edit profile” and paste the code in the box under your desired section, either “about me” “general” “music” etc.
6. Hit save changes and it should now show up on your profile.

- or -

Skip steps 1-4 and simply copy and paste the following code on your profile, making sure to change SCREENNAME to your Imagekind screen name:

<a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://www.imagekind.com/images/buttons/buy_my_art.gif alt=”Buy my art at Imagekind.com.” border=”0”></a><br/>

Tip #2: Post relevant Imagekind sales and promotions so those who love your art can save some money

I have setup a few different buttons and banners that will change automatically on your site when we launch a new promotion. You can choose either a small button sized promotion or a larger banner promotion. To put these on your profile or personal site with a link back to your profile, copy and paste the following code. Again, make sure to change SCNREENAME to your Imagekind screen name.

1. Small size: <a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://blog.imagekind.com/wp-content/themes/default/images/homepage_image_small.jpg alt=”Save money on my art at Imagekind.” border=”0″></a><br/>
2. Large size: <a href=http://SCREENNAME.imagekind.com><img src=http://blog.imagekind.com/wp-content/themes/default/images/homepage_image.jpg alt=”Save money on my art at Imagekind.” border=”0″></a><br/>

Tip #3: Post bulletins and announcements about current Imagekind promotions, newly uploaded artwork, or other news about your art.

Just as I am sure you want to know when your favorite band releases a new album, why do you not think those who love your artwork want to know when there is an update with your work? Posting bulletins and announcements about your artwork is a great way to keep people informed about your art. I saw this one just the other day, posted by one of our own members and thought it was a great example of this very point.

Posting announcements about your art is relatively easy and can take several forms. Whether it’s a blog post, bulletin, or other communication, letting those who want to know about your artwork, know about your artwork, can help you sell your artwork.

There you go. Generally easy, fairly passive, and all around three harmless ways to help promote your artwork. You’re welcome.

Nate

Recently, I let you know how to create a slide show featuring your artwork. Making a slide show is a great way to promote your artwork for sale and can be added to your personal webpage, MySpace page, etc. Including links back to your Imagekind gallery gives people an easily accessible way to view and purchase your work.

Creating a video featuring your artwork is easy and an excellent way to help promote your artwork.

Once you have created a video you can upload it to YouTube and other video sharing sites where others can find, experience and enjoy your artwork. Providing a link back to your artwork available for sale on Imagekind is a great way to help market your art.

Steps to creating a video with your slideshow:

1. Create a slideshow of your artwork following the previous instructions
2. Go to slideroll.com
3. Click the Free Slideroll Video Creator button on the left
4. Download the video creator and open the program
5. Login and find the slideshow you previously made
6. Create the video and upload it to YouTube

Take a look to see an example video on YouTube I created using one of our member artists’ images.

If you have any questions or need additional help, let me know and I’d be happy to walk you through the process.

Nate

Have you ever seen an artist’s website that features a slide show movie of their work? They’re pretty simple to add and a great way to promote your artwork for sale.

There are a few different services out there but I think (at the moment) I prefer slideroll the most. It’s free, easy to use, simple and effective. Compared to some other slide show creators, there are no flashy branding that can distract the viewer from your work.

Plus, slideroll offers a sweet program that lets you easily create your slideshow into a video that you can add music to and put on YouTube. I’ll go over some of that later though.

Compiled below is a list of the top five networking sites Imagekind artists can utilize to help promote their art prints for sale on Imagekind.

I have broken each of the five sites down by:

1. giving a brief explanation of what the site is and how it functions
2. how the site is helpful for artists
3. a list of some of the Imagekind artists who currently use the site to help promote their work

If your name is not under one of the sites, it’s probably just because I don’t know you use it. So, feel free to paste your respective site URL in the comment section and I will be happy to check it out.

Every artist who wants to increase their sales should have a few different ways they go about promoting their work. What other sites should be added to this list?

1. Flickr

About Flickr: It’s hard to say anything new about Flickr that most of you don’t already know. So, this is for the few who don’t. Flickr is by far one of the largest photo management and sharing sites online. Flickr members can upload, manage, organize and share their digital images with a worldwide audience. Members range from professional photographers and artists, to amateurs, to casual photo takers sharing personal pictures between select groups of people.

What this means: The Flickr community is one of the largest and most knowledgeable photo communities online. When people look for images online, Flickr is often one of the first sites they check. This provides a great opportunity for artists selling their artwork. Through a strategic partnership, Flickr members can easily upload and sell their Flickr images through Imagekind. With a few simple clicks, visitors to Flickr can click over to Imagekind where they can purchase an Imagekind member’s art prints.

Imagekind artists using Flickr successfully:
Notley Hawkins (on Flickr) | Trey Ratcliff (on Flickr) | Irene L (on Flickr) | Roger Butterfield (on Flickr) | Mr. Vedd (on Flickr)

2. MySpace

About MySpace: To many, MySpace might seem like nothing more than a paradise for socially awkward and confused teenagers. However, MySpace has proved to be one of the best places an artist can use to help promote and sell their work. In short, MySpace claims to be “a place for friends.” In other words, it’s one site, where millions of people congregate to meet and interact with others. Think having the opportunity to network with more people than are in Time Square. You are given a personal page that is almost limitlessly customizable.

What this means: Artists have the opportunity to engage with one of the largest clusters of people ever developed online. The potential is enormous. Artists can connect with new and existing fans of their artwork. Music groups (bands) are almost required these days to setup a page on MySpace to connect with their existing fans, and provide a way for new fans to quickly and easily find their music. This same principle applies to artists. Setup a MySpace profile and start connecting with people who love your art. Include your unique Imagekind URL on your page to connect people directly to your art prints for sale.

Imagekind artists using MySpace successfully:
Rob Dobi (on MySpace) | Natasha Newton (on MySpace) | Porter McKnight (on MySpace) | Metrofader (on MySpace) | Mike Cressy (on MySpace)

3. Facebook

About Facebook: Facebook is like a cleaned up version of MySpace. Not only is it more polished looking, it is also more family friendly. Similar to MySpace, Facebook “connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them.” Facebook is less customizable than MySpace, but provides ways for members to share and interact with each other in ways that MySpace does not. Facebook members can easily create and join groups that inspire them, encourage them, they are passionate about, or just make them laugh.

What this means: Similar to MySpace, artists can use Facebook to connect with people who love their art. Facebook members can setup groups for just about anything to collaborate and share ideas. Artists can create their own personal groups for people to join who love their work, or join other groups for particular styles of art. With Facebook, it is easy to connect and share ideas to help promote your art prints for sale on Imagekind.

Imagekind artists using Facebook successfully:
Scott Anderson (on Facebook) | Rich Collins (on Facebook) | Edward Kinnally (on Facebook)

4. Youtube

About YouTube: YouTube is “…the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide…” YouTube allows people to upload and share their personally created videos with an audience around the world. There are videos on YouTube for almost everything.

What this means: Artists use YouTube in several different ways. I have seen everything from artists who create instructional videos on painting, to an artist sharing their unique style when creating art, to artists who create video advertisements of their work. Once you have a video created and ready to upload, add an interesting title and appropriate tags for people to find your videos easily. Imagekind artists can include their unique Imagekind URL directly to the video and also make it a link in the info box on the right hand side. That way, when viewers see an artist’s work on YouTube, they can find out how to buy their art prints for sale easily.

Imagekind artists using YouTube successfully:
Natasha Wescoat (on YouTube) | Hall Groat II (on YouTube)

5. Squidoo

About Squidoo: When trying to understand Squidoo (though we may never understand the name) it’s often best to think of a blog that mated with Wikipedia. With Squidoo, anyone can setup a free, single page of whatever it is they care about most. There are Squidoo pages (lenses ala Squidoo) on nearly everything. Squidoo members can then interact with, discuss, and meet others who care about what they care about. Even Martha Stewart and Jane Goodall have lenses sharing what they’re passionate about.

What this means: Artists can use Squidoo to create lenses about their passions and interests: namely, their artwork. It’s quite simple for an artist to setup a lens and start connecting with others who love their art. They can easily add images and videos on their Squidoo lens to showcase their work. It is easy to direct people who find your artwork on Squidoo over to your artwork for sale on Imagekind.

Imagekind artists using Squidoo successfully:
Anne Vis (on Squidoo) | Andrew Gibson (on Squidoo)

Remember these are only five of the sites artists can use to help promote their art prints for sale on Imagekind. I am sure there are several more. How do you use these sites in different ways? What other sites have you found successful for promoting your art prints?

- Nate

It’s really cool to see how artists are seizing opportunities to help promote their artwork for sale. Two of our Imagekind artists got some great press this last week in their local newspaper and I wanted to pass it on. In the article titled Connecting with Cameras, Notley Hawkins and Chris Wolters share some helpful tips on how to use Flickr to promote their art print sales on Imagekind.

How do you use Flickr to help promote your artwork?

Checkout the article below to read how some artists on Imagekind use Flickr to help promote their artwork. Not only are they seeing an increase in art print sales, but they also share some helpful tips and advice on how they get their work published and recognized. Imagekind’s strategic partnership with Flickr not only gives artists a great way to help promote their work, it’s really just as easy as a few simple clicks to get started.

Read the full article here.