In 2025, having a strong online presence as an artist isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re applying for residencies, promoting exhibitions, or selling your work, your digital footprint plays a huge role in how you’re discovered, perceived, and remembered. The good news? You don’t need a marketing team to show up professionally online. You just need the right tools—and a little consistency.

Here are 5 effective ways to build a smart and scalable online presence this year:

1. Claim a Custom .ART Domain for Your Website

Your website is the home base of your digital identity—and your domain name should reflect that. A custom .ART domain immediately signals who you are and what you do, helping you stand out in a crowded search result. It’s short, relevant, and instantly recognizable to collectors, curators, and collaborators.

Pro tip: Keep your domain as close to your artist name as possible, like ShantellMartin.art or SharonStone.art.

2. Optimize Your Site for Search Engines

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound intimidating, but it’s really just about helping people find you online. Use relevant keywords throughout your website, especially in:

  • Your bio (e.g., “figurative painter based in Berlin”)

  • Image titles and descriptions

  • Blog posts or project pages

  • Alt-text for images

Updating your website regularly also improves your ranking. Google favors active sites over static ones.

3. Be Consistent Across Platforms

Your website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even email signature should all share the same branding: name, handle, bio, and links. This kind of consistency helps reinforce your artist brand and makes it easier for people to find and follow you.

Use your .ART domain as a central hub that connects out to your other channels. Think of it as your digital anchor.

4. Start a Blog or Journal Section

Not only does blogging keep your website fresh (which search engines love), it also invites visitors into your world. Share your creative process, inspiration, behind-the-scenes snapshots, or thoughts on your medium.

You don’t need to post weekly—once a month is enough. Over time, these posts will improve your site’s organic traffic and give you content to share across newsletters and social media.

5. Use Analytics to Guide Your Growth

If you’ve ever wondered which images or pages people linger on—or how they’re finding you—tools like Google Analytics can tell you. Knowing what’s working (and what’s not) can help you make smarter decisions about your content, layout, or outreach.

It’s also helpful when pitching to galleries or grant panels—nothing makes an impression like real audience data.

Final Thoughts

A polished online presence doesn’t mean you need to be everywhere all at once. It means showing up intentionally, in the places that matter, with tools that support your growth. By starting with a personalized .ART domain and making a few smart updates to your site and SEO strategy, you’ll be ahead of the curve—and ready for whatever comes next.

Ready to claim your name? Get your .ART domain today