5 Reasons Why An Artist Needs a Website

An artist commented to me recently that they felt they didn't need a website because they had their art listed on Saatchi, Etsy, social media, in galleries, and other art vendor sites. They assumed that people (buyers) knew how to find them.

It's awesome that their art has so much exposure! But I'll admit I cringed a bit. As an artist/creative, having a website is critical to pursuing a professional art career.

A lot of artists question what the benefits are of having a website when social media allows for the opportunity to connect with an audience and others in the art industry. “But I’m already on Instagram!,” you might proclaim (or whatever your preferred platform). Great! Instagram is an awesome visual tool that can encourage lots of followers and serve as a vehicle to sell your art. However, simply being on Instagram, or any social media platform is not enough.

Social media can help promote your work, meet others with similar interests, gain feedback, and reach prospective clients via extended social networks. Being an active member on some of these sites can be an excellent idea – and may form a fundamental part of your online marketing strategy – but these sites should complement, not replace your website. Social media should be used as a marketing method to drive traffic TO your website, NOT as a substitute for it. Having a website is the most effective way to market your work, build a brand, and sell artwork, products, and services.

I may be a web designer and it seems obvious that I would push getting a website - but I would (and have) say it regardless! A website is one of the first places people go to learn more about you and your art. If you’re a creative, it’s unlikely that you think of yourself as a business, but if you’re trying to sell your work, or even simply wanting to get recognized within the art field, having a website is non-negotiable.

Here are five reasons why artists need and can benefit from a website.

1 | Solidify your credibility

Having a website helps to build your credibility as a professional rather than a hobbyist. People expect to be able to find the website of a well-known artist, maker, or creative. If someone is looking for your website and discovers you don’t have one, this may send the wrong message. When you have a website, you can use this to build credibility in the digital space, and improve your real-world reputation as a result.

2 | You don’t pay commissions

The ability to sell directly via your website means you don’t pay a commission. Anything you sell through your own site goes straight into your pocket (although you will have to pay a small fee to the company that handles your payments, such as Paypal, Square, or Stripe, which is standard practice).

3 | Everything in one place

A website linked to all your social media accounts and with a good ranking on Google (SEO - search engine optimization) will help your work have much greater visibility. Your website is a convenient hub for anyone who wants to contact you directly about buying a piece, hiring you for a commission, or a creative collaboration. Plus, you only have to give out one link to someone who wants to learn more instead of cobbling together pieces from multiple sites. You're also showing a level of investment and professionalism. Having your own website shows that you are dedicated to your craft and it looks much more professional than providing a social media link, especially when it comes to connecting with others in the art industry.

4 | Full creative ownership

On a social media site, you’re just one of many accounts that someone follows. And it’s an ever-changing feed. You’re just one post in a long string of stuff. Why would you not want your audience to take your art seriously and see it in the way that you choose to curate and show it? A website allows you to do exactly that.

5 | Drive sales

As the way people are buying art is changing, it also means that most artists can no longer just depend on an art gallery to sell their art for them while they stay home to paint. Instead, artists need to operate and think like small business owners. This means they must operate as any small business which includes having a website.

Having an online shop on your website ensures that people can buy your work through your website means sales can happen all year round, not just when you’re exhibiting.

Anyone who runs their own business or wants to make money from a hobby needs a professional website, so whether you’re a seasoned artist or just a beginner, you should start working on an online presence today.