In the age of social media creating and managing a website can seem like a lot of work for no real benefit. But I believe there are many reasons why artists should have their own website, I am primarily talking to photographers and videographers because that is my background but I believe that many if not all the points stand whether you are a painter, musician, writer, etc.
First off I know people by know know you can make your own website without coding through website builders, I use WordPress but you can use whatever you want as long as you make your own website as long as you are able to maintain it. It’ll be up to you to decide which is best for you depending on pricing, features, and ease of use. My CMS (Content Management System) of choice is WordPress because I find it easy to use and easy to manage as well as having a free version for those on a budget.
But the first reason I believe people should have a website is because it makes you look more professional. I’m sure you put a lot of work curating what your Instagram grid looks like when people people view your profile but it will never feel as professional as having a dedicated page where you can layout your work and not have them cropped, a page so you can have a full length bio, and even a way to get in touch with you that isn’t using DMs. Having a website is also a good way of showing self expression, you have a whole website dedicated to your style and how your mind works in how to display your work. Not only do you look professional, hopefully you feel professional too, that’s why it is important to do some customization, and make something you are proud of people seeing.
The second reason is something that I hinted to above, it is a place free from other distractions and focused on you. I know that is a little narcissistic but it is the whole point of having a website. On your website it is much more difficult for people to go back to their newsfeed and start scrolling, see someone else’s work, and forget about you. The goal is for people to remember you and follow you and hopefully pay you for your work. A website is a good all in one place to do everything from display your work, show your pricing, and let people contact you.
My third and final reason on this list is just that it creates discipline. I know I am a little hypocritical about that but I do want to make a pre-new years resolution to really try and grow my website and following. I do try and keep updated photos on my website but I do want to be consistent with putting out blogs more. But having something to consistently work on and manage is something to be proud of. It shows Viewers that you can be relied on to do their job because you work hard to maintain your website. Also when you are paying to keep a website with a custom domain and the extra features of a CMS.
Hopefully if you were on the fence about getting a website or think social media is enough for you I could give you something to think about. There are other reasons to have a website but these are the three I feel like are most important and good things come in threes. No matter what CMS you choose to go with make sure to do your research and take advantage of free trials to see what works best for you.
Wesley Lang Media 