Websites and ecommerce sites are great tools for artists to build an engaging online presence. There are many different options available to you and deciding on one will depend on your skill level and the amount of time/financial resources available to you. Please keep in mind that there are pros and cons to each option. We have provided some information about three different options to get you started, but please do your own research as well before deciding what might be the best option for you.
Here is an article that talks about the difference between content websites and ecommerce sites:
Option 1:
Have someone local build a website for you. This is the most expensive option and will require time, however you do not have to do any of the website building yourself.
Here is a list of some local website designers to get you started if you would like to explore this option:
Option 2:
Build your own website. There are many different options available to create a website. Two of the most popular options for beginners are Wix and Squarespace.
Here is a comparison of the two to help you decide if one of these might work for you:
Wix
- Website: https://www.wix.com/
- Support: https://support.wix.com/en/
- Tutorials:
- Wix How-to Guide
https://www.wix.com/how-to/make-a-website - WIX Tutorial for Beginners – Full Wix Tutorial | Greg Gottfried
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAFu_452pME - Tutorial: How to Create a Wix Store Step-By-Step (How to Sell on Wix) | Wholesale Ted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKw9iMkUXDI
- Wix How-to Guide
Squarespace
- Website: https://www.squarespace.com/
- Support: https://support.squarespace.com/hc/en-us
- Tutorials:
- Squarespace How-to Guide
https://www.squarespace.com/how-to/build-a-website - Squarespace Tutorial For Beginners 2020 | Create a Beautiful Website STEP-BY-STEP! | Create a Pro Website
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coEwLBRfs6E - Intro to Squarespace Ecommerce: Setting Up Shop (Version 7.0) | Louise Henry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj68v0qqXs8
- Squarespace How-to Guide
Option 3:
Create an Ecommerce site. Two of the most popular options are Shopify and Etsy.
Here is a comparison of the two to help you decide if one of these might work for you:
Shopify
You can use Shopify to create an online shop with multiple paid options available.
- Website: https://www.shopify.com/
- Support: https://help.shopify.com/en
- Tutorials:
- Shopify How-to Guide
https://www.shopify.com/blog/start-online-store - Shopify Tutorial for Beginners (2020 Full Tutorial) – Create a Professional Online Store | Santrel Media
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACqrKzY-j-s
- Shopify How-to Guide
Etsy
You can use Etsy to create an online shop with free and paid store options available. There is a fee structure in place per listing.
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/sell
- Support: https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us
- Tutorials:
- Etsy How-to Guide
https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/115014502448-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Selling-on-Etsy - How to start an Etsy shop – Etsy Tutorials | Grant Joiner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW4hQ32C1ZQ
- Etsy How-to Guide
