In this post, we'll discuss the importance of tagging and descriptions. Considering the effort you put into a single piece of artwork, it's only fair to give it the greatest opportunity to succeed. So, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned vet, these tips should help improve your chances to sell. 

What are the best descriptions for my artwork?

Let's start by thinking like your buyer. A good description is anything that encourages another layer of emotional attachment to your artwork. Examples of this include anecdotes, history, poems, commentary, your process or anything interesting about the piece that your buyer can talk about in the real world.

Why are descriptions important?

Two reasons.

ONE // By giving your buyers the opportunity to become knowledgeable in your artwork, you encourage them to give you real-life promotions. You allow buyers to become passionate champions of your work.

Think of the person who has already bought your artwork on a new iPhone 6 case. When your buyer talks about their phone case (which goes everywhere), they have something unique to share regarding your work. Whoever is listening is more likely to find themselves at your shop because they already have a sense of your work.

TWO // SEO value or Search Engine Optimization value. This is a big one. Google rewards you for interesting descriptions. The more compelling your description, the more likely you'll appear in Google's results when buyers search for work like yours.

We don't expect you to be the next Robert Frost, but it is important to understand there is definitive value in giving your potential buyers something extra to latch onto. Ultimately, more eyes on your artwork means more chances to sell.

What's the difference between descriptions and tags?

A description is something interesting about your artwork.

A tag is a keyword indicating what is found in a piece of artwork. This is priority.

What are the best tags for my artwork?

Again, let's think like your buyer. Add tags that your buyer would want to search for. If your image, titled "Falling Down", is a digital illustration of a bearded skeleton falling off a skateboard with blue bones, add some tags like "skeleton, skateboard, comedy, humor, funny,  skater, skate or die, broken bones, blue, beard, digital illustration".

Add tags related to mood, color, genre of art, mediums used and anything that actually appears in the image. You can use multiple words per tag if you separate with a comma. We recommend a minimum of five tags per piece.

Separate your tags with a comma. 

When your buyers search for something on Society6, our website is looking at your comma delineated tags. That's tech-talk for "use a comma to separate your tags for best results."

Why is tagging important?

By adding tags, your artwork becomes more discoverable - both on Society6 and Google. If your work is easier to find, it's more likely to be seen. The more eyes on your work, the greater your chances are of selling. Respectfully, we ask that you make this a priority when uploading as it helps us help you.

How do I add descriptions and tags to new artwork?

First, click on the "Sell" link at the top of the site. This is where you upload new prints.

Once you've uploaded your artwork, below the "Title of artwork" field, you'll see "Category" and "Add tags". Make sure to fill these out as thouroughly as possible.

Once you've added your title, tags and descriptions, click "Continue to create products" at the bottom of the page to activate products. From there, you're off to the races.

How do I update or edit my descriptions and tags?

Go to your Art Management page and locate the artwork you're interested in updating. Navigate to your product, then click on the vertical elipse and click "Edit info".

Update your descriptions and tags as described above. Again, we suggest adding tags below your description to give your buyer the best viewing experience. When you're done, click "Publish This".

In the end, the more attention you give to tags and descriptions, the more attention your artwork gets.

Questions? Comments? You know what to do. Add them below.