Topic:  Starting Your Website part 1

This week John and Lisa talk about starting your own website.  

Here are some of the topics and questions we discuss:

Why you still need a website, instead of just a social media page.

You maintain control of your online presence.
You can create and maintain your own gallery online.
You can create a slogan or by-line to provide more information about you and your work.

Is it worth doing a website?  Yes, if you know why you are doing.
You have to market the platform and your brand  (build it and they MIGHT come, if you work at it)

What should your first steps be: Choose a host, and url

Some free site options:    
Weebly
Wix
Fine Art America (in 2015 they came up with a virtual shopping cart)
DeviantArt

Some paid site options:    
Squarespace - Not only a content management system (CMS), but your host server and you can customize the code as well.  *This is the platform that John is currently using for sharpenedartist.com
Faso.com (Fine Art Studio Online)
WordPress - A content management system (CMS), but also very easy to use and get started with.


What to do now:  

Choose a platform and a host

Choose a theme if you’re going with wordpress (free or paid)
Choose a color scheme (make sure it’s not distracting, go for muted, subdued colors)
Design your home page and site (use a flow chart for writing out the navigation experience)   
 

Links mentioned in the show:

www.emwd.com

www.youtube.com/user/wpSculptor

Website building for Artists group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/544547935713186/

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If you’d like to submit a question that may be potentially featured here on the show, just write to us at podcast@sharpenedartist.com  or complete the online form at http://sharpenedartist.com/qanda

Want to use your voice to record a message to us? Just click the side widget, at http://sharpenedartist.com/podcast to the right labeled "Send Voicemail", to send an audio file to us!  You can simply use your mic from the computer!

Do you need help building your own website or blog?  You can contact me to discuss the options I offer.   Click here for help building your website or for a free site evaluation.

As always, thanks for listening! Tune in next week for more from John and Lisa. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.sharpenedartist.com for additional updates and information. You can also join our Facebook group, Colored Pencil Podcast, or contact us by email at podcast@sharpenedartist.com.

Are you ready to increase your presence online and maximize your art career? Click here to start the conversation today!

Stay sharp!