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As the Florida art fair scene approaches its peak in the following months, the
post-holiday lull in January is a great opportunity to re-organize your art show strategy
and prepare for upcoming shows.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of preparing for that next show is getting
yourself a book for email sign-ups.

I know that among the list of preparing business cards, flyers, pricing your prints,
coordinating giclee productions, and getting your inventory straightened out, a book for
email sign-ups might seem trivial. However, I am convinced that taking a proactive
approach with all of your booth visitors and requesting them to join the email list is one
of the most beneficial things you can do for your art career at every show. You never
leave empty handed, even if you don't sell a painting.

It doesn't matter if you aren't set up with a newsletter or email marketing program yet,
just get the list started. After you get back from the show make sure to follow up
personally with all new sign ups and thank them.

Here's a short list of steps to take to begin building a solid email list of potential
collectors for your artwork:

1. Buy yourself a decent sized notebook.
Split the pages into columns for name, email address, and any other contact info you'd
like visitors to give you. Remember not to add too many columns or people will look at
it and think it's a lot of work to sign up - you want it to be effortless. Asking for a
business card if you want more information is a good idea.

2. Place the book in an obvious location.
Make sure that every visitor has the opportunity to see your sign up book. Place it at the
front of your booth on a small table with a pen readily available, along with business
cards and flyers. The last thing you want to do is lose a potential sign up because
you're chatting with visitor number 1 and visitor number 2 can't find your book.

3. Encourage people to sign-up.
Most people need some encouragement to join your list. Make sure to engage every
person who enters your booth and chat to them. If they comment on your art and
mention that they like it, ask them to join your email newsletter to stay up to date and
see your newest work as it is finished. The worst can happen is that they say no.
Maintaining a positive and genuine attitude while talking to visitors is the best way to
ensure people will want to remain in contact with you.

4. Tell people what to expect.
Let potential sign-ups know that you will never share their information, and tell them
how frequently they will receive communication from you. "I send out a monthly
newsletter" is sufficient.

5. Follow-up
The golden rule for making this strategy work long-term is following up with all new
sign-ups within a couple of days after the art fair, and then maintaining a steady
stream of communication with your email list thereafter. Make sure to say thank you,
remind them who you are, include an image of your work to refresh their memory, and
invite them to visit your website.

6. Sign up for an email marketing solution
As your list grows it will become worthwhile for you to sign up for an email marketing
program such as Aweber or Constant Contact. Subscriptions for starter packages
usually start under $20 per month, and will make your life much easier. You will also
look more professional and stay more organized. These programs allow you to
schedule outgoing emails, create specific lists of contacts based on your needs
(galleries vs collectors for example), and include images, branding, and more in your
communications.

Thanks for Reading!

Chris Kennedy
www.PrintThatImage.com

P.S - If you're in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or South Florida area, don't forget to use
PrintThatImage.com for all of your giclee and art printing needs!