6/21/2026

Followers are worthless?

It seems that the prevailing thinking is that the more followers you have, the better off you are, and the greater the likelihood that sales will come from them. I don't believe it; I honestly don't. It's nice to have lots of followers for sure, but they add no value for the simple reason that they are not following you specifically, and are also unlikely to be looking at the work you are doing. You, me, all of us are just one in hundreds of others that they have signed up to follow, and then promptly forgot about. You only have to look at the engagement numbers for the work you are putting out to know that this is true.

So if followers are worthless, as I believe they are, what is the point in trying to get more? If the engagement numbers are to be believed, and I believe they are, why are we all trying so desperately to produce content that sticks when it isn't going to?

Let me have your thoughts on this very important subject.

#artsales #motivation

10 Comments

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Hava GurevichHuman-Made ArtJun 22, 2026

I’ve made a few sales directly through Instagram followers, but the bigger impact has been indirect. A strong following has led to exhibition opportunities, publications, and sales that likely wouldn’t have happened otherwise. There’s a certain amount of social proof that comes with having an audience, and whether we like it or not, that can open doors.

Is all the effort worth it? Some days I want to chuck it all out the window. But the truth is, I’ve been painting for almost 30 years and posting online for nearly 20. During that time I had a handful of local successes, but they were few and far between and often came down to luck. It wasn’t until I started putting real effort into Instagram that opportunities began to find me consistently.

It’s far from perfect, and yes, it can be incredibly frustrating. But it has also made it possible for my work to reach people all over the world and find an audience I never could have reached on my own.

Michael RochardeHuman-Made ArtTop ContributorJun 22, 2026

@Hava Gurevich You make some very valid points and some very good Instagram Reels. Thanks for commenting.

Ruth Human-Made ArtJun 21, 2026

@Michael Rocharde. Hi Michael, my name is Ruth Marshall. I am still very new with ASF and have yet to set up my profile. I know what you mean about being one in hundreds of others that have signed up to follow. I am probably showing ignorance about the concept of selling art online. However, living in Australia in regional NSW, paintings aren't selling in galleries. Lots of tourists up here, but they usually are just looking and enjoying the scenery. Because I have not had a website, and over the years have had portrait commissions and sold plenty of paintings in numerous galleries, I have virtually disappeared off the arts trail here feeling, what's the point! For this reason I am very grateful for all at ASF for giving me the opportunity to establish some sort of recognition as a serious painter. I haven't yet completed my journey as an artist, and I am continually evolving with new concepts and lots of exploration. But this takes time! I have a strong desire to leave a legacy to my children and grandchildren. Apart from that, I need to sell a few paintings to pay for art supplies., really!

On the subject of fear being a stumbling block. To quote Shakespeare: "Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we might win, by fearing to attempt". Thanks to all the wonderful fellow artists who understand the struggle! Ruth.

Michael RochardeHuman-Made ArtTop ContributorJun 21, 2026

@Ruth Hi Ruth. You're the second person to comment. For the record, I'm not complaining about ASF or what they do. So far, I like it, and I'm happy to wait for some sales. What I was commenting on is that the metric for success is supposed to be having lots of followers, but the evidence shows that's not the case. To quote Frank Herbert, the author of Dune, "Fear is the mind killer", but fear is not my stumbling block, nor has it ever been.

Ruth Human-Made ArtJun 22, 2026

Hi Michael. I apologise! I know you were just making an observation about who are the buyers for our art. It wasn't my intention to underestimate the importance of followers. Without confusing the matter further, regarding the subject of fear, I was speaking generally because I, for myself, I understand how the fear of failure to implement an idea can put a potential great painting on the back burner! I think I should keep my comments to myself in future! I wouldn't post if my intention was to challenge other people's posts! Kind regards, Ruth.

Michael RochardeHuman-Made ArtTop ContributorJun 22, 2026

@Ruth No need to apologize. All comments are valuable and welcome. Returning to the subject of fear, you might find this helpful. https://www.arthelper.com/community/howtosellart/post/failure-is-a-good-thing

Trevor WhetstoneHuman-Made ArtJun 21, 2026

I keep picking up little snippets of information from different people who comment on here. I dont expect to sell anything from on here because we are all trying to find buyers, and other artists are not often buyers.

Your comment tells me that in spite of you having a lot more points than me, yet still no sales as a result. Everything you say confirms what i had concluded, that this is no place to sell, but just pick up little snippets of information that may be useful, and of course to give the same for others, who may benefit from something i have discovered.

Thank you for this snippet of information Michael.

Michael RochardeHuman-Made ArtTop ContributorJun 21, 2026

@Trevor Whetstone Thanks for commenting. The post has nothing to do with this site. The points I've accrued are a result of all the posts I have made, the comments I've received, and the replies I've given. As to making sales, I have, like most of us on here, my own gallery site. While it is early days, I'm not convinced that I'm reaching an audience of potential buyers; Co-pilot notwithstanding. I seem to be adding Instagram followers at a rapid rate, but engagement is so poor that those numbers are meaningless.

Trevor WhetstoneHuman-Made ArtJun 21, 2026

Do you think Co-Pilot brings more potential buyers to your own gallery Michael?

When you say the post has nothing to do with this site, can you tell me what you mean. I think I get confused by people from Art Storefront posting here, or maybe I am wrong about that as well.

Michael RochardeHuman-Made ArtTop ContributorJun 21, 2026

@Trevor Whetstone That's what Co-Pilot is supposed to do, but as far as I can tell, it doesn't. As for the post, it has nothing to do with this site, in that this site isn't ArtStoreFronts or facilitating sales. I have a community here called How to Sell Art, where it was posted. Most of the posts in that community are aimed at teaching people how to be more effective as salespeople. Occasionally, I digress and make observations. The post is about worthless followers with regard to social media and selling art. I hope this clears it up.