Social Media
The Suffolk Craft Society has an active, lively presence on Instagram, and automatically reposts to our Facebook account. These are the two forward-facing platforms for the Society aside from the website, delivering regular updates, special news and recent content from our Makers. They are free forms of promotion that are highly suited to visual content, and we strongly suggest you engage with one or both.
We share the personal creative news and events of our Makers to our frequently-viewed ‘Stories’ (on both platforms) when you add @suffolkcraftsociety to relevant Instagram posts. Doing this flags your post to us and increases your reach considerably. As a new member please introduce yourself to Clare via the Instagram message system, follow SCS and we will follow you in return.
The accounts are managed by SCS member Clare Gaylard who works in collaboration with Webmaster and SCS member Helen Smith, who both volunteer their time and experience. Please support their work and SCS with timely, tagged content, ‘likes’ and ‘shares’.
Tips on using Instagram as a tool:
We suggest creating a public account and moderating the content to protect your own privacy. Some people choose to maintain a separate personal account specifically for family and friends.
A public Instagram account is an excellent, free, way to develop your own brand, to connect with followers, buyers, creatives, collectors and galleries.
Your Instagram can operate as a sole online business card/presence or as landing page to direct people to your website, Etsy shop, online store or Suffolk Craft Society page.
Getting Started with Instagram
Instagram will ‘walk’ you through initial set-up stages. We suggest that you make a secure note of the password, username and email associated with your account. Set the account to public but consider how much you wish to share.
Branding and Content
Take a look at the accounts of makers, artists and institutions that interest you and are relevant, consider what they post – and consider what you enjoy and appreciate as a follower. A balance of content and regular content (even if only once a week) will greatly assist you in developing a following. Your account should showcase your skills, process, activities and the unique character of your work. Accounts that exist just to advertise (or over-post) are less likely to attract a following.
Posting
Good photos and concise text make for successful posts, Instagram is primarily a visual platform. Consider posting images of any of the following: process shots, workbench photos, raw materials, tools, work in progress, sketches, designs, finished items, your studio/workshop inspiration, visits to events and places, your own exhibition and event posters. People like to see the maker, but you your hands, at work are a good alternative.
Engagement
You might like to build up a folder of images so that you have posts ‘in hand’, as regular posting is more effective than random bursts. Following and Liking other accounts helps build community. Responding to comments and engaging with followers makes your page more active and helps develop reach. Most interactions on Instagram are positive. If you ever receive negative comments, consider using them as a teaching moment and respond with courtesy or delete and block.
Control
Instagram is a powerful, free tool for promoting your craft. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming, and you remain in full control of when and what you share. Starting low-key at a pace that suits you personally, is the best way to enjoy it and develop it as a as relevant tool.