Bob Nicholson on tue 4 mar 03
The recent thread on websites quickly became a discussion
of authoring tools. I find this pretty typical of what happens
in these discussions, and it's good information to share.
Maybe it's obvious, but I think the real effort in creating an
effective website starts long before you get to the html.
Individuals and organizations need to think about why they
want a website, what they will get out of it, and how they
will accomplish their goals.
A website is just one promotional tool; others might be flyers,
brochures, postcard mailings, e-mail lists, business cards, signs,
newspaper ads, word of mouth, and so on. How will your website
relate to each of your other promotional "channels?" What messages
and information are you trying to communicate with each? Who are
you trying to reach, and how will you reach them?
I'm afraid that people who jump immediately into html may end
up investing a lot of time, and a fair bit of money, on a site that
is seen only by their family and friends (and that does nothing
to promote their business).
I'd be really interested in hearing the experiences of those who
have created websites for their clay business or organizations...
what you tried to accomplish, and how successful you have been.
Feel free to send me mail off list... or we may end up with this
becoming the "WebArt" discussion group!
- Bob Nicholson
DISCLOSURE - I am working on a book proposal about websites for
artists; hence my interest in your experiences. At the moment I'm
gathering background info; nothing you tell me would be included in
the book without your approval.
Tony Ferguson on tue 4 mar 03
Bob,
I too had many of the same questions before I created my website and
sufficient research and trial and error pages until I came up with something
I and other's liked. I also asked some of the folks who buy my work on a
regular basis for their input as to browsability, look and feel, number of
images, scale, etc.--they were very helpful as I wanted them to have a
positive browsing experience instead of "what the heck was Ferguson
thinking!" as can sometimes be the case. I have learned that in today's
economy (for most people) not having a website is like not having a business
card--that is, depending on how you are set up and your current client base.
Warren Mckenzie does not need to have a website--but he should! as it would
provide still greater access to his work to the rest of the world and
educate people about his influences in our region for the non-natives.
A website will only help you, your work, and people (not just in your
neighborhood) from all over the world will have access to your art depending
on how you market your website. You can not simply hire someone to build
you a website and then expect people to flock to it--you have to program
meta tags, utilize your mailing list (and anyone you can get your hands
on--permission is always good) and explore marketing techniques to find what
works best for your work--you have to nuture it or it is just a glorified
business card. Such factors as browsability (thanks, Helen, for your
input!), download speed, picture quality and size, how your website is
organized, and how easily the information is accessable to those viewing
will affect whether or not they come back for more.
Since my website has been up 16 months with over 16,000 (and I have nutured
it along with marketing), I have had emails from people all over the world,
collectors, gallery's expressing interest, invitations to be in artist in
residence in foreign countries, etc. I figure I am not doing too bad in a
poor economy--although we still live month to month. I think one of the
most valuable aspects of having your work accessable to people who would
probably never see it otherwise is the feedback, which is usually enjoyable
and always interesting. There are some clay buds and non-clay bud artists
who share in each other's development, what we are doing, etc, see pictures
of current work, glaze tests, its great and very valuable knowing there are
others out there like yourself struggling through it and usually enjoying
the ride. Its too bad we all didn't live in one place!
Having a website (taught myself Frontpage--yes, yes, Wendy, I'm planning on
switching to DreamWeaver) has allowed me to spend much more time with my
very young family as I am shipping work out more often than I am going to
shows--however, this year I have/ am applying for many as I want to
obviously sell but also build my mailing list for mass emailing to people
who have either bought work or expressed interest in my work. I still think
the best part of doing shows is the other artists and seeing their work.
Bartering can't be beat either!
What motivated me to sell on the internet was I could not sell a teabowl for
$20 in a local shop as well as at some of the art fairs I started doing 4
years ago. I had seen what others were selling their work for on the
internet, and so I made the leap and put higher prices on my work. If
anyone is interested, I moonlight as a web designer/editor for artists.
Feel free to contact me if you are considering getting a site up.
Thank you.
Tony Ferguson
On Lake Superior, where the sky meets the Lake
Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku and more
by Coleman, Ferguson, Miller, Winchester
www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Nicholson"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2003 9:52 AM
Subject: BEFORE website development
> The recent thread on websites quickly became a discussion
> of authoring tools. I find this pretty typical of what happens
> in these discussions, and it's good information to share.
>
> Maybe it's obvious, but I think the real effort in creating an
> effective website starts long before you get to the html.
> Individuals and organizations need to think about why they
> want a website, what they will get out of it, and how they
> will accomplish their goals.
>
> A website is just one promotional tool; others might be flyers,
> brochures, postcard mailings, e-mail lists, business cards, signs,
> newspaper ads, word of mouth, and so on. How will your website
> relate to each of your other promotional "channels?" What messages
> and information are you trying to communicate with each? Who are
> you trying to reach, and how will you reach them?
>
> I'm afraid that people who jump immediately into html may end
> up investing a lot of time, and a fair bit of money, on a site that
> is seen only by their family and friends (and that does nothing
> to promote their business).
>
> I'd be really interested in hearing the experiences of those who
> have created websites for their clay business or organizations...
> what you tried to accomplish, and how successful you have been.
> Feel free to send me mail off list... or we may end up with this
> becoming the "WebArt" discussion group!
>
> - Bob Nicholson
>
> DISCLOSURE - I am working on a book proposal about websites for
> artists; hence my interest in your experiences. At the moment I'm
> gathering background info; nothing you tell me would be included in
> the book without your approval.
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
| |
|
