In the crowded world of social media, standing out as an artist, author, or creative can be challenging. You might have incredible work, but if your posts don’t grab attention and inspire action, they can easily get lost in the noise.
That’s where AIDA comes in.
AIDA is a classic marketing framework that stands for:
- Attention
- Interest
- Desire
- Action
Originally developed in the late 19th century for sales and advertising, AIDA is just as powerful today—especially for creatives looking to promote their work on social media.
In this guide, we’ll break down how you can use AIDA to craft engaging posts, grow your audience, and turn followers into fans (and customers).
1. A = Attention (Grab Their Eyeballs)
Before anything else, you need to stop the scroll. Social media users have short attention spans, so your first job is to make them pause and look at your content.
How to Grab Attention as a Creative:
✅ Use Bold Visuals – If you’re an artist, this is your strength. A striking painting, a time-lapse of your process, or a vibrant color palette will stop people mid-scroll.
📌 Example: An illustrator posts a close-up shot of a detailed ink drawing with the caption: “Spent 20 hours on this tiny detail… was it worth it? 👀”
✅ Ask a Provocative Question – Questions spark curiosity.
📌 Example: A writer could post: “What’s the one book character you’d bring back to life?”
✅ Leverage Trends & Pop Culture – Jump on viral challenges, memes, or trending topics (if relevant to your brand).
📌 Example: A digital artist recreates a famous movie scene in their own style with the caption: “How I’d redesign [Famous Character] if I got the chance!”
✅ Use Strong Headlines & Captions – Avoid generic phrases like “Check out my art.” Instead, try:
- “This painting almost broke me…”
- “The secret trick I use to beat writer’s block.”
2. I = Interest (Make Them Want More)
Once you’ve got their attention, you need to keep it. This is where storytelling and behind-the-scenes content shine.
How to Build Interest:
✅ Share Your Creative Process – People love seeing how things are made.
📌 Example: A ceramicist posts a Reel showing how they transform a lump of clay into a finished vase, set to engaging music.
✅ Tell a Story – Instead of just posting a finished book cover, share the inspiration behind it.
📌 Example: An author writes: “This novel was inspired by a creepy roadside motel I stayed in at 3 AM. Here’s why it haunted me…”
✅ Drop a Fun Fact or Tip – Teach your audience something valuable.
📌 Example: A watercolor artist posts: “The one brushstroke trick that changed my paintings forever.”
✅ Use Teasers – Build anticipation for upcoming work.
📌 Example: A musician shares a 15-second clip of a new song with: “New track dropping Friday… can you guess what it’s about? 🎶”
3. D = Desire (Make Them Crave Your Work)
Now that they’re interested, it’s time to make them want what you’re offering—whether it’s your art, book, music, or services.
How to Create Desire:
✅ Showcase Testimonials & Reviews – Social proof builds trust.
📌 Example: A fantasy author shares a fan’s DM: “Just finished your book and stayed up all night reading—when’s the sequel coming?!”
✅ Highlight the Benefits – Instead of just saying “Buy my art,” explain why it’s special.
📌 Example: A printmaker posts: “Each of these linocuts is hand-pressed, making every piece one-of-a-kind.”
✅ Create Scarcity (If Applicable) – Limited editions or time-sensitive offers create urgency.
📌 Example: “Only 5 signed copies left of my poetry collection—gone by tomorrow!”
✅ Paint a Picture of Ownership – Help followers imagine having your work in their lives.
📌 Example: A photographer posts a mockup of their print in a stylish living room with: “Your walls could look this good. 😉”
4. A = Action (Tell Them What to Do Next)
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Every post should have a clear call-to-action (CTA).
Effective CTAs for Creatives:
✅ “Follow for more [your niche] content!”
✅ “Comment below with your favorite [related topic]!” (Engagement boosts visibility.)
✅ “Tap the link in bio to shop prints!”
✅ “Pre-order my book now (link below)!”
✅ “DM me for commission inquiries!”
📌 Example of a Full AIDA Post:
🎨 “This mural took me 3 weeks and 37 cups of coffee. ☕ (Attention)
Ever tried painting on a brick wall? The texture makes every stroke unpredictable. (Interest)
Now imagine this vibrant artwork in your home—I do custom murals! (Desire)
DM me to book your spot before my waiting list closes. (Action)”**
Putting AIDA Into Practice: A Content Plan for Creatives
| Post Type | AIDA Breakdown |
|---|---|
| Work-in-Progress | Attention: Close-up shot of an intriguing detail. Interest: “The hardest part of this piece was…” Desire: “Wait until you see it finished!” Action: “Follow to see the final reveal!” |
| Behind-the-Scenes | Attention: “Most people don’t know this about my process…” Interest: Time-lapse video. Desire: “This technique saves me hours—want to learn it?” Action: “Comment ‘TIPS’ and I’ll DM you my tutorial!” |
| Product/Book Launch | Attention: “My new [art/book/single] is FINALLY here!” Interest: Story behind its creation. Desire: “Only 50 signed copies available.” Action: “Grab yours at [link] before they sell out!” |
Final Tips for AIDA Success on Social Media
✔ Test Different Hooks – Not every attention-grabber will work. Experiment with questions, visuals, and humor.
✔ Engage First, Sell Later – Build trust before pushing sales. (E.g., 3 value posts for every 1 promotional post.)
✔ Track What Works – Notice which AIDA-style posts get the most likes, saves, and clicks—then do more of that.
Now It’s Your Turn!
AIDA isn’t just for corporations—it’s a powerful tool for artists, writers, and creatives to turn passive scrollers into engaged fans.
Your homework:
- Pick one piece of content you want to promote (art, book, music, etc.).
- Craft a post using AIDA.
- Share it and watch the engagement roll in!
Digital Marketing for Creatives 
Leave a comment