by Becky Sciullo | Feb 5, 2021 | Artist Blogging 101, Learning
*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 However, you have an outdated website that does not offer a blogging feature, or you are starting from scratch, you need to decide on which platform to build your blog.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.
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
by Becky Sciullo | Feb 1, 2021 | Learning
Happy February! Here are some marketing ideas for your Monday morning
Six Art Marketing Ideas
1 – Spend time creating and scheduling social media posts for the coming months. Did you know that you can pre-schedule your social media posts for the week or month ahead? Some platforms like Facebook allow you to do it right in your account, or you can use a service like Hootsuite to schedule more than one platform at once.
2 – Have you finished a series of work while staying at home this past year? Did you a specific body of work as a result of the pandemic? I’ve noticed that magazines and newspapers are focusing on human interest around activity during these strange times. Why not put together a press release about this work and send it to targeted media outlets.
3 – If you’re using Instagram to market your art, these tips from Social Media Examiner might help.
4 – And, also if you’re using Instagram, read this at the Artist Network.
5 – Think about your website and blog visitors in three categories. First-time visitors, repeat visitors who’ve never purchased from you and repeat visitors who have bought from you in the past. Think about how you can speak to all three groups when putting out content.
6 – Create a collaborative social media giveaway. Join together with several artists to coordinate a giveaway of your work. Each artist can choose one item to promote. Work together to develop a plan on how people will enter and how you will determine the winner. This could be a great way to cross-promote while gaining new followers.
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by Becky Sciullo | Jan 25, 2021 | Learning
Here are some marketing ideas for your Monday morning.
Six Art Marketing Ideas for your Monday Morning
1 – Ask your followers on social media to either vote on or suggest a title for a new piece of art. Generating more comments will increase your exposure.
2 – Holiday marketing campaigns are not just for end of year holidays like Christmas. Use your holiday marketing strategies to market around smaller holidays throughout the year, including times such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s day, and more. You can get creative and consider lesser known holidays and observances as well.
3 – Are you looking for publicity? Use HARO (Helpareporter.com). It’s how Robert Yonke and I gained exposure in the Wall Street Journal.
4 – If you are a visual artist who focuses on work featuring a specific geographic region, consider a “hyperlocal” strategy. Join your Chamber of Commerce or other local business group. It’s possible to participate in many things virtually these days. Make sure you are a part of the local artist registry. Immerse yourself in your local community.
5 – Are you missing live interaction with current and prospective collectors? Hold an artist talk over Facebook live. Announce a specific date in advance, then prepare a list of frequently asked questions to answer.
6 – Instead of always releasing one work at a time, consider releasing work in a series. Then, be deliberate in how you present the work to generate more interest and income. As a result, creating art with a common theme often encourages repeat purchase.
Get More Art Marketing Help
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by Becky Sciullo | Jan 20, 2021 | Learning
On February 1st, I’m releasing an Artist Blogging Toolbox. This toolbox is a complete guide to setting up your artist blogging system.
Artist Blogging Toolbox Previews
Join me for two free Toolbox previews, where we’ll talk about aspects of blogging for your art business. These are short presentations with time for questions at the end.
Preview 1: Writing your Artist Blogging Statement
Before building your artist blog, it’s helpful to identify what you want your blog to do for your art business. What goals will it help you to achieve? Learn how writing an artist blogging statement can help set your artist blog up for success.
Register here:
Write your Artist Blogging Statement
Friday, January 22, 2021
12:00 – 12:30 pm
Preview 2: Artist Blogging Platforms
Learn what to consider when choosing a platform for your blog based website. We will talk about some commonly used artist platforms and which ones might work best for you when blogging for an art business.
This is a fifteen minute overview with time for questions at the end.
Register here:
Artist Blogging Platforms
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
12:00 – 12:30 pm
I hope to see you at one of these live events!
by Becky Sciullo | Jan 18, 2021 | Learning
Here are some marketing ideas and thoughts for your Monday morning.
Four art marketing ideas for a Monday morning.
Do you make money teaching your craft to others? If so, consider using Pinterest. Educational content is the “bread and butter” of Pinterest.
Please, please, please, do not forget to include your contact information on your website. You might be surprised how often artists overlook this; make it easy to contact you by placing your email at every page’s bottom. Also, provide details on a designated “Contact” page.
Do you have an email sign-up on your website or blog? Make sure you are communicating with your list. I sign up for a lot of artist lists and never hear a word from them.
I love the idea in this blog post by artist Keith Bond on FineArtViews. Consider finding sponsors for a new series of work. Invite a select group of people on your mailing list to participate. Sponsorship entails them paying you a small sum which they can put towards a future creation. Then, give them the first look and opportunity to purchase the new art. Hat tip to
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If you’re signed up for my email newsletter and NOT receiving my weekly updates, please check your spam folder
by Becky Sciullo | Jan 11, 2021 | Learning
Here are some marketing ideas for your Monday Morning.
Seven Art Marketing Ideas
1 – Keep track of marketing ideas. Do they pop into your head? Have a sound system for keeping track, so you don’t lose those moments of inspiration. A dedicated notebook or folder will help you follow through and ensure they don’t get lost.
2 – Build a profile for your art business on ALL major social media networks. Then, link back to your website from each of these profiles. You can decide which profiles you want to build, but maintaining a solid profile at a minimum will ensure that people find you no matter where they look. Use a consistent user name and image across all platforms.
3 – Valentine’s Day is coming soon. Can your art inspire a gift for someone? Gift guides for Valentine’s Day too? You can use the same marketing strategy that you did for the past holiday season.
4 – Ornaments may no longer be on your mind but think about creating one with your art for the 2021 holiday season. I LOVE to purchase ornaments from artists. Your fans will love a new way to appreciate your work and they can be easy to ship. My favorite ornament purchase this year was this one from Audra Azoury. If you’re from Pittsburgh, you’ll get it! She does a fantastic job of marketing these ornaments.
5 – Feature a “piece of the month” in your email newsletter, social media and blog. Every month, share your favorite work completed that month with your followers. If you give it extra attention, it will get extra attention!
6 – Social media platforms allow you to have shopping features that make it easier for followers to shop directly on your profile. Consider using them if you aren’t already.
7 – Create a group on Facebook where you are the teacher or facilitator.
Get More Art Marketing Help
Would you like weekly updates with information like this to help your art business? Sign up for my mailing list here.
If you’re signed up for my email newsletter and NOT receiving my weekly updates, please check your spam folder.
