Do You Really Need a Website?
Yes, even if you’re thriving on social media and have a large following, having a dedicated website is essential. It offers a place where people can learn more about you, your creative work, and your art at their own pace.
A website builds credibility and acts as a landing point for potential customers who are serious about working with or buying from you. If you don’t yet have a website or are thinking about enhancing your current one, this guide is for you.
Start with a Clear Goal
Think carefully about the primary goal of your website. This will determine the structure, content, and platform best suited for your online gallery.
- Do you want it to be a virtual portfolio or a full gallery?
- Will you use it to showcase your creative process and writing, or is it geared towards online sales?
- How will you use your website, and with whom will you be sharing the link?
Write down your answers to these questions to keep focused as you move forward.
Book a Memorable Domain Name
Choosing a domain name can be trickier than it seems.
While using your own name may be a natural choice, it isn’t always ideal.
Your domain should be easy to spell, memorable, and reflective of your brand. If you have some recognition and people are already looking for you by name, then using it could work well. Otherwise, consider a short and catchy combination of words.
Take some time to brainstorm, and secure your domain name as soon as you find the right one—great domains are taken quickly!
Choose the Right Platform
Selecting a platform is a strategic decision that impacts the functionality and flexibility of your site.
There are numerous options like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix, each with unique features. Go through them and consider:
- Does it offer the functionalities you need to achieve your goals?
- Is it user-friendly given your technical skills?
- Are there templates that suit your visual style?
- What are the costs involved?
- Is there customer support available if you need help?
Modern website platforms are generally user-friendly and don’t require extensive technical knowledge.
However, if your goal is to showcase a portfolio, you’ll want a design that emphasizes large, high-quality images. If selling online, look for e-commerce features like a shopping cart, checkout, and payment processing.
I personally use Shopify for my online gallery and highly recommend it. It’s easy to use, has a wide range of features, and offers great customer support. If you’re interested in trying it out, click this link for a $1/month trial.
Plan Your Website Structure
Before you dive into building, sketch out a structure for your site:
- What will you feature in the header?
- What information goes on the homepage?
- What will you include in the footer and menu?
Common sections for art or creative websites include:
- About / Artist Statement / Resume
- Gallery / Shop
- Contact & Social Media
- List of Exhibitions
- Blog (if applicable)
- Newsletter Subscription
- FAQs
Let your structure reflect your goals to keep everything cohesive.
Curate & Upload Content
With your domain, platform, and a template in place, it’s time to upload content.
The type and amount of content will depend on your goals. A portfolio might include descriptions of your process and inspirations, while a shop will need practical details like pricing and shipping information.
If you need help developing content ideas, AI can be a great brainstorming partner!
Don’t forget, high-quality images are key. Since people will view your work on screens, upload only high-resolution photos, and consider using photo editing tools to polish them.
Next Steps
With your website live, start making the most of it! Share links on social media, email it to potential clients, and if you participate in art fairs, generate a QR code that links directly to your site for easy access.
Remember to update your website regularly by adding new artwork or content—your audience and search engines will appreciate it!
If you want more insights into the art market, check out my book “Can Art Sell?", where I share useful tips on selling art.
And if you’re considering selling art online, trying out Shopify is a must!
Artist Website FAQ
1. What is the best platform to build a website to showcase my art?
There are a lot of popular website builders artists can use, basically, creatives can use any art platform, including Squarespace, Wix, WordPress or Shopify.
Each has strengths: Squarespace and Wix offer user-friendly drag-and-drop features with beautiful templates, WordPress provides extensive customization for advanced users, while Shopify provides excellent e-commerce functionalities. Choose one based on your technical skill level and design needs.
2. Do I need coding skills to build a website for my artworks?
No, most website builders have intuitive, no-code interfaces, so coding isn’t required. However, if you want a highly customized site, some basic knowledge of HTML or CSS can be helpful.
Alternatively, you can always turn to someone who knows how to code and can customize your site.
3. How can I make my website stand out?
Use a clean, minimalist design that allows your artwork to shine. Choose a theme that complements your style, ensure high-quality images, and add a personal touch by sharing your artist’s story, process, and inspiration.
4. What content should I include on my art website?
Essential content includes a portfolio or a gallery, an “About” section and contact information, including links to your social media platforms. You may also add a blog, vlog or embed your social media posts.
5. How important is a custom domain, and how do I get one?
A custom domain makes your site look more professional and memorable (e.g., yourname.com instead of yourname.shopify..com). Most website builders offer domain registration as part of their plans, or you can purchase a domain separately from providers like GoDaddy or Namecheap.
6. How can I optimize my website for search engines (SEO)?
Use keywords relevant to your art (e.g., “contemporary sculpture,” “landscape painting”). Include these in page titles, meta descriptions, and image alt text to improve visibility in search results. Blogging and backlinking from art-related directories as well as social media also boost SEO.
7. What’s the best way to showcase artwork on a website?
Display artwork in a clear, organized gallery or portfolio layout. Large images with ample white space can create a high-end look. If possible, enable a zoom or lightbox feature to let visitors view details.
8. Should I start a blog on my art website?
Blogging can help with SEO and audience engagement. Blog topics might include the inspiration behind your pieces, techniques, upcoming exhibitions, or art industry insights. Consistent posting can improve your site’s search rankings and attract a loyal audience.
9. How can I ensure my website loads quickly?
Compress images to reduce load time without losing quality, and consider plugins that optimize speed. Slow sites can discourage visitors and hurt search rankings.
If this does not bring the results you desired, you might want to approach web developer who could optimize your website for speed.
10. What security measures should I take for my art website?
Secure your site with SSL certificates to protect data, choose strong passwords, and keep software updated to reduce the risk of hacking. If your site includes e-commerce, prioritize these measures to protect customer information.
11. Where can I find more information about selling art online?
Goda Smilingyte, the founder of an online gallery ART GODA, offers an ebook titled "Can Art Sell?" that provides further insights into the topic.
A free sample and the full ebook are available on the ART GODA website. You can also find more information on her blog, where she publishes articles on various art-related subjects.
12. Can I test website building platforms without paying a fee?
Yes, you can test Shopify for free and a free trial period is followed by a symbolic $1 dollar fee, so you have enough time to understand how the platform works, learn how to use it and make sure whether it is right for you!
About The Author
Goda Smilingyte is the founder of Art Goda, an online art gallery specializing in contemporary abstract art.
Through Art Goda, she curates a unique selection of original artworks designed for home and office decor, making art accessible to everyone and has already sold over a hundred artworks purely online.
The platform showcases work by talented artists and provides a marketplace for buyers seeking distinctive, high-quality pieces.
Goda is passionate about breaking myths surrounding the art world, encouraging art appreciation, and supporting creatives through insightful content on her YouTube channel, blog and books.
Even More Resources
Listen you ART GODA TALKS podcasts: