business plan for art market

Artist Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Artist Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their artist businesses. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write an artist business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is an Artist Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your artist business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for an Art Business

If you’re looking to start an artist business or grow your existing artist company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your artist business to improve your chances of success. Your artist business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Artist Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an artist business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for artist companies.

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How to write a business plan for an artist business.

If you want to start an artist business or expand your current one, you need a business plan in the proper business plan format . The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your artist business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of artist business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have an artist business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of artist businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the artist industry.
• Discuss the type of artist business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of artist business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of artist businesses:

• Antiques: This type of artist business may include the restoration, curation, and auction of antique furniture and other items.
• Art Consultant: This type of artist business involves helping clients find and select art pieces for their own collections.
• Tattoo Artist: Tattoos are a popular way for artists to earn money by tattooing permanent ink art onto their customers.
• Photography: Photographers may specialize in certain categories like wedding photography or nature photography.
• Graphic design: This type of business encompasses all kinds of design from creating logos and marketing materials for businesses to creating websites and designing products.
• Art teacher: This type of artist business involves art instruction and can include anything from teaching an elementary school art class to a recreational painting class, or an online art course.

In addition to explaining the type of artist business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, the number of art pieces sold, reaching $X amount in revenue, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the artist industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes. First, researching the artist industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating. Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends. The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your artist business plan:

• How big is the artist industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your artist business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your artist business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, families, and corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of artist business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other art businesses. Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This may include other sources of art pieces, auctions, or resellers. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of artist business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you make it easier for your customers to engage with your product or service?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a artist business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of artist company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you sell paintings or sculptures, consult on various art pieces, instruct a painting class, etc?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your artist company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your artist business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your artist marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your artist business, including answering calls, meeting with clients, billing and collecting payments, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth client, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your artist business to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your artist business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing artist businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing an artist business or successfully running a small curation business.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you meet with 5 clients per day, and will you charge by the hour for art consultation services? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your artist business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a artist business:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a sample of your artist portfolio.  

Writing a business plan for your artist business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the sample template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert artist business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will understand the artist industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful artist business.  

Artist Business Plan Template FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my artist business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your artist business plan.

How Do You Start an Artist Business?

Starting an artist business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Artist Business
• Create Your Artist Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Artist Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Artist Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Artist Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Artist Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Artist Business Equipment
• Develop Your Artist Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Artist Business
• Open for Business

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How to Start an Art Business in 2024: Step-by-Step Guide

Free Startup Business Plan Template

10 Min Read

The art world is booming with a value of $67.4 billion and growing. Thanks to the internet, art lovers can easily buy and sell pieces across borders.

Even with this rapid growth, the US art market is relatively small and very competitive. To really stand out,  you’ll need careful planning, preparation, and most importantly, solid execution.

That’s where this article comes as your guiding star. In this guide, we’ve tried to explain how you can turn your passion into profits and launch your art venture in 10 simple steps.

10 Essential Steps to Start a Successful Art Business

• Prepare a Business Plan
• Choose a Profitable Niche
• Identify your Target Customer
• Develop a Positioning Strategy
• Figure out Product Pricing
• Identify Marketing & Promotion Channels
• Register your Art Business
• Business Licensing
• Get the Right Tools
• Prepare to Launch

1. Prepare a Business Plan

Every art business needs a simple plan. Think of it like a map for your own business to grow and succeed. You don’t have to write anything formal or share it with others if you don’t want to.

Your business plan helps you figure out how to start and grow your business. When making your plan, Include these things:

• Executive Summary
• Business Overview
• Products and Services
• Market Analysis
• Competitive Analysis
• Sales and Marketing
• Management Team
• Operations Plan
• Financial Plan

You can use a ready-made art business plan example or start jotting down your ideas. This plan is something you’ll keep adding to as your business grows. It’s not just for now; it’s also a guide for the future.

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2. Choose a Profitable Niche

Start by looking at what your business could be good at and what people want to buy. The perfect spot for your art practice is where these two things meet. To find this spot, ask yourself a few questions.

What kind of art do you love doing? Think about what you’re good at, what can make money, and what you enjoy.

What are people buying in these areas?

Look at what sold well last year in the areas you’re interested in. Check out what’s trending and see what types of art are selling the most. Find out how much people usually pay for these items or services.

List the best areas you can work in and how good they might be for business. Compare them and pick the one that’s just right for you.

3. Identify your Target Customer

Next, figure out who is most likely to buy your art. Knowing your target customer is a big deal in marketing because it helps you sell more effectively. Imagine the perfect person who would want and can afford your artwork. Understanding them lets you know how to get your art before them.

Think about these things to pinpoint your customers:

• Who can afford your art?
• Where do these people shop for art?

Your whole plan for selling your art depends on these answers. They guide where and how you’ll talk to potential buyers.

4. Develop a Positioning Strategy

As a fine art dealer, think about the role your brand plays in making your gallery unique among competitors for art collectors.

Good brand positioning can greatly benefit your business, rather than be a problem. Usually, people first think of branding in terms of visual things. This includes the logo, colors, and style. However, brand positioning shines through non-physical aspects.

These are things like service quality, reputation, how the public sees you, and the emotions you evoke. These aspects are sometimes overlooked by art galleries when they work on strengthening their brand.

5. Figure out Product Pricing

Pricing art can be challenging, but it’s critical to making a living as an artist. You don’t have to be a “starving artist” – smart pricing is part of a good business strategy. Here’s what to keep in mind:

First, cover your costs in your art’s price. This includes your time, materials, shipping, and framing if needed. Think about what your time is worth and what you need to earn per hour. For example, the average hourly rate for artists in the US is about $24.58 .

Second, choose a pricing formula that works for you—some artists price by size, others by time and material costs. Consider your skill and education level, but always make sure you’re making a profit after expenses.

Third, keep your prices consistent. This makes things fair for galleries and collectors and keeps everyone happy.

Lastly, offer art at different prices. Not everyone can afford a high-priced piece. Selling smaller, more affordable items means more people can buy your art, widening your customer base. Every sale, big or small, is essential!

6. Identify Marketing & Promotion Channels

Now you’ve got your business up and running, it’s crucial to plan your marketing strategy to showcase your art.

Focus on these key areas:

• Website: Your website is your digital storefront. It should host your portfolio, prices, contact details, online store, blog, and more.
• Social Media: Connect with potential buyers where they hang out. Use visually-rich platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for art pieces, and Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for service-focused promotions.
• Marketplaces: Tap into the vast audience on Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and Aliexpress. Pick the ones where your target customers shop.
• Offline Events: Attend local fairs, markets, and exhibitions to meet customers face-to-face and understand their preferences.

7. Register your Art Business

You’ve created your art and are ready to sell it. Now, it’s time to make your art business official. Here are some of your options:

Select a Business Entity

Starting your art business means picking the right business entity. Your choices include:

• Sole Proprietorship
• General Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Limited Partnership
• Corporation.

Many artists opt for a sole proprietorship for their business. It’s simple to set up and suits the straightforward needs of a typical art studio.

Finding a Registered Agent

You’ll need a Registered Agent if you go for an LLC or a Corporation. This person or service handles your official paperwork and connects you with the government. They need to be in the same state as your business.

State Registration and Getting an EIN

Next, register your business in your state, which usually involves the Secretary of State’s office. Every state has different rules, so check what yours requires.

You’ll also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Think of this number as your business’s ID for tax purposes and when you open a business bank account.

Signing Up for Taxes

Finally, get ready to handle taxes. Register with your state and the IRS to take care of sales, income, and employment taxes if you hire anyone.

It might sound like a lot, but a Registered Agent can help you with all the paperwork and rules to ensure your art business is set up correctly.

8. Business Licensing and Insurance

To officially start your art business, you need to follow the local rules where you live.

It’s important to note that depending on your art business type, you may need to obtain special permits and licenses.

For instance, if you sell art related to cultural properties, you will require a special permit.

Art appraisers and conservators must obtain professional certifications to attract clients.

Additionally, applying for an EIN from the IRS is mandatory.

Why Insurance?

Just like any other venture, your art business comes with risks. So, it’s wise to have insurance for peace of mind and smooth sailing. Here are some insurances you might need:

• General Liability: Covers legal fees for accidents.
• Business Property: Keeps your workspace and tools safe.
• Equipment Breakdown: Fixes or replaces tools.
• Worker’s Compensation: For employee injuries and lost wages.
• Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): A package deal for various coverages.

Getting the right insurance set up means you’re ready to handle whatever comes your way, leaving you free to focus on creating and selling your art.

9. Get the Right Tools

Great art starts with great tools. Just like you need practice, you also need the right supplies for your art style. Here’s what you might need:

• Palette Knife
• Digital Tools like Graphic editors and drawing tablets.

Use good quality materials for your art. Choose professional-grade paints and canvases that last long and won’t fade fast. This means picking stuff meant to be kept for years, called archival materials.

Avoid using cheap paints and canvases from the dollar store. They might not last long and can make your art look bad as they fade or break down quickly.

If you want people to think of you as a professional artist, it’s worth spending more on better materials. This will help your art stay beautiful and give your buyers a good experience.

10. Prepare to Launch

As the day you open your business gets closer, check and improve important parts of your business.

Digital Tools

To manage your art collection effectively, explore specialized tools such as Artgalleria, Artwork Archive, or Artlogic. They’re designed to help you catalog your creations, track sales, and streamline your promotional activities.

On the financial side, consider intuitive accounting software like Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. They are especially beneficial for smaller enterprises, simplifying your financial management with user-friendly interfaces​.

Hiring People

If your business grows big enough, you might need to bring more people on board to help. You can look for people to hire without spending money by posting job ads on well-known websites like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com.

If you want more options, you can pay to advertise on sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. And if you have the budget, you should hire a recruitment agency to help you find good people to work for you.

Make a Website

To really shine, your own website and social media should be top-notch. That means having a good web address and username, ensuring people can easily find and contact you, and showcasing your work with high-quality images.

A personal and clear “About” section goes a long way, too. All these things help shape your art brand—what people think when they see it.

Don’t worry if you’re not a tech whiz. Many sites offer simple, drag-and-drop templates to help you quickly set up a professional-looking art website.

Look after your Social Media

For social media, remember quality over quantity. It’s better to do a few platforms well than to be on every platform and not manage any effectively.

Pick the social media platforms your audience loves and focus on making meaningful posts there. This approach will help you build a strong, recognizable brand without spreading yourself too thin.

The Bottom Line

Ready to turn your art business dream into reality? It’s time to take the first step: writing a business plan.

Think of this plan as your roadmap for success. It helps you avoid missing important details and keeps you focused on your goals. We’ve even included a sample art business plan example to make things even easier!

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to open an online art store.

The cost of opening your online art store depends on several things, like the website you pick and the tools you need. There are free website options with limited features, like Etsy.

But if you want more options and flexibility, there are paid platforms like Shopify or Squarespace, which typically cost less than $30 a month. On top of that, you’ll need to budget for marketing to reach customers, products, and shipping.

How can I decide how much to charge for my art?

Finding the right price for your artwork needs balancing three key factors: covering costs, reflecting value, and attracting buyers. Consider:

• Costs: Materials, studio, time (hourly rate or cost-plus).
• Value: Artist skill, originality, emotional impact.
• Market: Similar artists’ prices, target audience’s budget.

Experiment with pricing models like value-based, hourly, cost-plus, or fixed to find the sweet spot for your art and audience.

Are there grants or scholarships available for artists?

Yes, there are grants and scholarships available for artists in the USA. Some examples include:

• Sustainable Arts Foundation
• Creative Capital
• Right of Return Fellowship
• Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant
• 2022 Art + Technology Lab Grant
• S+T+ARTS Price 2022
• Harpo Foundation Grants for Visual Artists
• Artadia Awards

Should I start with a physical gallery or an online platform?

When choosing between a physical gallery and an online platform, think about these points:

Physical galleries give you a real-life experience. You get to see the art directly, feel the environment, and be there with the art. But, running a physical space costs a lot.

Online galleries are cheaper to start and keep going. They cut down costs, so you can make more money and charge artists less. Also, being online lets you reach people and sell art all over the world without needing more than one location.

What are effective marketing strategies for an art business?

To effectively market your art business, focus on increasing visibility where your target audience spends time. Here are key strategies:

Social Media Presence: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to showcase your work. Regular posts, stories, and interactions can build a following and attract buyers.

Word of Mouth: Encourage friends, family, and customers to spread the word.

Exhibit Your Work: Participate in galleries, shows, or local events.

About the Author

Shyam Dua is a seasoned tax professional with 40+ years of experience & a mentor at SCORE. He stands out due to his exceptional business planning skills. With a keen eye for detail and a strong financial acumen, Shyam crafts compelling business plans that pave the way to success. A CPA with a philanthropic heart, Shyam's strategic expertise, and dedication make him an invaluable asset in shaping thriving business ventures. Read more

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How to Start an Art Business – An Easy Guide for Aspiring Artists

Are you ready to turn your passion for art into a thriving business? Embarking on the journey of starting an art business is like stepping into a colorful canvas of possibilities. From crafting captivating pieces to navigating the art market’s intricate brushstrokes, this adventure promises a blend of creativity, strategy, and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit. Get ready to unleash your artistic vision and dive into the exciting world of building your own art empire!

Table of Contents

• 1 Key Takeaways
• 2.1 Clarifying Your Mission and Business Goals
• 2.2 Establishing Your Brand and What It Stands For
• 2.3 Conducting Market Research
• 2.4 Analyzing Competition
• 2.5 Creating Your Financial Plan
• 3.1 Registering Your Business
• 3.2 Understanding Taxes and Finances
• 3.3 Setting Up Operations
• 4.1 Building an Online Presence
• 4.2 Developing Pricing and Sales Tactics
• 4.3 Building a Loyal Customer Base
• 4.4 Expanding Your Market Reach
• 4.5 Staying Informed and Adapting to Change
• 5.1 Curating Your Product Line
• 5.2 Nurturing Customer Relationships
• 5.3 Operational Efficiency and Growth
• 6.1 What Strategies Can I Use to Start an Art Business from Home With Limited Resources?
• 6.2 How Much Initial Investment Is Typically Required to Launch an Art Business?
• 6.3 What Are Some Viable Avenues for a Beginner to Sell Art and Start an Art Business?

Key Takeaways

• Crafting a clear business plan is essential for direction and growth.
• Legal and logistical preparations underpin a stable art business framework.
• Effective marketing and relationship-building are pivotal for long-term success.

Developing Your Art Business Plan

Starting an art business is a venture that requires careful planning and dedication. This process begins with a comprehensive understanding of your target market and the development of a unique artistic identity. By analyzing the art industry’s trends and consumer behavior, aspiring entrepreneurs can tailor their strategies to carve out a niche for themselves. A good business plan is not only a roadmap for guiding your business to growth but is also essential for navigating through the complexities of the art market.

Operating a successful art business also involves handling the logistical aspects, such as legal requirements, licenses, and the effective management of inventory and finances. The artistic aspect of the venture must be complemented with strong marketing and sales strategies. Pricing artworks strategically and promoting them effectively to build a loyal collector base are key elements to making the business thrive. Consistency in quality and service, alongside networking and word-of-mouth marketing, plays a crucial role in establishing a successful art career.

Clarifying Your Mission and Business Goals

An art business plan should start with a clear mission statement that defines the purpose and direction of the business. The mission should encompass not only the artistic vision but also the business objectives.

Business goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), setting a clear trajectory for growth and profitability.

Establishing Your Brand and What It Stands For

Building a brand identity involves more than just a memorable logo; it’s about cultivating a unique selling proposition that sets the art business apart. This requires a deep understanding of the target market and how the business’s art addresses their needs and preferences. Branding extends to every aspect of the business, from the art itself to customer service and marketing materials.

Conducting Market Research

Comprehensive market research is fundamental in identifying the target market and understanding market trends. This research should consist of analyzing data on potential customers, their purchasing habits, and preferences related to art. Data collection methods can range from surveys and interviews to studying industry reports.

This information is pivotal in guiding business decisions and marketing strategies.

Analyzing Competition

An art business must understand the landscape of its competition to succeed. This involves identifying direct and indirect competitors and critiquing their strengths and weaknesses. A competitive analysis should reveal gaps in the market that the business can exploit and inform the development of competitive strategies.

Creating Your Financial Plan

Lastly, a thorough financial plan is critical. This includes startup costs, ongoing expenses, pricing strategies, and revenue projections. The financial plan should outline required funding sources, strategies for maintaining cash flow, and long-term plans for financial sustainability and profitability.

It should also include a break-even analysis to determine when the business will likely become profitable.

Legalities and Logistics

Navigating the formalities of starting an art business is crucial. Artists must ensure that their venture is legally sound and operationally efficient by addressing business registration, tax obligations, and operational setup.

Registering Your Business

For any artist turning their passion into a business venture, choosing a business structure is the first step. The choice between a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation influences liability, taxes, and compliance requirements. They should then register the chosen entity with the secretary of state. Most businesses will require a business license, which varies depending on location and industry. Art businesses may also need specific licenses and permits to operate legally.

When considering the structure for your art business, several options can suit your needs.

A sole proprietorship is the simplest to establish, although it exposes the owner to personal liability. Opting for an LLC provides liability protection but involves a bit more complexity in setup. On the other hand, forming a corporation is ideal for larger enterprises with shareholders, offering distinct advantages in terms of structure and governance. Choose the structure that aligns best with your business goals and growth plans.

To kickstart your art business officially, follow these key steps in the registration process. Begin by checking the availability of your chosen business name to ensure uniqueness and compliance. Next, file the necessary registration documents with the secretary of state, laying the legal foundation for your enterprise. Don’t forget to secure any required licenses and permits, ensuring that your business operates smoothly within legal frameworks. With these steps completed, you’re ready to embark on your artistic journey with a solid legal footing.

Understanding Taxes and Finances

Art businesses must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is essential for tax purposes, especially if the business hires employees. Understanding the distinction between personal expenses and business expenses is vital for tax reporting and deductions. Artists should separate finances by opening a business bank account, ensuring transparency and simplifying accounting. Staying informed about tax obligations, including income, self-employment, and sales tax, ensures compliance and financial health.

Setting Up Operations

Operational logistics involve organizing the backend of an art business to create a smooth workflow. Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations is part of this process. An art entrepreneur must establish clear operational protocols for production, inventory management, shipping, and receiving. Depending on the scale of the business, this might require setting up a studio or workshop space that complies with local zoning laws and safety standards.

To ensure smooth operations for your art business, follow this essential checklist.

First, establish a dedicated studio or workspace where your creativity can flourish. Next, focus on producing and managing your inventory efficiently to meet demand and optimize resources. Finally, set up effective shipping and receiving protocols to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction. With these key elements in place, your art business can thrive with organized and streamlined operations. By addressing these legalities and logistics, artists lay a solid foundation for their art business, positioning themselves for success in the competitive market.

Marketing and Sales Strategies

Marketing and sales strategies are crucial for turning artistic talent into a profitable venture. A robust approach involves establishing a strong online presence, developing effective pricing and sales tactics, cultivating a loyal customer base, and expanding market reach while being adaptable to change.

Building an Online Presence

Artists must leverage online platforms to showcase and sell their work. A professional website, preferably built with a reliable website builder like Wix, should elegantly display the artist’s portfolio. Integrating an online store and utilizing social media platforms for promotion are key.

Regular blogging and sending out newsletters can help in keeping the audience engaged.

Developing Pricing and Sales Tactics

Determining the right price for artwork involves a calculated pricing strategy that considers costs, market value, and target customers. Artwork must be priced competitively yet ensure a fair profit. Sales can be augmented through various sales channels including Etsy, personal websites, and local art fairs.

Building a Loyal Customer Base

To nurture a loyal customer base, artists should focus on branding and customer experience. Engaging with customers through social media, appreciating their purchases, and providing excellent after-sales support can foster loyalty.

Referral programs and exclusive offers for repeat buyers are effective tactics.

Expanding Your Market Reach

Expansion of market reach might involve exploring new sales channels or tapping into different demographics. Participation in local art fairs and exploring wholesale options are examples. Paid advertisements and collaborations with influencers can also increase visibility.

Staying Informed and Adapting to Change

The art market is dynamic, and successful artists stay informed about industry trends. They adjust their marketing strategy according to the latest marketing tools and customer preferences.

This might involve updating pricing, trying new promotional techniques, or exploring fresh marketing channels.

Managing Your Art Business

Successful art business management hinges on curating an exceptional product line, developing robust customer relationships, and implementing operational efficiencies for sustained growth.

Curating Your Product Line

An artist’s portfolio is the backbone of their art business. To ensure a strong product line, they must assess the quality and diversity of their artwork. It is essential to have a mix of original art, art prints, paintings, sculptures, and even greeting cards to cater to a wider audience. Inventory management is crucial, and keeping track of stock levels helps in preventing oversupply or stockouts.

Maintaining a high standard of quality across all products reinforces the art brand’s reputation.

Nurturing Customer Relationships

Customer service should never be an afterthought in an art business. A loyal customer base is built through excellent service, responsive communication, and reliable shipping practices. Tailoring services such as art classes or consultations can enhance the value offered to clients. Further, an art business should have a recognizable logo and a clear positioning strategy that serves as its unique selling proposition, aiding in cultivating a strong, trustworthy relationship with customers.

Operational Efficiency and Growth

Scaling an art business involves not just creative talent, but also operational savvy. Integrating systems for better handling of orders, shipping, and inventory can streamline the business and allow for more time to be spent on producing art. Exploring art business ideas like online marketplaces, partnerships, and social media can provide avenues for expansion. An art brand should be agile, constantly evaluating its growth strategies to adapt to the ever-evolving market.

As you wrap up your artistic odyssey into the realm of entrepreneurship, remember that starting an art business is not just about selling artworks—it’s about cultivating a brand, connecting with your audience, and continuously evolving as an artist. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, stay true to your creative vision, and let your passion for art fuel your journey towards success. With a palette of perseverance and a canvas of innovation, your art business can flourish, leaving a lasting impression on the vibrant tapestry of the art world. Cheers to your artistic endeavors and may your business thrive like a masterpiece on display!

Frequently Asked Questions

What strategies can i use to start an art business from home with limited resources.

One can start an art business from home by crafting a clear business plan that outlines the artistic identity, target market, and financial goals. Leveraging free or low-cost online marketing tools like social media can also be a strategic way to reach potential customers without a significant upfront investment.

How Much Initial Investment Is Typically Required to Launch an Art Business?

The initial investment for launching an art business varies. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as studio space, materials, marketing, and necessary equipment. Artists should prepare a budget to anticipate these costs and manage their resources effectively.

What Are Some Viable Avenues for a Beginner to Sell Art and Start an Art Business?

Beginners can explore selling their art through online marketplaces, social media platforms, local art fairs, and community events. Creating a professional website can also provide a centralized platform for showcasing and selling their work. Networking with other artists and connecting with galleries interested in emerging talent are additional avenues to consider.

Isabella studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature & Language and Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate years, she took Art History as an additional subject and absolutely loved it. Building on from her art history knowledge that began in high school, art has always been a particular area of fascination for her. From learning about artworks previously unknown to her, or sharpening her existing understanding of specific works, the ability to continue learning within this interesting sphere excites her greatly.

Her focal points of interest in art history encompass profiling specific artists and art movements, as it is these areas where she is able to really dig deep into the rich narrative of the art world. Additionally, she particularly enjoys exploring the different artistic styles of the 20 th century, as well as the important impact that female artists have had on the development of art history.

Learn more about Isabella Meyer and the Art in Context Team .

Cite this Article

Isabella, Meyer, “How to Start an Art Business – An Easy Guide for Aspiring Artists.” Art in Context. April 4, 2024. URL: https://artincontext.org/how-to-start-an-art-business/

Meyer, I. (2024, 4 April). How to Start an Art Business – An Easy Guide for Aspiring Artists. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/how-to-start-an-art-business/

Meyer, Isabella. “How to Start an Art Business – An Easy Guide for Aspiring Artists.” Art in Context , April 4, 2024. https://artincontext.org/how-to-start-an-art-business/ .

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10 Things to Know When Learning How to Start an Art Business

• Last Updated: May 5, 2024

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It’s hard to learn how to start an art business when you’re confused, scared, or both. Since I’ve been in your shoes before, I want to make the process a little easier so you can get selling.

I’ve been working as a commercial illustrator and designer for about a decade now and I have quite a few areas I stumbled through.

I’ll share some important starting points I wish I knew – or did more efficiently – when I started out.

The Key Elements to a Successful Art Career

Financial and social independence from a traditional nine-to-five, more creative fulfillment in your career, an additional source of income, selling original paintings, starting an online shop, becoming an active content creator, 3. a business plan will keep you focused, register with your local licensing department in the united states, register permits and/or licenses in canada, paypal is one of the most common payment methods, wise is a reliable international transfer system, stripe is a well-known online payment portal, start by understanding common contract clauses, try out a boilerplate contract or hire a contract lawyer, get a contract signing program or software, tax withholding is part of a successful business, consistent recordkeeping will be your savior, squarespace, hire a web designer, inbound marketing, outbound marketing – how to start an art business, word-of-mouth and networking, inventory management software, customer relationship management, accounting software – how to start an art business, starting an art business is hard, but far from impossible .

• Remind Yourself Why You Want to Start an Art Business
• It’s Vital to Narrow Down the Art Business You Want to Start
• A Business Plan Will Keep You Focused
• You’ll Need a Business License (Or Equivalent)
• Start Researching Different Payment Types
• Become Comfortable With Reading and Crafting Contracts
• Don’t Be Afraid of Tax Season (Trust Me, I Know)
• You’ll Need a Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website
• Most of Your Work Will Come Down to Marketing and Word-Of-Mouth
• Start Researching Tools to Make Running a Business Easier

1. Remind Yourself Why You Want to Start an Art Business

The why part of your art business is a non-negotiable element of success. When you’re struggling to make money or stand out in a sea of similar artists, the ‘why’ will keep you afloat during the ups and downs.

Around 18% of small businesses fail in their first year , while another 50% will fail after the first five years. One of the most common reasons for these statistics is running low on money or struggling to stand out amid similar businesses.

Below are a few common reasons why artists will start their own art business, but keep in mind this is just a starting point. Your reasons could be entirely different and that’s a-okay.

Are you sick of long commutes or creatively stifling traditional employment environments? Unsurprisingly, nearly 30% of people who started a small business did so because they wanted to be their boss .

Other benefits you’ll enjoy once you step out of the corporate world is:

• Setting your schedule – work when you want, how you want
• Charge your prices and get more control over your income
• Better work-life balance such as more sleep and more time off

The flip side to this is how much responsibility is on your shoulders. You have to commit to a regular marketing strategy, study your industry, and commit to your decision despite all odds.

Another common reason to consider being a professional artist is to enjoy your work. If you have more fun running social media accounts and painting all day long, that’s reason enough to make the switch.

Job dissatisfaction is at an all-time high lately, with one recent study finding 50% of people are unhappy with their jobs on a daily basis. Your artwork could be the launching pad for more peace of mind and financial stability.

However, there’s nothing wrong with choosing an art career for side income instead of main income. When you do art full-time, it can be difficult to take a break from client work to work on creative projects, which can lead to burnout if you’re not careful.

You’re not a lesser artist if you seek out an art business to make a bit more money. It’s never been easier to supplement your monthly income selling art prints or merchandise .

• Making crafts on Etsy such as knitted blankets or clay pots
• Selling original paintings
• Crafting custom figure sculptures
• Painting digital art to sell on crewneck sweatshirts and t-shirts
• Designing banners, icons, and templates for web designers

Now, you’ll likely have irregular income for the first year or two before you start building a reliable target audience. Even experienced artists can struggle to make consistent income from selling art online, so going in with reasonable expectations can soften the sting.

2. It’s Vital to Narrow Down the Art Business You Want to Start

Your own business will have unique demands (though there are commonalities to art businesses, too). Below are a few examples of different types of art businesses and what to expect.

If you’re a traditional painter who wants to sell paintings, you could work from your own home or be featured in exhibits with other artists .

Your art business would need to take into account:

• Studio space – do you have room to store all your paintings and supplies?
• Shipping costs – this will shave a percentage off what you make
• Potential tax – this percentage changes depending on where you live

Perhaps you’re more interested in selling prints and merchandise in an online shop like Redbubble , Etsy, or Printful .

Your challenges in running a successful art business would look more like the following:

• Potential sales tax – print-on-demand sites generally take care of this, but you should still be aware so you know how much you’ll make
• Managing an email marketing list – this is a very helpful marketing tool
• Using multiple marketing tools – you’ll also need to consider blogging, a social media account, or SEO to reach your audience

An increasingly popular choice for artists today is becoming a content creator – this can look like active content creation via a Patreon or a social media account like TikTok.

• Live streaming tools – lighting, camera, a mic
• Familiarity with social media platforms – posting schedules, culture, and terms of service

The function of a business plan is the guiding star to your business’s metaphorical ship. Just like your ‘why’ helps you keep going on an emotional level, a business plan will guide you to tried-and-true methods to financial success.

Here’s one example of using a business plan to cement your target audience and how you’ll maintain a competitive advantage.

4. You’ll Need a Business License (Or Equivalent)

A successful art business needs to stay legally viable and that often takes the form of a license. I renew my license every year with my state’s licensing department after filling out brief online paperwork.

However, this step varies from country to country, so I’ll use a few examples:

Since I live in the United States, each state usually requires a license through the state’s licensing department. The fee will vary and you usually only have to renew your license once per year.

Depending on where you live and what kind of business you’re starting, you may need a mixture of permits and licenses in Canada. Similar to the States, the price and frequency of renewal will depend on the business you’re running.

It’s easy to get intimidated when it comes to paperwork and legal documents, but just ask a representative for help. You can chat with someone over the phone, do a video call, or sit down in person with a professional who will answer all your questions.

5. Start Researching Different Payment Types

Once you’ve started applying for licenses and permits, you can start looking into payment types. There’s more flexibility than ever in getting paid these days, but below are a few more common methods.

PayPal is one of the most widely used online payment processors, particularly for artists. I depend on it for the majority of my income since it’s used by nearly everyone these days.

However, PayPal is a little brutal when it comes to fees – they do fixed fees ranging from 2.59% to 3.09% for merchant and personal accounts. While they don’t charge anything to transfer money from one PayPal account to the next, transferring from other bank accounts or payment processors will cost you.

Another useful transfer system is Wise, most commonly used by people who have clients in other countries. They also charge much lower fees than PayPal.

Wise requires you to submit the details of a separate bank account, including a checking account where they can instantly deposit cash. These details won’t be seen by clients, so there’s no worry about your private information being leaked.

Last but not least, Stripe is a flexible online payment portal that’s becoming more commonly used. They not only accept many currencies, but you can transfer money between many payment portals, too.

One of their biggest barriers is their limited in-person payment options. They’re more useful as an online tool for artists who do most – or all – of their business digitally .

6. Become Comfortable With Reading and Crafting Contracts

Contracts aren’t a fun part of your art career, but they’re an essential part of building client relationships and staying legally protected. Even a simple contract or NDA is a good starting point to make sure all parties know what’s being made, why, and with what usage rights.

Put simply, a clause is any section of a contract that outlines a duty, deadline or need. Some of the most common clauses you’ll see in artist contracts are:

• Deadline – when is the project due?
• Communication – how will the artist and client stay in touch?
• Materials – what does the client need to give the artist to do the job?
• Usage Rights – what is the client allowed to do with the art? What about the artist?

Hiring a contract lawyer is a stress-free way of getting all your legal ducks in a row. If you can’t afford one – they can cost between $20 to $200 an hour – you can start off with a boilerplate.

Boilerplate contract templates list several of the legal basics in one generic document. You can then customize it to suit the needs of your state license and personal demands.

Need a starting point? Try Law Depot for free legal documents, forms, and contracts for artists .

There are many ways to sign a contract, though digital means are easily the most convenient. You can use signing programs like eSign or sign .pdfs with Adobe Acrobat.

7. Don’t Be Afraid of Tax Season (Trust Me, I Know)

One of the biggest reasons why artists are hesitant to go the self-employed route is self-employed taxes. Below are a few details you should know about to start off right.

Every dollar you make in the art world isn’t yours. In the United States, you have to slice out a small chunk of your income to pay self-employed taxes – quarterly or through a customized interval.

Depending on where you live and the business you run, you may need to hold between 20% to 30% of your income for self-employed taxes. This is one of many reasons to learn how to price your art so you can make a tidy profit.

Don’t ‘wing it’ or keep sticky notes when it comes to personal finances. I keep a spreadsheet of every single dollar I make – before and after fees – and sum up the total every month so I stay accurate.

Many artists use recordkeeping software such as QuickBooks, which can automatically download bank information or print financial statements for loans.

8. You’ll Need a Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website

Did you know at least 52% of all web traffic comes from a mobile device like a phone or tablet? If your website doesn’t function or look good on mobile, you could be missing out on half of your potential customers.

Free and easy to use, Wix is one of the go-to choices for artists who need a polished art website. Their drag-and-drop technology makes it easy to organize fonts, images, and templates into the site you’ve always wanted.

While they have no free versions, they have a flexible trial you can add an extra week onto if you need more time to decide. Check out their pricing and features here .

There are several benefits to hiring a web designer that are not possible with free or pre-made templates. You’ll get a unique site layout and plenty of control over the little details, such as animations or layout.

However, web designers cost far more than a free web builder or monthly subscription.

9. Most of Your Work Will Come Down to Marketing and Word-Of-Mouth

People can’t hire you if they don’t even know about you. Even the most skilled professional artists will struggle to get work without the following marketing efforts.

Inbound marketing is a term that refers to people finding you, rather than you reaching out to people. If you’ve ever punched a question into Google to find a product, you already know how this works.

• Social media sites
• Online store

The opposite of inbound marketing is the more traditional outbound, where you reach out to your target customer to see if they’re interested.

• Sharing business cards
• Calling over the phone
• Sending out emails

These two words may be the bane of introverts, but they’re a must-have in the art industry. Whether you like to visit art fairs or want to sell products online, word-of-mouth and networking increase your chances of regular income.

Generating positive word-of-mouth can be done by simply being reliable and friendly. Networking can involve visiting art fairs or just talking to people on social media.

10. Start Researching Tools to Make Running a Business Easier

Don’t feel like you have to do it all. A few tools can be an absolute lifesaver with the stresses of starting a business.

If you’re thinking of starting an online business that involves packaging and sending out goods, inventory management software will save you a headache. This useful tool will improve accuracy, track packages, and create a better customer service experience overall.

SquareUp is one tool you can try, especially if you want to sell clothes, furniture, or tattoo designs.

When you need help keeping track of potential customers or reaching out to repeat customers, a contact management system will shoulder the work for you. Also known as a CRM, these programs keep track of emails and different types of customers such as prospects and leads.

A prospect is a person in your target market that may benefit from your business. A lead is a person who’s already shown interest in your work, such as contacting you or following you on social media.

HubSpot has a free CRM I use regularly (alongside very helpful online digital marketing courses).

As touched on above in the tax section, accounting software is useful for tracking taxes as well as budgeting. For example, FreshBooks has a freelancer variation you might find useful.

From narrowing down your target audience to learning how to start selling products, starting an art business is hard. I’m living proof that it’s far from impossible!

Want to continue expanding your education on your way to a successful career? Check out our top three alternatives to an art school education here .

Related posts:

• How to Write an Artist Contract: Learn To Protect Your Creative Rights
• How to Make Money as an Artist: 12 Cool Ideas
• How to Sell Digital Art Online for Complete Beginners
• 20 Art Business Ideas to Help You Make Money (and Enjoy It!)
• The Top 10 Best Print-on-Demand Sites for Artists

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How to Start a Profitable Art Business [11 Steps]

Business steps:, 1. perform market analysis., are art businesses profitable, 2. draft a art business plan., how does a art business make money, 3. develop a art brand., how to come up with a name for your art business, 4. formalize your business registration., resources to help get you started:, 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for art., what licenses and permits are needed to run a art business, 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for art services., what does it cost to start a art business, 8. acquire art equipment and supplies., list of software, tools and supplies needed to start a art business:, 9. obtain business insurance for art, if required., 10. begin marketing your art services., 11. expand your art business..

An Artist’s Guide to Making a Business Plan (In Just 6 Steps)

Artwork Archive | October 25, 2016 (Updated September 20, 2022)

Being a professional artist involves more than being skilled with paints or clay—you actually become a small business owner!

So, where do you begin? By creating a business plan, of course! That’s why we’ve come up with an outline for artists to follow, so you can better understand your art business and develop a step-by-step strategy for success.

So when you are ready to carve out a half hour or so, follow along this guide (or bookmark it for when you are ready) and start writing down a plan to take your art career to the next level:

1. YOUR BUSINESS

A. Mission Statement

Figure out what your mission is by asking yourself the question, “why do you want to be a professional artist?” We doubt that it’s all about the money, but be honest with yourself about what it is about. Let this answer, and the passion you feel when you write it down, drive every other aspect of developing your art business.

B. Vision Statement

Your vision statement should describe where you want to take your art business in the future. But, success means something different to each and every artist. Do you want to be famous? Leave a legacy? Change the way people interact with art? Get rich? Do you want gallery representation? The answer is up to you.

Now, depending on your definition of success, develop short-term and long-term goals that will keep you on track. Try to set goals for each of the following: the next three months, six months, one year, three years, and five years. (Visualizing your art career like this will help you see the natural progression of steps to take, erasing the pressure to become an overnight success!)

Take this goal-setting advice from Catherine Orer , business and PR strategist for artists: “‘Quitting my day job to do art full time’ or ‘sell my art’ are not clear career goals.”  Instead, Catherine asks you to dig deeper: “What type of career do you want? How much do you want to earn?” Spelling out exactly what you want to do will help you take the actual steps.

2. YOUR CUSTOMER

The next step is to identify who your ideal client is so you can market your artwork in the most effective way possible. Start by answering these questions:

What age group or income level can afford your pieces?

What are your client’s goals and how does your art help the client achieve them?

Where do your customers buy art?

Where do these buyers live, travel, or hang out?

What are their hobbies? Attitudes? Style? Interests?

What type of buyers understand your work?

Why do your clients buy art?

What connection can you find between you, your art, and your buyers?

What kind of marketing would reach them best (word of mouth, email, social media)?

With these answers, you can set up a well thought out plan of attack for your art marketing strategy. You can go where your buyers go, form important relationships , and know exactly how to talk with them confidently about buying your artwork.

3. YOUR COMPETITORS

Much like understanding your target customer, you can’t dive into the art business world without understanding the rest of the art market—and that means who you are competing with.

Take the time to research other artists that are similar to you. Do they have great connections in the art world? Do they need better photos of their artwork? What are their prices like? Figuring out both their strengths and weaknesses can help you develop a plan for your own art business and gain a competitive advantage.

4. YOUR FINANCES

A. Expenses

Like any business, you are going to have expenses. But, they don’t have to eat up your hard earned profits if you plan for them ahead of time! In this section of the art business plan, write down the costs of everything you can think of, from supplies to renting studio space.

Once you’ve created your itemized list, you will need to formulate a plan on how you are going to pay for everything at the start of your art business. Do you have savings built up? Do you need to apply for an artist grant ? How many pieces do you need to sell to cover all of your costs? Is crowdfunding a good option for you ?

The answers to those previous questions about funding will get you thinking about how much you need to charge for each piece to actually make a living as an artist. Check out “ How to Price Consistently for Art Sales Success ” to learn more about different pricing methods.

5. YOUR MARKETING

Based on the profile of your ideal buyer, settle on the exact marketing strategy that complements your art business. Think about which of these art marketing outlets you should use: social media, email newsletters, art fairs, galleries, blogging, etc.

B. Where to Sell

Whether you target physical galleries, sell online, network within artist associations, or rely on a mixture of opportunities, determine where your potential customers will have the most eyes on your art.

C. Your Story

The next step is to write down your story as an artist. This is one of the most important steps because it’s how you can form a worthwhile connection with your possible collectors. Write your artist statement by answering these 5 questions art buyers have about you .

6. YOUR PROCESS

List out every single step of your art business workflow , from creation to sale. This will help you truly understand how long the process takes and how you should plan your schedule.

Plus, it’s a handy document to refer back to it in case you get stuck on what to do next! Here’s an example of what your process could look like:

Buy supplies

Begin piece

Share work-in-progress pictures on social

Finish piece

Take photos of finished artwork

List piece and details on Artwork Archive

Put piece up on personal website

Share on social media

Email collectors

Submit artwork to upcoming show

Generate invoice

Record sale in Artwork Archive

Get your art business up and running! Use this business plan outline and sign up for your 14-day free trial of Artwork Archive here .

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Art Gallery Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

• Art Gallery Business Plan Home
• 1. Executive Summary
• 2. Company Overview
• 3. Industry Analysis
• 4. Customer Analysis
• 5. Competitive Analysis
• 6. Marketing Plan
• 7. Operations Plan
• 8. Management Team
• 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Art Gallery Plan Here

You’ve come to the right place to create your art gallery business plan.

We have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their art galleries.

Art Gallery Business Plan Sample

Below are links to each section of an art gallery business plan example:

Next Section: Executive Summary >

Art Gallery Business Plan FAQs

What is an art gallery business plan.

An art gallery business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your art gallery business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can  easily complete your art gallery business plan using our Art Gallery Business Plan Template here .

What Are the Main Types of Art Galleries?

There are many types of art gallery companies. One type of art gallery is a commercial gallery where it is a for-profit business that displays art to be sold from various artists around the world or immediate area. There are also co-operative art galleries that involve various artists working and operating the art gallery. Another type of art gallery is a non-profit gallery where the operational funding comes from grants and donations. The artists displayed at the non-profits usually have art forms of merit or cause, rather than being a well-known artist.

What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for an Art Gallery Business?

The primary source of revenue for an art gallery are the revenues it generates from tickets sold to visit the art gallery, membership fees if it offers memberships, and of course from the art sold at the art gallery.

The key expenses for an art gallery business are the cost to procure the art from various artists. Other expenses are the rent and utilities for the art gallery.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Art Gallery Business Plan?

Art gallery businesses are most likely to receive funding from banks. Typically you will find a local bank and present your business plan to them. Most of the time, those who want to open an art gallery will use their personal savings and/or receive funding from angel investors or various donors.

What are the Steps To Open an Art Business?

Opening  an art business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to open a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop An Art Business Plan - The first step in opening a business is to create a detailed   business plan for your art gallery that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your art business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your art business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Art Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your art business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to open your art business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Art Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your art business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to open promoting and marketing your art business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful art business:

• How to Start an Art Business

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

Nonprofit Business Plan Template

Your Art Empire

• Marketing Tips

Art Marketing: Key Strategies and Plans for Your Art Business

Creating a marketing strategy plan for your artwork can be a little bit scary when you’re first starting out as a professional artist.

After all, it’s here in the market place that’s a true test of your skills, knowledge and business acumen!

To succeed, you need to be a fantastic artist and an entrepreneur. This means having an understanding of key marketing strategies, sales techniques, accounts and more – even if you don’t want to.

This is all an essential part of running your professional art business and you need to become a master juggler in order to be able to cope with the demands on your time and energy.

Art Empire wants to help you get started on your journey to becoming a successful professional artist and entrepreneur with this list of key art marketing strategies that you should try to sell your artwork .

Visit art events & exhibitions

As an artist, you may have attended or been inspired by a number of events or exhibitions over the years.

It’s no secret that there’s a thriving artwork party scene in almost every art community, so make some friends, find your people and work your way in there to become known amongst your peers.

These events are prime networking opportunities for artists to meet and greet other artists and all of their useful connections.

Their passion for creating something beautiful is just the same as yours so mix and mingle to your heart’s content in this enjoyable way of developing your marketing strategy and building your reputation.

Get your artwork featured at a gallery

Gallery curators are very particular beasts. Their job is to create something visually dynamic with the different styles of many artists that will attract people to their gallery.

On the plus side though, this means they’re always looking for the next big trend or piece to add to their very specific collection.

Finding galleries with artwork that’s similar to your own and proposing your artwork as an addition to their collection can be a great way to get your creations in the spotlight.

If you manage to achieve this then whoever visits that collection will be able to view your work alongside a number of other known artists – no matter where the collection travels!

Promote your art using a website

Fascinating people online with your own online gallery can be a great way to gain more attention and make more sales.

There are a number of things that you can do to create a captivating website that will attract admirers from across the globe , this including creating a diverse portfolio of artwork and doing some search engine optimisation.

Websites can s erve as a central hub for your art business and with most people completing purchases online, it’s well worth putting in the time and effort.

Social media for artists

Social media is a powerful tool that you can use to extend the reach of your business.

Billions of people from across the world use social media every day to find visually stunning photographs, paintings and imagery – They could be looking at yours!

Set up a business page on different social media platforms then start posting about your artwork, your inspiration, your business, you or anything else related, to build an audience that is interested in your work.

There are thousands of useful hashtags * , groups and pages where you can post your artwork and access even more people who may be interested in your work.

The best part is, social media, for the most part is FREE! – so take full advantage by making this part of your marketing strategies!

Café art culture

Over the last five years, the café culture across the world has exploded!

This is great news for artists looking to get their work noticed. Why? Because, cafes are brilliant places to present your artwork to the general public.

A lot of cafes offer wall space for a cost or a percentage of the profits when you sell your artwork.

If it’s a popular café that attracts your sort of people then why not take the chance? Even if your piece doesn’t sell, this is a great way to build your local reputation – You never know who may walk through that door!

Online shopping platforms

Another key art marketing strategy for artists is using referral sites and online shopping pages such as eBay and Etsy to promote and sell your work.

Online platforms such as these are great places to get started selling artwork if you don’t already have a website, and even then, they can be very useful for additional sales or referral traffic.

All you need to do is set up a seller page, post your product information and you’re ready to go!

Selling artwork has never been so simple! However, it is a competitive market place out there, so it can help to learn some specialist tips and tricks for how to sell your artwork on referral sites.

Feel free to view our guides below to help you get started:

• How to sell artwork on Etsy
• How to sell artwork on eBay
• How to sell artwork online

Creating key art marketing strategies for artists

There are so many different ways that you can attract people to your artwork, all it takes is a good plan and commitment to building your business.

However you decide to market your artwork, make sure that you trial and test different channels in order to find the best key marketing strategy for you.

What works for one person, doesn’t necessarily work for another, so remember to adapt accordingly and progress your business with the same care that you put into your artwork.

Patrick Redmond

Related articles.

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

23 art business ideas to inspire your entrepreneurial spirit

Starting a business  in the art world is not just about producing work, it's about becoming an integral part of your community while contributing to its cultural enrichment. Choosing the right art business idea is crucial, as it shapes your identity as an entrepreneur, your clientele and public perception of your venture. Considering that in 2022 the global art market generated nearly 68 billion U.S. dollars , your art business has the potential for huge success. In this article, we’ll go over the most important factors to consider when starting your own art business.

What makes an art business idea great?

The ideal art business idea should resonate with the community, provide value to your target demographic and contribute positively to the local artistic scene. It's not just about building a business, but also about building lasting relationships with your clients. Here are key factors that make an art business idea well-suited for a small business owner.

Local demand

The idea should address a genuine need or desire within the community. Understanding specific artistic preferences or gaps in cultural offerings is crucial for success in a smaller community.

Community engagement

Art businesses that involve and engage with the local community tend to thrive as opposed to those that don’t consider those factors. Incorporate ideas that foster a sense of belonging and connection through enriching artistic experiences.

An art business with a unique artistic approach can stand out in a smaller market. Look for opportunities to offer something different or provide a unique twist on traditional artistic concepts.

Potential for local partnerships

Partnering with local artists, craftsmen or other businesses can enhance your art business's presence and contribute to a vibrant local arts ecosystem.

Personalized service

In the art industry, personal relationships matter. An art business idea that allows for personalized and friendly service can be a significant advantage.

Affordability

Keep in mind the local economic conditions and ensure that your art offerings are reasonably priced and accessible to a wide range of people.

Check out these best small website builders  to get started.

23 art business ideas

These 23 art business ideas  will give you a chance to follow your artistic passions and contribute to the local cultural scene.

Art gallery

Outdoor art exhibitions

Personal art classes

Art workshops and events

Local artisan market

Mobile art studio

Community art project

Pop-up art installation

Themed art nights

Art rental services

Custom art pieces

Public art murals

Art and wine pairing events

Art competitions

Art delivery services

Art supply store

Art event planning

Virtual art classes

Artisanal art fair

Art merchandise

Local art festivals

Fine art studio

01. Art gallery

Establish an art gallery to showcase local artists' work and provide a space for the community to appreciate and purchase art.

02. Outdoor art exhibitions

Take advantage of the local surroundings by organizing outdoor art exhibitions, bringing art to public spaces.

03. Personal art classes

Provide personal art classes for individuals or small groups, offering customized lessons based on their artistic preferences. 

04. Art workshops and events

Organize art workshops and events to teach locals various art techniques and share your passion for creativity. This is a great scalable business idea  if you’ve ever thought about offering online courses and workshops or hosting virtual events.

05. Local artisan market

Create a market space that features local artisans and craftspeople, offering unique and handmade art pieces. This also presents a great opportunity to engage with your local community. This can be offline or online, learn more about how to sell crafts online .

06. Mobile art studio

Bring art to different neighborhoods, schools and community centers with a mobile art studio, offering art classes and activities for all ages. 

07. Community art projects

Initiate community art projects that engage residents in collaborative artistic endeavors, fostering a sense of unity. 

08. Pop-up art installations

Set up pop-up art installations at various locations within the community, offering dynamic and ever-changing artistic experiences.

09. Themed art nights

Plan themed art nights, such as abstract art nights or special exhibitions, to attract diverse crowds.

10. Art rental services

Offer art rental services, allowing customers to rotate artwork in their homes and offices.

11. Custom art pieces

Create and sell custom art pieces tailored to individual preferences, such as personalized paintings or sculptures.

12. Public art murals

Start a public art mural project that contributes to the visual appeal of the community.

Jasmine Miikika Craciun, “Kik”,  creates stunning murals that truly uplift the setting.

13. Art and wine pairing events

Organize art and wine pairing events, collaborating with local vineyards for unique and fun cultural experiences.

14. Art tours

Plan and execute art tours that explore the diverse artistic offerings within the community. Pair the art tour by combining galleries and street art, alongside street food and must-see areas around your local community.

15. Art competitions

Host art competitions for residents to showcase their artistic skills and creativity. Make it an event by hiring a DJ and live music artists to play during the competition, food stands and even a small market where local creators can sell their art.

16. Art delivery services

Provide art delivery services, reaching residents who prefer to enjoy unique artwork without leaving the comfort of their homes. 

17. Art supply store

Open an art supply store, offering essential materials for local artists and hobbyists. Pro tip: Creating a website  to expand your online presence can give you that extra boost. Cass Art  is a UK-based art supplies store, brimming with everything an artist could need.

18. Art event planning

Offer event planning services for art-related occasions, ensuring a creative and visually stunning atmosphere.

19. Virtual art classes

Conduct virtual art classes for artists who prefer learning new mediums, skills and techniques from home.

20. Artisanal craft fair

Organize artisanal craft fairs that celebrate the diversity of artistic talents within the community.

21. Art merchandise

Create and sell art merchandise, such as prints, apparel or unique art-related products. Learn more about how to sell online .

22. Local art festivals

Organize local art festivals that showcase the richness and diversity of artistic expressions within the community.

23. Fine art studio

Establish a fine art studio, offering classes and studio space for serious artists and enthusiasts.

How to start an art business in 5 simple steps

Starting an art business involves specific steps to ensure maximum success. Follow along to get started.

Market research and idea validation

Identify gaps in artistic offerings and validate your art business idea by engaging with locals and understanding their artistic preferences.

Create an art business plan

Develop a detailed business plan  outlining your concept, target market, competition, art offerings, marketing strategy, financial projections and funding needs.

Register your art business

Register your business, obtain necessary permits or licenses and comply with relevant regulations. Decide on the legal structure of your business, such as a sole proprietorship ,  LLC  or corporation .

Learn more: How to start an LLC

Secure financing

Determine how you'll finance your art business, considering personal savings, loans, grants or investments. Prepare a budget for startup and ongoing expenses.

Promote and market your art business

Find a suitable location, create an appealing portfolio of artworks or services and establish a strong online presence through a business website  and social media. Use local outreach and community engagement to promote your art business.

Inspiring art business examples built on Wix

Alex garant.

This contemporary artist from Canada is creating unique art and offering it on his online store, alongside other merchandise.

Pranaa is a conceptual artist and event engineer, exploring the processes of globalization and the evolutions of ecosystems. 

Ayelet Azriel

This fun & funky graphic designer from Israel is making unique and retro 80s-style abstract art and accessories.

Art business ideas FAQ

How can i attract customers to my art business idea.

Effective marketing strategies are crucial for attracting customers to your art business. Creating a business website  will showcase your artworks or services through visually appealing platforms, establish a strong online presence on social media, collaborate with local businesses and participate in community art events. Building a reputation for excellent artistic offerings and service is essential.

What equipment do I need to start an art business idea?

How do i determine pricing for my art services, other business ideas to consider.

Service business ideas

Businesses to start with little money

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Online business ideas

Low-cost business ideas

Side business ideas

Outdoor business ideas

Home-based businesses

Mobile business ideas

Consulting business ideas

Freelance business ideas

Reselling business ideas

Business ideas for couples

Rental business ideas

Small town business ideas

Travel business ideas

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Print on demand business ideas

Music business ideas

Finance business ideas

Cleaning business ideas

Marketing business ideas

Restaurant business ideas

Fitness business ideas

Tech business ideas

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RENEE PHILLIPS - MENTOR FOR ARTISTS

Helping Artists Achieve Their Fullest Potential

How to Create Your Art Business Plan

By Renee Phillips 5 Comments

It’s Easier Than You May Think!

Helping an artist create an art business plan is one of the most rewarding things to do as an art career mentor. I feel as though I am giving them a magic wand to ensure their career success. The idea of how to create your art business plan may seem intimidating at first. That’s why I wrote this article to show you how the process can be approached step-by-step.

First, view yourself as the CEO of your own artistic enterprise. When you create your art business plan you’ll experience a sense of gratification, knowing you’re on your way to attaining your fullest potential. You’ll gain financial and personal power.

Creating your Art Business Plan is an exercise that takes only a few hours to assemble and it will supply years of stability and security, unlike Dali’s limp clocks.

Here a just a few of the many personal and professional rewards you will gain from having an Art Business Plan

1. You will truly understand your authenticity and unique artistic vision

2. You will become clear about your greatest strengths and capabilities

3. You will have a plan with priorities to achieve freedom and prosperity

4. You will have control over your future rather than leaving it to chance

5. You will build a road map to avoid getting lost and distracted

6. You will automatically develop more self-confidence

7. You will minimize the sting of rejection

8. You’ll be able to work smarter, not harder

Here Are the Four Components

Your Art Business Plan consists of your creative, business and financial activities. The business plan consists of four parts: business statement; production plan; financial plan; and marketing plan.

The Business Statement This describes your business goals. It includes what you plan to sell and any additional sources of income such as private teaching and merchandising.

The Production Plan This is about how you plan to produce the art, how long it will take, plus required facilities, equipment, art supplies and hired help. Add office equipment, supplies and business services, such as legal and accounting fees.

The Financial Plan This important component encompasses the amount of money you expect to earn and the amount needed to begin or expand your business. As a rule, your operating expenses should be less than twenty percent of your income. That should be your ideal goal.

The Marketing Plan This part describes your market, your customers and your competition. It explains the unique features of your art or art service and benefits to the buyer. It includes where you plan to advertise, what marketing materials you will generate to reach your prospective buyers, and investments you will make to expand your markets.

You Can Do It!

Now that you have an overview of why you need your art business plan and what it is comprised of, you can start the process.

Also read How I Helped An Artist Create A Prosperity Plan

About Renee Phillips

Renée Phillips is a mentor and advocate for artists helping them achieve their fullest potential. She provides career advice, writing services, and promotion for artists from beginners to advanced. She organizes online exhibitions open to all artists as Director/Curator of Manhattan Arts International www.ManhattanArts.com and Founder of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS www.healing-power-of-art.org. As an arts' advocate she has served on the advisory boards of several non-profit arts organizations. She lives in New York, NY.

05/18 at 1:15 pm

Hi! Do you have an ebook that outlines the steps in creating a business plan?

05/24 at 10:32 am

Megan, Thank you for your question. No, I haven’t written a book on that subject exclusively. However, my ebook “Achieve Your Art Career Dreams & Goals” covers a wealth of information. I also recommend articles I’ve written: Helpful Art Business Facts For Every Professional Artist and How to Create An Art Patron Plan

11/07 at 9:03 am

Great tips Renee! Plans are affected by our personal needs and artists need to ask themselves; Do I paint because I need a hobby, am I depending upon it to earn a living or is about self expression and the money becomes the icing on the cake? For me it is the later😉

11/07 at 4:50 pm

Lisa, that’s true. Most artists, not all, who visit this site are looking for ways to earn money to either augment their main source of income or attain their goal of becoming full-time artists. They’re looking for the full course dinner. 🙂

[…] With this in mind, it is essential to prepare an art business plan as early as possible in your career and revise it as often as necessary. It will provide a solid foundation and direction, as well as build self-confidence. For step-by-step guidelines, read How to Create Your Art Business Plan. […]

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Writing Services for Artists

My specialty is writing Art Reviews and Art Statements / "Praise Quotes" for artists to use for promotion... on their websites, social media profiles, exhibition catalogues, grant submissions, blog posts, press releases, artists’ books and more. My writing for artists has led to increasing their art sales, attracting publicity, gaining … More...

Copyright © 2014 -2024 Renee Phillips Manhattan Arts International 200 East 72 Street, New York, NY 10021 [email protected]

How to Sell Art Online | Online Marketing for Artists

Helping artists sell their art online since 2009. Blog, guides, courses, and coaching for artists.

Business Plans for Artists: Here, I Did It for You!

Also, check out Jennifer’s book!

You’ll want to see her Right Brain Business Plan home study course .*

Not Ready for A Full Right Brain Business Plan?

Here’s a simple 4 page example plan that will help you get started.

Example Business Plan for Artists (pdf)

Example Business Plan for Artists (Word doc)

The first thing I ask every artist when we start working together is if they have a business plan. Most of the time the answer is no. Why do you need a business plan, you ask? Great question.

You will become focused. As you start planning, that shotgun approach to marketing that most artists take will start to thin itself out and you will learn how to put a system in place. Also, establishing your unique selling proposition is really important. Sure, you’re a painter, but what makes you stand out from all of those other painters out there? There’s a lot more to being an independent artist than just creating your art.

You’ll know where you stand. Your strengths and weaknesses will become apparent to you as you start to create a business plan. What aspects of your art do you excel at? What do you tend to put off because you don’t know how to finish ? Once you know where you stand, you’ll know what your weaknesses are, and this is really important. Most artists have no idea that they’re not good at accounting, or they don’t want to admit it so they run around in circles. A business plan will help you eliminate this.

You’ll know how to get where you want to be. Once you write down a business plan, it’s easy to refer back to it often to get re-focused on your goals. Carefully analyzing what you really want out of your art business is a good way to stop doing what is getting in your way.

You’ll know what other artists are doing. Do you want a competitive advantage? Are you afraid of really pushing your business because you don’t know what will make you different and make people want to purchase your art?

Does 4 pages feel like too much?

Get started with our beginner’s one-page business plan and work your way up.

This post has been updated since its 2009 original publish date.

*affiliate link

November 20, 2009 at 11:46 AM

This is fantastic! Many thanks!

November 21, 2009 at 9:45 AM

You’re welcome!

November 22, 2009 at 5:32 AM

This is a really great resource that I’ll have to share with my readers. It’s always wonderful to find other people putting in the hard work and dedication that goes into doing what you do. .-= Damien Franco´s last blog ..Photographer’s Intro to Twitter =-.

May 19, 2010 at 3:26 PM

This is great. Thank you for doing this. It’s really something I’ve always known I needed to do. I will definitely do it now.

April 27, 2011 at 8:21 AM

Do you have a business plan for dummies and beginners? This is kind of advanced. I have nothing but 5 good paintings right now.

This is my first time coming to this website. I was very confused by the business plan. Who is “I”? As in, “I help artists dispel the starving artist myth”? It took me 15 mins to finally understand who “I” is, and who Cory and John Smith is.

January 7, 2016 at 12:24 PM

I agree, this business plan is completely confusing and way too advanced and overwhelming. I really want to like it, but after reading it a few times, I’m still lost.

October 27, 2011 at 11:10 PM

Creating a business plan was one of the smartest things I ever did. I wrote down all the ideas that had been spinning around in my head but had never been inserted into my business as a whole. Just the process of writing everything down becomes a way to clear your head and see the way forward. It’s great to see an honest, physical example of a business plan – thanks Cory!

March 11, 2012 at 4:25 PM

Wow!  I’m so glad I stumbled onto this!  Just what I needed!

June 4, 2012 at 6:16 AM

Thanks for posting the examples.  I didn’t realize that I already had lists covering most of the sections.  This really helped me put everything together in one place.  Now as I get new ideas, I have one document that I can go to.  I can quickly jot it down and properly categorize the idea right away knowing that I will have it on hand for when I have time to review the bigger picture over time.  Thanks again!

June 4, 2012 at 8:01 AM

 @figmentations Glad it helped!

January 13, 2013 at 2:57 PM

Thanks Cory. A Breath of Fresh Air!!! For the first time at last…with drudgery behind me, I can now pursue my business plan in JOY!!! In full celebration of all right brainers…here’s to your unlimited success:-)

February 23, 2013 at 11:43 AM

Hi Cory & Jennifer, I totally agree with having a business plan, writing down all the ideas & growth you have in mind for your business.

July 1, 2013 at 5:20 AM

thanks for everything. i like this site so much…

August 19, 2013 at 7:55 AM

Thank you this was very helpful 🙂

December 17, 2013 at 8:32 PM

Thank you for sharing this information, it can be difficult finding business resources for the artist/entrepreneur.

December 20, 2013 at 12:43 PM

Just need help starting a creative business. CB

September 25, 2015 at 3:07 PM

hello jennifar, i a cross this because am a starting artist. gama arts in Rwanda but i realy want a bussiness plan because i know success business needs a plan. thank you.

February 26, 2016 at 4:12 PM

I’m looking forward to doing the seminar on how to sell your artwork online. I am not computer literate, so this is going to require some intensive learning on my part. I am retired and can finally dedicate my time to doing the thing that I love the most, painting watercolor illustrations. I know nothing about blogging, or setting up my own web site. I hope this is the kind of information I can access from your seminar.

Thank you for showing me my first step toward creating a business out of my artwork…

May 16, 2016 at 4:35 PM

Thanks Cory and Jennifer, for sharing this information, it’s always good to know more about how I can do more on my art business.

November 25, 2017 at 3:06 PM

It helps me a lot to have specific, measurable goals. I’m just starting to turn art into a business for myself, so I’m trying out a few different things to see what works for me, but concrete numbers and plans and dates really help.

I’ve put together a list of business books for artists: http://jacquelineboss.com/2017/11/25/10-art-business-books-learn-how-to-sell-your-art/

January 22, 2018 at 12:01 PM

I had no idea how to get this started. This is super super helpful! Thank you!

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Art Meets Strategy: Your Business Plan Guide

Dancers, painters, sculptors - your art needs a plan! Our free business plan template covers market analysis, financial planning, and more. Get your PDF and pirouette your way to success!

Business Plan Artist (Free PDF)

An Artist's Guide to Crafting a Business Plan

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• How to write a business plan for your art business step by step
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photo credit: iStock.com/CarlosDavid.org

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Everyone dreams of turning their hobby into a business. Find a sample business plan for scrapbooking, art supply, gallery, fabric, stained glass supply, or other arts and craft supplies related business, and start writing a business plan to make your dream a reality.

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How To Start A Business In 11 Steps (2024 Guide)

Updated: Apr 7, 2024, 1:44pm

Table of Contents

Before you begin: get in the right mindset, 1. determine your business concept, 2. research your competitors and market, 3. create your business plan, 4. choose your business structure, 5. register your business and get licenses, 6. get your finances in order, 7. fund your business, 8. apply for business insurance, 9. get the right business tools, 10. market your business, 11. scale your business, what are the best states to start a business, bottom line, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Starting a business is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences you can have. But where do you begin? There are several ways to approach creating a business, along with many important considerations. To help take the guesswork out of the process and improve your chances of success, follow our comprehensive guide on how to start a business. We’ll walk you through each step of the process, from defining your business idea to registering, launching and growing your business.

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The public often hears about overnight successes because they make for a great headline. However, it’s rarely that simple—they don’t see the years of dreaming, building and positioning before a big public launch. For this reason, remember to focus on your business journey and don’t measure your success against someone else’s.

Consistency Is Key

New business owners tend to feed off their motivation initially but get frustrated when that motivation wanes. This is why it’s essential to create habits and follow routines that power you through when motivation goes away.

Take the Next Step

Some business owners dive in headfirst without looking and make things up as they go along. Then, there are business owners who stay stuck in analysis paralysis and never start. Perhaps you’re a mixture of the two—and that’s right where you need to be. The best way to accomplish any business or personal goal is to write out every possible step it takes to achieve the goal. Then, order those steps by what needs to happen first. Some steps may take minutes while others take a long time. The point is to always take the next step.

Most business advice tells you to monetize what you love, but it misses two other very important elements: it needs to be profitable and something you’re good at. For example, you may love music, but how viable is your business idea if you’re not a great singer or songwriter? Maybe you love making soap and want to open a soap shop in your small town that already has three close by—it won’t be easy to corner the market when you’re creating the same product as other nearby stores.

If you don’t have a firm idea of what your business will entail, ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you love to do?
• What do you hate to do?
• Can you think of something that would make those things easier?
• What are you good at?
• What do others come to you for advice about?
• If you were given ten minutes to give a five-minute speech on any topic, what would it be?
• What’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but lacked resources for?

These questions can lead you to an idea for your business. If you already have an idea, they might help you expand it. Once you have your idea, measure it against whether you’re good at it and if it’s profitable.

Your business idea also doesn’t have to be the next Scrub Daddy or Squatty Potty. Instead, you can take an existing product and improve upon it. You can also sell a digital product so there’s little overhead.

What Kind of Business Should You Start?

Before you choose the type of business to start, there are some key things to consider:

• What type of funding do you have?
• How much time do you have to invest in your business?
• Do you prefer to work from home or at an office or workshop?
• What interests and passions do you have?
• Can you sell information (such as a course), rather than a product?
• What skills or expertise do you have?
• How fast do you need to scale your business?
• What kind of support do you have to start your business?
• Are you partnering with someone else?
• Does the franchise model make more sense to you?

Consider Popular Business Ideas

Not sure what business to start? Consider one of these popular business ideas:

• Start a Franchise
• Start a Blog
• Start an Online Store
• Start a Dropshipping Business
• Start a Cleaning Business
• Start a Bookkeeping Business
• Start a Clothing Business
• Start a Landscaping Business
• Start a Consulting Business
• Start a Photography Business
• Start a Vending Machine Business

Most entrepreneurs spend more time on their products than they do getting to know the competition. If you ever apply for outside funding, the potential lender or partner wants to know: what sets you (or your business idea) apart? If market analysis indicates your product or service is saturated in your area, see if you can think of a different approach. Take housekeeping, for example—rather than general cleaning services, you might specialize in homes with pets or focus on garage cleanups.

Primary Research

The first stage of any competition study is primary research, which entails obtaining data directly from potential customers rather than basing your conclusions on past data. You can use questionnaires, surveys and interviews to learn what consumers want. Surveying friends and family isn’t recommended unless they’re your target market. People who say they’d buy something and people who do are very different. The last thing you want is to take so much stock in what they say, create the product and flop when you try to sell it because all of the people who said they’d buy it don’t because the product isn’t something they’d buy.

Secondary Research

Utilize existing sources of information, such as census data, to gather information when you do secondary research. The current data may be studied, compiled and analyzed in various ways that are appropriate for your needs but it may not be as detailed as primary research.

Conduct a SWOT Analysis

SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Conducting a SWOT analysis allows you to look at the facts about how your product or idea might perform if taken to market, and it can also help you make decisions about the direction of your idea. Your business idea might have some weaknesses that you hadn’t considered or there may be some opportunities to improve on a competitor’s product.

Asking pertinent questions during a SWOT analysis can help you identify and address weaknesses before they tank your new business.

A business plan is a dynamic document that serves as a roadmap for establishing a new business. This document makes it simple for potential investors, financial institutions and company management to understand and absorb. Even if you intend to self-finance, a business plan can help you flesh out your idea and spot potential problems. When writing a well-rounded business plan, include the following sections:

• Executive summary: The executive summary should be the first item in the business plan, but it should be written last. It describes the proposed new business and highlights the goals of the company and the methods to achieve them.
• Company description: The company description covers what problems your product or service solves and why your business or idea is best. For example, maybe your background is in molecular engineering, and you’ve used that background to create a new type of athletic wear—you have the proper credentials to make the best material.
• Market analysis: This section of the business plan analyzes how well a company is positioned against its competitors. The market analysis should include target market, segmentation analysis, market size, growth rate, trends and a competitive environment assessment.
• Organization and structure: Write about the type of business organization you expect, what risk management strategies you propose and who will staff the management team. What are their qualifications? Will your business be a single-member limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation ?
• Mission and goals: This section should contain a brief mission statement and detail what the business wishes to accomplish and the steps to get there. These goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, action-orientated, realistic and time-bound).
• Products or services: This section describes how your business will operate. It includes what products you’ll offer to consumers at the beginning of the business, how they compare to existing competitors, how much your products cost, who will be responsible for creating the products, how you’ll source materials and how much they cost to make.
• Background summary: This portion of the business plan is the most time-consuming to write. Compile and summarize any data, articles and research studies on trends that could positively and negatively affect your business or industry.
• Marketing plan: The marketing plan identifies the characteristics of your product or service, summarizes the SWOT analysis and analyzes competitors. It also discusses how you’ll promote your business, how much money will be spent on marketing and how long the campaign is expected to last.
• Financial plan: The financial plan is perhaps the core of the business plan because, without money, the business will not move forward. Include a proposed budget in your financial plan along with projected financial statements, such as an income statement, a balance sheet and a statement of cash flows. Usually, five years of projected financial statements are acceptable. This section is also where you should include your funding request if you’re looking for outside funding.

Learn more: Download our free simple business plan template .

Come Up With an Exit Strategy

An exit strategy is important for any business that is seeking funding because it outlines how you’ll sell the company or transfer ownership if you decide to retire or move on to other projects. An exit strategy also allows you to get the most value out of your business when it’s time to sell. There are a few different options for exiting a business, and the best option for you depends on your goals and circumstances.

The most common exit strategies are:

• Selling the business to another party
• Passing the business down to family members
• Liquidating the business assets
• Closing the doors and walking away

Develop a Scalable Business Model

As your small business grows, it’s important to have a scalable business model so that you can accommodate additional customers without incurring additional costs. A scalable business model is one that can be replicated easily to serve more customers without a significant increase in expenses.

Some common scalable business models are:

• Subscription-based businesses
• Businesses that sell digital products
• Franchise businesses
• Network marketing businesses

Start Planning for Taxes

One of the most important things to do when starting a small business is to start planning for taxes. Taxes can be complex, and there are several different types of taxes you may be liable for, including income tax, self-employment tax, sales tax and property tax. Depending on the type of business you’re operating, you may also be required to pay other taxes, such as payroll tax or unemployment tax.

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When structuring your business, it’s essential to consider how each structure impacts the amount of taxes you owe, daily operations and whether your personal assets are at risk.

An LLC limits your personal liability for business debts. LLCs can be owned by one or more people or companies and must include a registered agent . These owners are referred to as members.

• LLCs offer liability protection for the owners
• They’re one of the easiest business entities to set up
• You can have a single-member LLC
• You may be required to file additional paperwork with your state on a regular basis
• LLCs can’t issue stock
• You’ll need to pay annual filing fees to your state

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

An LLP is similar to an LLC but is typically used for licensed business professionals such as an attorney or accountant. These arrangements require a partnership agreement.

• Partners have limited liability for the debts and actions of the LLP
• LLPs are easy to form and don’t require much paperwork
• There’s no limit to the number of partners in an LLP
• Partners are required to actively take part in the business
• LLPs can’t issue stock
• All partners are personally liable for any malpractice claims against the business

Sole Proprietorship

If you start a solo business, you might consider a sole proprietorship . The company and the owner, for legal and tax purposes, are considered the same. The business owner assumes liability for the business. So, if the business fails, the owner is personally and financially responsible for all business debts.

• Sole proprietorships are easy to form
• There’s no need to file additional paperwork with your state
• You’re in complete control of the business
• You’re personally liable for all business debts
• It can be difficult to raise money for a sole proprietorship
• The business may have a limited lifespan

Corporation

A corporation limits your personal liability for business debts just as an LLC does. A corporation can be taxed as a C corporation (C-corp) or an S corporation (S-corp). S-corp status offers pass-through taxation to small corporations that meet certain IRS requirements. Larger companies and startups hoping to attract venture capital are usually taxed as C-corps.

• Corporations offer liability protection for the owners
• The life span of a corporation is not limited
• A corporation can have an unlimited number of shareholders
• Corporations are subject to double taxation
• They’re more expensive and complicated to set up than other business structures
• The shareholders may have limited liability

Before you decide on a business structure, discuss your situation with a small business accountant and possibly an attorney, as each business type has different tax treatments that could affect your bottom line.

Helpful Resources

• How To Set Up an LLC in 7 Steps
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• How To Start a Corporation
• How To Start a Nonprofit
• How To Start a 501(c)(3)

There are several legal issues to address when starting a business after choosing the business structure. The following is a good checklist of items to consider when establishing your business:

Choose Your Business Name

Make it memorable but not too difficult. Choose the same domain name, if available, to establish your internet presence. A business name cannot be the same as another registered company in your state, nor can it infringe on another trademark or service mark that is already registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Business Name vs. DBA

There are business names, and then there are fictitious business names known as “Doing Business As” or DBA. You may need to file a DBA if you’re operating under a name that’s different from the legal name of your business. For example, “Mike’s Bike Shop” is doing business as “Mike’s Bikes.” The legal name of the business is “Mike’s Bike Shop,” and “Mike’s Bikes” is the DBA.

You may need to file a DBA with your state, county or city government offices. The benefits of a DBA include:

• It can help you open a business bank account under your business name
• A DBA can be used as a “trade name” to brand your products or services
• A DBA can be used to get a business license

Register Your Business and Obtain an EIN

You’ll officially create a corporation, LLC or other business entity by filing forms with your state’s business agency―usually the Secretary of State. As part of this process, you’ll need to choose a registered agent to accept legal documents on behalf of your business. You’ll also pay a filing fee. The state will send you a certificate that you can use to apply for licenses, a tax identification number (TIN) and business bank accounts.

Next, apply for an employer identification number (EIN) . All businesses, other than sole proprietorships with no employees, must have a federal employer identification number. Submit your application to the IRS and you’ll typically receive your number in minutes.

Get Appropriate Licenses and Permits

Legal requirements are determined by your industry and jurisdiction. Most businesses need a mixture of local, state and federal licenses to operate. Check with your local government office (and even an attorney) for licensing information tailored to your area.

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Open a Business Bank Account

Keep your business and personal finances separate. Here’s how to choose a business checking account —and why separate business accounts are essential. When you open a business bank account, you’ll need to provide your business name and your business tax identification number (EIN). This business bank account can be used for your business transactions, such as paying suppliers or invoicing customers. Most times, a bank will require a separate business bank account to issue a business loan or line of credit.

Hire a Bookkeeper or Get Accounting Software

If you sell a product, you need an inventory function in your accounting software to manage and track inventory. The software should have ledger and journal entries and the ability to generate financial statements.

Some software programs double as bookkeeping tools. These often include features such as check writing and managing receivables and payables. You can also use this software to track your income and expenses, generate invoices, run reports and calculate taxes.

There are many bookkeeping services available that can do all of this for you, and more. These services can be accessed online from any computer or mobile device and often include features such as bank reconciliation and invoicing. Check out the best accounting software for small business, or see if you want to handle the bookkeeping yourself.

Determine Your Break-Even Point

Before you fund your business, you must get an idea of your startup costs. To determine these, make a list of all the physical supplies you need, estimate the cost of any professional services you will require, determine the price of any licenses or permits required to operate and calculate the cost of office space or other real estate. Add in the costs of payroll and benefits, if applicable.

Businesses can take years to turn a profit, so it’s better to overestimate the startup costs and have too much money than too little. Many experts recommend having enough cash on hand to cover six months of operating expenses.

When you know how much you need to get started with your business, you need to know the point at which your business makes money. This figure is your break-even point.

In contrast, the contribution margin = total sales revenue – cost to make product

For example, let’s say you’re starting a small business that sells miniature birdhouses for fairy gardens. You have determined that it will cost you $500 in startup costs. Your variable costs are $0.40 per birdhouse produced, and you sell them for $1.50 each.

Let’s write these out so it’s easy to follow:

This means that you need to sell at least 456 units just to cover your costs. If you can sell more than 456 units in your first month, you will make a profit.

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There are many different ways to fund your business—some require considerable effort, while others are easier to obtain. Two categories of funding exist: internal and external.

Internal funding includes:

• Personal savings
• Credit cards
• Funds from friends and family

If you finance the business with your own funds or with credit cards, you have to pay the debt on the credit cards and you’ve lost a chunk of your wealth if the business fails. By allowing your family members or friends to invest in your business, you are risking hard feelings and strained relationships if the company goes under. Business owners who want to minimize these risks may consider external funding.

External funding includes:

• Small business loans
• Small business grants
• Angel investors
• Venture capital
• Crowdfunding

Small businesses may have to use a combination of several sources of capital. Consider how much money is needed, how long it will take before the company can repay it and how risk-tolerant you are. No matter which source you use, plan for profit. It’s far better to take home six figures than make seven figures and only keep $80,000 of it.

Funding ideas include:

• Invoice factoring: With invoice factoring , you can sell your unpaid invoices to a third party at a discount.
• Business lines of credit: Apply for a business line of credit , which is similar to a personal line of credit. The credit limit and interest rate will be based on your business’s revenue, credit score and financial history.
• Equipment financing: If you need to purchase expensive equipment for your business, you can finance it with a loan or lease.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) microloans: Microloans are up to $50,000 loans that can be used for working capital, inventory or supplies and machinery or equipment.
• Grants: The federal government offers grants for businesses that promote innovation, export growth or are located in historically disadvantaged areas. You can also find grants through local and regional organizations.
• Crowdfunding: With crowdfunding , you can raise money from a large group of people by soliciting donations or selling equity in your company.

Choose the right funding source for your business by considering the amount of money you need, the time frame for repayment and your tolerance for risk.

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You need to have insurance for your business , even if it’s a home-based business or you don’t have any employees. The type of insurance you need depends on your business model and what risks you face. You might need more than one type of policy, and you might need additional coverage as your business grows. In most states, workers’ compensation insurance is required by law if you have employees.

Work With an Agent To Get Insured

An insurance agent can help determine what coverages are appropriate for your business and find policies from insurers that offer the best rates. An independent insurance agent represents several different insurers, so they can shop around for the best rates and coverage options.

Basic Types of Business Insurance Coverage

• Liability insurance protects your business against third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage and personal injury such as defamation or false advertising.
• Property insurance covers the physical assets of your business, including your office space, equipment and inventory.
• Business interruption insurance pays for the loss of income if your business is forced to close temporarily due to a covered event such as a natural disaster.
• Product liability insurance protects against claims that your products caused bodily injury or property damage.
• Employee practices liability insurance covers claims from employees alleging discrimination, sexual harassment or other wrongful termination.
• Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical expenses and income replacement for employees who are injured on the job.
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Business tools can help make your life easier and make your business run more smoothly. The right tools can help you save time, automate tasks and make better decisions.

Consider the following tools in your arsenal:

• Accounting software : Track your business income and expenses, prepare financial statements and file taxes. Examples include QuickBooks and FreshBooks.
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software : This will help you manage your customer relationships, track sales and marketing data and automate tasks like customer service and follow-ups. Examples include Zoho CRM and monday.com.
• Project management software : Plan, execute and track projects. It can also be used to manage employee tasks and allocate resources. Examples include Airtable and ClickUp.
• Credit card processor : This will allow you to accept credit card payments from customers. Examples include Stripe and PayPal.
• Point of sale (POS) : A system that allows you to process customer payments. Some accounting software and CRM software have POS features built-in. Examples include Clover and Lightspeed.
• Virtual private network (VPN) : Provides a secure, private connection between your computer and the internet. This is important for businesses that handle sensitive data. Examples include NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
• Merchant services : When customers make a purchase, the money is deposited into your business account. You can also use merchant services to set up recurring billing or subscription payments. Examples include Square and Stripe.
• Email hosting : This allows you to create a professional email address with your own domain name. Examples include G Suite and Microsoft Office 365.

Many business owners spend so much money creating their products that there isn’t a marketing budget by the time they’ve launched. Alternatively, they’ve spent so much time developing the product that marketing is an afterthought.

Create a Website

Even if you’re a brick-and-mortar business, a web presence is essential. Creating a website doesn’t take long, either—you can have one done in as little as a weekend. You can make a standard informational website or an e-commerce site where you sell products online. If you sell products or services offline, include a page on your site where customers can find your locations and hours. Other pages to add include an “About Us” page, product or service pages, frequently asked questions (FAQs), a blog and contact information.

Optimize Your Site for SEO

After getting a website or e-commerce store, focus on optimizing it for search engines (SEO). This way, when a potential customer searches for specific keywords for your products, the search engine can point them to your site. SEO is a long-term strategy, so don’t expect a ton of traffic from search engines initially—even if you’re using all the right keywords.

Create Relevant Content

Provide quality digital content on your site that makes it easy for customers to find the correct answers to their questions. Content marketing ideas include videos, customer testimonials, blog posts and demos. Consider content marketing one of the most critical tasks on your daily to-do list. This is used in conjunction with posting on social media.

Get Listed in Online Directories

Customers use online directories like Yelp, Google My Business and Facebook to find local businesses. Some city halls and chambers of commerce have business directories too. Include your business in as many relevant directories as possible. You can also create listings for your business on specific directories that focus on your industry.

Develop a Social Media Strategy

Your potential customers are using social media every day—you need to be there too. Post content that’s interesting and relevant to your audience. Use social media to drive traffic back to your website where customers can learn more about what you do and buy your products or services.

You don’t necessarily need to be on every social media platform available. However, you should have a presence on Facebook and Instagram because they offer e-commerce features that allow you to sell directly from your social media accounts. Both of these platforms have free ad training to help you market your business.

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To scale your business, you need to grow your customer base and revenue. This can be done by expanding your marketing efforts, improving your product or service, collaborating with other creators or adding new products or services that complement what you already offer.

Think about ways you can automate or outsource certain tasks so you can focus on scaling the business. For example, if social media marketing is taking up too much of your time, consider using a platform such as Hootsuite to help you manage your accounts more efficiently. You can also consider outsourcing the time-consumer completely.

You can also use technology to automate certain business processes, including accounting, email marketing and lead generation. Doing this will give you more time to focus on other aspects of your business.

When scaling your business, it’s important to keep an eye on your finances and make sure you’re still profitable. If you’re not making enough money to cover your costs, you need to either reduce your expenses or find ways to increase your revenue.

Build a Team

As your business grows, you’ll need to delegate tasks and put together a team of people who can help you run the day-to-day operations. This might include hiring additional staff, contractors or freelancers.

Resources for building a team include:

• Hiring platforms: To find the right candidates, hiring platforms, such as Indeed and Glassdoor, can help you post job descriptions, screen résumés and conduct video interviews.
• Job boards: Job boards such as Craigslist and Indeed allow you to post open positions for free.
• Social media: You can also use social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook to find potential employees.
• Freelance platforms: Using Upwork, Freelancer and Fiverr can help you find talented freelancers for one-time or short-term projects. You can also outsource certain tasks, such as customer service, social media marketing or bookkeeping.

You might also consider partnering with other businesses in your industry. For example, if you’re a wedding planner, you could partner with a florist, photographer, catering company or venue. This way, you can offer your customers a one-stop shop for all their wedding needs. Another example is an e-commerce store that partners with a fulfillment center. This type of partnership can help you save money on shipping and storage costs, and it can also help you get your products to your customers faster.

To find potential partnerships, search for businesses in your industry that complement what you do. For example, if you’re a web designer, you could partner with a digital marketing agency.

You can also search for businesses that serve the same target market as you but offer different products or services. For example, if you sell women’s clothing, you could partner with a jewelry store or a hair salon.

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To rank the best states to start a business in 2024, Forbes Advisor analyzed 18 key metrics across five categories to determine which states are the best and worst to start a business in. Our ranking takes into consideration factors that impact businesses and their ability to succeed, such as business costs, business climate, economy, workforce and financial accessibility in each state. Check out the full report .

Starting a small business takes time, effort and perseverance. But if you’re willing to put in the work, it can be a great way to achieve your dreams and goals. Be sure to do your research, create a solid business plan and pivot along the way. Once you’re operational, don’t forget to stay focused and organized so you can continue to grow your business.

How do I start a small business with no money?

There are several funding sources for brand-new businesses and most require a business plan to secure it. These include the SBA , private grants, angel investors, crowdfunding and venture capital.

What is the best business structure?

The best business structure for your business will depend entirely on what kind of company you form, your industry and what you want to accomplish. But any successful business structure will be one that will help your company set realistic goals and follow through on set tasks.

Do I need a business credit card?

You don’t need one, but a business credit card can be helpful for new small businesses. It allows you to start building business credit, which can help you down the road when you need to take out a loan or line of credit. Additionally, business credit cards often come with rewards and perks that can save you money on business expenses.

Do I need a special license or permit to start a small business?

The answer to this question will depend on the type of business you want to start and where you’re located. Some businesses, such as restaurants, will require a special permit or license to operate. Others, such as home daycare providers, may need to register with the state.

How much does it cost to create a business?

The cost of starting a business will vary depending on the size and type of company you want to create. For example, a home-based business will be less expensive to start than a brick-and-mortar store. Additionally, the cost of starting a business will increase if you need to rent or buy commercial space, hire employees or purchase inventory. You could potentially get started for free by dropshipping or selling digital goods.

How do I get a loan for a new business?

The best way to get a loan for a new business is to approach banks or other financial institutions and provide them with a business plan and your financial history. You can also look into government-backed loans, such as those offered by the SBA. Startups may also be able to get loans from alternative lenders, including online platforms such as Kiva.

Do I need a business degree to start a business?

No, you don’t need a business degree to start a business. However, acquiring a degree in business or a related field can provide you with the understanding and ability to run an effective company. Additionally, you may want to consider taking some business courses if you don’t have a degree to learn more about starting and running a business. You can find these online and at your local Small Business Administration office.

What are some easy businesses to start?

One of the easiest businesses to start also has the lowest overhead: selling digital goods. This can include items such as e-books, online courses, audio files or software. If you have expertise in a particular area or niche, this is a great option for you. Dropshipping is also a great option because you don’t have to keep inventory. You could also buy wholesale products or create your own. Once you create your product, you can sell it through your own website or third-party platforms such as Amazon or Etsy.

What is the most profitable type of business?

There is no one answer to this question because the most profitable type of business will vary depending on a number of factors, such as your industry, location, target market and business model. However, some businesses tend to be more profitable than others, such as luxury goods, high-end services, business-to-business companies and subscription-based businesses. If you’re not sure what type of business to start, consider your strengths and interests, as well as the needs of your target market, to help you choose a profitable business idea.

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Katherine Haan is a small business owner with nearly two decades of experience helping other business owners increase their incomes.

Art Industry Trends 2024

Welcome to the 2024 edition of Art Industry Trends, Artsy’s annual research-driven report on the key topics shaping the gallery landscape today. This year, we surveyed gallery professionals from 68 countries to discover the main factors affecting their businesses in 2024—from discounting practices, to collector behavior, to the artists driving the most sales.

This year’s report arrives against the backdrop of a tricky environment for the art trade. Interest rates and inflation remain stubbornly high across advanced economies, with many still impacted by slow growth that marred much of 2023. For galleries, this was felt most acutely in the form of rising business costs. In light of this, our survey respondents reported participating in fewer art fairs and leaning increasing on online marketplaces, both for meeting new collectors and making sales.

In terms of sales, our report finds a stable picture. Most galleries across all sectors reported roughly the same or increased sales in 2023 compared to 2022. And despite talk of galleries offering larger discounts to appeal to choosier collectors, a majority of respondents offered discounts on less than half of their sales last year. The highest proportion of respondents also said that they had experienced no change in their sales cycle timelines, countering anecdotal evidence that collectors are slower to make sales decisions than before.

The picture overall from this report is that galleries are approaching the current challenges in the art market with resiliency. We thank the respondents who took part in this year’s survey, and hope that the insights provided in this report serve you well.

Here, we share an abridged version of the report. Read the full analysis by downloading Art Industry Trends 2024.

1. Nearly half of galleries implemented cost-cutting measures to increase profitability in 2023.

Based on Artsy survey data.

The cost of running a gallery increased in 2023 for the vast majority of our survey respondents: 42% said that operating costs had increased slightly in 2023, followed by 32% that said costs had risen significantly. Just 14% said that they’d experienced no change.

Almost half of respondents (48%) have taken cost-cutting measures. Of those respondents, notably, 39% said that they are doing fewer art fairs. The cost of participating in art fairs was among the main themes of Artsy’s inaugural Art Fair Report from earlier this year , where a majority (56%) of surveyed galleries that do not participate in art fairs said that the cost of participating in fairs was the highest barrier to entry.

When asked to select how they are finding savings, 44% of respondents reported cutting day-to-day administrative expenses, followed by marketing budgets (34%), and a reduction in workforce (19%). Of those who reduced their workforce, the highest proportion (50%) said that gallery assistants were the positions they cut.

2. Half of galleries offered discounts on only some of their sales in 2023.

In a competitive and uncertain art market, offering increased discounts to collectors has been a point of discussion within the art trade. Despite this, just 22% of respondents said they offered more discounts in 2023 than in 2022, while 50% said they offered discounts at roughly the same rate.

Half of our respondents reported that their galleries offered discounts on less than 50% of the artwork sold in 2023, with 32% saying that they offered discounts on less than 25% of works, followed by 18% that said they offered discounts on 25–49% of sales. Just a quarter said that they offered discounts on more than 50% of their artwork sales, and 18% said they didn’t offer discounts at all.

According to the largest proportion of respondents who offered discounts (36%), the average discount on artwork sales was 10–14%; 28% said their discounts were less than 10%; 19% said they offered 15–19% discounts; 5% said they offered discounts of 20–29%; and 2% offered discounts of more than 30%. These responses broadly mirror the Artsy data gathered for Art Basel and UBS’s report The Art Market 2024 , which showed that the average discount for works sold on Artsy in 2023 was 18%.

3. Ultra-contemporary artists are most important to most gallery businesses.

Galleries view ultra-contemporary artists—those born in or after 1975—as most important to their business today. When asked to select the most important cohorts of artists, the largest proportion of respondents (48%) selected artists born between 1975 and 1989, followed by artists born after 1990 (32%).

This data is commensurate with current interest in artists from the ultra-contemporary cohort. The rise in prominence of such artists has been one of the key themes from recent years in the art world, with a slew of blockbuster gallery representation announcements, headline-grabbing auction results, and museum shows for younger generations of artists becoming increasingly commonplace. Ultra-contemporary artists also dominated the list of most in-demand and trending artists on Artsy we published last year in The Art Market Recap 2023.

This emphasis on the ultra-contemporary cohort—which encompasses the vast majority of young and emerging artists working today, whose works tend to sell at lower price points—is reflected in the prices of artworks that galleries view as most important to their business. Asked to identify the two most important artwork value segments, most respondents (39%) selected the $5,000–$10,000 range, and under $5,000 (39%).

4. Most galleries co-represent artists with other galleries.

Joint gallery representation has been the basis for much recent art world discussion, due in large part to a growing number of collaboration initiatives between larger and smaller galleries. Hauser & Wirth , for instance, last year announced a “collective impact” approach to sharing representation of artists, premised on combining resources with smaller galleries to uplift their artists.

But joint gallery representation across a globalized art market is not a novel concept, our survey shows. Some 64% of respondents whose galleries represent artists said that they co-represent artists with other galleries.

Unsurprisingly, represented artists are driving the most sales for galleries that have a roster of represented artists. The largest proportion (37%) of these respondents say that artists they have represented for more than five years drove the most sales for their gallery in 2023, followed by artists they have represented for between one and five years (33%). When asked what proportion of represented artists make up the most of their gallery sales, the highest percentage (30%) of respondents said that less than 20% of their represented artists constitute the majority of their sales, followed by 75–100% of their represented artists (19%).

Galleries that participated in this report illustrate a broad spectrum of the industry: Of respondents who represent artists, 33% represent fewer than five artists, followed by more than 21 artists (24%) and between two and 10 artists (22%). Most (46%) took on only one or two artists last year, followed by three to five new artists (28%). This is consistent with these respondents’ expectations for 2024: Most (40%) plan on taking on one or two artists in 2024, followed by three to five (26%).

5. Online marketplaces outrank art fairs as an impactful way for galleries to meet new clients.

Galleries view online marketplaces as a more impactful source of meeting new clients than art fairs. When asked to select the three most impactful options, respondents who reported an increase in new clients in 2023 selected in-person gallery walk-ins as the most important (55%), followed by online marketplaces (42%) and art fairs (36%).

This picture changes slightly among larger galleries, where online marketplaces outrank all other channels as the most impactful means of meeting new clients. The option was selected by 73% of these respondents, more than art fairs (45%), art advisors (45%), emails (27%), and in-person walk-ins at galleries (27%).

When asked to select the methods that are a growing source of artwork sales for their business, most large galleries (54%) selected online marketplace / e-commerce, followed by art fairs (38%). This contrasts with what we found among smaller galleries—identified as having three or fewer full-time employees—where 26% said that online marketplaces were a growing source of artwork sales. Among this group, in-person conversations (39%) and email conversations / sending PDFs via email (35%) ranked at the top.

In terms of online sales, the picture is largely one of overall stability. For large galleries, the same percentage of respondents (44%) reported that online sales in 2023 had risen or stayed the same compared with 2022. For smaller galleries, the majority reported that online sales had either stayed the same (37%) or increased (28%), but a higher percentage (23%) said that their online sales had decreased.

When it comes to marketing, physical and digital channels are viewed on a broadly equal footing, confirming the hybrid state of the post-pandemic art world. Galleries across all groups said that email newsletters and in-person events are the most important marketing channels, with each option being selected by 51% of respondents when asked to identify up to three of their most important channels. This is followed by gallery websites (37%), online marketplaces (32%), organic social media (31%), and in-person art fairs (25%).

Download Art Industry Trends 2024.

Methodology.

Art Industry Trends 2024 was developed through an online survey that ran from April to May 2024, with responses from 716 gallery professionals and dealers who are both partners and non-partners of Artsy. The majority of participants (42%) are based in the U.S., followed by the U.K. (10%). Some 16% have been in business for less than three years, 40% have been in business for three to 15 years, and 44% have been in business for more than 15 years. Some 68% of respondents have a permanent, physical location. Large galleries are defined as having 25 or more full-time employees, and small galleries are defined as having three or fewer full-time employees.

This survey would not have been possible without the gallerists, art dealers, and other gallery professionals who took the time to respond to our survey. We would like to express our gratitude, and hope that this report serves you well.

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How To Create a Social Media Marketing Strategy (+ Template)

Social media can increase sales and boost brand awareness—if you do it right. Learn how to create a social media marketing strategy that gets results.

Social media platforms are the perfect place to connect with your audience, boost brand awareness, and drive shoppers to your website. But, without a plan, it can feel like you’re throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. This is why it’s important to have a social media strategy. 

Even a simple strategy can help you define your target audience , decide what content to develop and share with them, and establish the content types best aligned with your business goals .

Here’s how to create a social media marketing strategy to boost your brand awareness and there’s even a template you can download to get you started.

What is social media marketing?

Social media marketing is the use of social media channels to promote and sell products or services. Any kind of marketing activity that takes place on social media and can be tied to an objective is considered social media marketing. 

Platforms like Instagram , TikTok , YouTube , and Facebook offer a direct way to reach out and connect with your customers on a personal level. More importantly, you can reach them where they’re already hanging out. 

What is a social media marketing strategy?

A social media marketing strategy brings together your business’ social media marketing goals and plan of action. It can help you uncover what to post on different channels and what tactics you can use to achieve your business objectives. 

Whether it’s TikTok ads or influencer marketing , social media lets brands access cost-effective marketing. Like a Swiss Army knife, a social media marketing plan can serve various marketing functions, including:

• Driving traffic and sales
• Tapping into influencer networks
• Building brand awareness
• Amassing an engaged audience
• Connecting with customers and prospects
• Providing customer support

Types of social media strategies

The variety and versatility of social media platforms in 2024 means there are numerous strategies you can try. 

• Viral strategies. Jump on trends to explode your reach and increase brand awareness. 
• Nurturing strategies. Build deeper connections with customers by sharing behind-the-scenes content and engaging with your community. 
• Trust-building strategies. Cement your expertise and credibility with reviews and user-generated content.
• Influencer marketing strategies. Partner with relevant accounts in your industry to spread the word about your brand and products.
• Launch campaigns. Promote your latest product line and create a buzz around your brand.

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Interacting with customers on social media is a great way to boost sales and build your brand. Here are 10 popular social selling platforms on the Shopify App Store.

The importance of creating a social media strategy

If you regularly find yourself thinking “What shall we post today?” you need a social media strategy. Having a plan in place will help you come up with ideas and share content that complements your business goals. 

A thought-out social media strategy can help your business: 

• Boost website traffic by driving visitors to your online store 
• Increase brand awareness by exposing your brand and products to new audiences
• Engage with your customers to learn more about their wants and needs 
• Establish authority and credibility by showing up regularly 
• Nurture customer loyalty by regularly communicating with existing buyers 
• Reduce marketing costs by growing organically 
• Tell your brand story to differentiate yourself from your competitors 
• Increase revenue by promoting your products to a warm audience 

How to create a social media strategy 

• Define your goals
• Know your target audience
• Conduct a competitive analysis
• Content a social media audit
• Choose the right social media platforms
• Develop a content strategy
• Create a content calendar
• Use the right social media tools
• Engage with your audience
• Make a plan for customer service
• Leverage influencer marketing
• Explore social media advertising
• Incorporate ecommerce into your social strategy/a>
• Monitor and analyze performance
• Iterate and refine

1. Define your goals

Identify and define what you want to achieve with your social media strategy plan. This will depend on your business, your audience, and your wider marketing strategy.

Examples of social media marketing goals include:

• Increase brand awareness
• Drive website traffic
• Generate leads
• Grow your audience
• Increase engagement

Your goals will guide your strategy and serve as the benchmark for tracking your performance. Avoid generic goals and instead focus on objectives, such as percentage increases or revenue boosts. For example, rather than having a goal of driving more website traffic, you should aim to increase website traffic by 5% every month, or reach 10,000 website visits a month by December. 

Create SMART goals

It helps to create SMART goals: 

Using the SMART framework means you can track your goals, ensure they aren’t out of the realms of possibility, and make sure they’re relevant to your overall business objectives. Most importantly, they are bound by a time limit. This will increase the likelihood of you achieving your goals.

“I like to start by putting together a list of goals for each platform,” says Mac Steer, owner and director at Simify . “What do I want my audience to walk away from this post thinking? Do I need them to take action? How can I make that happen? Then, once I’ve got some ideas in mind and know what my goal is for each platform, I’ll figure out how best to execute those goals on each platform.”

Choose the most relevant metrics

Measure your progress against your SMART goals by mapping them to metrics.

Your social media strategy should always be data-driven. Aligning your goals to the most relevant metrics will help you track the performance of your strategy and ensure you’re meeting your targets. 

Here’s a quick overview of the metrics you might choose: 

• Reach. The number of users who see your post. 
• Clicks. The number of clicks through to your website. 
• Engagement. The number or rate of users who like, comment, or share your posts.
• Sentiment. How users react to your brand. 
• Video views. The number of times a video is watched.
• Follower count. The number of followers you gain from your campaign. 
• Impressions. The number of times your content is shown to users. 
• Brand mentions. The number of times users mention your brand. 
• Conversion rate. The percentage rate of users who take a desired action, like making a purchase or signing up to your email list. 

2. Know your target audience

An effective social media strategy starts with understanding your customer. Building context on your target audience takes time, but there are steps you can take that will provide lasting value. 

Research your customers

Narrow in on your target audience by looking for demographic and psychographic data or observable patterns that help you form an image of who is likely to buy from you. This exercise won’t only inform your initial strategy but also help you develop a voice and tone for your brand that resonates.

Here are some methods to get to know your target audience: 

• Run a survey. Collect quantitative data about your audience, such as their age, location, job role, and core interests. 
• Conduct interviews. Ask to speak to a handful of your customers to get qualitative data, such as their values, challenges, goals, and pain points. 
• Research the competition. See who’s following your biggest competitors. Identify what characteristics they share, what other content they follow and engage with, and any other information you can glean from their social media profiles. 
• Check support tickets. Your customer service team has a wealth of information about your customers via support tickets. You can often find pain points and challenges here. 
• Dig into your analytics. Most social media platforms have in-built insights that show you information like the age and location of your followers. 

Create customer personas 

Once you’ve carried out this research, you can create customer personas that match each audience segment. This should include demographic information, like age and location, as well as psychographic data, like interests, buying concerns, and motivation to buy. 

You can use this information to build up a picture of your audience and tailor your content so that it resonates with them.

Here’s an example of some of the demographic and psychographic information you can use to get to know your audience. 

• Location. Where do your ideal customers typically live? Even knowing just the countries can help, but if you’re a local business or focus on one region, then it should be the cities you can realistically cater to.
• Age. What is the age range of your customers?
• Gender. What gender do they identify as? This might not be as important depending on your brand.
• Interests. What are their interests, hobbies, or passions? These make for effective targeting options.
• Career/industry. What industry do they work in and what job titles have they held? This may not be relevant, depending on your brand.
• Income level. What is the income range of this buyer persona? Are they price-sensitive or are they willing to spend more money for premium products?
• Relationship status. Are they single, actively dating, or married? This may be relevant if you’re in the wedding industry, for example.
• Favorite websites. What type of websites do they keep bookmarked? Do they browse Instagram or TikTok daily?
• Motivation to buy. What reasons would they have for buying your product? Do they want to sport a status symbol or make time to work out despite a busy schedule?
• Buying concerns. Why might they choose not to buy your product? Are they worried about the quality?
• Other info. Anything else that isn’t covered above but would be worth mentioning, such as education, stage in life (parents with newborn kids), or events they attend.

3. Conduct competitive analysis

A competitive analysis will show you what your competitors are doing well on social media and give you an idea of where your brand sits in the market. It can also inspire—but remember to put your own spin on your content. 

How to conduct a competitor analysis 

• Identify your top five competitors (these can be brands with the same products as you, the same audience, or who share a similar space in the market).
• Research which social media platforms they’re using and how they’re using them (for example, do they predominantly share Stories on Instagram?).
• Explore their top posts and make a note of what those posts include (this can inspire your own content).
• Use social media listening to keep an eye on what your competitors are up to on social media.
• Make competitor research a quarterly task to stay on top of industry trends and to inform your own social media strategy.

4. Conduct a social media audit

Running an audit on your existing social media content activity will help you see what works and what doesn’t. It will give you a better understanding of what content formats and messaging styles your audience prefers, but it will also provide insight into when your audience is online and the best time to post. 

How to run a social media audit

• Analyze engagement. Check your insights on each social media channel you use to identify your top-performing posts based on the number of likes, comments, and shares. 
• Identify patterns. See if any patterns show up in your insights. For example, you might find that people prefer to engage with videos on your Instagram account or that your followers are most active on the weekend. 
• Run audits on each channel. Every social media platform is different—what works on Facebook might not work on Instagram and vice versa, so run an audit on each channel you use. 

When you’ve run your audit, assess the effectiveness of each top-performing piece of content in reaching your goals. For example, if followers are engaging wildly with meme-style videos that have nothing to do with your product, you might not hit the product sales targets you were hoping for.

5. Choose the right social media platforms

The social media content audit will shed some light on your best-performing platforms based on your goals, which will help you decide where to focus your efforts. It can be tempting to spread yourself thin across every new channel that pops up, but it’s better to excel on two or three than be inconsistent on six different channels. 

When choosing the best social media platforms for your brand, consider: 

• Where your target audience is most active
• Your business goals and objectives
• Which platforms are easiest to promote your products on 
• Where your content performs best 

Which social media platforms should you choose?

Different social media platforms serve different purposes—not least because they each promote different types of content. The platforms you choose will depend on your audience, your products, and what’s most popular in your industry. 

Here’s a breakdown of the top social media platforms and what they’re best for. 

• TikTok. A short-form video app with a hyper-personalized algorithm that helps brands nurture deeper customer connections through raw, unedited videos and behind-the-scenes snapshots.
• X (formerly known as Twitter). A short-form text-based platform great for asking questions, responding to customer inquiries, and spotting upcoming trends. 
• Facebook . A community-based platform with a ton of features for brick-and-mortar stores, including check-ins and reviews.
• Instagram. A visual platform with a suite of social commerce features perfect for brands that want to connect with customers and drive sales. 
• Threads. Meta’s new channel helps brands connect on a deeper, text-based level with their customers. 
• LinkedIn. A network-focused platform best for connecting with social media influencers and industry professionals and sharing your company wins. 
• Pinterest. A visual pinning platform that promotes social selling. Great for beautiful brands with photogenic products. 
• YouTube. A video platform perfect for growing a community, sharing long-form content, and driving traffic to your website. 

Drinks brand Aura Bora regularly shares unedited Q&A videos from its social media manager. 

Set up your social media profiles

Once you’ve decided which platforms to use, take some time to set up your profiles. You ideally want to create a cohesive look across platforms while making sure you provide all the information you need to include. 

Here are some tips: 

• Fill out all profile fields in as much detail as the character limits allow
• Incorporate relevant keywords so users can find you 
• Use high-quality profile pictures and branding
• Include a call-to-action to guide users to your website or email list 

Choose the purpose of each platform

Create a strategy for each platform that keeps your big-picture objectives in mind. Different platforms have different uses. For example, consumers use Pinterest to find products, but they use Facebook to connect with friends and family. Your social media strategy for each platform should consider these use cases to give your accounts the best chance of success.

Alex McIntosh, CEO and co-founder of Thrive Natural Care , finds choosing channels easy, as the company is focused on an omnichannel experience.

“We want to be present where our customers are, so we publish content on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube,” Alex says. “We know that our customers and audience are using different platforms at different times, so however they prefer to consume content, we want ours to add value to their day.”

6. Develop a content strategy

Design a plan for the type of content you’ll create and share on each of your chosen social media channels. The content may vary depending on the platform and the audience you’re trying to reach, so it’s important to create a strategy that encompasses all of your customer personas and all of your social media channels. 

Find content inspiration 

One of the hardest and most time-consuming parts of creating a social media strategy is coming up with content ideas. But ideas are all around—you just have to know where to look. 

Here are some ways to come up with content ideas:

• Answer customer questions or spotlight previous comments.
• Check customer support tickets to find objections and hesitations. 
• Jump on a trending topic and add your own spin. 
• Browse relevant hashtags to see what content is getting the most love.
• Share reviews and customer testimonials. 
• Create mini-guides for your products.

Define your content mix

Defining your content mix—recurring formats and post types—makes it easier to produce social content while adding a rhythm to your posting schedule. This offers your audience both variety and consistency at the same time.

Within your content mix, you want to have ideas you can plan for in advance, reproduce, and schedule to go out regularly. For example, you might feature a customer testimonial every Tuesday and share a quote graphic every Wednesday and Friday.

Pieces that are easy to create can keep your social media calendar full while you build out more elaborate assets, such as a promotional video or a blog post .

“For a content plan, we try to focus on both timeliness and value for our customers and followers,” says Alex. “One core value of our business is “Leave it better,” and this is a guiding principle for our team. This means we want our social content to be something people feel good about. Whether it is a post about our regenerative farming efforts in Costa Rica or we are showcasing a new skin care product, we want our social media content to be valuable for anyone who sees it.”

Choose your content archetypes 

Content archetypes are different content formats or topics included in your strategy. They should relate to your business objectives and resonate with your audience. For example, a lifestyle brand might have “inspirational quotes” as a content archetype. 

Here are some archetypes to consider:

• News. Information about what’s happening in your industry or posts based on what’s trending at the moment.
• Inspiration. Motivation to use your products or pursue a certain lifestyle, such as quote graphics or photos from around the world.
• Education. Share fun stats and facts or how-to posts from your blog or YouTube channel.
• Product/promotional posts. High-quality product shots of your products being used, demo videos, testimonials, or feature explanations can help you achieve your ultimate goal of getting sales. You can often run these as ads after you create them.
• Contests and giveaways. A contest or free download in exchange for an email is a great way to promote something of value to both you and your audience other than your products.
• Customer/influencer features. Shots or videos featuring your customers or the people they follow.
• Community events. Share meetups, fundraisers, or learning opportunities, especially if you’re a local business.
• Q&A. Ask your audience a question or make a request to elicit responses, such as, “Tag a friend who’s always late.” Answer a common question that you get from customers.
• Tips and tricks. Share useful information and tutorials about your products.
• Behind the scenes. Share how your product is made or what you’re doing to grow your business to offer some transparency that your audience can relate to. Giving your audience a look into the humans behind your business can go a long way in creating trust or building your personal brand as a founder.
• Repurposed blog posts. Leverage your existing content on your Shopify blog and repurpose it into engaging social media content , such as snippets, images, or teasers. 

Aim for five to seven content archetypes to start. Balance your content mix with post formats you can create quickly and those more labor intensive, as well as posts that aim for sales and posts that just seek to delight and grow your audience.

Snack brand Oh Snap! Pickling Co. finds the right mix of engaging content by publishing a mix of product shots, trending Reels, engagement posts, and even a tarot card series on its Instagram to keep customers entertained and engaged.

Developing a mix of different content types will ensure you have a social media lead generation strategy that provides customers with the information they need at every stage of the purchasing funnel. 

7. Create a content calendar

Establish a schedule for when and how often you’ll post on each social media platform. This will help you maintain consistency and ensure a steady flow of content.

Start slow and then ramp up to a higher frequency as you develop your routine and figure out what works.

Set your posting schedule

Decide how much time you can dedicate to social media, even if you can only post once every few days in the beginning. You can build up to one post a day and then test to see if a higher frequency nets you better results on specific platforms.

The amount you post will vary on the platforms you’re using. For example, it’s more acceptable to post multiple times a day on X or Threads than it is to post to your Instagram feed. 

Hootsuite experts recommend using these posting guidelines: 

• Instagram feed: 3–5 times per week
• Instagram Stories: 2 times per day
• Facebook: 1–2 times per day
• X: 2–3 times per day
• LinkedIn: 1–2 times per day
• TikTok: 3–5 times per week 
• Threads: 2–3 times per day 
• YouTube: 1–2 times per week 

Identify your best posting times

You need to focus your attention where it will have the most impact and when your audience is scrolling through their feeds. 

Each platform has a different ideal posting time depending on when their followers are most engaged. You’ll find the best time to post on TikTok will be different from the best time to post on Instagram . If you aren’t sure where to start, think about when people check their feeds: in the morning, at lunch, during their commute, or before bed.

You’ll discover the best posting times for your particular audience through trial and error. Popular posting times will also vary depending on seasons and other variables.

What’s more important is that you schedule your posts in batches, at least a week in advance. Do it in one sitting, dedicating a few hours at a time so you can focus on other things while your social media publishing runs in the background. You can use an automated scheduling tool to load up your social media posts for the week. 

8. Use the right social media tools

Juggling content for multiple social media channels at once is hard work, especially if you’re creating different types of content for each account. 

This is where social media apps and tools can be a huge help. Tools that let you schedule content in advance, create beautiful graphics, and monitor comments and engagement can take a load off your plate and remove much of the manual work of social media posting. 

Here are some social media tools you might consider using.

Scheduling tools

Use an app that lets you schedule your content calendar in advance so you don’t have to remember to post: 

• Buffer . Distribute your content to multiple channels at once. The app also tells you when the best time to post is based on your audience metrics. 
• Hootsuite . Design, schedule, and publish content across multiple networks from one central dashboard. See all your replies in one place, too. 
• Later . Bulk schedule your content across your social platforms and use the tool’s analytics to decide the best time to post. 

Content creation tools

Use a tool to create on-brand graphics and videos to keep your feeds looking fresh and memorable: 

• Canva . Browse a library of hundreds of design templates you can drag and drop your fonts, logo, and graphics onto. 
• Unsplash . Access thousands of royalty-free images you can edit or use in your social content. 
• Venngage . Make beautiful infographics using hundreds of pre-made templates. 

Content ideation tools

Use a tool to come up with fresh content ideas that are relevant to your business and audience:

• BuzzSumo . Discover what other brands are talking about and jump on trending discussions while they’re hot. 
• Google Trends . Track what people are interested in and use it to create content that’s timely and relevant.
• AnswerThePublic . See what questions people are searching for about certain topics or products. 

9. Engage with your audience

Develop strategies to actively engage with your audience, respond to comments and messages, and foster a sense of community. No one wants to feel like they’re shouting into the void, so make an effort to start discussions and encourage interactions around your content. Alex from Thrive Natural Care says the brand has put added importance on engaging with its audience.

“It is one thing to put out great content, but audiences want to feel like they are a part of something, and by engaging with our customers, we help them join us on our journey,” he says.

How to engage with your audience

• Reshare content. Post customer photos and reviews to your own feeds (remember to credit the original creator). 
• Ask questions. Invite discussion by asking a question. 
• Run a poll. Instagram, X, and Facebook all have a poll feature you can use to encourage engagement and learn more about your customers at the same time. 
• Jump on trends. Join in with the latest TikTok trends or trending hashtags on other channels—just make sure it’s relevant to your brand and audience. 
• Respond to comments. Engage your audience by replying to the comments they leave on your content. 

Bubble Skincare does an excellent job of engaging with its followers. It consistently replies to fans and shows its appreciation for purchases and comments.

10. Make a plan for customer service

Customers use social media to engage with brands—and a lot of the time, that involves asking questions and seeking out customer support. It has made social media the go-to place for customer service requests. 

Channels like Facebook and X are ideal for tackling customer questions. Your social media customer service plan might include an automated chatbot that answers FAQs on autopilot—Facebook has a built-in app you can use—setting aside a dedicated time each week to go through customer questions, or directing users from social media to the community help pages on your website. 

11. Leverage influencer marketing

Consider collaborating with influencers relevant to your industry or niche. They can help amplify your reach, increase brand awareness, and drive engagement. 

How to get started with influencer marketing

• Find relevant influencers. Use apps like Shopify Collabs to find influencers that have an audience in your niche. Consider the platform they’re popular on and how that’s likely to impact your brand. 
• Brainstorm content. Work together to come up with content ideas that will resonate with their audience. Make sure it’s relevant to your brand and products, too. 
• Track and tweak. Measure what works and what doesn’t to see what content you can collaborate on in the future.

You don’t need to hire influencers with millions of followers to expand your brand reach. Skin care brand Plenaire works with niche and micro-influencers to reach highly engaged audiences. Not only does this help you grow your audience, it builds trust in your brand and encourages sales, for a relatively low cost.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Plenaire (@plenaire_official)

You can work with influencers on a short-term, one-off basis or as an ongoing ambassadorship. Both have their pros and cons, but it will ultimately depend on your goal and your budget. 

“We include influencers in our strategy as well, notifying them about monthly sales and products to advertise on their blogging channels,” says Nicky Miller, social media manager at Lion Brand Yarn . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jewell Washington (@northknits)

“An example of a successful campaign was our 145th anniversary. We encouraged influencers to share videos about our brand’s history and products. The results were a success, we saw nice growth on Instagram, and were featured in several publications covering our brand.”

12. Explore social media advertising

It’s hard to get traction when you’re just getting started on social media and it can feel like an endless uphill battle to get even a few likes on your post. You can give your accounts a boost by investing in social media advertising . Most advertising features have laser-focused targeting capabilities, which means you can choose exactly who you want to reach: Working moms aged 25 to 40? Yoga lovers who live in New York? 

Choose your advertising methods

• Instagram Stories. Show up organically as users click through their friend's and family’s Stories. 
• Instagram feed ads. Direct users to your website or offer an incentive when they click through. 
• YouTube in-stream ads. Promote your brand to rapt video viewers either before, during, or at the end of a YouTube video. 
• TikTok ads. Connect with users by showing up organically as they scroll through their highly personalized TikTok feed. 

13. Incorporate ecommerce into your social strategy

Most social media platforms have native ecommerce features that either help promote your products or allow users to buy directly through the app. This creates a seamless selling process because customers can discover and purchase your products without ever leaving their feeds. 

Make use of social selling features

Here are some of the social selling features to drive sales: 

• Instagram Shopping. Upload your product catalog and encourage shoppers to buy directly through Instagram by tagging products in your feed posts. 
• TikTok Shop. Create a shop where users can browse product tiles, read reviews, and purchase directly from your TikTok profile. 
• Facebook Shop. Let visitors browse your products and purchase through Facebook. Manage your inventory and sales with the Commerce Manager tool. 
• YouTube Shopping. Connect your online store to your YouTube account and tag products in your videos that users can buy directly through your profile. 

14. Monitor and analyze performance

Use social media analytics tools to track the performance of your content and campaigns.

Top metrics to monitor

• Reach. How many people see your social media posts in their feeds.
• Engagement. How many people like, comment, and share your posts.
• Click-through rate. How many people click through from your social content to your website or product pages.
• Conversions. How many people buy something after seeing a social media post. 

The metrics you track will depend on your goals. For example, if you aim to increase website traffic, you should closely track click-through rates. But if you want to boost sales, then conversions are your go-to metric. 

Monitoring your metrics lets you make small changes to your strategy, rather than huge overhauls. You can be proactive in the short term and use those learnings to inform future campaigns.

15. Iterate and refine

You should evaluate and refine your social media marketing plan based on insights and data. Adapt your approach based on what works best for your audience and aligns with your goals. 

Your aim now is to get a positive return on the time, money, and effort you spend marketing your business on social media. That requires deliberate action.

Your social media strategy is your plan of attack. But in a space like social media that changes by the day—with feed algorithm updates and audiences always ready for something new—you need to remain flexible and keep your finger on its pulse. It’s important to have goals to track and check in regularly to see what’s working. Use those insights to develop content ideas, build out your calendar, and grow your audience. 

Social media strategy template

Social media strategy and planning templates.

Ready to get started with your social media strategy? These free, customizable templates give you tools to plan and execute a strategy that connects you with your target audience while keeping your content calendar organized.

Get a better return on investment with social media

Developing a social media marketing strategy will give you purpose when connecting with your audience on platforms like Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok. It will help you determine the kind of content your audience likes to see and what they engage with the most. Ultimately, this will help you grow your audience, sell more products, and increase revenue. 

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Social media marketing strategy FAQ

Which social media platforms should i focus on in my strategy, what type of content should i create for social media, how can i measure the success of my social media marketing strategy, should i use paid advertising on social media, how can i engage with my audience on social media.

• Ask questions.
• Reply to comments and shares.
• Start discussions and join in existing conversations.
• Jump on trends that are relevant to your brand.
• Reshare customer content.

What are the key elements of a successful social media strategy?

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Digital Marketing Strategy

Key concepts, who will benefit, marketing professionals, non-marketing professionals, entrepreneurs.

What You Earn

Certificate of Completion

Boost your resume with a Certificate of Completion from HBS Online

Earn by: completing this course

Marketing in the Digital Era

• DTC Brands: Fad or Disruption?
• DTC Brands: Innovations and Challenges, Part I
• DTC Brands: Innovations and Challenges, Part II
• Incumbent Responses

Featured Exercises

Crafting a digital marketing plan.

• Setting Objectives
• Defining Target Audience
• Determining Value Proposition
• Identifying Metrics

Acquiring Customers, Part 1: Paid Media

• The Challenges of Reaching and Acquiring Customers Online
• Search Advertising
• Display Advertising
• Utilizing Paid Media Channels
• Measuring Paid Media

Acquiring Customers, Part II: Owned and Earned Media

• Owned Media
• Earned Media
• Influencer Marketing

Engaging Customers

• Personalization
• From Storytelling to Story-Making
• Connecting Customers and Building Community

Allocating Budget and Measuring Success

• Budget Allocation
• Customer Lifetime Value
• Adobe Simulation
• The Future of Marketing

How to Formulate a Successful Business Strategy

Our difference, about the professor.

Sunil Gupta Digital Marketing Strategy

Dates & eligibility.

No current course offerings for this selection.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course.

Learn about bringing this course to your organization .

Learner Stories

Digital Marketing Strategy FAQs

What are the learning requirements in order to successfully complete the course, and how are grades assigned.

Participants in Digital Marketing Strategy are eligible for a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Business School Online.

Participants are expected to fully complete all coursework in a thoughtful and timely manner. This will mean meeting each week’s course module deadlines and fully answering questions posed therein. This helps ensure your cohort proceeds through the course at a similar pace and can take full advantage of social learning opportunities. In addition to module and assignment completion, we expect participation in the social learning elements of the course by offering feedback on others’ reflections and contributing to conversations on the platform. Participants who fail to complete the course requirements will not receive a certificate and will not be eligible to retake the course.

More detailed information on course requirements, including the Adobe Data Driven Operating Model Simulation (one of the assignments), will be communicated at the start of the course. No grades are assigned for Digital Marketing Strategy. Participants will either be evaluated as complete or not complete.

Can you tell me a little more about the budget allocation simulation?

The budget allocation simulation (Adobe Data Driven Operating Model Simulation) will be part of module 6 of the course. It is similar to a mini capstone experience, in that it encourages participants to draw on their knowledge from the rest of the course to make investment decisions in the simulation. It is the very same simulation included in the MBA program's required curriculum marketing course, and, while designed to be challenging, it is ungraded and assessed based on completion. We recommend budgeting approximately 1.5 hours to complete the simulation. Full instructions for how to complete the simulation will be provided to course registrants.

What materials will I have access to after completing Digital Marketing Strategy?

You will have access to the materials in every prior module as you progress through the program. Access to course materials and the course platform ends 60 days after the final deadline in the program.

How should I list my certificate on my resume?

Once you've earned your Certificate of Completion, list it on your resume along with the date of completion:

Harvard Business School Online Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy [Cohort Start Month and Year]

List your certificate on your LinkedIn profile under "Education" with the language from the Credential Verification page:

School: Harvard Business School Online Dates Attended: [The year you participated in the program] Degree: Other; Certificate in Digital Marketing Strategy Field of Study: Leave blank Grade: "Complete" Activities and Societies: Leave blank

Description:

Digital Marketing Strategy is a 7-week, 35-40 hour online certificate program from Harvard Business School. Digital Marketing Strategy equips professionals with the tools, mindset, and trends to make decisions about digital marketing strategy and tactics, including how to position a product or service for success, acquire and engage customers, and measure both performance of near-term campaigns and longer-term customer value.

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How to Use Instagram for Business and Drive Results in 2024

Everything you need to know about using Instagram for business — from setting up your account to creating a winning strategy.

Table of Contents

Is your business still “like”-ing the idea of using Instagram, rather than confidently sliding into the DMs of the platform’s full potential? It’s high time to stop scrolling and start strategizing.

If you’re wondering how to use Instagram for business in 2024 , we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll share the top strategies to help your brand thrive on the ever-evolving platform.

Bonus: Claim your free pack of 15 creative Instagram post templates made by Hootsuite’s professional graphic designers. Easily customize them in Canva, and start getting more engagement today.

How to set up Instagram for business in 4 steps

Using Instagram for business is a bit different than using a personal account. But don’t worry, it’s not rocket science! Follow these 4 simple steps to get your brand up and running on Instagram.

1. Switch to an Instagram business account

Before you start using Instagram for business, you need to create an Instagram account for business. It’s free and anyone can do it.

Here’s how to switch your existing Instagram account to a business account:

• From your profile, tap the hamburger (three lines) menu icon in the upper-right corner.
• Tap Settings and privacy . Then, scroll down until you see the Account type and tools menu.
• Next, click Switch to a professional account to change the account you’re logged into into an Instagram business account.
• Tap Continue (you may need to tap it multiple times as Instagram previews the available features of a professional account).
• Select a Category and use the slider to choose whether to show it on your profile, then tap Done .
• Choose Business (unless it makes sense for you to choose Creator ), and tap Next .
• Use the slider to opt in or out of promotional emails from Instagram for professional accounts, then tap Next .
• Add or edit relevant contact details, then use the slider to choose whether to show your contact information on your profile, then tap Next (or tap Don’t use my contact info to skip this step).
• If you plan to connect your Instagram business account with a Facebook business page, follow the prompts to connect your account to your Facebook Page. This is technically optional, but it’s necessary in order to use Instagram shopping features or run ads on Instagram .
• Next, you’ll be prompted to add additional features to your account, like telling Instagram your goals, adding details to your portfolio, and growing your audience. If you want to save this for later, tap the X in the top left corner to close this window and return to your profile.

If you’re interested in making an Instagram account for business simply sign up for a new Instagram account , and convert it to an Instagram business account.

You can have up to five Instagram accounts , so go ahead and keep your personal Instagram account personal if that’s what you prefer. Learn more about the difference between Instagram business and creator accounts .

2. Add business information to your bio

In 150 characters or less, your Instagram bio should describe your brand and showcase your brand voice . We’ve got a full guide to creating an effective Instagram bio for business (complete with templates), but here’s a quick video to walk you through the basics:

Also be sure to make the most of the other components of your Instagram business profile:

• Profile pic: Most brands use their logo. Your profile photo displays as 110 x 110 pixels (cropped to a circle), but it’s stored at 320 x 320, so that’s the size you should upload.
• Link in bio: Link to your website, your latest blog post, a current campaign or a Link Tree .
• Contact information: If you didn’t add contact info during your account creation, you can do so at any time by tapping Edit profile . Instagram will then add a Contact button to your profile.
• Action buttons: If relevant, you can add a button that allows customers to book or reserve appointments or to order food. To use this feature, you need an account with one of Instagram’s partners . Tap Edit profile , then scroll down to Action Buttons.
• Story highlights and covers: Instagram Story highlights are another way to maximize your profile real estate by providing more information about your brand, products, or services. Organize Stories into saved collections, then add some polish with Highlight covers.

Create. Schedule. Publish. Engage. Measure. Win.

3. Connect your product catalog

To tag products in Instagram content, or to run certain kinds of Instagram ads, you need to create a product catalog. You can do this in Meta’s Commerce Manager.

• Head to Commerce Manager and click Start Now , then select Create a catalog and click Get started again.
• Select Ecommerce , then click Next.
• If you have a shop on an ecommerce platform like Shopify or BigCommerce, click Connect to an ecommerce platform and follow the prompts to create your catalog. Otherwise, click Upload product info , name your catalog and click Next.
• Click View catalog to open your catalog, then Add items to start adding products.

We’ve got a whole post on using Commerce Manager if you’d like more details on how this tool works.

4. Turn on Instagram shopping

Once your catalog is full of products, it’s time to turn on Instagram’s shopping features.

• Go to the Get started page.
• Select Get started .’
• Click Create a shop , then Get started , then Next.
• Review the pre-selected sales channels and add or subtract accounts as needed.
• Choose the account/sales channel you want to connect your shop to. If you’re already selling on Shopify or another partner platform, change your Checkout method to reflect this . When everything is set up, click Next.
• Next, choose the countries you want to ship your products to. Note that Instagram Shopping is not available everywhere. You can choose from available countries in the drop-down menu.
• Add in your business email . This is where you’ll get any communication about your Instagram Shop.
• Select your business portfolio or create a new one. Click Next .
• Select the catalog you want to use for your shop and click Next . To select a catalog, it must meet catalog eligibility requirements for shops. You can’t switch this catalog later. Note: If you don’t have a catalog already, you won’t see this step.
• Look over your shop details, review and agree to the Seller Agreement and click Finish setup to complete creating your shop.

We’ve got a full blog post explaining everything you need to know about Instagram Shopping if you want to focus on this particular aspect of using Instagram for business.

How to use Instagram for business: 8 strategies

Standing out as a business on Instagram can be, well, tough. Use these Instagram for business tips to make it easier.

1. Research your audience

A good social media strategy starts with a sound understanding of your audience.

Instagram’s audience demographics give you an overall picture of who uses the platform. For example, 18-34-year-olds represent the largest ad audience on the site.

However, that doesn’t mean your specific audience on Instagram will be made up of 18-to-34-year-olds. For example, looking at the audience insights for my own Instagram account, I can see that my audience skews older than the Instagram average:

You can find demographic information on your existing audience using Instagram Insights , Meta Business Suite , or Hootsuite Analytics . But, if you’re just getting started using Instagram for business, you might not have a large enough following to gain meaningful insights here yet.

In that case, take a look at the demographics of your audience on other social channels and of your existing customer base. While this won’t translate exactly to Instagram, it should give you a sense of who’s interested in your business and what you have to say.

Understanding your audience puts you in a better position to create targeted content and business captions for Instagram that resonate. Since audience research is an important foundation for your content strategy, we’ve got a whole post dedicated to helping you find your target market .

2. Figure out your content mix

Now that you know who your audience is, you need to determine what to share with them. Rather than posting random content whenever the mood strikes, you need to develop a content strategy that speaks to your audience and keeps them engaged, all while contributing to real business goals .

While you should certainly post some promotional content to get people excited about your products and drive sales, you also need to provide content that builds community and sparks engagement.

That might mean including user-generated content or other curated resources , sharing insider expertise about your industry, or joining in on a trending meme. (But tread carefully here—only join in on trends that are appropriate for your brand voice.)

i am wearing a disguise pic.twitter.com/HlWFQb8P22 — no name (@nonamebrands) October 31, 2022

Look for opportunities to develop themes or regular installments that you can build into a series. “Content buckets” allow you to check certain boxes without having to overthink creation. The more planning you do upfront, the better you’ll be able to produce regular content and respond to last-minute or unplanned events.

3. Schedule your content in advance

From Reels to Stories to posts, there are many options when it comes to Instagram content.

The best way to create a unified strategy is to schedule your content across all Instagram surfaces (and other social platforms) using a content calendar . Or, take it up a level and schedule all your content to publish automatically at the right time using a tool like the Hootsuite Publisher . Yes, you can even schedule Stories and Reels in advance.

The added advantage here is that you can create your content in dedicated blocks of time and schedule it to post at the best time for your audience . Even if that time is outside business hours, on the weekend, or in the middle of the night.

4. Tag products

When you share content about your products on Instagram, tagging makes it much easier for people to learn more or buy. You can tag up to 20 products in a photo feed post.

Source: Tory Burch

To tag products, create your Instagram post or Reel as usual. Then, on the final screen before posting, tap Tag products . You can tag products from your own shop or someone else’s, which creates great opportunities for collaboration and cross-promotion.

In Stories, you can tag products using the Product link sticker.

Source: Pat McGrath

5. Track your results (and learn from wins and losses)

With an Instagram for business account, you have access to the platform’s built-in analytics tools to help you understand how well different types of content perform.

There are several other analytics tools available, including Hootsuite’s , that can track longer time frames, automate reporting and make it easier to compare Instagram metrics across other social media platforms.

No matter which social media marketing tools you use, the important thing is to check in regularly to learn what kind of content resonates best with your target audience. You’ll start to see patterns about what generates the most engagement, as well as what kinds of social media content increase views beyond your existing follower base. ( Hint: Try Instagram Reels .)

Use these lessons to hone your content strategy over time.

6. Treat Instagram as a customer service channel

Success on Instagram requires you to engage with your followers rather than just blast content out and hope someone likes it. One important component of this two-way communication is monitoring your DMs for questions, comments, and customer service requests.

Instagram business accounts have access to a couple of DM features that make managing customer service easier on the platform. First, your inbox is divided into Primary and General tabs to make it easier to keep track of your messages. And second, you can create saved replies to commonly asked questions that you can access via keyboard shortcuts.

Hootsuite Inbox makes it even easier to manage your DMs by allowing you to assign messages to the appropriate team members . Or, create templated replies to common questions to save your team time and effort.

Manage all your messages stress-free with easy routing, saved replies, and friendly chatbots. Try Hootsuite’s Inbox today.

7. Automate content creation

The average Instagram business account posts 1.55 times per day on the main feed.

That’s a lot of content!

Luckily, manual content creation is now a thing of the past. These days, it’s easy to speed up content creation processes like copywriting and graphic design with the help of generative AI tools .

OwlyWriter AI is Hootsuite’s latest generative AI tool, free to all Hootsuite users. Use OwlyWriter to generate quick social media captions , and get inspiration for your posts across platforms.

You can also leverage outside tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Midjourney, and more. But, because OwlyWriter is oh-so convenient in your Hootsuite dashboard, we recommend starting there. Check out our blog on the best AI content creation tools here .

Always remember, content generated by AI should always be seen as a starting point, not a finished product . Be sure to check over any AI generated content for accuracy, brand voice, style, and tone before posting.

OwlyWriter AI instantly generates captions and content ideas for every social media network. It’s seriously easy.

8. Elevate your grid aesthetics

Looking to make your Instagram grid stand out from the crowd? With Hootsuite’s Instagram Grid integration , you can make a totally aesthetic Instagram grid in just a few clicks.

Here’s how it works:

• Seamless planning: Planning your grid layout has never been easier. With Instagram Grid, you can visualize how your posts will look together , ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing grid.
• Drag-and-drop simplicity: Want to rearrange your grid? No problem. With easy-to-use drag-and-drop functionality , you can experiment with different layouts until you find the perfect arrangement.
• Scheduled posts: Say goodbye to last-minute scrambling. With Hootsuite, you can schedule your grid posts in advance , ensuring that your grid remains active and engaging even when you’re busy.
• Curate like a pro: Discover and curate high-quality content right from the Hootsuite dashboard. Whether it’s user-generated content, AI hashtag suggestions , or trending topics, we’ve got the tools you need to keep your grid fresh and relevant.
• Track your success: With Hootsuite’s analytics dashboard, you can track engagement metrics and understand what resonates with your audience. Use these insights to refine your grid strategy and drive even more engagement.

FAQs about using Instagram for business

Is instagram for business free.

It’s free to set up an Instagram business account, promote your business, and even set up an Instagram shop.

The only fees for Instagram business accounts are ad costs if you choose to run Instagram ads , and selling fees if you use Commerce Manager to allow your customers to check out and complete their purchase within the Meta platform.

There is also no fee to use Instagram Shopping to tag products and direct users to your website to buy them.

What is the difference between personal and business Instagram?

The difference between personal and business Instagram accounts is pretty straightforward. Personal accounts are great for sharing your daily life and connecting with friends and family. But, if you’re running a business or want to promote or sell a product, a business account on Instagram offers tools like analytics, shopping, and advertising to help you reach your goals.

What is the best time to post on Instagram for business?

The best time to post on Instagram for your business depends on who you’re trying to reach and what you’re sharing. Mornings generally bring the most engagement for brand accounts, though certain industries, like real estate, retail, or entertainment accounts, may see more success posting in the evening.

Check out our comprehensive guide on the best times to post on every social network to learn more.

How does Instagram work for business?

By switching your personal profile to a business account, you unlock a treasure trove of tools to boost your business. Get free access to features like Instagram Insights, which lets you peek into who’s engaging with your business on Instagram, or Commerce Manager, which lets you tag and sell products directly on Instagram. It’s like having your own personal business assistant right at your fingertips!

What are the disadvantages of using Instagram for business?

While business Instagram accounts are a great way to sell products and be seen, there are a few drawbacks to consider.

First, increased competition among businesses on the platform can make it tough to secure organic reach. Second, managing a business account requires consistent effort, and eventually you may want to consider hiring a social media manager . Third, unlike personal accounts, where updates are more flexible, business profiles carry the weight of reputation and customer perception. Be sure to read up on managing social media crises before you get started.

Save time managing Instagram for business using Hootsuite. From a single dashboard, you can schedule and publish posts, carousels, Stories, Reels, and ads directly to Instagram — and engage your audience, measure performance, and handle all your other social media profiles. Try it free today.

Easily create, analyze, and schedule Instagram posts, Stories, Reels, and Threads with Hootsuite. Save time and get results.

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Hannah Macready is a freelance writer with 12 years of experience in social media and digital marketing. Her work has appeared in publications such as Fast Company and The Globe & Mail, and has been used in global social media campaigns for brands like Grosvenor Americas and Intuit Mailchimp. In her spare time, Hannah likes exploring the outdoors with her two dogs, Soup and Salad.

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