Many artists are great at using a site such as Deviantart, Etsy, Pinterest, and Instagram. However, they may not realise that having a website of their own can serve them and their business even better. Social Media platforms are highly effective when it comes to reaching their audience. However, these platforms don’t look as polished and professional as a website.

As an artist, a website offers a way of reaching even a broader range of your target audience. Nothing is better than an amazing website, which has been properly optimized with SEO. In addition, providing site visitors with the information they want and expect, showing copyright for your work, pricing, and more can also increase sales. As a result, you’ll look like a professional, too.

Why Are Social Media Platforms Not Enough for an Artist?

Here, we’ll review some reasons why Social Media Platforms are no longer enough for artists.

1). You Need Complete Control

As a creative, you require complete control. In many cases, you’re truly not in control of your social media accounts or even online shops. Not only that but you’re pushed into a sea with other artists, making it more challenging to be recognised for your work’s own merits. There’s no way to stand out and be unique when crowded in with other artist’s social media marketing efforts.

On the other hand, with a website, you are in complete control. Here, it’s much easier to stand out and become recognised for the unique individual you are. You’re in control of how your art is displayed, the prices you can charge, and more. If you’re looking to earn more money, then having a website is the best way to begin.

2). Increase in Professionalism & Credibility

Remember that selling art online is a business and the goal of a business is to make money. For this, you’ll need a website of your own.

With your own website, it’s possible to include your contact information, create a beautiful portfolio of your work, and then sell your artwork directly to customers. There’s no need to deal with middlemen. You come out looking more professional and credible. Not only that, but your income has a better chance to grow, too.

A website makes you look more like a professional artist rather than a hobbyist. Again, you gain more credibility. What’s more, customers have a better chance of learning who you are as an artist in the real world. So, why not consider having a website for your art?

3). Marketing on a Website vs. Social Media

When relying on social media to sell artwork, remember you’re not in control of how your art is displayed or even the look of your ad. And you’re paying good money for these services! With a website, you are in control of how everything looks. You can change the site’s aesthetics to fit your brand and your art.

A website also provides customers with the information they need. When they can learn more about you, have access to your contact information, and more, you come across as more accessible, authentic, and professional.

What’s more, in the last couple of years, much of the art world has shifted to being online. This means galleries, exhibitions, and more are now online than ever before. Customers and collectors have become used to using online methods to connect with the world of art. This is why you need to do the same.

If you have a site for your work, customers and collectors can come by to learn more about you. Perhaps they’ve seen some of your work and would like more information before making a purchase. A website is the very best way to reach out. You’ll also have a better chance of making more sales.

4). Customised Portfolio

Every online artist needs to have a customised portfolio that displays their work. Nothing does this faster or more effectively than a website. A website lets customers see exactly what you produce, and the site becomes a one-stop-shop for potential buyers. You’ll have a way to exhibit your art from anywhere in the world, any time of the day or night. What could be better?

With a website, you can easily bring your best works together in one place. Everyone will be able to see them on your own website.

As a small business owner, which is what an artist/creative is, the goal is to display the best of your work and drive sales.

5). Copyright

When you post artwork on your website, your copyright over these works is clearly established. They belong to you and no one else. What’s more, you can add watermarks, which may not be possible when using third-party platforms. In this way, others are not able to use your work and the copyright works to provide professionalism, credibility, and ownership of your art.

On the other hand, without a website, anyone may be able to copy your art and then publish these as their own. Plagiarism is a huge problem online today; however, you’ll clearly establish your ownership and avoid these types of issues with a website. The last thing you want is for someone to use your work without you being credited.

How to Create an Amazing Artist Website

Now that you understand why a website should be an essential part of your business, here are some tips to keep in mind for your new site:

1). Use High-Quality Images

As the creator of your art, the goal is to make it as beautiful as possible on your website. For this reason, we highly recommend that you invest in a good camera.

While this may seem like a big expense right now, remember that in the long run the camera will provide you with the best images. These high-quality images enable your customers to better see and appreciate your artwork.

2). Provide Details

Each piece of art should include specific details such as a title, dimensions, the year it was created, as well as the price. These are the details that customers look for when they’re ready to purchase art.

Not only that, but these details also make it easier for search engines to find your site and get it indexed in their search results.

And remember to add watermarks to add another layer of protection to your art. This is best for all artwork that’s for sale online.

3). Create an Artist Biography & CV

Provide your site visitors with more information about how you are. You can do this by creating an artist biography and creating a CV. These can be placed on your website for site visitors to read.

Not only do these details about you help site visitors, but galleries, competitions, and museums can also read your bio and CV.

4). Create an Email List

An email list is another crucial part of having a great artist website. The reason this is so important is that research has shown that marketers tend to make more sales when they have an email list. This is their primary method of generating leads. And these are “warm” leads; these are people who are interested in you and your work!

Each time you create a new piece of art, reach out to your email list and let them know! The message doesn’t have to be long. Keep it simple and short. But make sure your new artwork has been showcased on the website first. Nothing will disappoint your “warm” leads more than learning about new artwork and not finding it on the site!

Summing It Up

Many people believe websites are no longer necessary for some professions. However, that’s simply not the case. Today, artists need to be unique and have a place to showcase their art. A website of your own can accomplish this and so much more. Site visitors, collectors, and customers will see you as a professional who is credible.

If you’re looking to increase sales for your small business, then consider creating a beautiful website that showcases your work. You’ll be surprised at how more effective your own site is compared to third-party platforms!

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