Websites

[cbui81]

Hey guys,

So I'm trying to start up a new photography business, and I know that I absolutely HAVE to have a website. Just wondering if anyone knew of an inexpensive or free place that I could build a decent looking website. I tried both wix.com and squarespace.com, but didn't end up with anything that I would want to show a customer. Maybe I haven't spent enough time on there, but I just wasn't happy with how much I can customize.

Any tips or suggestions as to where to look other than a professional web designer?

[scootermcq]

Use wordpress, it is easy to use and you can get a ton of free templates, or design one yourself if you are knowledgeable. Then just find a free webhosting site and bob is your uncle.

[cbui81]

Yeah I liked wordpress when I used it for my other blogs. I guess I'd have to do a paid one just since they limit the amount of storage space pretty low.

[Niresangwa]

I think the terms 'looks professional' and 'free or cheap' are generally mutually exclusive. You might be able to come up with something functional for a low price, however remember potential customers are going to comparing your website to others. your website is going to be your major marketing portal.

It seems to be accepted that a shooter who has a polished site is better than one who doesnt - while we in the business know that isn't true, it does to a certain extent speak to the depth of commitment (read as $$$ and effort) you're willing to put into your business, and can determine the customers you attract.

If you are willing to drop a couple of hundred and some sweat hours making a web site, you should. If you can't afford that, then it's unlikely that you're going to be able to afford the equipment that you really ought to have when you're charging for your work.

Though of the five 'web faces' I have, my website is the most expensive to build and maintain, I actually rarely do anything with it, aside from add to the gallery every now and again. Without it however, I would not be where I am.

It's a no-brainer to have one, and like everything, if something is worth doing, its worth doing well.

[BuddhaPi]

Two things come to mind...1. you get what you pay for and 2. me being a photo hobbyist would not entertain any offers to do a professional photography session, I'm a web developer and thats what i focus on. I've had client ask me to do photo's and the story remains the same..if you want good images hire a pro. I've have countless stories of clients trying to go the free way only to be frustrated enough to call on my services. With all that being said wordpress is a good low cost option, but if you host with wordpress.org you will be limited. I offer hosting services and wordpress without those limitations, and all the goodies that wordpress has to offer, feel free to PM me if you would like any further info.

[funcrunch]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

I think the terms 'looks professional' and 'free or cheap' are generally mutually exclusive. You might be able to come up with something functional for a low price, however remember potential customers are going to comparing your website to others. your website is going to be your major marketing portal.

I agree, you get what you pay for. I worked as a web developer for ten years, so I maintain my own site using the Drupal content management system on pair Networks, which has hosting plans for as little as $6 a month. If you hire someone to create your site for you and then just need a place to store it, that might be a good option.

Zenfolio and SmugMug also have very good customizing options which don't require web programming experience. If you are planning to sell photos down the line I recommend you look at those; they cost $100 and $150/year respectively for the professional plans, and both have free trial periods. If you decide to go with Zenfolio, my referral code is DUQ-C5J-MB8. (I am migrating there from SmugMug as I got fed up with the latter's frequent downtimes.)

[ZannieGirl49]

I'm just starting out also but somewhat went the route that Steve discussed. I sell prints and use Zenfolio for that. Even though I didn't have the budget for a site designed from scratch, with the help of a graphic designer for the header and logo I was able to do something that I like and that looks professional while staying within a reasonable budget. Here's the thing, before I did ANY of this I had written a business plan. Because of that, I had done research and looked at my start up costs. You may or may not decide to do that but I think it's at least a good idea to just sit down and figure out what you really need/want.

That being said, I agree with Funcrunch also. If you want an all inclusive option, Zenfolio is great.

[danbaileyphoto]

you get what you pay for

So true!

Good advice above. There are a number of options for getting a website, but definitely make sure it looks professional. You only have one chance to make a good first impression.

If you don't have the time or available designers to build you a good site, you might check out some of the "pre made" options that some companies like Photoshelter offer.

Here's an article that I wrote on The Photoletariat about online portfolio and web site building/hosting options.

6 Website Building Options for Photographers - The Photoletariat

[cbui81]

Cool, thanks everyone. I'll have to look into a few more options before I settle on one resource.

[Gina9942]

I agree with wordpress or even joomla.

Personally I am not a fan of flash websites, such as wix, I think there are some amazing things that can be done with flash, I know, I use it to do animations at work, but I also feel that they can take longer to load, and although it is a small market, they can't be seen on the iphone/ipad, I love my iphone, and it's frustrating when I am on my train ride home, perusing all the photography websites I follow, or that interest me, and then i get to one I really want to see, and I can't. Yes I know this is an apple issue, but for me, it drives me crazy!

You can find some really nice themes for wordpress, just google free photography wordpress themes.