Here’s a question that we get asked quite frequently:
I am an artist with a portfolio website. Is it better to have a link to Facebook or a Blog to show new work/ giclee prints etc as they become available?
Good question!
Many of our artists have a portfolio site and a link to either a Blogger Blog or a Facebook Page where they display new work. They use their websites as a static portfolio of representative works (updated maybe once a year) and an information resource (profile, contact etc). Some artists opt for an integrated WordPress blog where the blog looks as though it is part of your website. Each of the options has pros and cons.
1) Artist website plus a link to a Blogger Blog
Example: angelajsimpson.com
Advantages
Cheaper as you can set up and customise your blogger blog yourself.
Easy to update your blog – Blogger Blogs are designed to be easy to use.
Blogger blogs come with many add-ons and social media sharing options which you can add yourself.
Disadvantages
Any content on your Blogger Blog is not part of your website, and any Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) advantage that your content provides will not benefit your website (except that people may find your website via your Blogger Blog.
Unless you customise the look and feel of your blog, it will not look the same as your website.
Advanced customisation does require some design/technical ability.
You have to set up your blog yourself.
Studio Websites does not offer any support for Blogger Blogs – you will have to rely on the Blogger support if you need any help.
2) Artist website plus a link to a Facebook page
Example: peterfurlonger.com
Advantages
Easy to update your Facebook page with images of your work.
Facebook pages come with many add-ons and social media sharing options which you can add yourself.
Facebook is great for instantly making your Facebook friends aware of your new work.
Disadvantages
Any content on your Facebook page is not part of your website, and any Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) advantage that your content provides will not benefit your website (except that people may find your website via your Facebook Page.
You need to set up and customise your Facebook Page yourself.
Advanced customisation does require some technical ability.
Studio Websites does not offer any support for Facebook Pages – you will have to rely on Facebook support if you need any help.
3) Artist website plus an integrated blog (a blog that is actually part of your website)
Example: steveempson.com
Advantages
Any content on your integrated blog is part of your website, and any Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) advantage that your content provides will benefit your website – ie it will help drive more traffic to your website.
It will look more professional as it will seamlessly integrate with the look and feel of your site.
Comes with full support – if you get stuck with your blog, all you need to do is email.
Disadvantages
More expensive to set up – it’s not something you can do yourself.
Any structural update work done on your blog is chargeable.
You must make arrangements to back up the content of your blog – you can take backups yourself, or subscribe to a backup service.
Websites for artists – conclusion
Like most things it comes down to your budget. By far the best option is to have an artist’s portfolio website and an integrated blog, and a Facebook Page to draw in new vistors. It means that your site will look professional and you will also benefit from increased traffic due to the SEO benefits of an integrated blog and the Facebook link. But this option is also the expensive option as your website designer will have to create your blog and any structural updates to your blog in the future are also chargeable. Facebook pages and Blogger Blogs are easy to update and manage, and are the best options if you are on a limited budget.