What’s Your Preference?

pixiedust_photo · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 02:13 AM

I have decided to actually have someone design a website for my photography business. What part of your website do you like the best? I really cannot beleive I am taking this step

its huge for me!! And I am excited but scared at the same time.

The only thing I wish I knew was more about photoshop to give me more options on my photos...what other program do you think I should get??

Thanks again
Christine

katoliver7 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 02:36 AM

I use Photo Tools 2 and I LOVE it. It opens inside PS and gives you lots of options without needing to know how to use PS.

xhan · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katoliver7

I use Photo Tools 2 and I LOVE it. It opens inside PS and gives you lots of options without needing to know how to use PS.

Whats the point of having ps then! XD!

Free · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 08:59 PM

Firstly check out Morts thread on tips for your portfolio. Lot's of great stuff in there.

The first step before anything else is always to clearly define measurable goals.

Rather than the ambiguous "I want an online presence.", say "I want to generate 10 leads a month from my website.". Once you have some defined deliverables, your designer can plan the best way to get you there.

A trained monkey (or your neighbours nephew's best friend's brother) can knock up "an online presence", some even make it look good. However watch their eyes go glassy and palms sweat when you mention real deliverable goals. They have no idea.

A pro however will start thinking about user paths, were to put that call to action to illicit a response, even exactly what to put in the contact form to encourage the user to give you their details. If the main goal is to sell landscape print internationally, then all of these aspects change. Then once finished your designer should be able to advise you on the best way to fast track the goal. Is it search engine marketing & pay per click results? Is it a print mail out in your local area, TV / radio campaign???

Your website should make you money, not cost you money, so pay a bit more at the start and you will see the reward come pay day.

Also, if someone else is designing the site (especially that trained monkey), you need to know how you'll be managing your photos. Will they be auto re-sized? Will you need to resize the main image and thumbnail, can you upload through the website or do you need FTP?

So my tip - hire a pro and don't forget, it's all tax deductable