We talk a lot here about what your small art biz needs to succeed. At the top of that list is a website, so today I am breaking down 11 components that you definitely need to have for a successful, professional art biz website.

Today’s vid has a lot of information in it, but don’t stress having every single thing finished and perfect before launching your creative website. Really items 1-4 must be ready at launch, and the other things you can work on and add as you go.

Below is the list of all the other helpful videos I reference during this one. Just bookmark this blog post and come back to each video one at a time as you’re ready to tackle each step. And don’t forget I am always here to guide you one-on-one through my Creative Coaching programs if you like more of a hands-on approach with feedback for creating your website.

11 Things Your Artist Website Must Have:

A gorgeous gallery with great pics! Even if you are just starting out and only have 8-10 artworks to post, it’s never too early to make sure they are high quality. Here’s a video I made about the easiest way to take quality art photos using natural light and a smart phone. And here’s one if your art is shiny and has a glare.
Social media links. If someone has taken the time to visit your website, they probably like your art enough to want to follow you so show them all the ways they can right from your home page!
Contact info. Definitely make sure folks can send you a message because you never know what kind of commissions or opportunities you’ll miss out on if folks can’t reach you. Don’t share your phone number here though, just a contact form and email.
About Me page. This is a casual way folks can get to know you. Think of it like a conversational introduction to why you do what you do. I’ve got a video for you here on how to write a short About Me that really compels people to want to learn more about your journey as an artist.
A Bio. This is different than the About Me page; it’s a little more factual and might be something you come back to later as you’ve progressed on your educational or professional art journey. When you are ready though, ya Birdie has got a video for you right here.
An online Shop. Give the people what they want... the ability to purchase your artwork - yay! Here’s a great video on how to create a tempting and beautiful online art store (or an alternate video if you’re really only ready to sell through Instagram for now).
An Artist Statement. It doesn’t have to be a long one if you’re just starting out, but folks who visit your website and like your work definitely want to know about why you create what you do and what you’re hoping your work will do in this world. It’s one of the trickier things for artists to do, but one of the most important. Go make a cup of tea and watch this video full of step-by-step information and inspiration for writing an exciting artist statement that will really connect with your audience.
A listing of any Awards, Accolades, Press, and your CV. Basically any documents or links showing other people have paid attention to you as an artist, or that you have started to make your mark on the professional art world. Again another one I have a video for that you can watch when you’re ready.
A blog. I know, I can hear the groans from here, but all this is is a simple place to update your audience on any interesting artistic projects, happenings, exhibitions, ventures, or art-related events that may be going on in your life or studio. It really only needs to be updated every month or two to show both your website visitors as well as search engine algorithms that you are an active artist working on current projects. There are multiple great reasons to host your own art blog, which I’ll tell you all about in this video.
A Newsletter sign up form. Another great way to connect with your audience is by having a newsletter. Trust me, you do not want to rely solely on social media for connecting with your audience. You need to have a way to connect with your audience and collectors that you are in complete control of by sending out periodic newsletter updates. Here’s a video explaining why this is so important, and how to write a great one.
Legal stuff. Definitely the driest part of your website, but a total necessity. Just clear a few days from your art biz calendar and learn how to tackle this beast right here. Luckily, you really only need to do it once, and then just check on or update it yearly.
OPTIONAL: A custom art or services contact form. If you provide anything custom, such as family portraits, murals, graphic design, or even consulting or tutorial sessions, having a distinct contact form to get the conversation started between you and your potential client shows that you are a professional in control of the situation and their artistic needs will be met. A real win for both of you!

Now I know that’s a lot of info for you all in one day…

But don’t worry! I have compiled all of those videos on one playlist right here you can save on YouTube and come back to as you are ready for each step.

And of course I am here as a Creative Coach that is more than happy to help you through each step of setting up a beautiful website you can really be proud of. I also do website reviews to give a helpful critique of what you’ve already got setup with a ton of suggestions to really help it shine. Drop me a line here to chat further about options.

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