*This is an post from April 2020 that has been updated.
How to Choose a Platform For Your Artist Blog
Before you can start blogging, you need to decide which platform you will use. Your platform is the software or system that manages all of the content that you publish. Platforms can also be referred to as content management systems or website builders.
Do you already have a website?
If you have a website for your art business, it may already have a blog function built-in. Many artists build sites on blog platforms but don’t use the blogging feature. If this describes your website, then it isn’t too difficult to start blogging. For artists, some common platforms with blogging features include Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, FASO, WordPress.com, and WordPress.org.
By using the Help or Knowledgebase of your current website platform, you should be able to find detailed instructions on how to use your blog feature.
Do you need a new website?
If you are happy with your current platform, don’t reinvent the wheel. However, you have an outdated website that does not offer a blogging feature, or you are starting from scratch, you need to decide on which platform to build your blog. If you have a site but find the platform difficult to use or not meet your needs, consider a switch.
Recommendations.
My top choice for both artist websites and blogs used to be self-hosted WordPress.org. WordPress.org is the most popular platform in the world. It offers the most flexibility for design, and it is what I use for Artisan Advantage. However, it takes longer to master than some other platforms. And, it is self-hosted, which means you have to find pay for a service to host your site. WordPress.org gets easier to use over time, however, so if you can commit to a longer learning curve, then it might be the choice for you. If you choose to go with WordPress.org, then I recommend checking out Christina Hills and her Website Creation Workshops.
Most of the artists that I help are eager to get started and don’t want to invest a large amount of time learning a system or building a site. Platforms that offer a more straightforward setup and more than adequate features for your blog based website include WordPress.com, FASO, Squarespace, Weebly, and Wix. Of these, WordPress.com and FASO are my favorites for artists.
Confused about WordPress.com vs.Wordpress.org?
You might be confused as to why I’m referring to two different platforms called “WordPress”. Check out this video from Christina Hills at Website Creation Workshop. She does a great job of explaining the differences.
Just Do It!
Your blog will never be perfect. You will always be changing and improving. In my years of blogging, one thing I learned is that sometimes you just have to start.
If starting a blog for your visual art business is something that you’ve wanted to do, I encourage you to get started today using one of the resources above or following allowing with Artist Blogging 101.
