How to build a website that sells to photo buyers and editors

[Jim Bryant]

If your photo website isn’t performing, it might be possible that you need to make some changes. The problems begin with the fact that most photographers are using the same templates, hosts and same ideas to populate their web sites.... This article from photofocus by Scott Bourne

Good helpful hints for those whose work isn't moving but has a good product*



*Note: If your product sucks, all of these helpful hints won't sell a single photo*

[lputman]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

The problems begin with the fact that most photographers are using the same templates, hosts and same ideas to populate their web sites.

So true, the first thing I think when I get to photograhers websites is which template am I going to see.

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Let’s start with Flash. While this won’t make me any friends at Adobe, Flash websites for photographers aren’t always the best idea. According to Photoshelter’s Feb, 2009 research on what photo buyers are looking for, 77% of the buyers WILL NOT buy from a site that is based on a flash slideshow. 96% get LIVID when they need to watch a website intro before seeing images.

I'm a perfect of example of quickly moving away from flash sites of photographers.

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Photographers should also check their design. Complicated designs that are cute for cute’s sake don’t fare well.

Another thing that gets me off a site quickly.

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Here are some things to avoid if you want to attract buyers and editors:

1. Flash
2. Video
3. Music
4. Ads
5. Too Many Slideshows
6. Slideshows as intros

So true.

[Saralonde]

Nice info, Jim. Moving this to Earning with Photography.

[Palladius]

I can throw my weight behind 'not showing your prices on your site'... I don't buy photos on line, and I certainly don't sell, (skint on one hand, not good enough on the other) but I had a bit of a browse out of idle curiosity and was astonished that photographers would have websites full of lovely photos and then not say how much they charged.

Maybe they don't want to put people off, maybe it's just my upbringing, but if I don't see a price on something I assume it's way out of my budget... too, like, a factor of a hundred. And I hate using the telephone... that may just be me, but I will never, ever ring someone up if there's someone else I can email that will do the same thing. And I wont email someone if there's someone else I can buy off without hassling anyone...

[fletch]

Originally Posted by Palladius

Maybe they don't want to put people off, maybe it's just my upbringing, but if I don't see a price on something I assume it's way out of my budget... too, like, a factor of a hundred.

The "If you have to ask you can't afford it" effect!

[RoyL]

Thanks for the article, and you are right.

I have been in the IT industry for 20years, 10 of which I spent cutting code, then UNIX Administration, Network Management, and have also developed websites and managed my own websites. It is the Quality of the Content that is important, not the flashy gadgety toys.

Websites should be thought out carefully, and photographers have a slight edge in that they can use their editing software to design pages that can then be translated into HTML and or CSS. With CSS you can create virtical or horizontal thumbnails which can be clicked on or just hovered over which will then pop up an enlarged image for viewing. Fast, efficient, user friendly, and eye catching with relevance.

Flash is pretty good for games or video content.

[justlearning]

I have to agree, it is a proven fact that people want to buy but they do not want to be sold! So if you don't have prices on your site most people don't want to be bothered to call because they don't want to be pressured into buying more or just cornered in anyway.

If I am looking to buy anything I will buy it from somewhere that it is all up front. Maybe my mindset is that of "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" as mentioned earlier.

Thanks for the great information Jim!

[JayPee]

Well said Jim!

I'm in the process of reading all 41 pages in this thread (I know - I should get a life) and I've been both appalled and amused at some of what I've read. And I've managed to resist the temptation of reacting or responding - until now... If you can't say something positive - say nothing?

Coming from a previous life in graphic arts - I've spent hours (years?) hunched over a light table - selecting - even buying - photographs... the channels have changed - but the process hasn't. And the digital age has changed the speed factor - but not much else.

Now - I'm trying to become a photographer - and the learning curve is daunting. I no longer have staff to 'go get the picture' - I have to do it myself... I come here for help - and I've still got 2 pages to go...

Ferchrisake Jim - don't leave this forum!

[Jim Bryant]

Thanks............well allrighty now, for better or worse I guess this forum is stuck with me. I'm just glad to help educate folks.