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Website vs. Instagram: What’s Best for Showcasing Your Art or Small Business?

Girl thinking

Recently, we asked several artists and small business owners to tell us about their marketing challenges. A common theme was website vs Instagram. At Blue Beacon Digital, we see this like trying to choose a favorite ice cream flavor (we love them all!) But we get it. Getting your product in front of the right eyes is crucial, and choosing the right platform can make all the difference. So, we thought this was a good time to dig into the pros and cons of each. Let’s break it down!


Pros of Having a Website vs Instagram

  • Complete Creative Control: With a website, you’re the boss! You can design it to match your unique style, feature your portfolio or product line just how you like, and avoid clutter or distractions.


  • Professional Presence: A website adds professionalism and credibility to your art business. Potential buyers and galleries often see a website as a sign that you’re serious about your work.


  • Better SEO and Online Visibility: Websites can rank on search engines like Google, allowing people to find you when they search. This opens doors to new audiences that may not be on Instagram.


  • Email List Building: Websites make it easier to collect email addresses and grow your fan base. With an email list, you can keep your followers updated on new products, exhibits, and more.


  • Full Ownership: On your website, you own the content and control what’s displayed. With social media platforms, you're always at the mercy of algorithm changes and potential account issues.


Cons of Having a Website

  • Time and Money Investment: Websites require some upfront investment, both in money and time. You may need to pay for hosting, design, and maintenance, which isn’t always easy if you're on a budget.


  • Maintenance and Updates: Unlike Instagram, where you just post and go, a website needs regular updates to stay fresh and secure. Some artists find this extra work a bit challenging to keep up with.


  • Learning Curve: Building and managing a website involves a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re new to it. This can be intimidating if you're going it alone.


Pros of Using Instagram

  • Instant Access to a Large Audience: Instagram has over a billion users, so it’s easy to reach potential fans and buyers from all over the world. Plus, the visual nature of the platform is ideal for artists and showcasing new products.


  • Free and Easy to Use: Instagram is free, and getting started is simple. All you need to do is create an account, upload photos, and you’re good to go! The app's tools make it easy to feature your work or products without technical knowledge.


  • Engagement and Community Building: Instagram is highly interactive, making it easy to engage directly with fans, art lovers, and other artists. You can build a loyal following and receive instant feedback on your work.


  • Quick and Frequent Updates: Posting on Instagram allows you to share your latest work, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes moments instantly. It’s a great way to keep your followers engaged in real-time.


Cons of Using Instagram

  • Limited Creative Control: Instagram’s design is fixed, so you can’t personalize it much beyond your bio and grid layout. This lack of control can feel limiting, especially if you have a distinct style or brand.


  • Algorithm Challenges: Instagram’s algorithm can make it tough for your posts to reach your audience consistently. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to grow your visibility.


  • Content Ownership Concerns: While your art belongs to you, Instagram’s terms mean they can display it in certain ways, and you’re always at risk of account issues. A website, on the other hand, is truly yours.


  • Not Ideal for Long-Term Sales: While Instagram is great for visibility, it may not be the best platform for serious collectors or galleries who prefer to browse a full portfolio on a professional website.


So, What’s the Verdict?

The best choice depends on your needs! If you’re just starting out and want to get your brand in front of people quickly, Instagram is a fantastic, low-cost way to build a following. But if you’re looking to take your business to the next level and establish a more professional online presence, a website offers the control and credibility that many artists find essential.


Why Not Both?

For many artists and small businesses, the perfect solution is a combination of both. Use Instagram to engage and grow your audience, then guide followers to your website for a more polished experience or to make purchases. By having both, you get the best of both worlds.


At Blue Beacon Digital, we’re here to help you get set up with a website that complements your social media presence. Or help you engage with your social media audience to drive traffic to your website. Either way, we've got your back. Reach out to learn more.

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