Are you new to blogging? In this article discover how to brand your art blog with themes.
Dahlias Flower – Yellow Tones by Dave Nevue
How to Brand your Art Blog with Themes
Before you start a blog, I suggest that you create a VISION STATEMENT and MISSION STATEMENT.
After you have your vision statement and mission statement you will need to decide what HOSTING SERVICE you will be using for your blog. (Many great videos on YouTube will show you how to get your blog live.)
When you have your blog up and running, it is time to design the look for your blog.
What are Themes?
A theme is simply the design of your site. Sites like Google Blogger or Tumbler provide different templates that you can choose from. They are however limited. If you are serious about creating a blog for your art business, you might want to consider using WordPress.
WordPress is where serious bloggers go to start their blog. Because so many people use WordPress, you will be able to find a template that will be perfect for your art brand. You will even have the option to sell your work easily by using WordPress.
How do you decide what theme would be best for you?
This is where you will need to do some homework. It is easier for you to do the research first rather than designing your blog and realizing that you would like it a different way. You will save a lot of time by being proactive.
What colors would you like your blog to be?
You will want the colors of your blog to complement the artwork that you are showcasing. Your art should be the focal point. Make sure that the colors that you decide compliment your work not take away from it. Design your site to be clean, easy to navigate and inviting.
How would you like your homepage to look?
This is your landing page for your blog. You will want to decide if you want a header with links, a slide show, or a gallery.
You will be able to find WordPress Theme for whatever your mind can imagine.
I suggest that you search for artist’s blogs and websites that are in your niche. This research will help you decide what will be best for you. Find at least 25 different sites and bookmark them.
When you have your list of sites, go through them from front to back.
Look at the colors that they use.
Look at the font that they use.
If they have a sidebar, notice what they have displayed in it. A sidebar is a section that links can be displayed into highlight content.
Look at the photos that they use.
How large are the photos?
Do they allow customers to purchase their work on their site?
What gateway are they using to sell their work?
Have a piece of paper and write down everything that you like about the site and everything that you do not like about the site.
Do this with all 25 sites that you have found.
Go through your notes and find the most common things that you like and don’t like. Write this down on a different piece of paper.
By now you should have an idea of how you want your site to look.
Here are some artists I found for you.
Free Themes
WordPress offers a wide variety of free themes. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The free themes work well for a basic blog, but if you are looking for more, you will want to have someone build you a theme or purchase a premium theme.
Another thing to keep in mind, is most free Themes are built poorly. Many of them have glitches and they are not built as secure as a Premium theme.
Premium themes
I have tried several Premium Themes in the past and was not completely happy with them. Many of my friends have recommended StudioPress Themes so I gave them a try. I am now using the Executive Pro Theme by StudioPress Themes and I could not be happier.
Before you go anywhere else I recommend you taking a look at what StudioPress has to offer.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase by clicking on an affiliate link, Nevue Fine Art Marketing may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate relationships include, but are not limited to, Bluehost, Tailwind, Skimlinks, SareASale and StudioPress. To learn more visit Affiliate Link Disclosure Policy
Conclusion
Starting a blog takes a lot of planning. If you take the time to plan everything out before you jump in you will be saving yourself many future headaches.
Was this article helpful? If you have any questions, I would love to hear from you in the comment section below.
Best of luck with the success of your blog!
You might also be interested in:
- How My Blog on Art Marketing Reached 25,000 Monthly Views
- How Artists Get Found Online?
- 5 Components All Art Blog Posts Must Have
- How To Use WordPress Basics
- Why Professional Quality Images are a Must for Art Websites
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