Choosing the Right Home Page for Your Website
Your website’s home page is like the front door to your online presence, and making a great first impression is important. If you’ve attended any of my art marketing programs, you know that I always encourage artists to add a blog page to their website. If you have a blog page on your site, you need to decide if it will serve as your home page or if you will use a static welcome page. For example, artist Robert Yonke uses his blog page as the home page on the WordPress.com platform. Or, using the same platform, artist Carolyn Haas has chosen a static page as her home page and her blog is found on “The Stories” page.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when deciding between a static page or a blog page for your website’s home page. It depends on your goals, content strategy, and audience. Let’s explore the advantages of both options:
Benefits of a Static Page as Your Home Page
Clear Brand Identity
A static home page can prominently display who you are as an artist and what you offer. It’s ideal for an artist looking to establish a strong online presence.
Focused Call to Action (CTA)
You can direct visitors’ attention to a single, prominent call-to-action (CTA). CTAs might include signing up for a newsletter, attending an event, or contacting you.
Timeless Content
A static page can offer content that doesn’t require frequent updates, making it a good choice for information that doesn’t change frequently.
Benefits of a Blog Page as Your Home Page
Fresh Content
A blog page showcases your website’s latest content, including new work, demonstrating that you are an active artist. And it also shows that your website is updated frequently, which can improve search engine rankings.
Engagement
Your blog offers an opportunity for interaction with your audience through comments and social sharing, fostering a sense of community.
Demonstrate Experience and Credibility
By showcasing new work, news, accolades, and projects, a blog helps to build credibility over time, which can grow your audience base and open up opportunities.
The Good News
The good news is that most website platforms allow you to switch between different page types easily.
Choosing between a static or blog page as your home page hinges on your website’s purpose. A static page may be the way to go if you prioritize a static, clear brand message and a focused CTA. However, a blog page is the better choice if you want to engage your audience with fresh content and build credibility regularly. Consider your goals, audience, and content strategy to determine which option aligns best with your website’s purpose and mission. If your strategy changes, you can always switch your home page.
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