We artists all want to get our art noticed, right? After all, it’s nice to get feedback and connect with like-minded people. But how to get exposure as an artist? These days it isn’t that easy anymore to get discovered as an artist on social media and grow a following—especially if you want to create genuine connections. However, after trying out a lot of things, I think I have found the best way to gain exposure—in an authentic way…
Since I started to create art back in 2010, I’ve been sharing my work on the web. After all, it’s nice to get your art noticed online, receive some feedback and connect with other artists, right? You’ve been probably doing the same—and if not, you definitely should, because it would really be a pity if no one gets to see your beautiful creations!
There’s an audience for all types of art—and you know that every Jack has his Jill. ʕᴖᴥᴖʔ So you should never let the fear that no one likes your art keep you from sharing your work.
I’ve been trying lots of different ways to get my art seen: from art sharing sites like DeviantArt and Behance, to almost all social media platforms that exist out there… ´\_(ツ)_/`
However, when I look back at all the things I tried, I have to say they are not the best way to get exposure as an artist.
Why not? Well, social media like Facebook and Instagram used to be pretty ok for artists to get exposure. But things have changed dramatically.
I’ve never put much work into Instagram. It was never my primary focus. I would only upload an artwork every now and then—whenever I had finished a new piece. Nevertheless, I got so much more exposure for my art back then than I’m getting now!
I remember that when I uploaded an artwork a couple of years ago, I would get immediate feedback. The first likes would be dropping in only a few seconds after posting it. I used to like Instagram because it was a good indicator of how well your work resonated with your audience.
Nowadays, you can stand on your head, post photos, post slideshows, upload reels, update your story three times a day, create a broadcast channel, and what not—you just won’t get the same amount of exposure. No matter how hard you try and how large your existing following.
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You Don't Need Social Media...
Well, you don’t need social media to make it as an artist. So much is for sure. But there’s another thing that both social media and art sharing sites have in common: they are superficial and inauthentic—to a certain extent.
Like for like. Comment for comment. Follow for follow. You know what I mean. I cannot remember how many people started to follow me on my Insta—and when I didn’t follow back, they would unfollow me a couple of days later. How much genuine interest did they have in my art in the first place…?
I’m all about authenticity. I only like the posts I like. I only follow the people I’m really interested in. I only comment when I have something to say. And when I’m busy creating art or writing blog posts, I might check out of social networks altogether for a while.
I understand that these are not the best prerequisites for the social media landscape as it is today. (Shout-out to all the people who still follow me and like my art for real. I love you! ♥)
Maybe community building on social media works pretty well for you. I’m not saying that it’s not possible to forge genuine connections and grow an honest base of followers per se. But for me it’s not optimal—which may also be due to the little time I spend on there.
So, I've been looking for another way to get exposure as an artist. For a more calculable way to get exposure. And for a more meaningful way to build connections.
...There's A Better Option
Let’s face it: social media sites do as they please. One day it’s good to pump 30 hashtags in the first comment, the next day it’s better to only use 3-8 relevant hashtags in the caption. Then it’s better to post video instead of static pics, but only if you also post fresh content to your story, not only to your feed, for heaven’s sake.
There’s no way to really figure out what they want and they don’t tell you. The algorithm keeps changing, leaving you clueless about what is supposed to work and what isn’t. And things are not likely to get better any time soon.
With all of that in mind, I believe that the best way for artists to get exposure is to build your own website.
At the end of the day, that’s the only way to leave the social media hamster wheel. You never know what the algorithm is up to next and you must consider that social media companies have first and foremost their own financial well-being in mind.
With incalculable algorithmic changes, a push towards paid promotion, and AI-driven tools suggesting you the same images as paid ads that they restrict your account for (hello “Social Art Dilemma“), it’s a fact that social media can kill your art career—if you’re solely relying on those platforms.
On my own artist website, I cannot only share my work, I can also share inspiration, tips and advice based on my experiences and thus help other artists. I know that the people who read my posts, drop a comment or sign up for my mailing list, have a genuine interest in my art and my content.
…and creating exposure for a website is way more straightforward than for any social media account. Because, as opposed to Instagram and the like, Google offers you a whole lot of helpful articles on how to make your site get found in the search! But more on that later on in this post.
For now, if that’s not yet convincing enough for you, here are 10 Reasons Why You Should Make A Website For Your Art. ʕᴖᴥᴖʔ
1. Build Your Own Artist Website
That being said, I’ve put up lots of free content to help you build your own artist website.
You basically have two options: you can choose a website builder or you can use WordPress.
Use A Website Builder...
Website builders are a bit easier to use than WordPress. They don’t have an as steep learning curve. For more info, check out the Best Paid & Free Website Builders For Artists.
...Or Use WordPress
However, if you can spare some time to learn the ins and outs, I highly recommend using WordPress because it offers so much more flexibility and functionality. I have an easy-to-follow tutorial on How To Make An Artist Website With WordPress In 5 EASY Steps to help you get started.
For a deeper dive, you can read my WordPress Review For Artists. And then, if you’ve decided to create a WordPress site, I also have a roundup for you of the Best Web Hosting Companies For Artists With WordPress Sites!
2. Must-Have's Of Your Artist Website
Regardless of what you’re eventually choosing, WordPress or a website builder, there are always a couple of things to consider to create a “good” artist website.
This basically starts with a clear navigation menu at the top and ends with a compelling newsletter opt-in at the bottom of your site. (ᴖ‿ᴖ)
To help you get things set up the correct way right from the get-go, I have summed up 8 Things Every Good Artist Website Should Have.
But that’s not yet all it takes to make a good website. Besides the typical pages like Home, Contact, About, Portfolio, Shop and Blog page—and perhaps a Privacy Policy and some Terms and Conditions, there are 5 Pages An Artist Website Should Have That Nobody Tells You About…
Check out the posts to get an idea of what can lead your artist website to a quicker success!
3. Start An Art Blog
Now, this is my most important advice for you when it comes to building your own artist website and getting exposure as an artist: start an art blog.
Blogging about your art has so many benefits you probably cannot even think of yet. Your blog is not only the place where you can speak about your work freely—without any limitations in design, space, or word count.
Your blog is also the place where you can connect with your audience, promote your art, and make money. These are just a few examples. Here’s more: 7 Reasons Every Artist Should Have A Blog [*Hint: Blogging Is Profitable*].
For everyone who is new to blogging, I have a hands-on tutorial on How To Start An Art Blog That Makes Money (No Experience Required). And to help you navigate around the common pitfalls of blogging, I’ve pointed out 8 Huge Mistakes Art Bloggers Make & How To Avoid Them!
4. Optimize Your Art Blog For SEO
Apart from the benefits of blogging that I mentioned above, having an art blog has another tremendous advantage: you can optimize your posts for SEO and thus drive traffic to your site.
You probably already know that SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization and refers to different methods of making your web pages rank in the search results.
Google and other search engines like context. They analyze the topics you write about and determine how relevant your posts are to a given search query. Hence, if you provide lots of helpful content on your blog that people in your art niche are searching for, your website will pop up in the search results.
Blogging Is A Win-Win For Everyone...
In return, you’ll get visitors to your website who read your posts, benefit from the advice you share, subscribe to your mailing list, and buy your art. It’s a win-win for everybody!
As I already said above, search engine ranking criteria are not like the nebulous algorithmic clutter you know from social media. SEO is based on clear benchmarks you can rely on and there are real SEO experts you can learn from.
I’ve been learning a lot about SEO and using it for my posts since I started my blog—and now I’m sharing my learnings with you. These 5 Game-Changing SEO Tips For Artists will help you get traffic to your site. Plus, here’s a proven formula to Find The Best Keywords For Your Art To Boost Your SEO!
...So What Are You Waiting For?
Your artist website and blog are without doubt the best way to get exposure, presenting your art and yourself as the artist in a genuine and authentic way. In my Ultimate Guide to Build an Artist Website for Success, I show you everything you need to know to get your art website noticed, drive traffic, grow your email subscribers, and generate sales!
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Now it’s your turn! What is your favorite way to get your art noticed online? Are you still happy with social media or have you been looking for better ways to share your work?
Have you already built a website for your art? Or are you still hesitant? Let me know in the comments how you create exposure for your art. Feel free to share your strategies and experiences—I’d love to hear from you! ♥
Love this! I recently have begun to transition out of social media completely (for business and personal) and have wondered what ways I could expand my reach in a more authentic way. I think a blog is my next step!
So far my biggest draw to get new people exposed to my art are workshops. I have done a good amount in the past two years and now successfully launched at-home kits with the loyal people I have had face-to-face interactions with.
So far I have used the free website builder through square. I am thinking maybe there is a way to tap into the local market to jump start my blog too. You’ve got me brainstorming now!
Hi Patricia, thank you so much for the comment! I love to hear from my readers.
I think it’s a great idea for you to start a blog, because it can help you get exposure for your workshops but also reach global markets (not only your local market).
If you need any help, feel free to check out my website building section with lots of free tutorials on art blogging, or reach out to me directly!
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Hi Sandy, great to hear that the post was helpful! I wish you all the best for your creative journey ❤︎
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Hi Dave, I’m so glad to hear that you found the post helpful. Thanks for dropping a comment!
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You’re most welcome, Kerkvliet. Thanks for stopping by and dropping a comment (: