Why Every Artist Needs a Website
Hey there, artist friends! It’s Kasi here, and if you’ve been thinking about taking your art online, there’s no better time than now to get started. A website is your space—away from the unpredictable algorithms of social media. It serves as your online gallery, portfolio, and shop, all rolled into one. Think of it as your digital studio where your audience can learn more about you, your process, and your work, without any distractions.
In this guide, I’m going to help you build your artist website from the ground up, so it’s truly a reflection of you. To help you get started, I recommend checking out my workbook, "Starting Business: Everything You Need to Do to Get Your Business Online." It’s packed with step-by-step actions for launching your website, planning your brand, and so much more.

Choosing the Right Website Builder for Artists
When it comes to building a website, there are several platforms to choose from, and each has its unique strengths. The key players for artists are WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify. Here’s a quick breakdown:
WordPress: Perfect for those who want full control and lots of customization options.
Wix: Great if you’re looking for something easy and intuitive to set up.
Squarespace: Sleek, stylish, and designed with creatives in mind—perfect for showcasing visuals.
Shopify: Ideal if your main goal is to sell your art online.
Picking the right builder comes down to your specific needs—how much customization you want, your budget, and how comfortable you are with technology. For a deeper dive into making your site discoverable, check out my guide on Understanding SEO.

Picking a Domain Name that Fits You
Your domain name is like your digital signature. When choosing a domain, make it personal, easy to remember, and relevant to your art.
Ideally, aim for a .com domain if it’s available—it’s still the most recognized extension, and it makes your site look professional.
Think about your name, your art style, or something that represents you. A domain like YourNameArt.com or StudioYourName.com can work wonders for making your site easy for people to find.
Essentials for a Great Artist Website
To make sure your website represents your art in the best way possible, there are a few essential pages you’ll need:
Homepage
This is your first impression—make it count. Your homepage should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. A stunning featured image, a clear navigation bar, and a strong call to action can guide your visitors deeper into your site.
About Page
People connect with stories, so use your About page to tell yours. Share your journey as an artist, your inspirations, and what drives your creative process. This is your chance to make an emotional connection with your audience and make them feel part of your story.
Portfolio
Your portfolio is the heart of your website. Showcase your work beautifully, but don’t just stop at images. Offer insight into the work—what inspired it, the story behind it, or the techniques used. This will help your audience connect with your art on a deeper level.
Shop Page (Optional)
Ready to start selling directly? Having a shop page allows visitors to buy your work directly from you. This is a great way to expand your reach beyond exhibitions and marketplaces. For a real-world example, check out how we helped launch Your Sister’s Pot Shop, an artist who successfully turned her passion into an online store.

Comprehensive Website Audit: Setting Up for Success
Once your website is up and running, it’s important to keep it fresh and updated. Conducting a comprehensive website audit helps you understand what’s working and where you can improve. Are your pages loading quickly? Is your SEO optimized? Are all your links working? A well-maintained site encourages visitors to stay longer.
For more on how to perform a thorough audit, take a look at my Comprehensive Website Audit for Artists.

Website Hosting: What You Need to Know
Choosing the right hosting can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s critical to your website’s performance. Here are the main types:
Shared Hosting: Budget-friendly but may be slower since you share resources with other sites.
VPS (Virtual Private Server): A good middle-ground that provides more resources and better performance.
Managed Hosting: Let someone else handle the technical aspects while you focus on creating.
Pick the hosting solution that fits your budget, traffic expectations, and how much tech support you’ll need.
SEO Basics for Artists
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is what helps people find you online. It involves choosing the right keywords, crafting effective meta titles, and optimizing images to help search engines understand your content.
Think of SEO as a way to make sure that people searching for artists or art in your niche find you first. I recommend learning the basics of SEO so that your beautiful website gets seen by as many people as possible. To learn more, check out my post on Understanding SEO.
Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Site Fresh
Once your website is live, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it situation. Here are some tips to keep it fresh:
Updating Content
Update your website regularly. Add new artwork, write blog entries, and share your news. This not only keeps your audience engaged but also helps improve your SEO. Fresh content signals to search engines that your site is active.
Backing Up Your Site
Backing up your website is essential. Imagine losing all your work due to a technical error—that’s a nightmare no artist wants to face. Set up monthly backups to keep your content safe and prevent loss.
Book a Discovery Call
If you’re looking for something more customized, I’d love to work with you. Our custom websites start at $1,500 for a three-page site. Book a discovery call to discuss your needs, and we’ll create a website that’s tailored to your business.
Why Choose J&K Online Development?
I pride myself on being client-centric and innovative. I understand the unique challenges of starting a business, and I’m here to help you navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Whether you're a startup or an established brand, my goal is to provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed online.
Final Thoughts
Owning a website means owning your brand, your audience, and your story. It’s the difference between showcasing your art in a rented gallery space versus your very own building. A well-built website gives you control over how your art is presented and helps you reach a global audience.
If you’re ready to get started, grab my workbook, "Starting Business: Everything You Need to Do to Get Your Business Online." It provides an actionable plan for getting your online presence up and running.
Let’s take your art from the studio to the world—together.
P.S. If you’re new to terms like SEO and CMS, don’t worry! Check out Search Engine Journal's SEO Glossary for a simple explanation of these and other common web design terms. Happy website building!
Check out my YouTube Channel
Want even more tips, tutorials, and live sessions to help you build your business online?
Follow our YouTube channel! We've got a lot of exciting content planned for the next year, including in-depth educational videos, live sessions, and much more. Right now, you can catch our YouTube Shorts for quick tips, but if you subscribe now, you'll be the first to access all our upcoming content.
Subscribe to J&K Online Development on YouTube and join our community of entrepreneurs taking their businesses to the next level. Don't miss out—hit that subscribe button today!
FAQ Section for Blog Post
How to Start Your Own Artist Website?
Starting your own artist website begins by choosing a website builder that works for you—like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace. You’ll also need a domain name, some essential pages (like an About page and Portfolio), and a clear vision of how you want to present your art. For detailed steps, read the full guide above.
How Do I Pick a Domain Name?
When choosing a domain name, make it personal, easy to remember, and reflective of your art. A .com extension is ideal if available, as it appears more professional.
What Pages Should an Artist Website Have?
Every artist website should have at least a Homepage, About Page, and Portfolio. A shop page is optional if you’re ready to sell directly. These pages help convey your story, showcase your work, and build meaningful connections with your audience.
What is the Best Website Builder for Artists?
The best website builder depends on your needs. WordPress is customizable, Wix is easy to use, Squarespace is great for showcasing visuals, and Shopify is perfect for e-commerce. Choose the one that fits your goals and comfort level.
Why Do Artists Need SEO for Their Website?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps ensure that your art is seen by a broader audience beyond your social media followers. It involves using the right keywords, optimizing images, and creating meta titles. To learn more, check out my post on Understanding SEO.
Comments