Artist Optimization Checklist
10 features to make your website better – for artists & galleries
Are you using everything Squarespace can do?
Most artists use only 30% of available features. This checklist shows you which tools to activate – no extra costs, no complicated tech.
How to use this checklist:
☐ Print it out
☐ Check off what you implement
☐ Start with the "High Priority" items
Implement immediately (today!)
1. Add Instagram feed
Display your latest Instagram posts automatically on your website. Makes the site feel alive without extra work.
High Priority ⏱ 5 minutes
Where: Edit page → Add block → Instagram
Placement: Homepage (below hero image) or "Studio" page
2. Activate announcement bar
Banner at top of page for important news: New collection, exhibition, limited editions.
High Priority ⏱ 3 minutes
Where: Design → Announcement Bar
Example: "New Collection Live – View Now"
Tip: Change every 2-4 weeks
3. Set up newsletter signup
Collect email addresses to inform interested people about new works. Reaches 100% instead of 10% like social media.
High Priority ⏱ 10 minutes
Where: Marketing → Newsletter → Create form
Placement: Footer, popup, or dedicated page
Text: "Get new works directly via email"
Implement this week
4. Appointment booking for studio visits
Let interested people book appointments themselves. No more email ping-pong. Professional impression.
Medium Priority ⏱ 20 minutes
Where: Marketing → Scheduling (Acuity)
Setup: Set availability (e.g., Fridays 2-6pm)
Also for: Gallery tours, consultations, workshops
5. Set up product variants
Sell one artwork in multiple versions: Original, Limited Print, Open Edition. More sales across different budgets.
Medium Priority ⏱ 15 min/work
Where: Commerce → Product → Add variants
Example: Original (€3,000, 1x) / Limited Print (€450, 25x) / Print (€120)
Tip: Activate "Sold Out" badge for exclusivity
6. Activate & collect reviews
Show that other buyers are happy. Builds trust, especially for high prices.
Medium Priority ⏱ 30 minutes
Where: Commerce → Product → Activate reviews
Action: Ask last 5-10 buyers for feedback
Bonus: Show photos of work in new home
7. Create commission inquiry form
Capture commission requests in structured way: Size, budget, colors, room photo. Saves time and appears professional.
Medium Priority ⏱ 25 minutes
Where: Create "Commission" page → Form block
Fields: Size (dropdown), budget range, color preferences, photo upload
Automatic: "Thanks, we'll respond within 48h" email
Medium-term (next 2-4 weeks)
8. Set up VIP member area
Exclusive access for collectors: Pre-sales, price lists, reservations. Creates exclusivity and loyalty.
Low Priority ⏱ 1-2 hours
Where: Pages → Activate Member Areas
Content: New works 1 week early, price lists, reservations
Access: Free registration for regular customers
9. Start blog (1x/month)
Short texts about each work: Creation process, inspiration, technique. Helps with Google search and builds connection.
Low Priority ⏱ 30-60 min/post
Where: Blog → New post
Length: 300-500 words, many images
SEO: Use tags (style, color, technique)
Frequency: 1x/month realistic
10. Waitlist for sold-out works
Collect contacts from interested parties when a work is sold. Notify them about similar new works.
Low Priority ⏱ 20 minutes
Where: Sold-out product pages → Form block
Text: "Similar work available? Notify me"
Follow-up: For new matching work → send email
Start today: The 18-minute transformation
Too much at once? Begin with these 3 points:
- Add Instagram feed (5 min) → Website feels alive
- Activate announcement bar (3 min) → Most important news prominently displayed
- Newsletter signup (10 min) → Start building email list
That's 18 minutes. Your website will be 10x more effective.