How do you market poetry?

For the modern market, It’s gotta hit people fast—short, punchy lines do better than sprawling epics, especially for online or casual readers. Emotional resonance is key; stuff that’s raw, relatable, or taps into big feelings (love, loss, identity) tends to hook folks. Trending themes—like mental health, social justice, or nature—can boost appeal if they’re authentic, not forced. Accessibility matters too; if it’s too dense or academic, you’ll lose the crowd unless you’re aiming for a niche lit circle. And a unique voice—something that stands out in the sea of Instagram poets—can make or break it.

Encouraging more people to read poetry can be a wonderful way to promote a deeper appreciation for this art form. Here are a few strategies that might help:

Incorporate Poetry in Education: Teachers can introduce poetry early in school curriculums and present it in an engaging and relatable way. Highlighting modern poets and diverse voices can help students connect with poetry.

Poetry Events: Organize poetry readings, slams, and open mic nights. These events can create a sense of community and excitement around poetry. Local libraries, bookstores, and cafes are great venues.

Social Media and Digital Platforms: Use social media to share poetry in bite-sized pieces. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok can make poetry more accessible and appealing to younger audiences.

Collaborations with Other Art Forms: Pair poetry with other forms of art, like music, dance, or visual arts. This can make poetry feel more dynamic and multidimensional.

Encourage Personal Expression: Promote writing poetry as a way to express personal thoughts and feelings. Workshops, contests, and writing groups can support budding poets.

Celebrate National Poetry Month: Take advantage of National Poetry Month in April to highlight poetry through various activities, such as book displays, workshops, and community events.

Showcase Diverse Voices: Highlight poets from different backgrounds and experiences to ensure that a wide range of voices are heard and appreciated. Collaborate with artists, musicians, and filmmakers to create multidisciplinary projects. These collaborations can open up new revenue streams and audiences. It’s all about diversifying your income sources and being open to various opportunities.

Be true to your art.