Artist Website & Email Newsletters
An artist website and email newsletter are two non-negotiable elements for a career minded artist. On this episode we cover why they are important for the future of your business, what things to consider when choosing your provider, and how to start making content for them today.
These two platforms can be a big hurdle for many creatives but once they are in place, they are the tool that will allow you to build a relationship with your target audience and grow your business in a scalable way.
Two Non-Negotiable Platforms for Career Minded Artists
Why are they non negotiable?
You have the flexibility to customize them so that you can share your authentic story
You have to think long game
Every big brand you know uses these tools
Once they are in place and set up, they will do the work FOR you, so you don’t have to talk to everyone one-by-one (not scalable)
An Artist Website:
What?
Your website is your home base, your portfolio and your business card online
Why do you need it?
When people find out you’re an artist, they are often delighted and want to learn more about you. Chances are they are going to search your name in Google - you need a website so they can find you, connect with you, and ultimately purchase from you.
While doing a website may feel like a big and overwhelming task, it is possible to break it down into manageable pieces. You can add features or upgrade as your career evolves.
Where?
There are several website options, but 4 common platforms
Squarespace - If you are willing to pay a bit more for nice templates and ease of use
Wordpress - If you want to customize every aspect of your site, and have some techie skills
Wix - if you want an easy, no-frills solution
Shopify - if you have a large inventory of items
Things to Consider:
Is it easy to use and update?
Do you like the look and feel of the available templates?
Is it optimized for viewing on mobile devices?
Can it accommodate the features you will need now, or in the near future?
Portfolio view, mailing lists, online store, blog, etc
Content: What do you share?
At a minimum, your website needs to communicate who you are, what you do, and how people can get in touch with you.
Your Artist Newsletter:
What?
Email marketing campaigns (daily, weekly, monthly, or sporadic) allow you to build a long term relationship with your past and future collectors
Why do you need it?
Newsletters are better than social media because there is no algorithm!
You know that they will receive the content in their inbox
Your goal is to leverage the audiences you’ve built on social platforms and move them to platforms you can control (aka an email newsletter!)
Long term you own your email list. Other social media platforms will change, algorithms, policies etc. but your mailing list can serve as your core correspondence with your audience
“In the mess of social media, ensure that you will not miss the important information. Sign up for my newsletter”
Where?
There are several common platforms: Mailchimp, Mailerlite, Squarespace etc.
Mailchimp is the most popular one for beginners
Things to Consider:
Ease of use
Starting price
Thinking long term, what will the cost be with 1k, 5k, 10k subscribers?
Content: What do you share?
Upcoming events
Shop updates
News features
Behind the scenes content of your studio
Content template/structure Tips:
Think of the things you would typically put on social media
Set Up a structure that will make it easier for your future self, then after doing it for a few weeks or months, pivot if needed
Thank you Corey Claxton for the New Introduction Music!
Website: https://www.coreyclaxton.com/
Instagram: @thecoreyclaxton
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gMzkkK
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
www.squarespace.com
www.wordpress.com
www.wix.com
www.shopify.com
www.mailchimp.com
www.mailerlite.com
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