You update your social media 10 times a day. Imagine if you spent the same effort on your website rather than uploading your content to these places for free. We need to remember that in the social media world, we are the product. But you’re not getting paid for your time (ok, some people are but it is not easy to get there!).
I am writing this for you, kind of for myself too so I put some effort into my website.
Own Your Platform
A year ago or so I decided I was going to take my art more seriously. I started drawing or painting daily and I was posting on social media at least 4 times a week. It kind of felt like the path forward to be better, commit myself, and build an audience. Of course, social media didn’t stick because social media is a sad, sad place in 2025: people who used to see my content don’t seem to see it anymore, there are a lot of video needs, and attention span is the worst. Other bad things about social media are algorithms you can’t control and the fact that you don’t own your platform. If your main platform shuts down or you decide to leave it, your content is now somewhere you either won’t be able to restore or even delete!
I am a graphic designer who has been building WordPress websites for 15 years. Then why the hell shouldn’t I just design my website MY WAY and own my platform? Exactly. I should! (And you should too! Even if it isn’t as “easy” and convenient as social media).
This website as of today (March 3rd, 2025) is hosted at Dreamhost and uses a simple, free theme. However, I’m already designing and developing a new website that can handle all my artsy/social plans.
Website Checklist
- Find affordable (or free hosting)
You can have a website for free in many places without a custom domain but there are many affordable hosts out there. I’d recommend WordPress because it is my go-to due to its big community, open-source CMS, and it is the best for blogging/writing.
- Customize your website
Whether you use WordPress, Wix, or any other tool, find a theme that looks good and try to not change too much. If you are a designer you might know how to customize it deeper but if you’re a beginner, try to find a theme that suits you and customize it by adding your colors and images in the available layout.
- Add a bio
I know people don’t really care about who you are right now. But you want to be associated with your content and who knows, you might inspire someone. Knowing who you are in general terms is good!
- Add a contact form
Don’t put your email out there for people to copy-paste. Some bots find those in less than a second and they will spam you. Instead, use a contact form that sends messages to your inbox without publicly sharing the address.
- Post often
Feel the urge to post something on social? Do it on your website too (or instead)! I don’t do this often but will try to change that! Use your current social media to link to your website and keep updating. Google and other search engines prioritize websites that are updated frequently.
- Keep perfectionism at bay
Procrastinating because things aren’t yet perfect is the worst. I feel you! No one cares as much as you do. Just put yourself out there. You can redesign your website later and edit that page or blog post.
Why not promote my business here too? I mean… you can DIY but there are pros out there that can help you design and develop your website. Head to my agency website if you’d like to know more (or promote me thanks!)
So yeah. That’s it. Adding a pretty image here just because it is weird to be in a artist blog without any doodles x)
An idea that is in my mind to create a whimsical painting but haven’t put time into it in years
