How to Make a Contact Page for an Art Website

In the last post in this portfolio website building series, we covered About Pages. The About Page is the place where visitors can learn more background information about the artist.

Once visitors read more about you, they may want to contact you. The Contact Page serves this purpose.

On the surface, contact pages may seem simplistic. Many think all they really need there is a way for collectors to reach them. A simple email address or contact form may be enough to entice some to contact you, but if the contact page is poorly designed, then some may decide to not even contact you. Of course, we do not want this happening… especially on the contact page.

Here are the other posts in this Build a Website Series:

 

Build an Art Website Series

Part1: Naming a Website with Google Keyword Tool

Part2: Fix Pictures in Photoshop - Reducing Image Size - SEO Tips - Watermark Photos

Part3: How to Make a Full Page HTML5 Slideshow with Wix

Part4: How to Build a Keyword List for an Artist Website

Part5: Adding Social Network Buttons to your Artist Website

Part6: How to Create Artwork Gallery Pages for a Website Portfolio

Part7: How to Create an Artist Bio Page at a Website for Art

Part8: How to Make a Contact Page for an Art Website

Part9: Coming Soon!

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Before we go into sharing tips on the design of your contact page, we will discuss why people would visit a contact page, and use this information to decide that should be there.

Why do people visit contact pages?

1. They are interested in purchasing an artwork.

   Maybe they want to ask questions related to shipping or a particular artwork.
   
   In this case, it is important to have the most used contact method at the top. If you use an email address which is only checked once a week, then you may lose a valuable buyer.
   
   Some do not like to wait for replies, so use an email account which is checked every day. 
   
   
   
   Something else you may want to think about is using widely used contact methods – email, phone number, Skype, etc. The more contact methods you have, the more likely someone may contact you. More contact methods give the impression of being an artist who is active in the promotion of his/her art!
   
   

2. They want to learn more about the artist.

   There are some who just want to send the artist a friendly message or ask a question. They may not be interested in buying from you at the moment, but may be a potential future collector. The person may even be interested in a better way of keeping in touch with you on an ongoing basis.
   
   In this situation, it is important to include places where visitors may follow you. Some examples would be an art blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, newsletter, etc.

From this analysis, we see that it is best to have many contact methods rather than few. There should be ways for people to get in contact with you instantly (or at least sometime that day), and ways for visitors to connect with you on an ongoing basis.

 

10 things to to include in a Contact Page for your artist website.

1. Large Photograph

   The photograph is what makes your contact page friendly and inviting.
   
   Use a picture of a best painting or a photograph of yourself.
   
   Even better, would be a photo of the artist beside an artwork.
   
   Also, a photograph which is original may show your own creativity as an artist.
   
   
   
   

2. Contact Form

   Many visitors may find it much easier and convenient to write a message directly on the Contact Page and submit, without having to open up their own email account.
   
   

3. Email Address

   Have this here for people who prefer to contact by email.
   
   Wendy Malowany gave this great tip in the comments.
   
   ”…openly posting your email address on a web page is a sure way to get a ton of spam in your inbox when the spam robot crawl the pages and capture your info. Creating an image of your contact information using a free photo editing software like Serif Photoplus is one way. Encrypting the email in javascript is another. A well constructed contact form eliminates spam too. Most give the "captcha" option so only a real person can complete them.”
   

4. Address

   If you are uncomfortable having your exact location at your website, just include your city and country.
   
   

5. Phone number

   This is optional, but will help people connect with you very easily. If you prefer not including a home phone number, a cell phone can be used instead.
   
   

6. Newsletter

   Include a way for visitors to signup for your newsletter, so they may stay updated with happenings in your art career.
   
   

7. Social Networks

   Some may prefer to connect with you through social media, such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and more. Include icons for the social media channels you frequent.
   
   

8. Skype

   If you use Skype, this may be an ideal method for certain people to connect with you.
   
   

9. Google Maps

   Include a Google map in certain situations, especially if you have studio visits.
   
   

10. Suggest some reasons for people to contact you.

    Some people may be unsure if they should contact you, so it may be best to guide them through the process. Include suggestions for visitors contacting, such as these:
    Questions about artworks
    Inquiries about purchases
    Receiving exhibition invitations
    Just to say “Hello!”

 

Wix Contact Pages

Virtually all of the provided free portfolio templates at Wix already have a well designed contact page template. This can be filled in with your own information as desired. Replace the provided photograph with your own, and add your own social networking buttons.

How are you enjoying this portfolio website building series so far? If you have any specific questions, or would like to suggest an article for this series, please contact us and let us know… or leave a comment below.