How to increase your ceramics and art instagram sales and get new followers

• https://www.instagram.com/littletree.studio

As artists, we pour our hearts, time, and hands into every piece we make (in my case ceramics), but turning that creativity into consistent sales and a growing audience on Instagram and other social media platforms can feel like a whole new and often impossible craft to master.

I have discovered that successfully building an online presence for ceramics is not just about posting beautiful photos; it's about telling your story and engaging your audience.

This guide outlines a practical plan with tried-and-tested tips tailored explicitly for handmade ceramics makers and other artists. It aims to help you boost your Instagram reach, attract new followers who genuinely appreciate what you do, and increase sales without sacrificing your authenticity.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to revitalise your feed, these strategies can help you transform your Instagram page into a vibrant extension of your art.

I hope this article helps, if you would like to see more of my cermaics come follow us at instagram.com/littletree.studio send a DM saying Hi and we'll follow you back.

1. Revamp Your Visual Storytelling

• High‑quality, authentic imagery: Use good lighting and clean, cohesive backdrops to showcase surface textures and craftsmanship. Multiple angles and detail shots bring each piece to life.
• Vary your content: While keeping a you consitant style and look, mix finished product shots with on‑the‑wheel process clips, studio scenes, glazing, and the human side of your brand. Stories and Reels of artisits in action are very popular.

2. Craft Engaging, Story‑Driven Captions

• Follow the “4 Value Pillars”
  1. relatable moments
  2. behind‑the‑scenes
  3. product highlights
  4. human connection.
• Use captions to prompt action
  Ask which colour they prefer, run polls in your insta posts and stories and remember to invite people to engage with you via DM, a link in your bio or shop.

3. Build & Engage Your Audience

• Post consistently: (3–4 feed posts/week + regular Stories) to stay discoverable. 
• Engage actively: Reply to comments on your posts and DMs promptly.
• Connection:  Connect with other makers and artists because genuine community and interactions builds sales.

4. Use Instagram Tools & Local Tags

• Leverage Reels and Location Tags #yourtown (e.g. in my case (#wearecbr #canberra #canberraceramics) to attract local buyers. 
• Enable Instagram Shopping for direct purchases from posts and profile. 

5. Partner with OTHERS

• Collaborate with other artists; sharing, liking and promoting each others work.
• Collaborate with micro‑influencers (5k–50k followers) who align with ceramics, homewares or local arts communities, they offer high engagement.
• Ask for partners and custmers to make sincere, creative posts that show your pieces in use, authenticity sells :-)
• Follow for Follow with other artisits.
• Use Instagram Collaboration Tag so you post apprears on other people instgram pages. Think happy customers, galleries, shop outlets, other artisits and friends.

Let's start with a new follower straight away, come follow us at instagram.com/littletree.studio send a DM saying Hi and we'll follow you back.

6. Host Giveaways or Contests

• Run small contests (tag a friend to enter, best caption wins) to increase reach and engagement. See a Giveaway example below:

Instagram giveaway example to encourge new followers

• LIKE this post
• SHARE this post
• TAG your friends
  
  T&Cs
• Must be following 'Your account name'
• Target Area ie: This giveaway if for Canberra, Australia
• Every tag is an entry
• Winner will be drawn when: 'I reach x number of  followers' or 'date'

7. Grow Beyond Instagram

• Collect emails from sales and at markets, offer giveaways and exclusive early‑drops to build repeat customers.
• Do collaborations with friends, shops, cafés and galleries and share those moments on Instagram to extend reach.
• Have postcards on the ready that show off your work. Keep some them in your car and bag.
• Add QR codes to your cards so people can easly visit your website, online shop and socials pages. I use linktr.ee
• Ask for testimonials from happy customers and share them with gratatude.
• Give stuff away. It sounds counterintuitive but I find generosity always come back to you in ways you don't expect.

Sample Weekly Rhythm EXAMPLE

Use a mix of Posts, Reels and Stories for the below activity ideas

1. Throughout the week, I find evening are best, post finished work that is for sale and link to your online shop if you have one or ask followers to comment or send you a DM.
2. Story Poll (ie: colour choice, style, new ideas)
3. Reel of artisits techniques and/or making process
4. Reel behind‑the‑scenes Story + Q&A prompt
5. Post or Reel of behind‑the‑scenes happenings
6. Post or Story: Promote stockists if you have any
7. Giveaways
8. Collaborate with others and share content
9. Share customer feedback
10. Weekends: Take a break, life is not all about soical media!

Local Angle 

• Highlight craftsmanship rooted in your local area, ie:  materials, landscapes and community.
• Use landmarks and other local icons as backdrops or props for some reels or stories to increase local engagement.
• Use geo‑tags and collaborate with local artists for styled shoots and cross‑promotion.

Final Tips

• Track performance: use Instagram Insights and lean into what performs best. 
• Stay authentic: your unique voice and story are your strongest selling points.
• Be patient: expect steady growth over 6-12 months for lasting results.