The last entry in Artist Blogging 101 reviewed the basic structure of a blog post. Before we get into the details of how and what to post, make sure that you have the appropriate pages set up on your site.
Pages to Consider for Your Artist Blog
Pages contain static content. Your audience can find them by navigating from your menu bar. While you will update them from time to time, they are generally not updated daily, like your posts. On Artisan Advantage, some of the pages include such as About, Resources, and Contact.
Here the pages that you should consider including on your site.
About Page:
This page will help visitors to get to know you. Style and content will vary, but here are some ideas on what to include.
A welcome to visitors. Thank them for visiting your site.
Your biography and artist statement. You could write your biographical information in a more informal style than you would in the case of submitting a bio to an exhibition or entry. Or, you could set up sub-pages for your biography and artist statement.
An invitation to follow you on your social media pages and to sign up for your email newsletter.
Some guidance on how to find your blog posts, in case someone lands on the About page first.
How to contact you. Yes, you will also have a contact page, but it never hurts to include this information on your About page as well.
Here is the About Page that I created for my father.
Gallery Page
While your blog posts will feature your work, you should have one page that directs them to a gallery of your work. There are different options for how to set up your gallery. You can consider using a system like Artwork Archive or you could build your gallery right into your site.
Here is an example of a Gallery page from artist Marla Greenfield.
Here is another way to set up your gallery, from artist Don Lake.
Artist Amy Rice presents her work as Portfolios and Projects.
Contact Me Page
This page is devoted to providing information on how people can contact you. Most blog platforms will give you the option of adding a contact form. I still recommend including an email address and any other contact information that you are comfortable sharing here.
How to Find Page
This page helps people to learn where they can find your work, either in person or online. The content will depend on your situation. Examples of information that you share would be galleries or retail venues that exhibit your work, both online and offline.
Events Page
An events page would list all of the different places that you are presenting or exhibiting in person. Or, considering our current situation, you could add online events such as virtual exhibitions, art talks, or demos if you are doing these things.
Include any place where people can interact with you in real-time.
How to Hire Page
If you do portrait or commission work, you should devote a page that explains how someone can hire you.
Here is an example from artist Mara Carlini.
How to Purchase Page
Similar to a “How to Hire Page” would be a How to purchase your work page. Explain how you transact, ship work, handle returns, etc. The more information that you can provide, the more likely your online visitor will feel comfortable dealing with you.
In the Press or Media Page.
List websites or news outlets where you or your work is featured. Keep track of your articles and add them to this list in a reverse chronological manner as they appear. Don’t be shy about tooting your own horn! These articles also help to establish your credibility with your audience. If there are one or two that are extremely impressive, you may want to feature them on your About page as well.
Publishing Your Pages
Publishing your pages should be a similar process to publishing a post. Don’t be afraid to work through a few drafts before you publish them. Take time to edit and proof before you launch, but remember, you can always update them as needed.
This week, take time to work on your pages. For more content from Artist Blogging 101, go here. If you’d like some help with your artist blog, visit my Artist Blogging Services page.
Do you have a unique page that is working well for your artist website and blog? I’d love to see it. Feel free to send a note and a link to becky@artisan-advantage.com.
