DO have a mobile-friendly design DO Use your own domain DO Secure your site with an SSL certificate DO keep your site classy and clear by focusing on your art and only your art DO utilize a simple, well organized menu structure  DO Have a reason for each page and have content on each page [2] DO Make your text readable (big enough and not too small) DO make your website's interface consistent from page to page DO Make sure your website's visited links change color DO Make big blocks of text scannable by utilizing short sections with headlines DO Make sure all hyperlinks are active DO Make sure your site loads quickly DO keep all event/exhibit/timely information current and up to date DO have an easy to update site so you can post new works, ready to sell in a few easy steps DO Add images and information about all items that you sell DO use a neutral color scheme so the art stands out DO NOT Use a "splash page" - Let visitors get right to the art on your site DO NOT build your site with non-standard technologies like flash DO NOT HAVE too many navigation menu items DO NOT have more than one website (for your art)

DO Link each artwork on your portfolio page to an artwork detail page with a bigger image, size, price purchasing info [1] DO price all your artworks clearly on the site (unless you sell only through a gallery) DO have further detailed information about each artwork and a call to action on each artwork detail page DO make purchasing easy with a purchase button on each artwork detail page DO have an "inquire" button on each artwork detail page so people with further questions may contact you about that specific artwork DO link each artwork detail page to the gallery/venue where it can be purchased (if not available on your site) DO on each artwork, if sold by a gallery, provide the gallery's contact info on it's detail page DO have previous and next links on artwork detail pages DO ensure that your artwork detail pages have unique, sharable urls so they can be shared on social media  DO Organize your portfolio into logical collections (if needed) DO keep your collection names clear, short and simple DO NOT separate your site into separate "Portfolio" and "Store" areas.  Let people purchase right from the portfolio. DO include a high resolution zoom so collectors can really see the detail in your work DO include a "view in room" feature so collectors can gauge the scale of the piece and visualize it in a room DO include both framed and unframed images (if the piece is available for purchase framed). DO include multiple image of the artwork as necessary (different angles for 3D art, framed, unframed, detail for 2D, etc)

DO have a quotes & testimonials from collectors, respected artists and your galleries as social proof DO Have an email newsletter signup, preferably on every page DO have a way for collectors to sign up to be alerted when you have new artworks DO host your blog (if you blog) on the same domain as your website site DO use an SEO-friendly URL structure DO use Facebook open graph protocol on your pages so they can be shared & liked  properly DO NOT shove pop up ads for your newsletter into the user's face DO have a page that lists all your art galleries (if you sell through galleries) DO list the art associations of which you are a member DO list and highlight any signature memberships you earned

DO Make purchasing EASY DO offer full-ecommerce purchasing of your art & products DO give purchasers the option to join your email list during checkout DO reach out personally to people who abandon your shopping cart and offer to assist

DO Use high quality images DO have a nice photo of your artwork on your home page DO have photos of YOURSELF on your home page or your about page DO NOT use "stock photography"

DO make it super-easy to contact you  DO have contact information at the bottom of every page

DO Have social media icon links that link to your social media profile DO Make sure your linked social media profiles are PUBLIC DO Make sure your linked social media profile are active DO keep your linked social media profiles focused on your art DO NOT discuss politics on your linked social media profiles

DO NOT Blog unless you want to and have something to say DO have your blog on your main website and not separate (if you do blog)

DO keep your site light-weight and quick to load DO have a Copyright line in your site footer DO Use your logo to personalize the site if you have one DO NOT auto-play music on your site DO NOT disable the right-click button DO NOT resize the user's browser window DO NOT "scrolljack" user's scrollbar functionality DO NOT use Google Ads (or other ads) on your site

Utilize the 71 rules as a checklist to ensure that your artist website is professional, beautiful and helps you sell your art.

 

Until next time, please remember that Fortune Favors the Bold Brush.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Clint Watson

BoldBrush/FASO Founder & Art Fanatic