Feb 155 min read

Advertising Yourself

Let’s start by learning all the ways you can advertise yourself for a successful journey in your career.

Advertising yourself is key to receiving more jobs and holding a steady income. It is important too constantly be putting your business out there for people see, showcasing your work, networking with others, and making sure your advertising in the most places as you can.

The first main steps you should take in advertising your business starts with:

Business cards
A perfect website
Banners/display
Social media accounts
Timelapse videos & photography

Business Cards

Of course you need business cards duh! How are you going to give out your information to people without a card? You can’t, that’s my point. In most cases people aren’t going to remember your contact information off the top of their head.

They also make good reminders for people by having a physical copy of all your contact information stashed away somewhere for future use.

When making a business card I would make it as appealing as possible and possibly showcase your best piece on one side of it. This way people can see off rip that you can paint great murals. They’re also more likely to keep a pretty card rather than a boring one. I know I have someone’s business card on my fridge at home because the design is so cool.

On the opposite side put your most important contact info. Keep it simple. For one, the print will be small and likely hard to see if it’s cluttered with information. Two, you don’t want too many distractions on your card. I’ve seen some cards that have so much info typed on it that you can’t even read the thing.

Front and back business card example

On your card should be:

Business logo
Name
Number
Website
Email
Social Media

I like to go through Vistaprint.com. They’re quick and easy. The cards come in within a week every time, even if you choose the long delivery time without paying more. There’s also, ALWAYS a coupon to use online so they’re overall cost efficient and deliver at a reasonable time. https://www.vistaprint.com

A Perfect Website

Having a thought out website with your best work and contact information is a great way to draw in clients. If they can land directly on your page and can see your best work immediately then that means their attention will be set on your work the second they visit your site.

In my “Printable Packet” that I have for sale in my online store has a checklist for what you need for a “Perfect Website”. I will also be going more in depth in a future post about what to include in making a website for your business.

Click the link to go to the “Printable Packet” https://summerknows.blog/shop/

Portfolio

Portfolios are important because this is your way of showing your future clients the work you can do. It’s a recap of all your best work.

Keep it simple and try not to include every piece you’ve ever done. Just a select few of your best.

About

Your audience is more prone to grow attached to your work if they have a chance to grow attached to you. Express yourself. Tell everyone who you are, where you came from, and where you’re trying to go. What inspires you? Did you have schooling? What about your style represents you as an artist? Get close and personal. Not too personal though. There are creeps out there.

Contact

Of course you need a way for your clients to get in contact with you. Make a contact box where clients can message you for inquiries, quotes, questions, or whatever they may need to contact your services for.

Banners

I personally like to hang banners when I’m painting murals in public places. I will hang my banner on my lift, trailer, or any place I can put it in front of me while I’m painting. This is a great idea for people who are painting high up in front of a road or busy area. Viewers will be able to see your work first hand and have all your contact information available to them when they’re standing there thinking about what kind of mural they want.

It’s also a good idea when people are taking pictures of you painting and in the picture will have your own personal advertisement. Even better when you’re getting attention from the news!

Banner example

Car Display

I have vinyl advertisement on the back window of my car. This way everyone can see I have a mural business wherever I go. Which is helpful for those who just spoke to someone about wanting a mural and then get stuck behind you in traffic and have their prayers answered by the advertisement on the back of your vehicle.

Back of car advertisement

Social Media

Where are you showcasing your work for everyone to see? I hope you say social media because it’s a great way to advertise. As much of an old school/traditional person I am. Social media runs the world and you need it to get yourself out there. It’s also a great way to receive jobs. About 99% of everyone goes through Google or social media looking for muralists. Maybe 1% will look in the newspaper.

If you don’t have social media accounts for your business yet, get on it stat. Here are some of your options:

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
Tiktok
Youtube

Timelapse Videos

Timelapse videos are a great way to get people interested in your work. It’s easy to set up and if you have an iPhone then it’s already programmed in your camera. Get a tripod for your phone and record your process. Upload them onto social media platforms and before you know it you’ll have a fan base. Here are some of mine on Youtube and TikTok.

@summadazeart https://www.youtube.com/@SummadazeMurals

Photography

If you can afford it, try to get some professional photos done of yourself working. These work out great for building a professional website, social media accounts, or advertising yourself through other options like brochures or blogs. It also makes you look more professional than a selfie while in the process of painting. Of course that is loved and personal but show people that you want to make a business out of your hobby.

Mural by Summer DeSalvo. Photo credits to Naples Daily News

With all of these different ways to advertise yourself there’s no way you wont succeed. It’s all a matter of getting yourself out there, break free from that shell you’re hiding in and go confidently tell people you’re the shit and they need you. Maybe not that bluntly, some may take offense but have THAT much confidence in yourself that you’re going to paint this whole world.

Follow up with future posts by joining my email list! Not only will it be beneficial for you but it will support me as well when trying to set up a way for future artists to come somewhere for help and advice. I will be also giving away free paintings, making painting tutorials and making checklist sheets to ensure you a successful business.

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