How I’m Using My Art Shop to Practice Digital Marketing
When I decided to transition into digital marketing, I knew I wanted hands-on experience to back up the skills I was learning online. Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, I turned to something I already loved, my art. I revived my illustration website and eventually opened an art shop on Etsy to sell my gouache paintings as instant download art printables. These projects became a creative place where I could test SEO tactics, content strategies, email marketing, and campaign planning in a low-pressure, engaging way. From updating Etsy listings to designing a multi-channel product launch for my insect illustration collection, and now my fruit collection currently in the works, I’ve been using my shop as a space to grow, experiment, and learn through real-world practice.
1. Real Projects I’ve Worked On
SEO Projects
Website Audit: My first website audit revealed some technical roadblocks like oversized images and JavaScript issues slowing down my homepage. I learned best practices like keeping image sizes under 500KB and the limitations of my current platform (Squarespace).
Etsy Titles/Tags: I’ve been refining my Etsy product listings, testing different keywords and formats for better search visibility.
SEO Blog Posts: I wrote blog content with keywords in mind, like The Best Places to Buy Frames for Prints and How to Make More Time for Your Hobbies, which are driving traffic organically.
Campaign Planning
Insect Art Collection Launch: My first full campaign included a landing page, themed blog content, newsletter, and Pinterest graphics. I created a cohesive visual and content strategy for the launch.
Google Tools Practice
I implemented Google Tag Manager and attempted to track traffic to the insect landing page with a custom Google Analytics report. Though the setup didn’t track as expected, the process gave me real experience in troubleshooting and planning tracking events.
Content Marketing
I’ve created Pinterest graphics, themed newsletters using ConvertKit (now known as Kit), and blog content to support launches and promote art as part of a cozy lifestyle.
2. What I’ve Learned So Far
Wins
Got my first Etsy sale, two illustrations from the insect collection!
Created and listed 20+ digital downloads in the shop
Built confidence with tools like SEMrush, Kit, Google Analytics, and Google Tag Manager
Continued growing both my art and digital marketing skills at the same time
Lessons
Test everything before launch, especially tracking tools
Mini campaigns don’t have to be perfect, they’re still valuable learning tools
Mixing creative and analytical work can be a strength in digital marketing
3. What’s Next
Fruit Wall Art Collection Campaign: I’m planning a three-week campaign around a new fruit-themed collection, with a landing page, newsletter, blog posts, and Pinterest graphics.
Ongoing SEO Tweaks: After my audit, I’ve been improving image sizes and checking overall performance. Small changes are already making a difference in site speed and usability.
4. Check Out The Work
If you're curious, you can visit my shop here or check out the insect collection landing page.
I’d love to connect with other creatives or marketers experimenting with their own projects—feel free to reach out or browse my digital marketing portfolio.