Another artist, who’s efforts in self-promotion and genuine goodness I admire, Valentina of Val’s Art Diary has offered her own advice out to the masses about traditional web presence vs. the new Social media-fueled internet world we live in. You can subscribe to her art tips here at http://www.valsartdiary.com in the Art Tips section.

Some of the points Val has made connect with what I’ve always said:

- A website cannot stand alone. Expect traffic and sales, and you are foolish.

- Social media acts like a virus. You can draw new fans and collectors through these sites, and that acts as a catalyst, or more specifically a snowball, drawing even MORE people to your pages.

- Good web presence means having multiple streams of traffic:

    a.YOUR HOME ON THE ISLAND: Website - This is where all of your important and vital information is placed. It’s the homebase for visitors who find your work being sold on the net, or find your myspace and want to find out who you are and gain trust. It’s your driver’s license so to speak.

    b. YOUR VACATION CONDO IN THE CITY: social networking pages – Having a few social media pages to represent your work. If you become big, someone else will do it for you and you don’t want misrepresentation. Choose myspace, facebook, or the like. Google the word “social networking” or “social net communities” for sites to consider. Remember to keep in mind your target audience and where they might be. For some of us, we need to join these sites SIMPLY to figure out who that target audience is. People of all ages are on myspace, remember. Not just teeny bopper emo wannabees.

    c. YOUR TRANSPORTATION: communication devices – We’re talking twitter, email, newsletters, blogging, videoblogging, etc. Using a one form or more for instant and open communication with your potential collectors and fans is the vehicle that drives traffic to your website and your social media pages. Many social media pages like facebook and myspace offer blogging, video uploading, and options to put a twitter widget in your page. Use the internet tools available in the form that works BEST for YOU to communicate with others through these sites.

- Keep it simple - Remember that there are hundreds of different sites and free net tools out there and it’s not NECESSARY or smart to use every single site just because everyone else is. That’s not methodical. That’s a mess! Stick to the things you like best, that work best, and that compliment your art best. If you only want to work with one tool. Twitter makes you confused. Then fair enough. Use what will provide you the best web coverage and connection with your fans and clients.

Would you rather open a gallery on an island? or in a city?

 You know the right answer to that question.