An Artist’s Website: A Digital HQ That’s Become Essential

Today, every artist has an online presence: an Instagram profile, a Spotify account, sometimes even a well-oiled TikTok channel. Yet one crucial element is often overlooked: the personal website.

It’s a paradox. Because the website is the artist’s digital HQ — the nerve center of all their activity. It’s where they can fully control their image, their content, their connection with fans, without intermediaries or algorithms.

I’m often amazed to see even established artists without a website, or who let an outdated one linger like a faded brochure. Yet creating and maintaining a website has never been easier — even without coding skills or a big budget.

Why have a website?

A website is the cornerstone of an artist’s digital identity. It serves several key roles:

• A clear, single entry point: fans, media, and professionals find all essential info in one place.
• Total control over your image: design, content, tone, visuals — no algorithms, no platform limits.
• A professional tool: bookers, promoters, radio stations, festivals — they all check artist websites to get a quick sense.
• Direct connection with your fanbase: newsletters, exclusive content, merch store — your site is a direct communication channel.
• A lasting presence: social networks come and go, transform, or disappear. Your site remains.

The reality: an underused tool

Despite these benefits, many artists (even some well-known ones) don’t have a proper website:

• Some don’t have one at all.
• Others have static sites from 2015, not mobile-friendly, with broken links or outdated design.

Why this neglect? Often it’s lack of time, fear of tech, or the idea that “everything happens on Instagram.” But with today’s no-code tools, this excuse no longer holds.

Simple solutions to build your artist website

Here are some tools that let you create a website easily, even without technical skills:

• WordPress.org: the most flexible solution. Requires hosting (like OVH, Hostinger, o2switch) and a domain name. Ideal if you want full control.
• WordPress.com: turnkey solution with hosting included. Less freedom but very easy.
• Bandzoogle: built specifically for musicians. Easy to use, with features like merch sales and mailing list management.
• Wix / Squarespace: very intuitive, perfect for making a nice site without coding. Good balance of freedom and simplicity.
• Shopify: ideal if you have a strong merch business.
• Notion + Super/Potion: minimalist and modern approach. Quick to set up, great for indie artists who want to keep it simple.

Personally, I chose WordPress hosted on OVH. It’s highly customizable and constantly evolving, offering great creative freedom. To save time, I recommend investing in a ready-made theme tailored to your needs — that way, you focus on content rather than technical development.

Tips for an effective artist website

A good artist site should include:

• A clear, updated bio
• A music player or links (Bandcamp, etc.)
• Live videos or clips
• Upcoming show dates
• A professional contact form
• A newsletter signup link
• A merch store or link
• Links to your social media

And above all: avoid giving the impression your site is dead. Simple regular updates (news, new photos, slight design tweaks) keep it alive.

In conclusion: your digital home

Your website is your digital home. On social media, you’re a tenant; on your site, you’re the owner. It’s a space that reflects you, a reference point, a long-term tool.

It’s not about having the most beautiful site in the world. It’s about having a clear, professional, accessible, and living space.

For a modest cost (often less than €10/month), you lay a solid stone in your artistic journey. You show the world you take your art seriously.

So, ready to build your digital HQ?