Marketing a picture framing business goes beyond showing your skill and craftsmanship — it calls for a clear strategy that attracts new customers and keeps your shop visible. A strong marketing strategy helps people discover your services, understand what sets you apart, and choose your business over the competition.
With 81% of consumers researching businesses online before making a purchase, your store needs a large digital footprint to stay competitive. A mix of digital marketing and local outreach can expand your reach and bring new customers through the door, whether you run a small shop or a larger operation.
This guide covers five practical ways to market a picture framing business. These strategies can help you attract new customers, build strong relationships, and grow your brand.
Your community is filled with potential customers who need custom framing but may not know where to go. Hosting workshops and partnering with local artists gets your business in front of the right people. Use local marketing strategies to create connections that lead to word-of-mouth referrals, bringing in a steady flow of customers.
Face-to-face interactions at art fairs and trade shows let you showcase your work while building relationships with buyers. These types of events attract people who are already interested in art, making them a great opportunity for new business. Here are a few ideas to consider:
As a small business owner, you are an extension of your brand. Consistent participation within the local community keeps your brand fresh in the minds of customers, while collaboration and networking help you gain exposure and credibility.
Social media is a powerful tool for local businesses to connect with potential customers and promote their work. 78% of consumers check social media before deciding what to buy. Having content readily available on various social media platforms helps people discover your business and the quality of your work before they ever set foot in your store.
Framing is a highly visual craft, which plays in your favor on social media. Use visual-based platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and TikTok to show your frames, and consider the following social media content ideas:
Share before-and-after photos of framing projects to highlight transformations.
Feature customer stories and testimonials.
Create behind-the-scenes content to show your process and craftsmanship.
Reshare photos and videos that your customers upload as a form of social proof.
Add location-based hashtags like #CustomFraming[YourCity] to attract nearby social media users.
Geotag your posts so they appear in location-based searches on Instagram and Facebook.
Interact with local artists, photographers, and businesses by commenting and sharing their content.
These small steps improve how you approach marketing your picture framing business. They will increase visibility and help you connect with the right audience in your area.
A user-friendly website is your digital storefront, giving viewers a clear picture of what you have to offer. A website may seem like a big undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple ways can help you build an engaging website that’ll turn online browsers into in-store visitors:
Display high-quality images of past projects in a portfolio or gallery. Finally, make your contact information easy to find with a clear call to action for inquiries.
Adding a blog to your website is optional, but it adds value by positioning you as an expert in the industry. You can write about framing tips, design trends, and care instructions. This gives customers useful insights while improving your site’s visibility in search results.
Promotions and partnerships play a role in marketing your picture framing business. They bring in new customers while keeping existing ones engaged. Try the following promotional ideas to support your advertising efforts:
Use promotions to attract customers: Offer limited discounts for first-time customers or seasonal specials. Bundle services like matting discounts with custom framing to increase total order value.
Encourage referrals: Create a referral program where customers get a discount for bringing in new business. Promote referrals through social media, email marketing, and in-store signage.
Partner with complementary businesses: Work with interior designers, photographers, and art supply stores to cross-promote services. Display framed artwork in local cafés, galleries, or boutiques for free exposure.
A customer who comes in for a first-time discount could be the same person who returns to frame every milestone, from wedding photos to family portraits.
Great customer service turns a one-time buyer into a lifelong customer. A personalized experience makes customers feel valued and gives them confidence in your expertise. Here are a few ways to create that feeling:
Offer personalized recommendations: Use a point of sale (POS) system to track customer purchase history and preferences. This allows you to suggest frame styles, matting options, and finishes that align with their previous choices, home décor, or budget.
Pay attention to the details: Guide customers through the selection process, explaining matting, glass options, and frame finishes. Thoughtful recommendations help them make confident decisions.
Keep customers informed: Walk them through your process so they understand timeframes, materials, and preservation techniques. A well-informed customer is more likely to appreciate the value of your work.
Follow up and encourage feedback: Check in after a sale to ensure satisfaction. Invite customers to leave reviews on Google, social media, or your website, and take the time to respond to all feedback to show you value their input.
Offer care and maintenance tips: Provide guidance on frame cleaning, proper hanging techniques, and how to protect artwork from sunlight or humidity.
Small gestures like this keep your business at the forefront of your customers’ minds, making it more likely that they’ll consider you for their future framing projects.
Marketing your picture framing business takes time — and keeping up with inquiries, orders, and inventory can make it even more challenging. But when you have an all-in-one POS system, taking care of the day-to-day store tasks becomes more manageable, so you can focus your efforts on your marketing strategies.
LifeSaver POS is built for picture framers. Our software makes it easier to manage pricing, payments, work orders, and vendor integrations. It also connects with top frame suppliers, allows real-time pricing updates, and keeps inventory organized, so you always know what’s in stock.
With a system that simplifies your workflow, you can spend less time on paperwork and more time with your customers. Get a free 14-day trial to learn how you can support your business today.