Mar
29
2009
If you are not into coding or programming, then this part may not be for you – so – enjoy the artwork or read on…or both…
Having your own website, on the other hand, involves instead, you doing the work of obtaining a URL (e.g., http://joetheartist.net) obtaining a hosting company and then a number of other tasks that will keep you busy. Unless you have the extensive computer background, I would not suggest you go this route, primarily because this is so time consuming. For artists, the best use of time is to do what you do best – your art – So think twice about that.
This article covers the considerations that are involved in “doing-it-yourself.” Part 4b will give you the solutions that I found and how I manage my site.
These considerations are what I call the “first impression.” Others would call it “common business sense.”
1. What do you want people to think when they see your site? How do you hold your viewers’ attention?
a. Speed of loading of your site is critical. People leave if you site doesn’t load quickly. There are sites that time the speed of loading a site (free.)
b. The appearance of the site – does it look professional, amateurish, or just childish? You’re an artist – design the layout to match the work you produce! How will you display your works (framed or unframed?) Presentation is a large part of how professional your site appears.
c. Is your site easy to navigate (going from page to page?) Is your menu always in view? Or does it disappear as the viewer scrolls your page?
d. Do you have ads littering your pages? Why do you want to offer the viewer an opportunity to go to your competitors? Keep your viewers on your site, just as you keep them in your paintings.
2. How do you want to display your works: Randomly, by category, by date, by media? This will guide you in Part 4b as we discuss software (both free and to buy.)
3. How will you get your prospects to purchase: called your e-commerce solution?
4. How will you manage your inventory? How will you price (including shipping and handling.
These are the basics for “do-it-yourself” websites.
