Joe Perkins, Managing Director of Chaptr, on why arts websites should be destinations, not just listings

Today I’m talking with Joe Perkins, Creative Director at Chaptr, a web design agency that specialises in a UX led approach.The internet is going through big changes at the moment. Web traffic from search engines is already in decline, and the world of AI and AI overviews in search results means this decline will only increase. It’s going to be harder and harder to get people to visit our websites. In order to be successful, websites are going to have to adapt.I thought that Joe would be the perfect person to talk the future of websites and the web. I previously collaborated with Joe and Chaptr in working on the website for Leeds International Piano Competition, and was fascinated with their UX led approach and the impact it can have for organisations of all sizes and even individual artists.We talk about the role of websites in cultural organisations, the importance of user experience and stakeholder engagement, how to write a strong website brief, what makes an effective homepage, the impact of AI and Google Zero on website traffic, the growing importance of mobile-first design and payment tools like Apple Pay, how smaller organisations and musicians can build powerful websites on a budget, and why accessibility, inclusivity, and digital strategy are essential for the future of the arts. Right, that’s enough from me, let’s jump in.Guest: Joe Perkinshttps://chaptr.studio/