Building a professional website doesn’t have to be intimidating. This is especially true for artists looking to showcase their work. Take control of your online presence with this DIY Squarespace for artists blog.
We recently led a workshop hosted by Summit ArtSpace called “From Studio to Screen.” We guided artists through the essentials of building a website using Squarespace. Squarespace is a user-friendly platform that makes web design accessible for all skill levels.
If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry! Here’s a quick rundown of the key topics we covered. We’ve also included the slides and free workbook designed for artists like you.
Why Artists Need a Website
As an artist, having a website isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential for building your brand and growing your audience. Here are some reasons why:
- Showcase Your Work: Your website serves as your personal gallery, where you control how your art is displayed.
- Build Credibility: A professional website boosts trust with collectors, buyers, and potential collaborators.
- Grow Your Audience: A website helps new fans and potential clients find you online.
Squarespace offers beautiful, intuitive templates that don’t require coding. You can create a stunning site that reflects your personal style and showcases your artwork. But, there are many other template builder options out there. For more on that, check out this blog post.
Getting Started with Squarespace: The Basics
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing website, you’ll need a few essentials to get started:
- A Clear Brand Identity: This includes your logo, brand colors, and the overall style you want to convey.
- A Domain Name: This is the web address people will use to find you. Choose something that represents your brand.
- High-Quality Images: These are key to showing off your artwork. Make sure to use professional photos that capture your pieces in the best light.
During the workshop, we walked participants through how to set up a one-page website. The essentials of a great one-page site include:
- A Bold Header Image: A striking image of your work to grab attention.
- An About Me Section: Let visitors know who you are and what drives your creative process.
- A Call to Action: Make it easy for your buyer to take the next step. Don’t assume they know what to do!
Optimizing Your Site for Growth
Building your site is just the first step. To ensure people find your work, it’s important to optimize your website. We discussed Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This is essential for helping search engines rank your site higher. Here are some quick tips:
- Use Descriptive URLs: Make sure each page URL describes what’s on the page (e.g., www.yourname.com/paintings).
- Add Alt Text to Images: This helps search engines understand the images and can boost your ranking.
Keep Your Site Updated: Regularly add new content. This could include blog posts, event listings, or portfolio updates. This content keeps visitors coming back. It also helps Google remember your site exists!
Beyond SEO, we encouraged attendees to think about the future. Design your site to grow with your artistic career. Squarespace allows you to easily add new sections as your needs evolve. This could include like an eCommerce shop, blog, or portfolio.
Take Control with Our Free Workbook
If you’re ready to build your own website but need a little guidance, we’ve got you covered! We’ve created a workbook designed to walk artists through the Squarespace setup. Whether you want to showcase your work, start selling online, or build your brand, this workbook will help you:
- Choose the right template to reflect your style.
- Organize your content effectively.
- Optimize your site for SEO so you can be found online.
Start Your DIY Journey Today
Creating a website doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tools, you can craft a professional site that helps you grow as an artist. Ready to get started? Download our free workbook today and take control of your online presence.
At Aducate Digital, we’re here to help you share your story, your art, and your unique vision. Let’s get your work from studio to screen!
