Establishing connections might be the breaking point that will take you to the next step. We live in a connected world where links and relations with those around you are not an option anymore but a demanding necessity.
So, with this in mind start thinking about your presentation website as a communication tool, a two-sided process that it basically is. Realizing this core functionality you will be able to asses better your needs and maximize its outcome so that the return of investment will be satisfactory. So start thinking about the perks of communicating through your website and take into consideration a few approaches regarding your willingness to listen to your public.
Welcome comments
As any communication process every action can cause a reaction. So when you publish something new, make sure you are welcoming feedback and provide the necessary means to collect it. Thus, enable comments on your artist website and make it user friendly. So either you use the default system or you opt for a third party tool that grants you more filtering options, authentication or other perks. I know at first it might be tricky to expose yourself to criticism and hateful comments. Just remember you have full power over them and you can always grow constructively, not to mention that all the praises will make you dare for more.
Make your art shareable
Bring word of mouth to the digital era. Make all the provided information on the website easy-shareable. Because if you don’t provide an immediate method to share content, the urge to share will diminish and your art will fall in the background. That’s why social buttons are a great choice. So start looking at them as a powerful way to spread the word about your passion.
Have a contact page
Don’t forget the basics. Although 6 in ten respondents in the Going Social study made by KPMG International said they communicated directly with customers over social media, it’s still important to keep in mind the other 4. That’s why even your artist website should have a contact page. A place where anyone could find a valid email address, a phone number and maybe a physical address. These three elements are essential to receive proposals, marketing materials, sales inquiries, exhibition offers and many other opportunities. I know you think that most of this is spam and it might just be that, but there’s still a good chance to miss important opportunities by not showing any contact information.
Manage a contact form
Don’t forget about the power of a contact form. Although it might seem it’s the same thing, it actually isn’t. Email addresses are provided so that you can receive more complex messages, maybe even attachments, they are a place where you can structure your message and send an email to impress. Unlike the contact form which provides a quick manner to get in touch and usually deals with small messages. It is a contact method preferred by many because it does not involve an extra step of opening a new page to access the email.
With these being said, ask yourself how reachable is your website? And start thinking about all the opportunities you miss if you fail to be reachable. As an artist you might want to allow the world to interact with you, it might just change your perception and provide new challenges for your journey.
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