You’re an artist. You make wonderful things — things you know people will love. Creativity is your strong suit. Let Wishpot teach you the nuts and bolts of communicating with your fans and followers.

• Answer questions. Watch your Facebook Fan page. Check your mentions on Twitter. Stay connected. Your fans and followers need to know someone is minding the store.
• Ask questions! The people who follow you on Twitter and like you on Facebook have sought you out because you interest them. Talk to them! Find out who they are and what they like.
• Listen. You asked the questions, now listen to the answers. Follow people who interest you. Follow news outlets. Follow businesses you like. You’ll have more fun, and it will help you keep your art and your business relevant and up-to-date.
• Be forward. Ask for Facebook likes and Twitter retweets. Do you want your fans and followers to spread the word? Tell them! A recent study shows that asking for Facebook likes boosts activity. Activity means happy fans and customers.
• Be grateful. When your followers, fans and customers like you and retweet you, thank them. Thank them verbally, and thank them with your advice, content, and exclusive deals.
• Sing in your own voice. Say what’s on your mind. Talk about what matters to you. Talk about what you love. Passion is contagious.
• Be consistent with your brand. Choose a profile picture of yourself that you love. Write a bio that is short, to the point, and sounds like you. Include a link to your website and portfolio.
• Adapt. Consistency is good. Tweet often. Blog on a consistent schedule. Post to Facebook daily. Set up a social media calendar. Wishpot can help.
• Try new things. It doesn’t hurt to try. Give the potential next big thing a chance. It could pay off, and you’ve got nothing to lose. Try using Wishpot product posts. People who love you -love your work.
• Be the expert! If you’re a photographer, give me 5 tips on photographing a sunset. If you’re a painter, show me how I should be hanging my art.

Take creating your brand and promoting your work seriously, but remember you’re allowed to enjoy it, too.

For more information or assistance with implementation, please feel free to contact Christine Saunders at christine@venpop.com.

This guest post was written by Christine Saunders.