You’re a talented artist, and you’re creating incredible artwork. But you’re not doing a lot with your art.
You’ve wanted to find a way to share your art and reach more people. Plus, you spend a lot of time browsing art blogs online.
Does this sound familiar?
So, why not start your own art blog?
You have all the necessary skills right at your fingertips. All you need is a framework for creating a successful art blog or vlog.
Then, with a little work, you can build up a lot of buzz pretty quickly!
Trust me; it’s not as hard as it sounds. I created my blog from scratch for the same reasons as you.
And now, I want to share my own experiences with you. Because along the way, I made a few mistakes, and I learned a lot.
By sharing my tips with you, you can skip these mistakes. You’ll get a head start and avoid a lot of stress and confusion along the way!
Starting a blog or vlog can seem overwhelming at first. You might not know where to begin with all the tech and options out there.
But if you follow my step-by-step guide, you’ll find that it’s a lot easier than you’d think!
What is Vlogging Vs Blogging?
Before you dive in and start creating your new website, let’s compare blogs and vlogs.
A blog is a website with a bank of written content. Some bloggers post more than one blog post each week, but it varies more often.
Blogs are great places to share your opinions, or create content related to your passion. You can also insert images and videos into a blog post.
Blogs have been around for a long term. Now and then, a rumor goes around that blogs are dying out. But to this day, blogs are still going strong – especially blogs about lifestyle and art.
In comparison, a vlog is video content instead of written content. You can host a vlog on a website. But you’re more likely to find vlogs on platforms like YouTube and even Instagram.
In the digital world, video content is becoming more and more popular. It’s more interactive, and it works particularly well for the art niche.
You can create step-by-step tutorials or show off your art in a video much more quickly than in a blog.
But the decision is up to you! It depends on your personal preference and how you want to present yourself and your art to the world.
You can also think about whether you like to write. Or maybe you’re more into creating videos. Do you have some basic video editing skills? And do you have the equipment you need?
If you are feeling motivated, you could combine both elements. You can repurpose content from a video into a blog post to reach more people.
I’ll break the rest of this guide down into two sections. First up, I’ll cover how to make an art blog. Then, I’ll go over how to start a vlog.
So if you’re still not sure about how to start a vlog or a blog, you can read it all! Hopefully, it will help you make your decision.
How to Start an Art Blog
Now you’ve decided to start an art blog, but you’re probably wondering how to do this! And how to get your art noticed online once you’ve created your blog.
But don’t stress. Just follow this simple step-by-step process!
- Planning your blog structure
- Picking a domain name
- Set up Your Hosting & WordPress
- Install Your Website Theme
- Find keywords related to your niche
- Start making content
- Build up a loyal following of readers
- Grow your email list
Now you’ve decided to start an art blog, but you’re probably wondering how to do this! And how to get your art noticed online once you’ve created your blog. But don’t stress. Just follow this simple step-by-step process!
Planning your blog structure
First up, you’ll need to think about what you want your blog to be about. An idea of an art blog is too vague and general.
You have to think in terms of the niche! It should be something that you’re passionate about and interested in. Because you’ll need to write about this niche again and again.
It should reflect who you are as an artist and what kind of art you make. But you can get more strategic if you like.
Firstly, consider how big and popular the niche is. And secondly, is there the potential to monetize your blog idea? Even if you’re not worried about earning money now, you might want to further down the line.
Picking a domain name
Next, you’ll need to decide on your domain name. You want a name that’s not too long and is very memorable. It should also be clear and specific.
Once you have a name in mind, you can check whether it’s available. I recommend using Siteground or Bluehost to do a quick check.
If the name is free, you’ve got the all-clear! Just buy the name – it doesn’t tend to be expensive. Then, you can move onto the next step.
If not, you’ll need to spend a bit longer brainstorming possible names. The right one will come to you in no time!
Set up Your Hosting & WordPress
Next comes the technical part – but don’t worry. Follow these simple steps to set up your hosting and WordPress.
Although you’ve got your domain name, you still need to sort out hosting for your website. This can get a little confusing! The domain name is the address where people can find your site.
But hosting is where your website lives. You’re buying space on a server to store your website and all its files. Without hosting, your website won’t be live.
There are lots of hosting companies out there, but two hosting providers stand out. I started with Siteground, which is an excellent option. It offers a speedy service (good news for your site) with daily backups and other cool features.
Bluehost. is a well-known, popular host that offers fantastic customer service and features.
It’s affordable, comes with lots of storage space, and you can have unlimited traffic to your site. I’ve tried both hosting providers, and I was happy with the two.
Once you have your hosting set up, you’ll need to install WordPress on your website. But luckily, it’s straightforward to do on both Bluehost and Siteground. Siteground has a handy tutorial here for you.
You can check out these step-by-step videos on installing WordPress on both Siteground and Bluehost:
Install Your Website Theme
So, now you’ve sorted your hosting and set up WordPress. But you still need a theme for your website!
The theme is basically how your website will look to the world. It’s the visual design, layout, and overall style, so it’s a critical factor!
There are many free themes available, but they can be quite limited and don’t offer ongoing support. The theme You can use Astra Hello Elementor.
I like Hello Elementor because it’s very easy to use, super-fast, and versatile. Combine it with the page builder Elementor Pro and you can customize your website to meet your unique needs.
Elementor has a free version that you can use to get started. But if you want advanced design and marketing features, the Pro plan is just what you need.
Now you’ve got your blog, you need to start creating content. But first of all, there’s one essential step you shouldn’t skip!
You need to research the top keywords for your niche. This information will let you know what people are interested in and want to know about.
It can also tell you how hard it will be to rank for any specific keyword. So, you’ll know which topics you should focus on. Very competitive keywords make it harder for you to show up on Google’s first page(s).
This intel will help you create compelling content that should get loads of traffic!
To research the best keywords, you’ll need to use a keyword research tool. The well-known option is Google Keyword Planner.
The other research tools can range from free to expensive, but as you’re just getting started, go for a free tool at first.
Start making content!
Once you have your list of top keywords, it’s time to get writing. You need to produce high-quality content that showcases your authority in your niche. It should be detailed, well written, and very engaging.
You should also think about the layout of your blog. Make sure it looks visually appealing!
Don’t forget to add useful links as well as quality images. You can even embed videos if it’s relevant to your content.
Google will reward well-researched, comprehensive web pages by ranking them higher. So, you want to get that bounce rate down. Longer content fares better than shorter blog posts.
You want to answer the questions your readers have and provide in-depth information. Then, your website visitors should stay for longer!
The formatting is also critical, as it affects the reader’s experience (UX).
Try to keep your paragraphs short so that it’s easy to read. Use subheadings to break up your content. You can also add quotes and use bolding and italics to keep it interesting and add emphasis.
I recommend running all your text through Grammarly every time you write a blog post. This handy tool has a free and a pro plan. It will help you locate and fix any grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors.
And as your niche is an art blog, it should be full of beautiful artwork and visual inspiration! Having around 3-4 high-resolution images as well as beautiful infographics.
Build up a loyal following of readers
So, you’ve launched your blog. But now, you might be wondering, how do I get my artwork noticed?
I recommend creating accounts for your art blog on several platforms. Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are the most relevant platforms for art blogs.
Then, you can share your content each time you post a new blog post. This will help your art blog to reach more followers!
When your readers do comment, make sure to engage with them! This genuine interaction is what will help you create a loyal following. Then, they will come back time and again and share your blog with more people.
Grow your email list
Another big recommendation from me is to start growing your email list! Having an email list is much more important than having social media followers.
The reason for this is that you have complete control over your email subscribers. Whereas on social media, the platform could shut your account down at any time!
Once you have email subscribers, you can nurture them to becoming customers. By sending regular emails full of value, you build up the Know, Like, Trust factor.
You can keep your subscribers up to date with your new blog posts. But you can also market your products or other people’s affiliate products in emails. Either way, it’s essential to grow your email list!
To do this, you can offer a freebie or ‘lead magnet’ on your blog. It could be a guide, a free ebook, or something else that will interest your readers. Make sure that it sounds very enticing!
Then, when someone signs up to grab the freebie, they will be added to your email list. From then on, you can send them regular emails.
You’ll need to use email marketing software to do this. Some of the best tools out there include ActiveCampaign, AWeber, Mailchimp, and ConvertKit. Shop around and compare features and prices to find the best fit for your needs.
How to Start Vlogging?
If you enjoyed this infographic, feel free to share it on your Pinterest Vlogging Tips or How to Start a Vlog Boards
Launching a vlog is an excellent idea, especially for an artist. You might still be unsure about blogging vs vlogging. So, you should know that vlogging can be easier and quicker to get started.
A vlog has less overhead than setting up a blog. But you will need to feel comfortable recording and editing videos.
Using videos lets you speak directly to your followers. Plus, it’s ideal for visually showcasing your work.
But you might be feeling overwhelmed about where to start! So here’s your detailed guide on how to start a vlog about art, including some easy vlogging tips.
- Step 1: Preparation
- Step 2: Create a YouTube Channel
- Step 3: Create a Content Plan
- Step 4: Get The Right Equipment
- Step 5: Film Your First Video
- Step 6: Edit Your Video
- Step 7: Upload Your Vlog to YouTube
- Step 8: Promote Your Videos
- Step 9: Keep Going!
Step 1: Preparation
Before launching your vlog, you’ll need to do some proper research and preparation first. You’ll need to decide what focus your vlog will have.
You’ll also need to look into the equipment and software you’ll require. (More on that below!)
Some other things to consider include:
- What is your channel’s purpose?
- How often will you post?
- What style do you want your videos to have?
- Will they be scripted or off the cuff?
- Who is your target audience?
Step 2: Create a YouTube channel
Next up, you need to create your new YouTube channel. That means deciding on a name.
Creating a channel is very simple to do. You just need a Google account to link to your new channel.
Coming up with a name might be a bit more tricky! You want it to be short, snappy, but also specific and clear. Don’t stress too much about this, though, or let it hold you back from progressing!
You’ll also need to create channel art. You can easily do this in Canva using the templates available. Try to make it eye-catching but also clear on what your channel is about!
Don’t forget to write a description to let people know more about your youtube channel. Try to optimize it by including some keywords to help people find your new vlog channel!
Step 3: Create a content plan
It’s always best to spend some time preparing before you start filming. The result will be a video that is interesting and hits all the right notes.
So, plan out your content first. What will you talk about in your first few videos? Will you do a series of videos, or are they standalone vlogs?
Try to create a content plan for the first few weeks. Keep in mind what your target audience is interested in.
Recording videos will be less stressful if you’ve already thought through what you’ll say and do!
Step 4: Get the right equipment
It’s a huge step to create your youtube channel, but it’s also important to invest in the right video production equipment. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s possible to record videos using your smartphone.
But if you have a bit more money to spend, I recommend investing in a flip-screen camera. It should be able to record high-quality videos. Plus, the flip screen is handy, so you can see yourself while filming.
The other essential piece of equipment is a great microphone. You want your readers to be able to hear you clearly, or they won’t stick around to watch!
You don’t have to spend loads to get good equipment. Shop around, look out for deals, and improvise with what you have around.
Step 5: Film your first video
Now, it’s time to hit record! My biggest tip is to stay calm and collected. You can rehearse beforehand if that helps!
Testing out your audio and video quality first is also a good idea. Then, you’ll know that everything should go smoothly and you won’t need to record multiple takes.
Make sure that you’re in good lighting. Ideally, you’ll have a light source in front of you (but not behind, or you’ll be silhouetted!)
Relax, be genuine, and don’t forget to interact with your audience. People like to watch videos that seem authentic, rather than someone lecturing them. Keep the tone light, friendly, and fun!
If you can be yourself, your unique personality will shine through, and will help you build an audience!
Step 6: Edit your video
You’ve recorded your first vlog, but it’s not ready to publish yet. First, you need to edit it. So, you’ll need to find editing software and get the hang of it.
There is a wide variety of software to choose from, with something from every budget. You’ll find everything from free to expensive, powerful tools.
Some of the best free versions are iMovie, OpenShot, Final Cut Pro, and Avidemux. More expensive options include Adobe Premiere Pro and Camtasia.
When it comes to editing itself, it doesn’t have to be super complicated. Adding an intro and outro is a good idea to make your vlog fun and memorable.
You can also add sound effects or music and headings on the screen where it’s useful. Don’t forget to cut any mistakes or any boring bits to keep your audience’s attention.
Step 7: Upload your Vlog to YouTube
Now for the exciting step – uploading your work of art to YouTube! Export your finished file from your editing software and start uploading. Depending on your Internet speed, it may take a while.
Your video won’t immediately go live. Once it’s uploaded, you can choose to publish it or schedule it for a specific time.
You’ll need to add an optimized title to your video. Include some keywords so that it will show up when people search for these terms!
Then, select a thumbnail from your video or upload one you’ve made in Canva.
Write a short video description to let people know what your video is about. Try to keep it short and engaging. You can even add time stamps if you like!
Finally, add a few relevant tags. Now, your video is ready to go live on YouTube!
Step 8: Promote your videos
So, your video is live. But no one is watching it! What do you do?
You need to promote your videos if you want to get your artwork and vlogs noticed. So, the next step is to share your videos on social media.
You should make a post each time you publish a new video. Make sure to write an engaging caption to hook people in and encourage them to watch your video!
You can embed videos directly to Facebook so that people can watch on the platform. Don’t forget to share on Instagram and Twitter, too!
Another great idea is to send an email to your subscribers when your video goes live.
Step 9: Keep going!
Congratulations – you’ve published your first video, and people are watching it! But it’s not time to stop now.
You need to keep up the momentum and create some more videos. If possible, create a schedule to post a new video on a specific day of the week.
Then, when you connect with your audience, they will know when to come back for more! Being consistent with your content is essential in building up a loyal following.
The Wrap Up
So there you have my guide on how to start a vlog or a blog and get your art noticed online! Starting your art blog or vlog is such an exciting experience!
Just follow these steps, and starting an art blog should be simple and stress-free. If you’ve been wondering how to get your art noticed online, it’s the perfect solution.
You can reach so many people online, no matter where they are in the world. Soon, you’ll establish a loyal following. So, start a vlog now, and begin sharing your art!
Let me know if you have any questions or comments below. And if you’d like more useful resources, make sure to sign up for my newsletter!
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