In his article, Josh Spector made a compelling case for why comedians need their own website. In this post, I’ll not only echo his arguments, but I’ll also draw parallels to my own observations in Spotlight on success: How a professional website can enhance a comedian’s career (A spotlight on Comedians, for short) and offer some practical tips for building a website that truly shines.

Five reasons why your website is your comedy cornerstone

1. Own your audience, own your destiny

Spector rightly points out the dangers of relying solely on social media. Algorithms change, platforms fall out of favour, and suddenly, your connection to your fans is at the mercy of someone else. Do you want your career to be directly linked to the popularity of the CEO of X when he suddenly decides to go into politics?

Your website, on the other hand, is your digital home. You own it. You control it. It’s where you control the narrative, build your brand, and cultivate lasting relationships with your audience.

In A Spotlight on Comedians, I highlighted the diverse ways comedians are connecting with their audiences. From live shows to online content, the most successful comedians understand the importance of owning their stage. Your website is the ultimate expression of that ownership.

2. Design an experience as unique as your humour

Forget cookie–cutter profiles. Your website is your canvas. Want a dedicated space for your web series? A members–only area for exclusive content? A merch store that screams your personality? With your own website, the possibilities are endless.

Think of it as an extension of your comedic voice. Just as your stand–up routine is crafted to perfection, your website should be a carefully curated experience that reflects your brand and delights your fans.

3. Comedians and email lists: a direct line to your fans

In the age of social media, email might seem old–fashioned. But here’s the thing: it works. An email list is a direct line to your most loyal supporters (they’ve already taken the trouble to give you their direct line by signing up for your newsletters on your website). Promote upcoming shows, share exclusive content, and offer special perks–all without the fear of algorithms burying your message: it’s delivered directly to your fans’ inboxes.

Your site is the perfect place to entice visitors to join your list. For instance, offer a free download, a hilarious video, or a chance to win tickets to your next show. Make it irresistible!

4. Create a time capsule for comedians

Hear me out on this one….

Remember that brilliant joke you tweeted (X’ed?) last year? Or that hilarious sketch you posted on Facebook? Chances are, they’re lost in the endless scroll of social media. Your website is your personal archive, a place to showcase your best work and ensure it’s always accessible to fans and industry professionals, such as promoters, gig organisers, and agents.

Organise your content by theme, create a searchable database, or even build a timeline of your career. Your website is your legacy, so make it count.

5. Get discovered by new fans (and Google!)

Here’s a secret weapon: SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). By optimising your website with relevant keywords, you can attract new fans searching for comedy like yours. Think of it as free marketing, working 24/7 to bring your talent to the world.

Previously, in Spotlight on success: How a professional website can enhance a comedian’s career I emphasised the importance of building an online presence. Emphatically, your website is the cornerstone of that presence, making you discoverable to new audiences and potential collaborators.

Five tips for comedians to make your website shine

While Josh Spector’s article emphasises the importance of comedians having their own websites, it doesn’t specifically offer tips for improving them. Here are some general tips for improving a comedian’s website:

1. Make sure your website is mobile–friendly

Most people access the internet on their phones, so it’s important to make sure your website looks good and functions well on all devices.

2. Use high–quality visuals

Your website is a reflection of your brand, so make sure to use high–quality photos and videos. If you’re not a photographer yourself, consider hiring someone to take professional photos for you, and have a clear idea of how your images will integrate into your existing website design. That is to say you don’t want to spend money on images that will clash with your website’s visual identity or style guide.

3. Make it easy for people to contact you

Include your contact information on your website, as well as links to your social media profiles. You may also want to include a contact form so people can easily send you messages. And a newsletter sign–up form for those comedy newsletters you’re going to want to send to your fans.

4. Make sure your fans know where you’ll be

Your website is the perfect place to let your fans know where they can see you live. Create a dedicated space for your upcoming gigs and shows, including the time and date, venue information, and ticketing details. This will help to support the promoters who have supported you, and encourage them to book you again for another gig they have planned.

5. Keep your website up–to–date

When you start, your website might not get much traction and your Google rankings might seem disappointing. After all the effort you put into it you might have five people on your mailing list. So, you might reach a point where you think you will give up and stop updating your site.

The key is to keep going. Add new content regularly and make it relevant, related, and tangential to your core concept. Add blog posts, videos, podcasts, and photos so fans have a reason to keep coming back to your website. And make sure you promote your site at every opportunity. Put links to it in all your posts, link to it rather than somewhere else (promoting a gig on Facebook? link to your site, not the promoter’s—link to the promoter’s site or ticket site from the page on your website you link to).

Your website is more than just a digital business card for comedians

Your website is a living, breathing representation of your comedy. It’s a place to connect with fans, showcase your talent, and build your brand. So, what are you waiting for? Start building your online comedy empire today! If you need some help, we are there for you.

Related information for comedians:

Spotlight on success: How a professional website can enhance a comedian’s career

Case study: Jules O’Brian website

Case study: Kevin Daniel Comedy website