Nobody likes to work on the website. It seems like such an effort in time, organization, frustration and sometimes money if you’re hiring outside help. After much gnashing of teeth, throwing of objects, late nights and bad language – it’s finally done! But…the truth is, it’s never done once and for all, or at least it shouldn’t be.
Your work is growing and changing. Awards, grants, exhibitions – With those changes come changes in your bio, CV, resume, or statement. Technology is changing as rapidly as you are. This article from Sweor presents several arguments for keeping your website updated and looking its best to stay not only relevant but also effective, first and foremost of which is that first impressions count. For a lot.
People are interested in the artist behind the work. Not just your fans, but funders, curators, gallery owners. You don’t have to include personal details, but whatever you say and how you present it should be both organized and well-written. Your written content should support your work in a way that engages the reader, helps them understand what you do, while at the same time leading them through your website in a seamless and effortless way. In other words, your art is the star but it needs a strong supporting cast to enhance its performance
Even if your work hasn’t changed, or you have not garnered awards, exhibitions or grants, your artist statement could still use another look and a revamp because as humans we are evolving every single day. Our viewpoints and how we think about what we do changes over time. You need to let people know this so you can stay relevant. What you don’t want is a gorgeous website that never changes, or why would anybody ever want to come back?
Website update checklist and things to consider
- Are you happy with your current website platform? Think about flexibility, image size, and overall design. If the website is a plug and play designed for artists does its aesthetic reflect that of your work? Does it let you do everything you want? Can you eliminate things you don’t want? If not, are you willing to compromise your aesthetic wish-list for ease of use?
- Is the order of information logical? Can visitors find what they’re looking for easily?
- Does it look as good on the phone as it does on the desktop?
- Is there another way in which to organize your work? For instance by media or subject matter? Does your portfolio reflect the best of your work?
- Prices or no prices? Do you show sold work or only work for sale? Do you want to reconsider these options?
- Is there a blog page? Do you use it? Do you want to use it?
- Does it come with a newsletter feature? Do you use it or want to use it or are you okay with/ prefer to keep your newsletter separate? (You are sending out a regular newsletter, right?)
- Is your pertinent information (professional dossier, contact, and social media info) up to date and correct?
If you’re overwhelmed with these decisions or need help with the actual content that goes on your site, please contact me. I’m happy to write, re-write, edit, organize or re-organize content. Reach out – it’s time.
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