I used to keep a book open and ask for names a addresses, but I would prefer e-mail info. But that has not worked as well as I would like. Any suggestions on how to collect those names and e-mail addresses without forcing the issue.
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It's not high tech, but we have a blank book that has been recovered with our artwork name, and we encourage people to sign it like a guest book. Sometimes they just write "like your stuff" or something, and sometimes we get "wish lists" (such as: let me know if you ever do anything with seals or walrus in your artwork) and some voluntarily give an email.
We always say casually, if you give us your email address, we'll let you know when we are back in the area, or if there's a certain piece you like, we can let you know if we make a similar one.
So far, it's worked okay ... we don't get everyone to sign, but those who do are showing their level of interest.
This season, I am trying mail chimp.com and their app Chimpadeedoo. App is free, customizable, but you have to have a MailChimp account and set up your list first. There many things I like about MailChimp, over ConstantContact and Vertical Response, both off which I've used in the past.
Chimpadeedoo is very easy to setup. Costs nothing to try. I looked at a number of other alternatives and thought about developing my own. The benefits to the MailChimp system is that it will automatically send a confirmation and opt-in email to the person who signed up, and once they confirm their signup, it sends a welcome email. MailChimp has a very sophisticated set of automated forms that require very little in the way of customization in less you need it. And you can embed forms in email, on your website, on your Facebook page. Very slick.
The downside is that MailChimp itself is a subscription service. Once you collect over 2500 names, you pay about $30/month. But the premium service adds statistics, tracking and other features to make your marketing job easier. I am starting with the free service and an iPad, to measure acceptance rates before moving all my data to MailChimp from Vertical Response, which is pay as you go.
The app takes care of two of the issues that Larry mentions. It hides their email address once the form is filled out, so it's not viable as it would be in a guest book, so it increases privacy and allays privacy concerns. Two, it uses a keyboard to collect input, and requires correct syntax, after which it will either send the option message or store the form data for later transmission if you don't have wireless at a show. (It will also push data over a cell signal if your iPad is so equipped.) since the customer is entering data rather than handwriting, it cuts down on transcription errors. It will not help people remember their email address though. That's when you hand them a business card.
I don't send snail mail anymore. Too expensive for mass mailing. And using email as a follow up medium works well. I have QR codes on each of my gallery labels, which can be scanned by the customer to take them directly to piece they're interested in. If the piece is not on display (older, more obscure images), I will take an email address and mail a link to the site during a slow moment (immediately if I can), or after the day is done.
It's called easy guestbook (I have 2.0). I like it the best of the ones I tried.
Each show you can change what group you want the entries stored in. I save them by city. Makes it easier & all info is already loaded into your iPad. No more re typing customer info & all that hassle associated with doing it the old fashion way. Not to mention you can upload all contacts into whatever programs you use for your newsletters and such.
YES! Very good points ... practically seamless. It also gives customers something to do, chat about, while you are wrapping up their purchase and it is personal -- cementing your connection with those folks.
I created these on 4" x 5" notepads through VistaPrint. People fill them out, tear the sheet off and hand it to me. They can fill out as much or as little information as they want. Seems to work well.
Excellent!
I keep a $1 composition style bound notebook and use it like a journal and for recording details at shows. I don't ever leave it unattended on a table in my booth with a sign next to it asking potential customers for pertinent info. I'm more like Mel in that I qualify leads before seeking to contact them in the future. And I come away from shows with email addresses since I've worked to learn better when and how to ask for them directly during face to face conversation. About half of my email leads result in some kind of sale.
But I don't just send out information emails. Almost all email leads are based upon interest in specific artworks. So I let the customer know I can send them an email of the artwork which usually sets the opportunity in motion. They give the email address willingly, and later that night in my hotel room I follow up these leads and send the email. I don't attach a JPEG, but rather go to my website, copy the url, and then paste it in the body of the email so it appears there and doesn't require downloading. In the the text body, I suggest they click on the link to see it bigger on my website. This WORKS!
Of course it works! What kind of business do you think I have here? It is ALL grown from my email signups. We were unable to participate in the shows any more, but I was able to turn that experience into a business for us. Art fair patrons love the info we send (you guys don't get that) -- they share it with their friends (in emails no less!).
It is ALL email marketing.
So many good responses here ... thanks everyone.
People have sloppy handwriting but can generally type it out well. The app saves each person in your contacts. After they have entered their info that's it. Their information is not there like written in a typical book where others can read it. I have my guestbook set up to require name & email address. Physical address is completely optional. There is also a comments section where I can enter items they bought or a custom order they want me to make.
I have several moments when I ask people to sign my guestbook.
1) when they buy something from me. While I am wrapping or bagging their item and ringing them up they fill it out.
2) when they stand in my booth looking at my work for an extended period of time. I ask if they would like to sign up for my newsletter to keep up with new work and shows.
3) when someone asks for a business card I will ask them to sign my guestbook. Most people feel comfortable signing up since they are wanting your business card.
I explain upfront that I do not sell their info and it is just for my newsletter only.
I don't do any kind of freeby drawings or anything like that. I only want names of people that actually like my work, not a ton of names of people only hoping to get something for free. You will probably get a lot less names this way but the names you will get are of people that are truly interested in following you and your work.
Hope this helps,
Mel
Which guestbook app do you use?
Thanks,
Mary
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