SEO for Artists: Get Your Work Seen by the Right People!

Are you tired of pouring your heart into your art only to have it sit unnoticed online? I know I certainly was! But there are tools and systems that you can use to your advantage that many artists simply don't know how to utilize.

It's time to dive into the magical world of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and get your work seen by the right people! Whether you're a painter, sculptor, photographer, or any other type of artist, understanding SEO can make a massive difference in your online visibility and sales.

Why SEO Matters for Artists

SEO is the process of optimizing your online content so that search engines like Google can find it and show it to people searching for what you offer. Think of it as a way to make your art more discoverable to your ideal audience. Without SEO, your work might be getting lost in the vast sea of the internet.

The Basics of SEO

1. Keywords: These are the terms and phrases people type into search engines when looking for art like yours. For example, if you create abstract paintings, keywords might include "abstract art," "modern paintings," or "contemporary art." But we also want to think about what someone who is your ideal collector would search for if they didn't know they were looking for your art. Thinking outside the box is where we can really excel with SEO. So if your abstract art is actually abstract landscapes and your ideal collector is an avid hiker who love Scandinavian interior design for their home, you can tailor your keywords to them.

2. On-Page SEO: This involves optimizing individual pages on your website to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic. It includes using keywords in your titles, meta descriptions, headers, and throughout your content.

3. Off-Page SEO: This refers to actions taken outside of your website to improve your search engine rankings. It mainly involves building backlinks (links from other websites to yours).

4. Technical SEO: This includes optimizing your site’s backend to help search engines crawl and index your site more effectively. It involves site speed, mobile-friendliness, and secure connections (HTTPS).

Easy-to-Follow SEO Strategies for Artists

1. Identify Your Keywords

Start by brainstorming a list of keywords related to your art. Think about what potential buyers (that Ideal Collector of Art or ICA) might search for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic to find popular search terms. (then quite literally copy and paste that text where it can fit in your website)

2. Optimize Your Website

• Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Ensure every page on your site has a unique title tag and meta description that includes your keywords. These are what appear in search engine results and can entice users to click through to your site.
• Headers and Content: Use your keywords in your headers (H1, H2, etc.) and throughout your content, but make sure it reads naturally.
• Alt Text for Images: Describe your images using keywords. This helps search engines understand what your images are about and can improve your visibility in image search results. This is extremely important for us as artists because we have SO many images of our art. The Alt Text for each image we upload (yes even all the pictures of the same art with different angles) is prime real-estate for adding keywords that someone online could be searching for.

3. Create High-Quality Content

Start a blog or news section on your website where you can regularly post content related to your art. This could include:

• Behind-the-scenes looks at your creative process
• Stories about your inspiration for different pieces
• Tips for other artists
• Announcements about upcoming shows or new collections

and use keywords from your market research to "call in" your ideal collector of art.

4. Build Backlinks

Reach out to art bloggers, online galleries, and art communities to get them to link to your site. You can also guest post on other blogs or collaborate with other artists to create content. Making Pins on Pinterest is another really great way to build up that credibility for your website. Don't forget that having your site linked to your social media profiles will help too!

5. Optimize for Social Media

SEO isn’t just for your website! Use keywords in your social media profiles and posts. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube can drive significant traffic to your site when optimized correctly.

• Instagram: Use relevant hashtags and keywords in your bio and post captions.
• Pinterest: Create boards with keyword-rich titles and descriptions. Pin your artwork with detailed descriptions and link back to your website or art listing.
• YouTube: If you create videos, use keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.

6. Ensure Mobile-Friendliness

A significant portion of internet traffic comes from mobile devices. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly by using a responsive design. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in its rankings, so this is crucial.

7. Monitor and Adjust

SEO is an ongoing process and takes months before you can start to see real result in your analytics. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor your site’s performance. I recommend reviewing your metrics no more than once a month when starting out. Pay attention to which keywords are driving traffic and adjust your strategy as needed.

Your Next Step

I know all this might sound overwhelming, but remember, done is better than perfect! Start implementing these tips step by step, and soon you'll see the difference in how your art reaches and resonates with your audience.

SEO might seem like a foreign language at first, but it's an invaluable tool in today’s digital world. By optimizing your online presence, you’re setting yourself up to reach more people who will love and appreciate your art.