And a very big reward goes out to photographer Xavier Nuez who not only gets into an amazing number of the top shows, but brings his own buyers to the shows:
I took this photo in Xavier's booth. The sign up was hanging on his ProPanels.
Brought to you by another lesson in email marketing! This is how you build that email list.
Does anyone else have anything to show us how they do it?
Comments
I use MailChimp as my email marketing software and they provide you with a free QR code for situations like this. I have a clipboard with a sign-up sheet, but I'm also going to add the QR code for the more tech-savvy folks.
Also I ALWAYS write at least one name/email on my clipboard list at the top. A blank sign-up sheet is a little intimidating, I think.
I have a paper moleskine notebook that I just write in with a pen. It's not super professional looking, but it's also easier for me to keep up with than a clipboard. I usually don't create new pages from show to show, since it seems like people are more likely to write down their email if there are a few others there first.
Connie, I just wanted to thank you for this post, not so much for the marketing info. As you stated, artists, myself included, have been doing that for a long time. I clicked on the link you provided to Xavier's website. As a photographer myself, I was blown away by his images. I also checked out his pricing, which other photographers of similar talent should take notice and stop giving their work away. Thank you for introducing me to another very talented photographer . . . a true artist.
Good question, Ruth. I'm not sure how Xavier got their info. I do believe there was a clipboard. We always had a clipboard in our booth with a sign next to it that said "sign up for our email list and win a photo". Depending on the show we could get several pages of names and emails. People didn't seem to mind. No one is reading that list, and it's not like it is a mailing address that can physically lead you to someone. As you well know artists have had sign up lists in their booths for a long time, but getting that email address is the 21st century way to stay in touch.
What does anyone think is the best way for people to actually sign up? Is there a clipboard hanging by this sign? Some sort of book? Are people comfortable signing up on a list that has other peoples signups?
What is especially good about Xavier's message is he makes it clear exactly what you will be receiving and subliminally eliminates people's fear of being spammed. It is so clearly delineated you trust it.
That QR code, Brian. I need to know more about that. Do you actually see people doing that, signing up from your booth?
I do something similar but include my address and that square code thing. People with smartphones often sign up right there.
Great idea...kind of like a guest book but with the added benefit of receiving something via email from an artist you like and would be interested in following. Everyone should do this, even if it's just to tell them where you'll be each season...who knows, you could create a real following this way.
Very nice idea.