The 101 Blog

Tips, Tools, Tutorials and Strategies for Your Creative Business

Tutorial, Squarespace Websites, Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean Tutorial, Squarespace Websites, Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean

Unlocking SEO for Artists: Crafting and Optimizing Your Blog Posts on Squarespace 7.1

In this post, I’ll be covering how to effectively prepare your blog posts for publishing inside Squarespace 7.1. I'll cover how to create your post, but more importantly, to how to use categories, tags, and SEO descriptions to improve your overall site SEO. Plus, I've included a helpful video tutorial to visually guide you through the process. Whether you're new to Squarespace or want to enhance your current blogging skills, this post has you covered.

Read More
Marketing, Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean Marketing, Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Create a Custom "Link in Bio" Page for Instagram on Squarespace

In the ever-evolving world of social media, it's helpful to create a custom links page on your Squarespace website. A custom links page allows you to showcase multiple links in one place, making it easier for your followers to explore your artwork, content, products, or services. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a custom links page for your Instagram profile on Squarespace.

Read More
Squarespace Websites, Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean Squarespace Websites, Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean

Three Simple Ways to Customize the Built-in Domain in Squarespace

When it comes to building a website, creating a unique and memorable online identity is crucial. One important aspect of establishing your brand's presence is having a custom domain name. You’ll have 3 options when it comes to customizing your built-in domain in Squarespace (purchase a new domain, connect an existing domain, or update the Squarespace built-in domain. In this post, we’ll walk through each of those options, and how to set them up inside Squarespace 7.1, step-by-step.

Read More
Website Tips, Marketing Elizabeth MacLean Website Tips, Marketing Elizabeth MacLean

10 Leading Online Marketplaces for Artists: A Comparison (2023)

In this post, I provide a brief comparison of 10 leading art marketplaces, including popular platforms like Etsy, RedBubble, Saatchi Art, Artfinder, and more. We'll examine the benefits and drawbacks of each platform, as well as the associated costs and fees, to help you make an informed decision and find the best platform for your art.

Read More

Etsy Versus Squarespace: Which one is right for you in 2023?

One of the things I sometimes get asked by illustrators and designers who are considering launching their own website with Squarespace is “how does this compare to Etsy?” In this post, I provide a side-by-side comparison of Squarespace and Etsy to help you figure out what would work best for your creative business.

Read More
Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean

Seven Ways To Quickly Strengthen Your Home Page

Your website’s home page is a crucial part of your online presence. It’s usually the first thing people see when they visit your site, and it sets the tone for the rest of their experience. It’s also critical to get things right on your home page because it is the page that gets the most attention.

But what if you don't know where to start? I've got you covered with seven ways you can optimize your artist website home page.

Read More
Squarespace Websites, Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean Squarespace Websites, Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean

How to Implement a Video Background in Squarespace 7.1

One of the features Squarespace recently introduced is the ability to upload videos directly up to a site. In this post, I demonstrate how to use this feature to incorporate a background video in a header or banner in Squarespace 7.1. Use this effect to achieve a unique, and engaging visual experience on your site.

Read More
Website Tips, Marketing, Examples and Case Studies Elizabeth MacLean Website Tips, Marketing, Examples and Case Studies Elizabeth MacLean

Four Inspiring Visual Artist Videos, from Delightful Intros to Engaging Studio Visits

In January of 2021, Contently, an industry authority on content marketing, surveyed their community to find out what they thought their most important content format would be, based on what best aligns with consumer preferences. Survey said (in my best game show host voice): “blog posts,” followed closely by “videos.”

Read More
Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean Website Tips Elizabeth MacLean

A Basic Guide to Choosing Fonts for a Cohesive Visual Identity

Professional designers will usually agree on this point. You can separate great design from average design by the use of typography. There is a lot to learn about typography, as in any field, but there are also a few basic rules that will help you avoid making mistakes related to font use. In this post, I’m deliberately keeping things simple so that you can create a standout brand identity without getting lost in too much detail.

Read More
Website Tips, Squarespace Websites, Marketing Elizabeth MacLean Website Tips, Squarespace Websites, Marketing Elizabeth MacLean

10 Common Artist Website Mistakes, And What To Do Instead

An artist’s portfolio site is so much more than a collection of artworks. It is also a business and marketing tool that is capable of attracting new business, and generating profitable, sustainable growth over time. Whether you are thinking about creating your first site, or if you've had a site for years, here are a few things to avoid, and a few things you can implement instead.

Read More

30 Effective Call-to-Action Phrases for Growth-Driven Websites

In this post, I share 30 effective call to action (CTA) examples that you can implement on your artist website and/or social media to encourage your visitors to interact with your brand in the way you want, whether that is to purchase your product or find out more about your services.

Read More
Squarespace Websites, Website Tips, Marketing Elizabeth MacLean Squarespace Websites, Website Tips, Marketing Elizabeth MacLean

Wix Versus Squarespace: Which is Better for Creative Businesses and Brands in 2023?

Squarespace and Wix are both great website builder platforms, but they also stack up very differently based on where you currently are in your business, and where you might want to take it in the future. In this infographic post, I’m going to share a snapshot comparison of both website builders, so you can identify some of the features that are important to you at a glance.

Read More
A digital version of "The Art of Framing" a free customizable lead magnet for visual artists

Free Customizable Lead Magnet for Visual Artists: Framing Guide

Build your email list with this pre-written, beautifully designed 14-page editable Canva template. Give your fans and art collectors a framing guide, with expert recommendations and resources. Customize as much or as little as you want.

  • Drag and drop images of your own work into the document;

  • Modify the color palette with your brand colors;

  • Edit the text as desired.

Or, simply personalize the guide by adding your name and contact information. It’s all ready to go, so it really is THAT easy!

D O W N L O A D  ➢

Popular Posts

Welcome! I’m Dr. Elizabeth MacLean.

I’m a media and communications consultant, art director/designer and educator who helps visual artists and creatives launch and grow their online presence through custom Squarespace services, training and writing. I built my consulting business by helping my creative entrepreneur clients shine online - without the overwhelm.

When I’m I'm not working, I’m dedicated to my own creative projects, and to being a dog-mom to my 10-year old rescue pup. I live in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Austin, USA, and am originally from Venezuela.

While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe (see below!) so that you’re notified each time a new post is published!