Hey there, artist friend! If you’ve been thinking about building a website for your art, I totally get how overwhelming it can feel. There are so many options, costs, and decisions to make. You want to showcase your work in the best way possible, but it can be tough to know where to start. So let’s break it down together, in a way that makes sense and feels doable.
Building a custom website is an investment in your art career, and it's so much more than using pre-made templates or trying to do it all yourself. This is about creating a home for your art online—a place that’s all you. Let me walk you through what a custom-built website from me would cost, what you can expect, and how we can make it work, even if you’re just starting out.
Your Website at the Center of Your Marketing Plan
One of the biggest misconceptions about marketing your art is that social media is everything. Don’t get me wrong—social media is a powerful tool for artists, but it should never be the end-all-be-all. Your website is your home base, the one place that ties all your marketing efforts together, and that’s why it should be the central focus of your strategy.
Why Should Your Website Be the Center of Your Marketing?
Think of your website as the hub, and all your other marketing channels as spokes leading back to that hub. Whether you’re using Instagram, TikTok, email newsletters, or even in-person events, everything you do should ultimately point people back to your website.
Why?
Because that’s where they can dive deeper into your story, explore your collections, make purchases, and truly connect with you.
On social media, you’re competing with thousands of other artists and distractions every time someone scrolls. But when someone visits your website, it’s just you and them. Your website gives you complete control over the experience—no algorithms, no competing content, just your art and your story.
How Your Website Fits into Your Marketing Efforts
Social Media Posts: Every post you create on social media should have a purpose, and often that purpose is to bring people back to your website. Share a blog post, talk about a new collection, or even provide behind-the-scenes content that links back to your site.
Email Marketing: Your emails are a direct line to your audience—people who already care about what you do. Use those emails to drive traffic to your website. Whether it’s a new blog post, an upcoming collection, or just a personal update, always give them a reason to click through to your site.
Events and Exhibitions: If you’re doing in-person events, your website is where people can go to find more information. Mention it on business cards, posters, and even in conversations. The idea is to make your website the place where people can always go to learn more.
Content as Marketing: When you write blog posts, create behind-the-scenes content, or share updates on your process, it’s not just content—it’s marketing. This content helps you show up in Google searches, gives your followers something to connect with, and keeps your audience engaged.
By making your website the center of your marketing plan, you’re building a stable foundation. Social media platforms might change, algorithms will shift, but your website will always be there as the home for your art. It’s the place where all your efforts lead, and it’s where those meaningful conversions—whether it’s a sale or a new connection—happen.
What Does a Custom Website Cost?
A custom artist website, built with love and attention to your unique vision, is $500 per page. I know that rate might feel like a lot, but let’s break it down together so you can see why this investment is truly worth it.
Think of your website as your digital art gallery, a space that you own and control. Unlike social media platforms, where the rules change constantly, your website is your own piece of digital real estate. When we work together, we make sure your site represents your brand, tells your story, and attracts the audience that will love your work.
For most artists, a basic but impactful website would include:
Home Page: This is the heart of your site. It’s where people come to learn about you and fall in love with your work. Think of it as your online gallery introduction, where you get to make that first impression. A great home page gives your visitors a warm welcome and leaves them wanting more—whether it’s your bio, your creative process, or your philosophy as an artist.
Blog Page: Why a blog, you ask? Blogging isn’t just for writers—it’s an amazing way to share your thoughts on your work, tell the story behind your pieces, and show the world your journey. Plus, it helps people find you online through SEO magic (which means more eyes on your art!). Google loves fresh content, and blogging gives you an easy way to keep your site dynamic and engaging. It also gives your fans a deeper connection with your art—those stories behind each piece can be what makes someone fall in love with your work.
Landing Page for Collections: Whether you’re launching a new series or promoting a special event, a dedicated landing page keeps everything organized and makes it easy for your audience to focus on what you’re showcasing. This page acts like the curated section of a gallery exhibit, where visitors can dive into a specific body of work. It helps potential buyers or collectors understand the full context of a series and see your work in a cohesive way.
If you’re working with a tight budget, these three pages are plenty to establish your online presence, share your story, and start building those meaningful connections with your audience. It doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective—what matters most is making your art shine and creating a seamless experience for those who come to learn more about you.
What If You Want to Sell Your Art Online?
Ready to take the leap and sell your art directly online? I’ve got you covered. On top of the $500 per page rate, I offer e-commerce integration for the first 50 products at $500. This isn’t just about adding product images.
It’s about full SEO optimization, creating beautiful product descriptions, and listing them on marketplaces like Google Merchant, TikTok Shop, and more if you want. This way, your art shows up where people are already looking.
When we set up your e-commerce store, we focus on making it simple for buyers. We’ll add features like easy navigation, high-quality images, and clear calls to action that encourage people to add your art to their cart. Plus, I make sure that everything is optimized so it’s easy for people to find your work when they’re searching online.
Why This Price?
I get it—the numbers can seem intimidating, and you might wonder if it’s worth it. Let me tell you what you’re really paying for:
Custom Design: You’re not getting a one-size-fits-all template. You’re getting a website that’s designed just for you, one that reflects your style, your brand, and your unique artistic voice. I take the time to understand your aesthetic, what inspires you, and how you want to be represented online. The result is a website that feels like an extension of your art.
SEO Built In: I care deeply about SEO because it’s what gets your art seen by the right people. Most people ignore off-page SEO because they don’t understand it, but it’s essential—and that’s why I include 3 months of off-page and blog post coaching after the site launch to make sure you’re set up for success. This is where many website creators drop the ball, but I want you to succeed. We’ll make sure your site has the right keywords, backlinks, and content strategy to keep it growing even after we launch.
Marketplace Listings: Getting your work on platforms like Google Merchant or TikTok Shop puts you where potential buyers are already browsing, giving you visibility far beyond just your website. I help you get the most out of these platforms so you’re showing up in more places and reaching more of your ideal audience.
Off-Page SEO and Blog Post Coaching
This part is my absolute favorite—you get 3 months of coaching from me after your website launches. I want to make sure you’re not just sitting on a beautiful website but that you’re actively growing your audience and showing your work to the world.
Off-page SEO is all about building authority for your website through backlinks, social signals, and so much more. I’ll guide you through it step-by-step because, honestly, most people skip this part, and it makes all the difference. I’m here to help you make those connections that boost your visibility.
When we work together, I’ll help you find opportunities to collaborate with other artists, get featured on blogs, and leverage social media to bring people to your site. This is how you create a lasting online presence that grows over time, rather than just hoping people stumble upon your site.
Educational Series for Artists
If you’re not quite ready to jump into a custom website but still want to learn, my educational series might be just what you need. It launches on Christmas, but I’m giving early access to 15 artists on December 15. This series will walk you through building and maintaining your own website, DIY-style, but with me guiding you every step of the way. It’s all about empowering you to take control of your online presence.
FAQ: Artist Website Costs
How much does it cost to build an artist website?
A custom website built by me costs $500 per page. If you want e-commerce integration for the first 50 products, it’s an additional $500.
What pages do I need for my website as an artist?
At a minimum, I recommend a Home Page, a Blog Page, and a Collection Landing Page. This gives you a solid foundation to share your story, showcase your art, and engage your audience.
Why do I need SEO for my art website?
SEO is what helps people discover you online. Without it, your site is like a hidden gallery—beautiful, but unseen. I include SEO on every page and provide coaching so you can continue to grow.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to bring your art to the digital world and start building your online presence, I’d love to chat with you. Sign up for a discovery call here. We’ll spend 30 minutes talking about your budget, your design inspiration, and SEO strategies—because I’m not just building websites; I’m empowering you to grow and thrive.
And if you’re still figuring things out or want to dip your toes in first, consider signing up for early access to my educational series. It’s a great way to learn more and get comfortable before committing to a custom site. Let’s make your art shine online, together.
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