All artists need websites to present themselves and their work to the world. These introductory guidelines will help you publish an effective website, regardless of your experience with technology. Before launching a website, you can schedule a coaching to review your ideas and materials!

1) Determine the purpose of your site. For students, websites serve mostly as work portfolios. However, they can also promote income-producing activities like teaching, concertizing, recording, and gigging. Consider who your audience is and how you will use your website to communicate your professional identity. To gather ideas, visit the websites of others in your field.

2) Draft a list of required pages. These typically include:

• Home page, featuring a photo and press quote, slogan, or mission statement
• Events or Calendar page, if you’re sufficiently active
• Bio or About page, with a link to a resume and electronic press kit
• Media page, with photos, videos, and possibly audio clips
• Works page, titled Repertoire, Compositions, or Projects depending on your field
• Teaching page, if appropriate, describing your mission and services (performers with large private studios commonly link to a separate teaching site)
• Contact page, with a fill-in form

You can also include links to your social media, integrate a blog, and/or incorporate a sign-up form for a newsletter.

3) Assemble content for each page. Draft your bio and other texts, then gather photos and videos. For help in creating media, visit:

• LAUNCHPad – Media Development
• Friedheim Library – Create Media
• MusiciansWay.com – Music Career Resources

You can apply to Peabody Career Development Grants to cover costs for photography and recording services.

4) Start building! With all your content in hand, begin the construction process. Purchase a domain name (i.e., a URL such as [yourname].com), if you don’t already own one. You can typically acquire a domain name through your content management system, or the company that hosts your site. For design and website builder suggestions, visit the Friedheim Library’s Create Media page.

Sample Websites (compiled by LAUNCHPad): Chamber Ensembles  |  Composers  |  Vocalists