Navigation through your site should be obvious and easy. People understand text links (and search engines do, too!)
Don’t try to get creative with your navigation links by using flash, images, javascript or other technologies that create "mystery meat" navigation.
A proper online presence for every artist begins with a good old-fashioned website. Your website is you “home base”…your “hub.” If you branch out into other online tools……great…..but your website is where you and your visitors begin and end. As such, make sure that people understand how to navigate through your web site.
6 Rules for Navigation Links on Your Website
1. Image based Buttons tend to compete with the artwork - don't use images.
2. Text is picked up and followed by search engines better - don't use images.
3. It should always be clear what page the visitor is on - provide feedback so the user knows where he/she is.
4. Navigation should be obvious links, underline, and change color - your navigation links should stand out from the other content and other links on your site.
5. Title of page should be prominent on each page - this is one way of providing feedback as mentioned in number 3.
6. Title of page should be properly displayed in title bar of browser
If people get frustrated by your website then they'll leave. Most of them won't return. So follow these six simple rules to make sure that your website is easy to navigate so that the site "gets out of the way" and your visitors can focus on your artwork.
Sincerely,
Clint Watson
Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic
PS - Since your web site is your “home base”, you need to make sure that it includes certain information and features that art collectors have come to expect.
I've have been marketing art since 1989 and have had an online art marketing presence since 1996 . . . I have learned what works, what doesn’t and what art buyers expect.
And, I've finally taken the time to compile all that information into one e-book for artists who want to do their web site right!
The 39-page e-book contains detailed instructions and resources for how to implement the 11 most important elements that should be included on every artist’s website.
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