Tutorials

Strategy

After thinking about it, I would hold off on selling signed or numbered prints at different prices for now. Let’s focus on normal unsigned, unnumbered prints to get some sales coming in and build momentum. We can look into signed and numbered editions further down the line.

Content Direction

For shop content, I suggest keeping it focused on two main options to begin with:

1. A selection of your existing work that you’ve already tested out.

2. A series featuring your new photography project in Wales.

Dave – To Do

• Portfolio Organisation: Streamline the portfolio so it only contains the work you want to keep, and correct all typos. Ensure page layout consistency throughout: Si will do the layouts once content is sorted.

  • A clear heading at the top.

  • An introductory paragraph outlining the series.

  • Concise captions under each image, not including prices. Prices just go on the shop.

• Image Sizing: Resize all images so they are 1,500px on the longest edge. Aim to compress them to around 500KB per image—if quality suffers noticeably, you can go up to 750KB.

• Blog / Journal Content: Draft 3 blog or journal posts (older projects are fine to start with). Aim to publish a new post every week or two going forward. (Si will handle publishing once copy and imagery are ready.)

• Shop Setup: Prepare final imagery, item copy, prices, and list all product variations.

• Print Information: Provide copy explaining print specifications, shipping details, and delivery timeframes.

• New Homepage: Select images for each linked category box and draft an introductory paragraph to sit beneath the main header.

• Community Engagement (Facebook): Search for and join relevant art and photography Facebook groups. I will compile a list of target groups for you to join (rather than taking your login details, so your account remains private). You can then share links to your journal posts directly.

• Instagram: Ensure every post includes a location tag along with the hashtag sets I’ll be researching and providing.

Si – To Do

• Content & Shop Uploads: Build out and format all site pages, add shop items, and post journal entries once Dave provides the final images and copy. Generally make sure each page works and looks good. ( Master Layouts done - ready for final content )

• Site Management: Manage the website moving forward once content assets are handed over. ( Ongoing once we launch )

• Homepage Update: Add a clear link to the blog/journal on the new homepage and drop in some copy under the headline. ( Done and will just need 5 minutes to update images )

• SEO Optimisation: Research and write all meta descriptions and page tags for Google indexing. ( Done )

• Instagram and Facebook Strategy: Research targeted hashtags and provide a master list for every Instagram post. Research Facebook groups to target and join. ( Done - see below )

• Shop Check: Perform a complete audit of the online store setup prior to launch. ( Done and works fine - will need to add your details but it is a 10 minute job )

• Walkthrough Videos: Record and provide additional walkthrough videos for site management. ( Doing today )

• Indexing: Submit the updated site and sitemap to Google Search Console for indexing. (Done but will do one click again when launched )

• External Linking: I will do a blog post on my site and also other sites I manage including my socials. (Done I just need to click post when we launch )

Si - Costs.

Thanks for your payment so far (£300 as agreed, plus the £40). I’ve done another 7 hours of work, and as 2 of those hours are on the house, that leaves a remaining balance of £60 (£20 × 5 hours).

I do apologise for any mix-up—I thought we were on the same page regarding what I’d typed earlier, but sorry again for any confusion!

I’ve gone through and pretty much completed everything now, except for adding the products. Once I’ve uploaded the walkthrough video, you’ll be able to see all the work done.

As a gesture of goodwill, I’m more than happy to add the products for you free of charge (up to a couple of hours, which should be plenty of time whenever you’re ready). That said, once you’ve added a couple yourself, you’ll easily get the hang of it if you’d prefer to do them on your end. As we mentioned when we spoke, everything needed a bit more time initially to get set up properly. Then it would be just 2-3 hours a month after that.

Facebook Groups to Search

1. Artist & Fine Art Communities (Best for Sharing Art & Prints)

Groups where artists promote work, discuss techniques, and share online shop links:

• Cheshire Artists Network — A regional group for fine artists, mixed-media creators, and painters across Cheshire.

• Artists of North Wales / Artistiaid Gogledd Cymru — Active community for North Wales creators; ideal for displaying landscapes and abstract art.

• Wirral Artists & Makers — Dedicated to local creatives sharing original work, prints, and upcoming exhibitions.

• North West UK Artists & Creatives — A broader regional group connecting artists across Cheshire, Merseyside, and Lancashire.

• UK Abstract Artists — A niche, highly targeted group specifically for abstract painters, digital artists, and photographers.

2. Regional Photography Groups (Best for Sourcing Shots & Local Exposure)

Great for showcasing his base photo process or sharing original local photography before transforming it into art:

• Cheshire Photography Group — Community focused on capturing landscapes, landmarks, and creative photography in Cheshire.

• Wirral Photography & Scenes — Popular group showcasing landscapes and coastal photography around West Kirby, New Brighton, and the Wirral coast.

• North Wales Photography — High-engagement group focused on North Wales landscapes, mountains, and coastal shots.

• UK Mixed Media & Creative Photography — A group specifically tailored for experimental, abstract, and photo-manipulation art.

3. Local Community & Buying Groups (Best for Direct Local Sales)

Local area groups where residents look to buy original art, home decor, and gifts from local creators:

• Cheshire Life & Art Market — Local marketplace for regional artists, craftspeople, and print sellers.

• Heswall, West Kirby & Wirral Small Business & Creatives — Ideal for targeting local buyers on the Wirral looking for local art and prints.

• North Wales Arts, Crafts & Gifts — A regional marketplace for local creatives selling prints and original pieces.

• Chester & Cheshire Creatives Marketplace — Focused on local art buyers and interior design enthusiasts looking for unique home decor.

Tips for Facebook Group Self-Promotion

1. Check Group Rules: Many groups restrict promotion to specific days (e.g., "Self-Promotion Sunday" or "Marketplace Threads").

2. Show the Process: Groups love seeing the transformation—posts showing a "Before (Original Photo) vs After (Mixed-Media/Abstract Finish)" tend to get significantly higher engagement than just a finished photo link.

3. Include Direct Shop Links: When allowed, always post a link to the print store along with the story behind the piece.

Instagram Hashtags to Copy and Paste using the Web App which will be easier.

#AbstractPhotography #MixedMediaArt #PhotoManipulation #PaintedPhotos #DigitalAbstractArt #FineArtPrints #AffordableArtUK #ArtForHomes #WallArtInspiration #ArtCollectorUK #ContemporaryArtUK#BuyArtOnline #PrintShop #UKArtist #CheshireArtist #WirralArt #NorthWalesArt #CheshirePhotographer #NorthWestArt #FramedPrints #AbstractGrid #ModernPhotoArt #ArtForInteriorDesign #VisualArtistUK #UKPhotographer

Basic Quick Idea for a Reusable Template for Ongoing Journal and Blog Posts

Title - Behind the scenes on [Painting Title]

Here’s a look at how this piece developed stage by stage:

• Photos 1–2: Setting up the composition and underpainting.

• Photos 3–4: Building up colour and form.

• Final Photo: The finished piece.

Seeing a piece transform layer by layer is always my favourite part of the process.

When posting to Facebook do the images and the copy and include a link direct to the website. Do the whole journal post as people tend not to click to open a new website.

I have created a master Journal posts templates that can be duplicated.