Comments on: How to Build a Student Following – Online and Off

By: Alyson Stanfield

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 15:03:12 +0000

Amanda: WordPress is the way to go. You can do this!

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By: Amanda Brett

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 21:03:33 +0000

Hi Alyson, love your website and informative news and lessons – thank you!!
in your article you mention that teachers should use a blog on their own site. I have seriously fallen off the blog wagon. I had a blog site that was doing really well until it was bought out by google so i changed to WordPress but i have not been able to gather the momentum i had. What platform would you recommend for a blog? thanks!

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:22:49 +0000

In reply to Carol Platt.

Thank you for sharing your expertise, Carol.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:21:02 +0000

In reply to Jean.

Jean: I don’t recommend separate blogs. It will drive you batty. Just write good stuff. If it’s of interest, people will read it. Like on this site… Lots of readers don’t teach, so this post wouldn’t have interested them. They just ignore and move on.

I can’t think of a single blog where I don’t pick and choose what’s of interest to me.

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By: Jean

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 17:47:44 +0000

I like the idea of having the newsletter just for students. Would you recommend having a blog for teaching separate from the blog for your art as well? If not how can we integrate the two without turning off those who are non-artists?

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By: Carol Platt

Sun, 12 Jul 2015 17:49:54 +0000

Alyson,
As usual, your tips are excellent and the comments are helpful too. Thank you for blessing all of us with your expertise. I meet potential students 100% offline.

I agree that providing volunteer help to any art organizations/museums/galleries will generate interest in you and your art…I have been friendly and outgoing to everyone I meet by asking more about them and their interests first. Usually, people are more interested in you when you first allow them to express themselves. My teaching is limited to three private students per year and I am always booked far ahead. Helping art groups has led to opportunities to do demos for groups, judging art shows and organizing painting events. Expanding your circle of art associates by helping others is a key. Give to receive…a basic tenet of most religions. Thinking more about what others want and helping them reach their goals is a key.

My practical tip for attracting students is this: At painting events/excursions, if an artist asks about my techniques, materials, etc….I thank them for showing an interest and ask them to explain to me first what they do about those (showing an interest in them)…I want to know why they want my info…are their current choices not satisfactory? Here again, I try to get to know them first…their goals, experiences, etc. Then I tell them that I feel I could offer them some helpful advice on the questions they’ve asked me, but since I’m in the middle of a project/event, could they please call me for a complimentary one hour visit to my studio where I can give them some unhurried answers and tips…at this point I have asked to see some of their art (doesn’t everyone have a sample on their cell phone?) I’ve determined if this is someone I could help with private lessons…if they are advanced in their career, I quickly tell them the answer to their questions because I can see they don’t need me for lessons. Not everyone calls, but the ones who do are highly motivated and that’s the type of artist I want to help.

I’ve been invited to give group lessons; however, I have enough events going on that, to date, I’ve not wanted to commit to class dates. I require potential students to be willing to commit to enough 3 hour lessons to complete one masterpiece painting. I also explain the value of their teacher being honest about technique and what an ‘art journey’ can be for them and their circumstances. I compare my private mentoring to a three year ‘Art School in a Box’ experience. Teaching is a joy and love of mine and my students make amazing progress…I’m very proud of their efforts and work.

I hope this wan’t too long for a ‘comment’ Alyson!

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By: Susan

Sat, 11 Jul 2015 01:41:10 +0000

Deb–_Thank you for your suggestions. So far I do not have any FB presence–in fact I discontinued my account because the only people who contacted me were those I didn’t want to deal with! I like the idea of doing a video tutorial and putting up notices in local coffee houses and possibly the indie art supply store. I am in fiber arts and quilting.

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By: Debbie Eckmier

Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:26:50 +0000

I forgot something I used to do with great effect – as long as you follow up!
I used to put up posters with tear off phone numbers in grocery stores, art stores and any place you can find a bulletin board. Include photos on your poster – Tell the date of your next beginner class and so on.
I didn’t have a website or a blog or FB back then but it was really effective! I had more ladies call me – I just needed to call them back and invite them to the class in person on the phone. There are some areas of town that are better than others – think disposable income.

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By: Debbie Eckmier

Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:23:53 +0000

Hi Susan!
You were interested in ideas for how to use social media locally. First, you have to connect with your local market – Join any local art groups you can find. Meet people there. Offer to help out and make yourself a contributor to their efforts. Friend them on FB and other platforms. Offer to speak at meetings as Alyson suggested.

The other thing I have done in the past is to go to craft and art shows – buy your space – collect names of prospective students. Ask them if they’ve ever thought of learning how to paint…or whatever your craft/artform is. Get their names – sign them up for your newsletter. Have a snail mail list and try to get phone numbers also. I found the best results when I called them after the show and told them again about my upcoming beginner classes.

Now with Facebook, blogs, Pinterest etc. it is SO much easier to find an audience and keep connected. Start with your friends. Run contests to enlarge your reach. I find that just posting my finished pieces on my FB personal page without even a price – I’m getting more and more interest in what I do. I’m getting more well known for my art. I also have a business page which I admit I haven’t used as well as I could – I share my art there and then share it to my personal page to get the best reach. I can have upwards of 70 people like my art on my personal page which means some of their friends still DO get to see it even with FB algorithms changing.

I’m starting to see click throughs to my business page because of sharing my finished art on my personal page. I also have a blog which does draw interest that is further afield. Don’t limit yourself to local though – start putting “how to” videos up on your blog, FB and Pinterest – also your website and watch how many people start to look at your online spaces! Consider teaching by video – create online courses. There’s more than one place to find students. The more you reach…the more you teach! Buy FB ads and try just a small amount of $ to see if it works to connect you with people in your area. As you see results you can expand your ad to reach other areas close – or target areas further away. I have see people who have had great results with all this!

I can tell you I am BLESSING whoever thought up all these internet sharing vehicles. It was SO much harder and costlier to find students way back in the “dark ages” !

Hope this helps!

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By: Susan

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:19:53 +0000

I am interested in how to use social media for advertising to a fairly local audience at this point, and also how to market to reach for potential teaching opportunities in a wider area. Other than a blog I do not have a social media presence, and I am not sure how helpful one is in meeting my goals.

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