The Do’s and Don’ts of Selling Art on Social Media
Selling your art on social media sounds like a dream, right? Just post your work, and boom—collectors and fans come rushing in. If only it were that simple.
The truth is, social media can be an amazing tool to grow your art business if you know how to use it strategically. But it’s also easy to get lost in the noise, make some common mistakes, or feel overwhelmed by the pressure to “go viral.”
So let’s break it down. Here are the do’s and don’ts of selling art on social media—to help you build an authentic presence, grow your audience, and make sales (without feeling like a pushy salesperson).
✅ DO: Show the Story Behind Your Art
People don’t just buy art—they buy the story behind it. Share your process, your inspiration, your messy sketches, and even your “failed” attempts. These behind-the-scenes moments create connection and make your audience feel invested in your journey.
Pro tip: Post short videos or reels of your process. They don’t have to be fancy—just real.
❌ DON’T: Only Post Finished Work with a Price Tag
Posting only polished art pieces with “FOR SALE” in the caption can start to feel like a catalog. Social media is a place for conversation, not just transactions.
Instead: Mix it up! Add value with tutorials, time-lapses, thoughts about creativity, or even random fun facts about your life. Let people connect with you, not just your art.
✅ DO: Be Consistent
You don’t need to post daily, but consistency builds trust. Choose a rhythm you can realistically stick to—whether that’s twice a week or three times a month—and stay with it.
Use tools: Scheduling apps like Buffer or Later can help you plan content in advance and avoid burnout.
❌ DON’T: Vanish for Months and Then Pop Up with a Sale
Imagine a friend who disappears for ages and then suddenly shows up asking for a favor. Awkward, right? The same goes for social media. Show up regularly, even when you’re not selling anything.
✅ DO: Engage With Your Audience
Comments, DMs, likes—they’re not just notifications. They’re opportunities to connect. Respond to comments, thank people for sharing your work, and join conversations on others’ posts too.
Tip: Ask questions in your captions to spark interaction. Example: “Which version do you like more—blue or gold?”
❌ DON’T: Obsess Over Follower Count
It’s tempting to chase numbers, but 100 engaged followers are more valuable than 10,000 who scroll past your work. Focus on quality over quantity.
Remember: Every collector started as a fan. Every fan started as a follower.
✅ DO: Make It Easy to Buy
This is a big one. If someone loves your art, how do they buy it? Make the process clear and simple.
- Include links in your bio
- Pin a post with buying instructions
- Mention if you take commissions
The fewer clicks it takes, the better.
❌ DON’T: Undervalue Yourself
Avoid phrases like “This probably isn’t worth much, but…” or pricing your work so low that it feels disposable. You’ve put time, skill, and heart into it. Own that.
Confidence sells. If you believe in your work, others will too.
✅ DO: Use Hashtags and Captions Wisely
Hashtags help new people discover your work, so use ones that are specific to your art, niche, and medium. Think #AcrylicOnCanvas or #PortraitArtist rather than just #art.
Captions are your chance to tell a mini story. Even a few lines can turn a scroll into a sale.
Final Thoughts
Selling art on social media is a blend of creativity, storytelling, and consistency. You don’t need to be a marketing expert—you just need to show up, be yourself, and keep experimenting to find what works.
Your art deserves to be seen. And there are people out there who are ready to love (and buy) it—you just have to help them find you.