Blog

As a creative, the pieces you make are priceless. As a small business owner, every purchase you make is carefully calculated. Insurance can be expensive, but a single claim could cost you hundreds—if not thousands—in expenses. Without insurance, you would be expected to pay those fees out-of-pocket.

Even the most careful artists, crafters, and tradesmen experience accidents. The most common ACT claims come as a result of someone or something else causing damage. Here are 7 examples of real claims from ACT customers and how to avoid them.

1. A policy holder reported they had rain damage to business personal property, their handmade notecards, greeting cards, art supplies, and additional prints. With the Business Personal Property coverage on their ACT annual policy, the policy holder was able to receive a payout to help cover the costs of the damage.
   • Payout = $592.00
2. During a meeting, the policy holder’s MacBook Pro was damaged beyond repair by another individual. Because this computer was used for work-related business and had important business information on it, the policy holder was able to receive a payout to help cover the costs of replacing it.
   • Payout = $849.00
3. While at an event, unexpected wind and rain damaged a policy holder’s canopy tent and several pieces of their artwork. This policy holder was able to be reimbursed for some of their losses.
   • Payout = $3208.00
4. During the evening and late night, a storm came through an event area where exhibitors had set up the day before. Tents were thrown everywhere, resulting in a policy holder filing a claim for damaged supplies, artwork, and displays. The annual policy holder was able to replace their items and avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses for other people’s items that were damaged from their tent.
   • Payout = $1615.00
5. At an event, a sudden gust of wind damaged a policy holder’s tent and destroyed their art supplies and easels. The policy holder was able to receive a payout to help replace the damaged items.
   • Payout = $2209.00
6. Upon opening the booth at the start of the business day, the policy holder discovered 72 of their handmade rings were missing. In cases of theft, your annual policy can cover some of your losses. The policy holder was able to make up some of the revenue lost and focus on making new rings to replace them.
   • Payout = $2443.00
7. When shipping an item from the policy holder’s studio to a customer, the art piece was damaged beyond repair. By adding Business Personal Property insurance to your ACT annual policy, you can insure your pieces for shipment over land. This coverage helped the policy holder cover the costs of damaged items and send a new one to the customer.
   • Payout = $450.00

One benefit of the ACT annual policy is the option to add on Business Personal Property coverage. This policy could address a claim in the event your unapprised artwork or inventory was damaged or stolen. If it is determined that it fits within the coverage details, you would receive a claims payout based on the cost of replacement materials of the artwork.

For example, a painting may include a canvas, frames, easels, paint, and more. Unfortunately, your claim would not cover the labor to create that artwork. Insurance company payouts typically cover the replacement of the cost of goods and not "market" or "finished" value as that is often subject to interpretation.

Stay Protected With ACT Insurance
Without insurance, a single claim can cost thousands, damage your reputation, or halt business operations. ACT is here to help you stay protected, navigate the claims process, and lower—or even eliminate—expenses. Your craft deserves to be covered, and we are proud to protect artists, crafters, and tradesmen like you.

What a year it has been on our planet! Is there hope for our business? Art fairs are a cultural treasure and 1,000,000's of people attend them every year in our country. Will they survive? I'm kind of thinking there is a touch of eagerness in the air. Do you feel it? This just in from ZAPP, the software company that helps artists and art fairs connect.

1. Some of you were actually exhibiting at art fairs in May and June this year. Did you last year?

2. Can you imagine what this amounted
to in $$$?

Do the math ... how did the festivals stay afloat?

3. Impressive! Back to 2019 figures? Do you think we're going to get back to that?

When do you think we'll be back to normal? Will you be there? 

Beautiful pieces of work? Created. Perfect display setup? Check. Exhibitor fees? Paid. Certificate of Insurance? Not quite yet...

When preparing to sell your carefully crafted pieces, getting insurance is usually the least exciting part. While it may not be at the top of your list, having top-rated artist insurance is one of the most important investments you can make. But how do you know what kind of policy you need?

For more than a decade, ACT Insurance has made successfully protecting artists, crafters, and tradesmen our top priority. We have created two low-cost policies that you can purchase online in minutes. Both our annual and show policies meet most Exhibitor requirements and help protect you from costly claims.

What is an annual policy?

Designed with creatives like you in mind, the ACT annual policy offers a robust range of customizable coverage options. Not only do you have year-round protection, you have the option to add an unlimited amount of additional insureds and product liability coverage. You will receive your own Certificate of Insurance that helps you meet exhibitor eligibility requirements when attending shows, fairs, markets, exhibitions, and other types of events.

Available only to those who purchase an ACT annual policy, we highly recommend adding cyber liability insurance to your coverage. In the case of a cyber attack, having this policy can help you recover lost or stolen information, inform customers of a data breach, and return funds lost by e-theft.

What is a show policy?

For those who only attend a few events each year, the ACT show policy allows you to customize your policy term. You get to choose what day your coverage starts and how long you want the coverage to last. Our standard show policy covers you for 1-3 consecutive days, with the option to add on additional days for up to 7 days. We even offer a 90 consecutive day coverage option, which is ideal if you plan on attending several events in one season.

Just like the annual policy, you have immediate coverage from the start date you select and 24/7 access to policy documents—including your Certificate of Insurance. You are also covered in 50 states and have the option to add an unlimited number of additional insureds.

However, the show policy does have some exclusions. If you are looking to cover your business for demonstrations, protect your equipment and supplies, or insure the products you sell, our annual policy allows you to customize your coverages.

Which policy do I need?

While each of our policies are offered through an A+ rated insurance carrier, it really comes down to how much coverage you need and for how long. Easily compare both options and find the right coverage for you below:

	ANNUAL POLICY	SHOW POLICY
24/7 Access to Policy Documents
Licensed in All 50 States
Not Premises Specific
$2M General Liability Aggregate
$1M General Liability Per Occurrence
$5K Medical Expenses
Coverage for Damages to Premises Rented to You	$300K Limit	$300K Limit
Coverage While Selling at Events, Festivals, and Shows
No Deductible on Liability Claims
12 Months of Coverage		1-90 days
Products & Completed Operations Coverage	$1M Limit
Business Personal Property Coverage	$5K/$10K Limits
Personal & Advertising Injury Coverage	$1M Limit
General Liability for Online Sales
Optional Professional Liability

Stay Protected With ACT

Whether you select the show or annual policy, ACT has your back. For over a decade, we have helped thousands of artists, crafters, and tradesmen access events, grow their businesses, litigate claims, and stay protected from the unexpected. Your craft deserves to be covered.

February 5 & 6
Fort Myers, Florida
Downtown Fort Myers
Option to participate in Opening Night: February 4
Friday 5pm-9pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm
200+ Artists
Deadline: September 10

We are beyond excited for ArtFest Fort Myers 2022! ArtFest Fort Myers is coming back as you knew us pre-COVID, 200+ artists with a great layout overlooking beautiful Downtown Fort Myers alongside the riverfront and yacht basin. A FREE, non-gated event for all members of the Southwest Florida community to come shop your artwork.

As a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic, many home buyers and new residents from big northern cities are making their way to smaller cities in Southwest Florida. The cities seeing the most migration are Fort Myers and Cape Coral who are adding 50 new people on average a day according to David Cobb at Market Watch 2021. With all of these new residents there is an overwhelming desire for art to fill attendees’ hearts and enhance their homes.

How do we promote for you?

All advertising messages and media will be targeted to bring art buyers to you! Drawing in art lovers, experienced and new collectors and educated buyers, who are year-round residents and those visiting Southwest Florida during the peak of season, is our primary goal.

$175,000 Marketing Campaign targeted to art buyers from Marco Island to Sarasota to West Palm Beach and beyond. We are getting the word out about your fabulous art work via TV, radio, digital billboards, glossy magazines, theater/symphony programs, our website, eVites, and year-round Facebook, with paid ads and organic postings. We know the importance of online advertising and having a social media presence. Social media works best when artists & art festivals work together.

How do we assist with artist success?

We have multiple resources to help build your business to create more revenue streams. We have also partnered with experts to bring you video trainings on the power of video, Images for Jury and Websites, and much more. There are opportunities for artists to participate in Artist-based promotions leading up to the festival. Please feel free to be in touch with any questions. We love talking with artists and we want you to succeed in all aspects of your art business.

If you are new to the idea of selling at an outdoor Art Festival, please contact us for any support you may need- we love to help.

Learn More Here

At ArtFest Fort Myers, you will find:

• Two-day, FREE to the public, community event, with 90,000 attendees

• Year-round professional staff, with 22+ years of consistent management

• New and cutting-edge art is equally at home with more traditional work

• Loyal base of dedicated art buyers/VIP members who are focused on YOUR work

• Attracting young professional families with free fun art related activities for kids of all ages

• Encouraging the next generation of artists and art supporters with a high school art competition; sidewalk chalk competition; kids art activities.

How do we take care of artists?

• Oversized booth spaces – 3 feet between booths & ample storage space behind
• Easy Friday Set-up with scheduled staggered drive-up access beginning at 8:30am
• Artists' Hospitality includes daily complimentary continental breakfast, water, and private indoor restrooms
• Dedicated Artist Ambassadors and Booth Sitters
• Discounted hotel rates at area hotels & Luminary Hotel & Co.  in the heart of the festival with including covered parking with special artists rates.
• Reserved free artist parking with complimentary trolley transportation
• Professional 24-hour security
• Learn More Here

Be a part of ArtFest Fort Myers:

• Apply from May 14th – September 10, 2021 at ZAPPlication.org
• Visit our festival website ArtFestFortMyers.com. The Info for Artist page provides artist specific information including hotels, set-up, jury success & many other helpful tips.
• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram where we feature festival artists and engage patrons year-round

Apply Now: ZAPPlication.org

Questions: Erin Jackson, Community Engagement Manager
Erin.Jackson@ArtFestFortMyers.com

As focused as we all are on our businesses, selling our art at the art fairs, the events are even more important to the small business owners where the events are held, the business districts and commercial areas. Most events have been started not primarily to focus art but to bring buyers into areas that are looking to increase commerce in other ways. 

Here is a report from the store owners in Ann Arbor last week (hint: they were happy):

https://www.clickondetroit.com/all-about-ann-arbor/2021/07/20/it-was-just-terrific-business-owners-talk-ann-arbor-art-fair-successes/#//

We always made it a point to patronize the businesses near our booth during shows. One of my favorite purchases was at Cherry Creek some years ago. There was a cowboy boot store right behind our booth. Growing up I'd always wanted to be a cowgirl some day, so when our earnings were looking pretty good I bought cowboy boots! What about you?

Hey, kids...

I've been out of the biz for a number of years, but got an itch to get on the road again.

But, I sold my tent, pro-panel walls, etc... a few years back.

I only applied to 2 shows, and only got into 1 so far. I'm just putting my toe in the water, and don't know if I'll be getting back to this again, part or full time.

And now, I'm stuck without a tent, pro-panels, etc.. I'm a 2-D artist, so I need walls to display work on.

Any recommendations for renting? I'm in Richmond, VA.

Anyone who follows this site knows we are fans of the Ann Arbor Art Fair and many, many of the members have "urban legend" stories to tell about their participation there. AND after the last 15 months the great news is that artists were on the streets of that city this week, July 15-17. Crossing our collective fingers for successful days for all involved.

We (AFI) hope that the changes made this year (three days only; three shows only, resulting in a smaller footprint and fewer artists) brought out the buyers and the our business has finally turned a corner. 

OMG -- 4 inches of rain on Friday! Were there any folks shopping? Did the artists close their booths? A great quote from Vasil Ivanov, a glass maker, "What are we made of sugar?"
More about the rainy day: https://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2021/07/

Did it look like this?

Or did it look like this?

Were you there? We are anxious to hear reports. 

Few things are more infuriating to a creative person than hitting a roadblock. However, every artist or crafter—regardless of experience—will hit these frustrating stopping points. The good news is that there are always things you can do to overcome creative roadblocks. Here are a few ideas to help you find the inspiration for your next piece or to get through a project.

1) RETURN TO NATURE

One of the best places to find inspiration is in nature. There are woodlands, forests, mountains, beaches, and deserts all across the United States, each with unique and inspiring beauty. But there’s more than aesthetic beauty to be found out in the wild.

Nature is a great place for introspection and an escape from the hustle of everyday life. In fact, you should leave your technology and all distractions behind. If you truly immerse yourself in them, each of these landscapes have a way of rejuvenating a person's mind, bringing a new perspective and increasing creativity.

2) EXPLORE A NEW TOPIC

While everyone can benefit from continuing to learn about new subjects, artists and crafters can especially benefit from studying new things. If you’ve hit a block in your creative process, try finding a new topic to focus on. You could do it by simply reading a new book or self-teaching through online sources.

When you open up your mind to new subjects, you often find that they relate to the things you already knew. Many times when you start comparing your new knowledge with things you already knew, you will find that it gets the creative juices flowing again and your mental block disappears.

3) LISTEN TO MUSIC

Music is an exceptionally powerful tool. Everyone has songs that bring back memories, makes them sad, motivates them, and even inspires them. Next time you find yourself stuck on a project or unable to make progress, consider incorporating music into your creative process.

Remember, it doesn’t matter what genre of music you listen to. All that matters is that it helps motivate or inspire you. Sometimes you can just turn on some tunes while you work to get motivated, but other times it’s helpful to sit down, meditate, and just change what you are doing for a moment.

4) TAKE A BREAK

Many times when you think of taking a break, you think of removing yourself from a situation that is causing you too much stress. However, taking a break can also be a useful creative tool. This is especially true if you’ve been bogged down with a project for quite a while.

All you really need to do is get up and leave what you’re working on for 20 to 30 minutes. You could take a walk, go to lunch, or go get coffee; anything that takes your mind off of your project. When you return to your project, you’ll most likely find that working out a solution isn’t so difficult anymore.

5) CHANGE YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

Occasionally, breaking through a creative block takes drastic measures. You might even need to change the location where you are working or maybe the layout of your work space. Changing your environment could be as simple as getting rid of clutter or as complex as rearranging your entire space to allow for things like more natural light, open space, or less stress.

If your art or craft allows for it, see if there are other places that you can take your work for a day or two. One way you could do this is through networking with friends who have similar work supplies and tools. See if you can use their work space or maybe collaborate with them on a project.

Finally, getting through a creative block often comes with experience. If you’re an artist or crafter who has found something that helps you persevere through a creative block, share your tips in the comments with those who might struggle to break free.

February 5^th & 6^th, 2022
Downtown Fort Myers, FL
200+ Artists

Option to participate in Opening Night: February 4^th, 2022

Deadline:  September 10, 2021

Apply now at ZAPPlication.org More information ArtFestFortMyers.com

We are beyond excited for ArtFest Fort Myers 2022! ArtFest Fort Myers is coming back as you knew us pre-COVID, 200+ artists with a great layout overlooking beautiful Downtown Fort Myers alongside the riverfront and yacht basin. A FREE, non-gated event for all members of the Southwest Florida community to come shop your artwork.

 There is so much pent-up demand for art festivals and making homes ever more beautiful. Move.org names Fort Myers as a top market for first-time homebuyers, which is tied to an estimated 31% of existing home sales. There is such a desire for art to fill attendees’ hearts and enhance home is at an all-time high in Fort Myers.

How do we promote for you?

All advertising messages and media will be targeted to bring art buyers to you! Drawing in art lovers, experienced and new collectors and educated buyers, who are year-round residents and those visiting Southwest Florida during the peak of season, is our primary goal.

$175,000 Marketing Campaign targeted to art buyers from Marco Island to Sarasota to West Palm Beach and beyond.  We are getting the word out about your fabulous art work via TV, radio, digital billboards, glossy magazines, theater/symphony programs, our website, eVites, and year-round Facebook, with paid ads and organic postings. We know the importance of online advertising and having a social media presence. Social media works best when artists & art festivals work together.

HOW DO WE ASSIST WITH ARTIST SUCCESS?

Multiple resources to help rebuild your business to create more revenue streams. We have also partnered with experts to bring you video trainings on the power of video, Images for Jury and Websites, and much more. There are opportunities for artists to participate in Artist-based promotions leading up to the festival. Please feel free to be in touch with any questions. We love talking with artists and we want you to succeed in all aspects of your art business.

At ArtFest Fort Myers, you will find:

· a very loyal base of VIP’s, patrons and sponsors who wait all year to purchase art at our festival.

· upscale dining areas, including shaded table seating & ample food/beverage options, encouraging buyers to stay longer and shop more.

· on-site arts related activities to keep the patrons engaged while they decide on more art purchases (high school art competition, children’s art yard, high school sidewalk chalk competition and more)

HOW DO WE TAKE CARE OF ARTISTS?

· Oversized booth spaces – 3 feet between booths & ample storage space behind

· Easy Friday Set-up with scheduled staggered drive-up access beginning at 8:30a

· Artists' Hospitality includes daily complimentary continental breakfast, water, and private indoor restrooms

· Dedicated Artist Ambassadors and Booth Sitters

· Discounted hotel rates at area hotels & Luminary Hotel & Co. in the heart of the festival with including covered parking with special artists rates.

· Reserved free artist parking with complimentary trolly transportation

· Professional 24-hour security

Learn More Here

BE A PART OF ARTFEST FORT MYERS:

· Apply from May 14th – September 10, 2021 at ZAPPlication.org

· Visit our festival website ArtFestFortMyers.com. The Info for Artist page provides artist specific information including hotels, set-up, jury success & many other helpful tips.

· Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram where we feature festival artists and engage patrons year-round

Apply Now: ZAPPlication.org

Questions: Erin.Jackson@ArtFestFortMyers.com

Erin Jackson, Community Engagement Manager
1375 Jackson Street, Suite 401
Fort Myers, FL 33901
(239)768-3602

Des Moines ArtsFestival—the nuts and bolts

This info will be helpful when considering applying for the show.

A few salient facts.

This is a biggie show.  Well respected,hard to get in, but a real money-maker.

Many artists do well over $10K.

This year there were 152 artist spaces.  Roughly, 1200 people juried for it back in 2019. The 2020 was cancelled,COVID, and we were rolled over to this year.

It is a three day show (Friday-Sunday) with long hours— Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm. Sunday 11-5pm.

Setup is on Thursday, they give you four hours before you have to move a van.

They give you electric.  You need it, especially after 8pm.  Bring fans for you and your patrons.

Booths are on paved city streets in downtown. You have sculpture park behind booths on one side and tall business buildings on the other.

It can be nasty windy, take heed. No staking allowed only weights.

Some booths are able to tie off parking meters.

They had five foot spacing between booths,who knows, next year.

Corner booths have wide open space between the next booth.

At teardown,booths must be on the ground before they issue a pass.

Exception. Corner booths are allowed to drive and park headin. So you

do not have to have all on the ground.

There is generous storage behind all booths.

The show does not do fine art categories.

Generous prize money with an auto invite.

Great artist breakfest on Sunday morn.

They constantly bring around water and snacks.

Good variety of food trucks.  I hit the Jamaican truck both days.

Crowd is pretty civil, no assholes.

They love art.

They buy pretty much conservatively. It is the Midwest.

The show director, Steven King, is one of the best in the country.

If you have an issue. You can call him.

That pretty well sums up the show.

I am going to Appleton,Wisconsin for a show at the end of the month.

Wish I had info like this to prepare for the show.

But people seem to be pretty close mouthed about giving out show info.

Later,Gators.

What kind of insurance do you need as an artist or craftsman? How do you get coverage to sell at events? Learn all about it in this video!

This was my first summer show.

I am writing two blogs about it.

This one will be about my insights and observations.

My second will be about the nuts and bolts of the show.

covering layouts,booths,storage,etc.

This will be valuable info for those of you considering doing the show.

So, on with the show.

This was held on the last weekend of June.

Because of COVID it was cancelled in 2020. Accepted artists were auto in for 2021.  There was no jury for this year.

This was my fourth time doing it. They have always been killer shows for me, and this year was the best.

By killer I mean in excess of $8K.

And this happened despite being rained on six times in five hours on Saturday.

This is a major show for artists in the Midwest.  I put it right up there with Saint Louis and Kansas City Plaza or Old Town.

It is hard to get into. You are up against great talent in every media and it is a small show—under 200 artists.

Steven King is the director and he is very savvy and fair with artists.  He listens. And you can actually call the man when you have an issue.

Good luck doing that with most other show directors at the biggy shows.

At first he was not sure it could happen in June because of COVID.

But he pulled it off.

He has a monster volunteer force who helps in every way.

It is a three day show with a Thursday setup. Long hours, too long.

Friday and Saturday the show closes at 10pm, opens at 11am.

This sucks for two reasons.

One, most sales stop after 8pm. Then we just twiddle our thumbs while the crowds drink beer and socializes.

Second.  All the restaurants close their kitchens at 10. So artists have no food options except to bring your own or eat show food. Jamaican chicken curry rice gets old after two days in a row.

Honestly, Steven, that is my only criticism of this show. Otherwise it rolls on perfectly.

Pretty much every artist makes mucho dinero.

This year there was no option to stay as a guest in a patron’s home because of Covid.

I booked a hotel five blocks from the show and got in on Wednesday nite.

I was the first in line for checkin on Thursday morn.

I was setup by noon and retired to the hotel where I took a three hour nap. I was exhausted. Do not get old and do shows,they will kill you.

Since this was going to be the only nite I could eat dinner out (except after teardown Sunday) I Googled restaurants and found a great fresh seafood restaurant right by my hotel called Splash.

It has been there 22 years.  It is owned by a DesMoines resident who lives in Key West part of the year.  He has fresh seafood flown in from Hawaii and Key West daily. This includes shrimp and oysters.

Everything was delish.  It was not super expensive but well worth it.

Friday: First day of show

Beautiful day got muggier in the afternoon.

People were out in force.  Lots of “Good Shoes” people wearing great outfits.

I sold a $400 framed photograph a half hour before show opening.

It went like that the rest of the day. Sold a mix of metal photos in the $500 range along with four $175 framed photos. Sold lots out of the browse bin.

It is a savvy buying crowd. They respect new, different work— in all media.

All day I saw large framed pieces go by me along with pricey sculptures and glass.

The Des Moines crowd is very respectful of the artists. And they love it when I tell them what a unique show it is.

Twice that day I had people buy a piece for $40 then give me $50 and tell me to keep the change.  That does not often happen.

They came around with water and snacks all day.  And, they had ample booth sitters.

A lot of artists told me it was their first show Post-Covid.

There were lots of smiling faces as they watched Art go trucking out of their booths.

Spacing at the show was ample. All booths had five foot between each other.

I had a corner that was wide enough for two vans to go head in.

Everyone had ample storage space behind.

The only negative about the booths was the fact we were setup on a crowned paved road.  So when it rained we had a three inch river flowing thru.  You had to keep stuff off the ground near the curb.

Luckily, we had no problems with that.  Saturday was another story.

By 8pm the crowd dwindled and it was very few sales happening.

People were happy to be out, without masks, and vibing with their friends while drinking.

BTW, I am still talking about Friday.

At 10pm, I was long gone.  My favorite motto in the art show biz is “Take the money and run.”

I had a modest double Manhatten at the hotel, Knob Creek 100 proof bourbon stirred, not shaken.

I slept like a rock.

Saturday—Very,very wet day, still made money.

We all knew the forecast was for heavy rain.

We just did not expect to get six bands in five hours.

You know the routine.  Over the boxes behind.

Drop the side tarps and sometimes the front too.

Set your back awning at an angle to avoid excess water buildup.

Put on your rubber duckies while the river runs thru.

Then roll all the tarps back up.

Dry off the rain on the art.

Shed the rain gear because it gets humid real fast.

Take a brief breath, make a few sales, then Wham, repeat the whole routine five more times.

Ah yes, don’t we artists live the glamorous life.

By six the rain was finally past, but so were sales.

Lots of young people walking, no art in hands, just drinks.

I made mostly Lowend sales out of browsebins in the $30-60 range.

My neighbor, a respected glass artist, made some Lowend sales.

Saturday ended up being the poorest day for sales.

But we had nice weather ahead for Sunday.

Sunday, Sunday—What a fun day

I finally awoke that morn to glorious bright blue sky with almost chilling breezes.  No predicted rain.

The show put on a delicious breakfest along with awards.  Made everybody forget about Saturday.

I, and others, were looking for a big finish.

Here are some demographics to consider about Des Moines.

It is the Capitol city of Iowa.

It is a college town, lots of young people.

It is a strong city for corporations in the medical,insurance and food industries.

People tend to be pretty conservative in art tastes, yet I saw a lot of new, inventive art go by my booth.

They dress smartly and are very polite.

Most do not try to lowball you.

Thank God, they do not constantly use their cellphones to take pictures of your work without first asking permission.

They love their show and come out in numbers.

So Sunday sales started out just like Friday.

Sold a big piece right at the getgo and continued that way the whole day.

Weather stayed perfect and I ended up with my biggest total sales that day.

Teardown was easy-pezie, was out in 90 minutes.

The return home on Monday was a nightmare, but that is a tale for another day.

So that is my story.  I will write another blog about the nuts and bolts of the show.

Stay tuned.

Later, Gators.

Aloha, Nels (did my very first show in Hawaii by a waterfall in 1974, never have lost the Aloha Spirit).

HOW ARTISTS USE FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM TO BOOST SALES

Did you know that about three-quarters of Facebook users and approximately six out of ten Instagram users visit these platforms at least once a day? With so many active users, every artist should take advantage of these platforms to advertise their products right now to current and potential customers.

Social media marketing is a great way to organically reach your audience and build your brand, but only if you do it right. To help you get started, we’ve provided a few tips and tricks. Be sure to implement these social media tactics to increase your chances of boosting sales with new and potential customers. Don’t forget to add insurance to your overall strategy.

Here’s how you can get started:

OPEN A FACEBOOK SHOP

Did you know Facebook has 2.23 billion monthly active users? This platform is a great way to showcase your product line and customers can purchase products directly from your Facebook Shop site.

If you have an online shop, you can promote your next event by:

• Creating an online announcement banner
• Posting your event information

You can learn more about how you can open a Facebook shop here.

CREATE AN EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP

Creating your own Facebook group dedicated to your business gives you an opportunity to engage with your customers, nurture your relationships, share company news, and launch exclusive promotions. Since the majority of Facebook users visit the site at least once per day, it’s a great platform to share things related to your business and give them the chance to shop exclusive flash sales and more.

Use your Facebook group to promote your next event by:

• Posting sneak peek pictures of products you will be selling
• Sharing your event information to your followers
• Posting a coupon code that your followers can use at the event

Learn more about how to create a group here.

SAVE YOUR INSTAGRAM STORIES

Instagram stories are discoverable to people not currently following you. A story will last for 24 hours and by using the hashtag feature within stories, you can reach new people in your niche and increase your brand exposure. Save your stories as a highlight on your profile and categorize them by new products, sales, and more!

Use your Instagram story feature to promote your next event by:

• Sharing your product line-up
• Featuring your booth set-up and decor
• Featuring your booth’s location to make it easier for visitors to find you

Tip: You can learn how to take advantage of Instagram stories here.

HOST A GIVEAWAY

Whether it’s a free product from your shop or a popular store gift card, this tactic is a great way to increase online exposure, build your following, and gain new customers.

Giveaway tips:

• Create urgency: Create a short window of time, so people are quick to respond.
• Set rules and expectations: Do you want them to tag friends in the comments? Like or follow your page? It’s up to you! Make sure your audience is aware of the rules and that the rules you set are in accordance with the platform’s guidelines.
• Announce the winner: Don’t leave your audience hanging! Announce the winner in a comment or edit the post. If you want to create a consolation prize, you can offer something valuable like free shipping or a temporary promotion code.

Learn more about different types of giveaways here.

CREATE FEAR OF MISSING OUT

Fear of missing out is a very real thing in customers. You can start out by hosting a flash sale for your products and adding a coupon for free shipping or 10% off their next purchase. You may also want to try limited releases or exclusive items to get customers to want to buy quickly. With the help of social media, you can post sneak peeks of product packages you’re mailing to your customers and generate buzz within your customer base.

With a strong social media marketing strategy, you’ll be able to nurture current customer relationships, engage with potential customers, and turn those connections into sales. Social media is also a relatively inexpensive and effective way to form your brand and tailor your company’s image.

If you aren’t active on social media, make sure to implement these tactics and re-engage with users following your platforms. Last but not least, add insurance to your overall business strategy. It is better to have peace of mind than to experience the financial strain of a lawsuit. Learn more about ACT liability insurance here.

Which social media tip will you try out today? Let us know in the comments!