If you’re following my articles you know how important it is to have a modern and updated art website. It is your 24/7 portfolio to the world. But, it also requires maintenance. If you can afford to hire a website developer to update it for you that’s ideal. If you can’t, and are neglecting this important step, you’re making a big mistake. What can you do? In this article I share some tools for maintaining your art website.
The good new is you don’t need a degree in computer science to use the “Do It Yourself” tools that are available. You can learn how to maintain your own website just by learning some code.
If the word “code” scares you I want to tell you it’s easier than you think. I have learned some of it and I’m far from being a Geek. Out of necessity I taught myself how to use code when I launched my first website ManhattanArts.com in 1999. I’ve been upgrading my technical skills ever since with online tutorials. With this knowledge, I now advise artists on how to improve their websites.
Whatever platform your website is built on having even a very basic knowledge of coding is extremely beneficial.
Why Should You Learn These Skills?
* You will be able to add new artwork, update your bio, and modernize your website and make tweaks anytime.
* You’ll be able to add tools like shopping carts to increase sales.
* You’ll save money because you won’t need to hire someone to do it.
* Knowing these website tools will help you feel more self-sufficient and confident to try other challenges.
* Your visitors will have an improved experience and visit more often.
* You may even get so good at it you’ll be able to offer coding services to others and earn some extra income.
Check Out These Online Programs
The following tools range offer simple and free options for beginners to advanced programs.
Youtube: This is my favorite. Youtube is an incredible FREE resource where you can go to for any topic. I taught myself how to set up a WordPress site in an hour from watching videos on Youtube. I also learned how to set up several different plugins.
Coursera: Courses are taught by professors from 62 top universities. Many specializations are fee-based, but even these courses can be audited for FREE. Web Design for Everybody (Basics of Web Development and Coding) Specialization is offered at affordable prices.
Khan Academy: This learning hub’s tutorials are based on learning through exploration, rather than guided lessons. You can also communicate with other users to learn even more from their discoveries and mistakes.
Udacity: FREE and paid online learning for web development, iOS and Android development and data science. Nanodegrees from $199 per month.
Codecademy This is a simple online interactive platform that offers free coding classes in 12 different programming languages including Python, Java, PHP, JavaScript (jQuery, AngularJS, React.js), Ruby, SQL, and Sass, as well as markup languages HTML and CSSA. It uses relevant examples so you can easily apply what you learn.
Have Fun!
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