When I first dipped my toes into the world of SEO, backlinks felt like this mysterious concept reserved for tech gurus and big businesses. I mean, how was I supposed to get someone else to link to my website?
Fast forward to today, and backlinks are one of the main things I teach artists inside Module 2 of Artist’s Launch Academy because they’re that important. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by SEO or just wondering if backlinks are worth the effort, trust me—I’ve been there.
I’m currently perfecting this curriculum based on insights from the pilot phase of the academy. If you're curious about how artists are already benefiting from this, check out the Research and Pilot Program.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a marketing expert to start getting backlinks. If you can collaborate with other artists, write about your creative process, or share your work in online communities, you can absolutely build backlinks that boost your website’s visibility and help you sell more art online.
Let’s break it down.
Pilot Survey Insights Before Module 2
Before diving into Module 2, our pilot artists completed a survey to gauge their confidence and understanding of backlink strategies and SEO.
The results were eye-opening:
65% of artists rated their knowledge of backlinks at 2 or lower (on a scale of 1-5)
50% admitted they had never actively pursued backlinks for their website
Only 20% felt confident in collaborating with other artists for mutual SEO benefits

This data showed a clear gap in knowledge but also highlighted the opportunity for growth. Through Module 2, we aim to bridge this gap by providing practical, artist-friendly strategies for building backlinks and boosting online visibility. If you're interested in how this pilot phase is shaping the curriculum, take a look at the Research and Pilot Program.
Why Should Artists Care About Backlinks?
If you’ve ever Googled something like "how to sell art online" or "SEO for artists," you’ve probably noticed certain sites show up at the top again and again. That’s not random. It’s the result of strong SEO, and backlinks play a huge role in that.
Backlinks are simply links from other websites that point to yours. Think of them like referrals. The more quality referrals (or backlinks) you have, the more trustworthy your site appears to search engines like Google.
This means:
Higher search engine rankings (hello, visibility!)
More website traffic from the backlinks themselves
Increased credibility as more sites link to you
In the art world, backlinks are the digital equivalent of being featured in a gallery or magazine. The more places showcase your work, the more collectors and fans start paying attention.
How Do Backlinks Help Artists Sell Art Online?
One of the biggest frustrations I hear from artists is that they feel invisible online. You can have the most beautiful website, but if no one’s finding it, you’re not selling. How do you sell art?
Backlinks change that by creating multiple paths for people to find your site. Here’s how they help:
They Drive Traffic Directly – When an art blog or community links to you, their readers can click straight to your site.
Boost Search Rankings – Google loves backlinks. The more you have (from quality sites), the more likely your site will appear in top search results.
Expand Your Audience – If an art curator links to your latest collection, collectors who follow that curator can discover your work.
It’s all about creating connections in the digital art world.
Easy Ways for Artists to Get Backlinks
I know what you’re thinking—"This sounds great, but how do I actually get backlinks?" I promise, it doesn’t have to be complicated. You’re likely already doing things that could naturally earn you backlinks. You just need to be a little more intentional about it.
Here are some simple strategies:
1. Partner with Other Artists (Collaboration is Key)
Limited edition print runs, joint exhibitions, or even a blog post featuring your favorite artists can lead to backlink opportunities.
Example: If you and another artist collaborate on a project, each of you can create a page on your respective websites, linking to each other’s sites. Mutual exposure = mutual backlinks.
2. Get Featured on Art Blogs and Online Magazines
Pitch your story, creative process, or a new collection to art bloggers. Many are looking for fresh content, and if they write about you, they’ll include a link to your site.
Pro Tip: Look for blogs that feature emerging artists or do artist interviews.
3. Guest Post in Art Communities and Forums
Write about your experiences or insights in art-related communities. Most of these platforms allow you to include a link to your website.
Example: "5 Lessons I Learned From My First Art Show" – write it, share it, and link back to your portfolio.
4. Submit to Online Art Directories and Galleries
There are countless online art directories that accept submissions. Many provide artist profiles with links to your personal site.
Where to Start: Art Majeur, Art Finder, and even Etsy can be backlink sources.
5. Host or Participate in Virtual Events
Virtual art fairs, webinars, or workshops often have event pages that link back to participating artists.
Example: Teach a mini-workshop and have the event page include a link to your portfolio.
What to Avoid: Are Paid Backlinks Worth It?
Short answer? No.
While it might be tempting to pay for backlinks, Google isn’t a fan. Sites that buy backlinks from shady services often get penalized, which can actually hurt your rankings. It’s better to stick with organic, high-quality backlinks from reputable sources.
Focus on building relationships and creating valuable content—that’s what pays off in the long run.
A Holiday Twist: Collaborative Backlink Project for Artists
This holiday season, consider teaming up with another artist for a winter-themed collection or virtual event.

Example: Two artists can collaborate on a limited-edition print series featuring winter-inspired pieces. Each artist creates their own unique interpretation of a shared theme and features the collection on their website. Both artists link to each other’s websites, creating a simple but effective backlink strategy.
Not only does this provide mutual exposure, but it also builds community and strengthens your online presence. Plus, it’s a fun way to end the year and start the next with new connections and momentum.
Want to Dive Deeper into SEO for Artists?
Backlinks are just the tip of the SEO iceberg. In Module 2 of Artist’s Launch Academy, I walk artists through off-page SEO strategies like backlink building, guest posting, and more. If you’re ready to take your website visibility to the next level, let’s make it happen together.
👉 Sign up for early access to the Academy and be the first to know when enrollment opens.
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