Building an audience on social media
Organic growth takes real effort, there are no shortcuts, but it's very achievable with consistency and a willingness to learn the format. Social media is your most level playing field for reaching new collectors, and a growing, engaged following is what powers your print drops and email sign-ups.
What actually drives growth:
- Prioritise short video. Reels and TikToks are the formats most likely to be shown to people who don't yet follow you, so they're your main engine for reaching new audiences.
- Master the hook. Viewers decide within the first few seconds whether to keep watching. Open with surprise, a question or curiosity so people stop scrolling.
- Tell a story. A hook gets attention; a narrative makes people remember you and your art. Share your why, your process and your personality.
- Study what works and adapt it. Find successful art videos, note the hooks and structures they use, and make your own versions. Learn the rules of the format before you break them.
- Be consistent. Show up regularly so the algorithm and your audience learn to expect you.
- Measure and iterate. Compare a post's reach to your follower count to judge whether content reached new people, then do more of what lands.
Action: before your next batch of content, watch several strong artist Reels, write down the exact hook each one uses, and plan how to apply those techniques to your own work.