What Is A Call To Action?
How do you engage your art audience? Whenever you post a piece of content, it's best to have a clear next step for your reader to take based on what they've just watched or read. This should be applied whether it is a YouTube, TikTok, or Reels video, blog article, social media post, or even an email.
Having a “call to action” or “CTA” is a habit that will take your art practice and help turn it into an income-generating business. You can grow your email list, invite them to purchase your art, ask a question, and direct your reader to follow a link, to name a few.
Why Use A Call To Action?
CTAs are a great way to engage your art audience in a meaningful conversation. I like to ask a question that's easy to answer. Even if they don't type an answer, they often answer it in their minds. This is still connecting with them.
Another reason is that you need to tell people what you’d like them to do because it’s HELPFUL. Not bossy or pestering. People are distracted and appreciate having direction.
Keep your audience focused and have only one Call To Action. More than one will overwhelm your reader and be less likely that they’ll take any action at all.
How Do You Phrase A Call To Action?
A sales-related CTA may ask the reader to send you a direct message if they’re interested in purchasing a piece of art.
Another may ask your reader to comment and tell you what type of art excites them.
Both ways will engage your art audience differently as you grow your practice and get to know your community better.
It’s all about being clear and concise as you tell your audience exactly what you want them to do with what they’ve just watched or read.
If you’re not sure what Call To Action to use, I’ve created a guide on How You Can Feel Less Awkward Selling Your Art On Social Media. It gives you 25 easy phrases you can incorporate into your posts to let people know your art is available for sale. Pick a few of these CTAs (calls to action) and use them when you’re sharing your art with your friends online.
Where Do You Share Call To Actions?
Use CTAs in all of your print and digital marketing including flyers, blog posts, emails, and social media posts.
If you’re doing an in person event, take the opportunity to make an offer at the end of any artist talk or after a studio tour. A simple invitation to follow you on Instagram or join your email list to stay updated on your work is a great way to engage with your art audience long after the initial meet is over.
Using Call To Actions For Your Next Post
Always consider what you would like to happen next. Do you want to make a sale? Or do you want to have a conversation with your art audience and get to know them better?
When you get clear on your goal, people will know how to support and connect with you. This may also open doors that you weren’t expecting. As the phrase goes, if you don’t ask, you won’t know the answer.
The habit of using a call to action is one that will take your art practice to the next level because it’ll help you to have a strong community of supporters behind you.
Did You Notice The Call To Action In This Article?
Just in case you missed it, my “call to action” is for you to download an awesome list of 25 Calls To Action to help you build the CTA habit in your social media posts. Grab your copy of the list here.