Email Marketing for Artists: FAQs Part One

Are you thinking about starting an email list but feeling overwhelmed?

Over the past few weeks, I've shared a series of short educational videos on email marketing specifically tailored for visual artists. These videos break down how to start email marketing into easily digestible steps. I've been answering lots of questions from visual artists who are ready to try email marketing but aren't sure where to begin. In this post, I've rounded up the most common questions I hear, along with simple, artist-friendly answers to help you take your first steps with confidence.

1. Which email marketing platform is best for artists just getting started?

While there are many platforms to choose from, I typically steer artists new to email marketing towards either MailerLite or Mailchimp, with MailerLite being my preferred platform. Both offer free plans and are relatively easy to use, even if you're not a tech wizard. MailerLite stands out for artists because of its visual, drag-and-drop email editor and simple automation tools. It's clean and intuitive and helps you design emails that put your artwork front and center.

2. Do I need a website before I start an email list?

A website is helpful but not required to get started. Most email platforms let you create a landing page or sign-up form that you can share on social media, in your email signature, or even in person at events. It's a great way to start building your list while you work on other parts of your online presence.

3. How often should I send a newsletter?

The key is consistency. You don't need to email every week. Start with once a month, then increase frequency if it makes sense. Think of your newsletter as a way to stay connected with your audience in a low-pressure, authentic way.

4. What kind of email templates should I use?

Choose templates that highlight your visual content. Choose a layout with space for an image, headline, and short block of text. This format works well for showcasing new work, telling the story behind a piece, or inviting people to your next event. Keep it clean and mobile-friendly. Less is often more.

5. What's automation, and how can I use it as an artist?

Email automation lets you pre-write and schedule emails that go out automatically when someone takes an action like joining your list. One of the easiest and most effective automations is a welcome email. It's a great way to introduce yourself, thank new subscribers, and invite them to explore your work.

6. What should I track in my email analytics?

When getting started, I wouldn't worry too much about analytics, but it helps to have a working knowledge of what you'll be looking at in the future as you grow your list. Here are a few key numbers to focus on.

• Open rate – how many people are opening your emails.

• Click-through rate (CTR) – how many people are clicking on links (like to your website or shop).

• Subscriber growth – how your list is growing over time.
  

If you're linking to your site or online store, click-through rates can provide valuable insights into what's working.

7. What should I include in a welcome email?

Think of your welcome email as a friendly hello. A good one includes:

• A thank you for signing up.

• A quick intro to you and your work.

• A note on what kind of content they can expect.

• A call to action such as visiting your portfolio, following you on Instagram, or replying to say hi.
  

If you're just getting started, don't stress about being perfect. Your email list is a long-term relationship, and like any relationship, it's built over time through trust and communication.

Get Access to This Free Series on Email Marketing for Artists

If you've missed my Art Marketing Briefs on Email Marketing, you can start here with the first video in the series - An Artist’s Email Toolkit. 

If you'd like one-on-one help setting up or refining your email marketing strategy, you can set up a time to talk here.

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