What’s Next After Launching Your Website?
(Hint: Social Media Is Just the Beginning)
So—you’ve launched your shiny new artist website. First of all, congratulations! That’s no small feat. Your site is your home base, your portfolio, your professional handshake all rolled into one. But then comes the big question I hear all the time:
“Now what? How do I actually get people to see it?”
Here’s the truth: a website launch is only the beginning. What really makes your site work for you is the ongoing flow of traffic—aka, viewers who could turn into buyers, collectors, fans, or future opportunities.
And this is where social media, newsletters, and even gallery exposure come in.
The Absolute Basics Every Artist Needs
At a minimum, I recommend artists have:
A professionally designed website – Your portfolio deserves to shine, not struggle with clunky templates.
A professionally designed business card – Yes, people do still ask for them, and a card that matches your brand sticks in someone’s mind.
A blog – Not for long essays, but to share your process, exhibitions, and insights. (Search engines love this too.)
A newsletter – Your direct line to collectors and fans, not subject to ever-changing social media algorithms.
A well-curated portfolio – With updated, high-quality images and clear details.
An online gallery presence – More on that in a minute…
Think of this as your “artist toolkit.”
So Where Does Social Media Fit In?
Social media is your stage. It’s where you attract attention and gently guide people back to your website, which is the main act.
Here’s how you can make that connection:
Link smartly. Every time you post about new work, an exhibition, or even a studio moment, include a link back to your site. Not just your homepage—take people directly to the painting, blog post, or portfolio section you’re talking about.
Create a rhythm. Social posts don’t have to be daily, but they should be consistent. A couple of thoughtful updates a week goes further than random bursts followed by silence.
Think in stories. People love following the journey of an artwork—concept, sketch, underpainting, finished piece. Sharing this process builds interest and encourages people to see the “whole story” on your site.
Use your newsletter as a bridge. Social media is great for reaching new people, but your newsletter is how you keep them.
Why an Online Gallery Presence Matters
Your website is your professional portfolio—but here’s the thing: most collectors, buyers, and art lovers also discover artists through online galleries.
That’s why I started Hunter Guise Gallery. It’s not just a showcase, it’s a growing platform where emerging and professional Canadian artists are promoted side by side. We handle exhibitions, people’s choice awards, email blasts, and social media promotions that get your work noticed.
Being in a gallery like this means:
More exposure to audiences already looking for art.
Opportunities to be featured in online exhibitions.
Social and email promotions that point back to your work.
A professional presence beyond your own website.
In other words, your site is your anchor, and the gallery is your amplifier. The two work hand-in-hand.
The Part I Haven’t Talked About Enough
Here’s where I come in. Beyond building your website, I also help artists make it work for them. That means support with:
Setting up newsletters and teaching you how to use them.
Writing blog posts or showing you how to repurpose social content for your blog.
Designing cohesive branding so your website, business card, and social media graphics all look like they belong together.
Creating QR codes (super handy for business cards, show labels, or postcards) that take people straight to your site.
Featuring you on Hunter Guise Gallery so your work gets seen by a wider audience.
It’s about more than “just a website”—it’s about building an ecosystem that works together to get your art seen.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re wondering “what’s next?” after your website launch—or if you already have a site and want to start building momentum with blogs, newsletters, social media, and gallery presence—let’s talk.
Contact me here to set up a quick chat about how we can build your toolkit and get your art noticed—on your website, in your community, and on Hunter Guise Gallery.
