By Renee Phillips, The Artrepreneur Coach
On any given day I must visit at least 50 artists' websites. During many visits I am nearly brought to tears from frustration. I see mistakes after mistakes artists are making that are costing them dearly, They are preventing sales from coming to them, and pushing away many potential galleries and other opportunities.
I've observed, it doesn't matter whether the website was designed by a professional website designer or not. Some of the worst websites were designed by very talented graphic designers who did not take into consideration your marketing goals and career objectives. I see them as money being thrown out the window.
So, honestly, is your Web site Helping or Hurting you?
Your website and/or blog is your 24-hour portfolio to the world. It may be the first place a prospective buyer, art writer, gallery director or curator goes to learn about you and your art work and decide whether to buy it or offer you an exhibition. What it says about you as an artist is crucial. How they react can make or break your career.
Your Web site Can be a Powerful Marketing Tool!
Your website can be extremely effective when you incorporate it within your larger overall marketing strategy for your art. As an art marketing consultant I can help you view it as your best marketing tool. A well-planned website will empower and simplify your other marketing efforts. Put it to work as your sales team 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so you can spend your time creating more art.
How well would you rate your site in these areas?
1. How does your website serve your purpose and accomplish your career goals?
2. What does your Home page say about you -- What kind of First Impression does it make? Disorganization and clutter? Loud clashing color and sizes of fonts? Weak home page image?
3. What is the quality of written materials? Do you have grammatical errors? Is your biography written professionally? Is your artist's statement coherent?
4. What is the strength of your overall "gallery" design and individual gallery sections? Does your work display a consistent vision or does it appear unfocused and unprofessional?
5. Is your website functioning properly? It is easy to navigate? Do you have bad links?
6. What is the quality of your Jpegs? Are the sizes and display of your thumbnails and enlargements the best possible examples? Do you provide detailed descriptions?
7. Does your website generate sales potential or turn visitors away?
8. Are you using SEO maximization? How do people find you?
9. Have you added the right "call to action" features?
10. What needs to be removed immediately and permanently? Yes, the biggest mistake could be something that does not belong there.
How the Website Consultation Works
In the Website Consultation we have a 45 minute phone session. You tell me your career objectives. We both go through your website, page by page, in relation to your marketing goals. I will provide specific feedback and suggestions for improving your website, to help you achieve the best results.
Special Rate through September 15
If you decide you want a consultation please mention this Email newsletter to receive the special rate of only $70. (Regular rate is $85.) This special offer is good through September 15.
Additional Help with Writing
Don't suffer from writer's block. I can also offer writing services that include proof reading, editing and/or rewriting your biography and artist's statement. I can help select your jpegs, and organize your "gallery" for you. I will offer an estimate based on your needs.
Need Help with your Blog?
If you use blogger.com and need help with posting, adding applications and increasing traffic, let me know. I can help you either create or update and maintain a very successful blog. Send me an email with your blog link and we will soon get started on creating an original one-of-a-kind blog for you.
Make a Huge Difference
If you are like most art professionals your website may be working against you, not for you. A few adjustments may make a huge difference. Imagine what it will be like when you have the confidence that your website is doing the best job possible.
I look forward to hearing from you and visiting your website soon! Send me an email to renee@renee-phillips.com
Best wishes,
Renee http://www.ManhattanArts.com
