Transforming Steven Forbes-deSoule's Online Presence & Cultivating a Thriving Organic Community

Over the years, we at Go Artist Go have been consistently captivated by the exquisite quality, vibrant colors, and unique formations found in the raku pottery of Steven Forbes-deSoule. His work, inspired by the textures and colors of the mountain vistas near his North Carolina home and even images from outer space, truly stands out. We were thrilled to help Steven showcase his art to a wider audience and build a robust, organic online presence.

The Challenge

Steven Forbes-deSoule, a master of American Raku pottery, has dedicated over 40 years to his craft. His pieces, known for their "exotic vistas" and "lush hues," are collected by museums, corporations, and individuals worldwide. However, his online presence needed to genuinely reflect the artistry and unique nature of his work, attracting collectors and enthusiasts through authentic, sustainable methods.

Our Solution: A Holistic Organic Strategy

Go Artist Go stepped in to create a digital platform that would truly do Steven's art justice, focusing heavily on organic growth and authentic engagement. We began by building a new online store using Squarespace, meticulously designed to highlight the intricate details and vibrant colors of Steven's vessels, sculptures, and wall pieces. This included:

• Visually Engaging Website: Crafted to showcase the beauty of each unique piece.

• Insightful Content: A dedicated "Raku Firing Page" offered a fascinating look into Steven's unique process, while a blog allowed for sharing press, news, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

• Integrated Organic SEO: We strategically implemented keywords, optimized images, and crafted captivating copy to ensure Steven's website naturally appeared high in search results. Our efforts ensured his website has remained in the top 3 pages for "raku pottery" on Google since we began.

Beyond the website, a critical component of our strategy was cultivating an engaged community entirely through organic social media efforts. We understood that simply posting wasn't enough; we needed to actively navigate the ever-evolving algorithms to maximize Steven's reach and connection. This involved:

• Expert Algorithm Navigation: We continually analyzed platform insights to understand what content resonated most, adjusting posting times, formats, and content types to ensure optimal visibility without paid promotion.

• Community Engagement: We actively posted in relevant Facebook groups, shared engaging content that sparked conversation, and diligently responded to all comments and messages. This fostered a genuine dialogue around Steven's art.

• Strategic Growth Tactics: We made it a point to invite new engagers to "like" Steven's pages, converting casual viewers into dedicated followers. This thoughtful, personal touch was key to expanding his organic reach.

• Direct Link to Sales: Every social media activity, every engaging post, every shared piece of news, was meticulously designed to drive traffic back to Steven's website and online store. We understood that social media wasn't just for likes; it was a vital funnel for qualified visitors.

  Social Media Links: Facebook | Instagram

Tangible Results Through Organic Growth

Our purely organic approach yielded truly impressive results for Steven's online presence:

• Consistent Top Google Ranking: Steven's website has consistently ranked within the top 3 pages for "raku pottery" on Google, providing a steady stream of organic search traffic.

• Explosive Social Media Growth: We helped Steven cultivate a highly engaged audience on Facebook, growing his following to over 3,700 dedicated followers – all achieved without spending a dime on ads.

• Massive Online Store Activity: This expanded reach and strong organic presence directly translated into significant website traffic, with his online store now boasting over 10,000 active users and leading to substantially increased sales.

Steven's Raku Pottery: A Journey of Art and Alchemy

Steven's Raku pottery is truly a testament to his four decades of mastery. His unique process involves:

American Raku Technique: Inspired by Paul Soldner, Steven embraces the element of surprise in raku firing, placing hot pottery in combustible materials to create stunning, unpredictable effects.

Proprietary Glaze Recipes: Steven has meticulously developed his own glaze recipes, resulting in "one-of-a-kind pieces" with unparalleled richness in color and texture.

Diverse Inspiration: Drawing from the dramatic mountain vistas near his North Carolina home and even abstract images from outer space, Steven's pieces evoke "exotic vistas" that captivate the imagination.

Go Artist Go continues to provide Steven with comprehensive marketing support and consultation, including ongoing SEO, website and social media management, compelling blog development, and more. We are incredibly proud to play a role in sharing his beautiful ceramics with the world and proving the power of authentic, organic digital strategy.

You can explore Steven's stunning work and learn more about his unique process at his online store: Raku Pottery by Steven Forbes-deSoule.