5-Week Digital Marketing Programme for Artists, Musicians and Creatives in North Devon
Digital Marketing for the Creative Industries is a 5-week, in-person programme delivered in North Devon for artists, musicians, bands, performers, makers, designers, writers and other creative freelancers. Participants work on their own creative practice throughout, building their online presence, growing an audience and leaving with a six-month omnichannel marketing plan. Councils, arts and culture funders, music and creative development organisations and venues commission it to help local creatives earn a sustainable living from their work.
Programme at a glance
| Length | 5 weeks |
|---|---|
| Delivery | In person, two sessions a week, 3 hours each |
| Location | Community venues in North Devon, agreed with the commissioner |
| Cohort size | 8–12 people |
| Entry requirements | Basic digital literacy |
| Participants work on | Their own creative business, every week |
| Participants finish with | A six-month omnichannel marketing plan |
| Reporting | Attendance, completion and business outcomes at six months |
Why fund digital skills for creatives
Creative talent is one of North Devon's great strengths, but talent alone rarely pays the bills. Most artists, musicians and makers work alone or in small groups, with little time or training in marketing. Many depend on a single platform, a handful of local gigs or word of mouth. This programme gives them the practical skills to reach audiences and buyers directly, turning creative work into more sustainable income, and keeping creative talent living and working in the area.
Who the programme serves
Visual artists, illustrators, photographers and printmakers
Musicians, singers, bands, DJs and producers
Performers, including actors, dancers, comedians and theatre makers
Makers and craftspeople, such as ceramicists, jewellers and textile artists
Writers, poets and podcasters
Designers, filmmakers and other creative freelancers
Emerging creatives starting to earn from their work, and established practitioners wanting new audiences
Programme structure
Your audience and your story. Participants define who their work is for, what makes it distinctive and how to talk about it with confidence, without feeling like they're "selling out".
Your online home. Participants review their website, portfolio, link-in-bio page or online shop, and fix what stops fans, buyers and bookers from taking the next step.
Getting found. Participants improve their visibility on Google and on the platforms that matter for their art form, such as streaming services, gallery and maker marketplaces, and event listings.
Content and community. Participants choose the right social channels, plan content that shows their process and personality, and learn to build an engaged community and mailing list, using free design and AI tools.
Launches, income and the plan. Participants learn how to promote a release, exhibition, gig or collection, explore income streams such as commissions, merchandise, workshops and direct sales, and pull everything into a six-month omnichannel marketing plan.
Outcomes you can expect
Every participant leaves with a six-month omnichannel marketing plan built around their own creative practice
Stronger online presence through improved websites, portfolios and profiles
Growth in audience, followers, mailing list sign-ups, bookings and sales, tracked at six months
New or diversified income streams
A peer network of local creatives that continues after the programme, often leading to collaborations
Questions from commissioners
Can the programme focus on a single art form? Yes. We can run cohorts for a specific group, such as musicians and bands, visual artists, or makers, or mix disciplines, which often sparks collaboration.
Is it suitable for creatives who dislike self-promotion? Yes. Many creatives find marketing uncomfortable. We focus on sharing the work and the story behind it in an authentic way, rather than hard selling.
How do you measure outcomes for creatives? We record each participant's starting point, such as audience size, mailing list, bookings, commissions and sales, then follow up at six months to report changes.
Can it run alongside other creative development support? Yes. It works well alongside arts development programmes, artist residencies, music development schemes, creative hubs and festivals.
Can you deliver at a creative venue? Yes. We're happy to deliver at galleries, music venues, studios and creative hubs agreed with the commissioner.
How much does it cost? Cost depends on cohort size and venue. We'll provide an itemised proposal after our first conversation.
