Success On Instaprints?: Again...

i've sold a couple cards. I seem to get decent views but so far not really a lot of success selling any of my prints..

Hey, I just started up on here too: http://stath-papadopoullos.instaprints.com
I was wondering if anybody could show me the ropes on how to use the website and gain visitors?

How long after you started before you got views?

Robots see us all the time. Just issue a tweet and you will get at least 8 views within two minutes. No buyers though; mainly robots. There isn't enough traffic in the Contests or Groups to generate views from curious fellow artists. Getting views from potential buyers is a matter of promoting yourself via FB, Twitter and by passing out business cards, flyers promoting your own website. Otherwise you are dead meat. It will be a long time before your Keywords/tags draw attention. I figure it will take at least two years before this site gains footing. It does have a large potential due to its huge target.

Also bear in mind that you appear to be limited to a Square Format! That could be enough to deter folks from buying the print. Of course this is for Phone snapshots for the most part, and that could turn interior decorators away, FAA will draw most of the serious buyers.

Just keep plugging, because you never know when an idea will take off.

The first step is to start including effective keywords. Don't spam with popular keywords that don't relate to your image. Rather use keywords that apply specifically to your image. Also, include the image title and your name. If, when you upload your image with keywords you almost immediately get a bunch of hits from the bots, then your keywords are working. The first week was a little slow but I'm now getting in the range of 20 views almost immediately on my new uploads. I already have a functioning site on FAA so it happened fairly quickly for me. It might take a bit longer if this is your first online portfolio.

Remember, the bots come first and find your artwork, then hopefully they will direct prospective buyers to your images. If they like them they will eventually buy.

Finally, online sales are an endurance race, not a sprint. It's going to take a while to become successful.