Search engines like Google and Yahoo rely on words when determing how to list a website. Unfortunately for us artists, when it comes to search engines, photos just don’t cut it. This means we must talk about our artwork in order for the search engines to take notice. Additionally, search engines rank sites in terms of what they consider to be greatest relevance. This means that in searches for generic terms like art, painting, printmaking, furniture, ceramics, glass, etc, it’s nearly impossible to get on page one.
So what can you do? Talk about what makes your work unique, discuss apects of your technique, be specific about your themes. Give as much information as you can. Talk about your work as though you are trying to explain it to a potential customer- after all, YOU ARE. Don’t just randomly stuff in keywords to attract the search engines- they are looking for naturally written, authoritative text.
If you have trouble coming up with something to say, try having a friend interview you. This can often be a very effective technique because they may ask questions you never would have thought of. Have them take notes, or record the the conversation.
If you do art fairs or attend gallery openings, think about what you tell customers when you meet them at these venues. And if you are out of practice, this will give you the oppurtunity to think about your answers so you’re prepared for the next public event.
And after all, who is more qualified to talk about your work than you?
So, talk about what makes your art unique; explain art terms and techniques so the general public will understand; tell your story. It will make your website more engaging for visitors, and could have the added bonus of helping your search engine ranking.
Great! Me too. And so do millions of other businesses and websites. Searching for generic terms like “Artist”, “Painter”, “Sculpture” is tough competion. Google has many factors that determine what shows up in your search results. One factor that everyone likes to refer to is the Google