Five Reasons Why Artists Should Have a Website

Great things are not done by impulse but by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent Van Gogh.

In today's digital world, most artists have found themselves a home on Instagram, Pinterest, Deviantart, and so on. Yet while they get the work done (mostly!), nothing can be compared to the flawlessness and professionalism of an up and running website. 

According to this research, 93% of business purchase decisions start with websites’ search engine ranking. If you are willing to cater to a large chunk of the audience, a website is a must begin with. There are many aspects herein- designing a stunning website, using SEO to get maximum reach, displaying meaningful information, copyright, pricing, etc. 

Let's explore why social media platforms are not enough in today's time and the importance of having a website as an artist:

1. Complete control: As an artist, you need your creative freedom, which may or may not be possible without your website. Additionally, on social media, you are just one of the many accounts and will not be recognized in a sea of artworks. If you want to take your audience seriously and not miss out on your work, a website is what you need!

When you can sell your art directly from your website, you don't have to pay commission to others. Everything you earn comes now to you! A website lets you be in control of your art and your money and this is super important in today’s time. If you want to actually earn what you deserve, a website is a way to start. 

2. Sense of professionalism and credibility: Selling art online is like a business, and for that, you need a Website. With a website, you can add your contact information, build a portfolio of your work, and sell your artwork without having a middleman. All this leads to a sense of professionalism and builds your reputation as an artist. 

With a website, you establish yourself as a professional; and not just a hobbyist that makes your brand credible in the digital space. In addition, a website gives you a sense of being an artist or a creative person in the real world. We all make purchases online through websites - so why shouldn’t you have a website? 

3. Marketing: Where there is art, there is a need to market it. A website provides all relevant information about you and proves your authenticity to potential customers and investors. The pandemic has ensured that everything shifts online - and it has impacted the creative world in ways more than one! Galleries now screen their artwork online, and exhibitions take place online too! Collectors want to visit a website to screen an artist's work rather than just social media accounts. 

When you rely on third-party services such as Facebook and Instagram to advertise your art, you have no control over the presentation and the look of your listing. With a website, you get complete control over how your website looks and you can alter the aesthetics according to your brand. 

4. Customized portfolio: A portfolio allows you to showcase your artwork to interested parties in a matter of a few seconds!. It presents others with evidence of what you make and is a one-stop destination for your potential customers. “Website” is a perfect platform to exhibit your art from anywhere, at any time. 

You can put together your best designs for the world to see with the help of a website. You are a small business owner and you need to display what you do best for everyone to see. 

5. Copyright: Everything you post on your website solely belongs to you. You can add watermarks to your pieces to ensure others do not use them, and you can also get the copyright of your brand. Copyrights provide artistic protection and also lets you profit from your works. The right to make copies, distribute them, and display your work publicly belongs to YOU. 

Without a website, others can easily copy your art and publish them as their own. Plagiarism is common in today’s world and a website will help you avoid that misfortune. Nobody likes their work being used without credit. 

Now that we have established that a website is essential, here are some unmissable tips for you: 

1. Use high-quality images. Good quality graphics should be a no-brainer! If you are proud of your art, showcase it in the best possible way. We recommend investing in a good camera. It will be beneficial for you in the long run - take our word for it! 
2. Add details. Details include having a title, adding the dimensions, the year of your artwork, and the price. Provide visitors with every bit of information needed to purchase your art. All this facilitates in making your website more searchable on search engines. Adding watermarks is an excellent practice to mention if a particular piece of art is available for sale. 
3. Another crucial thing for your website is an artist biography and CV. A good memoir and a portfolio of your art will help you apply to galleries, competitions, museums, and so on. It also gives your visitors and collectors an idea of who you are and what you do. Giving them a glance at what you have worked on before makes it easier for them to decide on collaborating with you. 
4. Having an email list can help you accomplish so much. Did you know that 89% of marketers use email as the primary channel for generating leads? It is a cost-effective and highly impactful digital marketing tool that can easily reach your fans and customers in their inbox. Provide your visitors with an effortless way to join your email list. Don't make it complicated. 

Conclusion: 

While it may seem like websites are not that important anymore, it is essential to note that they are ubiquitous in today's times. It is the new 'normal' for artists. In addition, most millennials prefer blogs and websites to Instagram pages. 

A website mirrors the art you create. It is a fantastic way to express what you are and is your 'home' online. How artists make a living is changing every day! Artists are now small businesses and prefer being independent to hosting their art on someone else's page. All we have to say is create your art and market your art! 

What are you waiting for? It's time for you to take your art to the next level!

Featured Image by Svetlana Pochatun on Unsplash