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A client gives your business card to a friend and tells them to check you out. They go online, google your name, and up pops your website. What are they going to see? If you are one of those photographers who cringed at that thought or hasn’t updated their our website in awhile, it’s time to make some changes!

Your website acts as a handshake to your potential clients, and most of the time viewers aren’t spending a ton of time on there. So making sure that it is easy to get to information quickly and communicates what you have to offer is key.

Here are a few ways that you can make your photography website standout:

1. Find specialty and focus on it – This tip isn’t necessarily website design related, but if you are someone who photographs everything and shows all of that on your website it’s not going to look like you specialize in one area. Because of this you’re less likely to get hired. Your goal for your website is to reach a target client who connects with your work. And if you’re showing everything you really aren’t reaching anyone. If you have two different areas that you love, like Seniors and Weddings, it’s best to keep those on two separate websites.
2. Make it unique – A lot of photographers use sites like WordPress and Squarespace to build their websites. While there are a lot of templates out there to use, make sure you take the time to really customize and make it yours. Is the feel in line with your brand? Everything from your logo, color choice, font, etc should be consistent and have the same messaging.
3. Consistent branding – Speaking of branding… Everything should be speaking to your brand. A brand is a promise to your customers of what they are going to receive by purchasing your services. You’re telling them through your website who you are, what you shoot, and what their experience will be like. Are your images communicating your message to your clients? If your brand is airy/dreamy/romantic, you don’t want to show images of moody lighting with bold colors.
4. Keep it simple – You don’t want anything to take away from the content and images on your website. If the design has too much going on, the viewer could easily get distracted. Make sure there are clear call to actions for people to book and how to contact you.
5. Show only your best work – Don’t overload your galleries by posting too many images. Narrow it down to your absolute best of the best. If people want to see more, that’s what your blog and/or Facebook page is for. Also, make sure your gallery images are large. You’re doing your images a disservice by using a website that displays them small.
6. Engaging about page – Your clients want to get to know YOU. So tell them a little about yourself! You want them to feel like they know who you are and create a connection. Make sure you have an updated profile photo photo too in there too!
7. Have an email listed – If someone wants to email you directly (ie vendors from a wedding), have your email listed so that they don’t have to fill out the inquiry form in order to contact you directly.
8. Pricing – A client shouldn’t have to email you to learn what your prices are. People are busy, and they may choose to skip over you because of that. At minimum, have starting prices for your session fee and packages.
9. Blog – If you have a blog listed on your website, make sure it’s up to date. If you aren’t blogging regularly, people will think you aren’t working. For ways to get impact out of your blog, read more here.
10. Call to action – Having a clear next step for the potential client is key and a lot of photographers don’t have this on their page. Having a button for someone to “Book a Session” or “Request More Info” will guide a website visitor with how to take the next step.



What website tips do you have?

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