If you’re gearing up to craft a photography website to showcase your work and demonstrate your skills, this article is here to help. It offers practical 7+ Tips for Building a Photography Website on WordPress visually appealing and impactful photography websites that will attract clients, especially from the corporate and advertising
Photography websites are super important for showing off your brand. They’re like your online storefront, shaping how people see you, whether they’re already your clients or thinking about hiring you. Basically, your website has to charm visitors into wanting to get in touch with you for a quote.
There’s a common misconception that photographers should naturally excel at design because they’re skilled with images. But talent doesn’t automatically carry over between fields. Photographers are artists, and like many artists, they often encounter similar challenges when it comes to design.
Tip 1: Use Website Templates for Photographer Websites
Gone are the days when building a photography website from scratch was the norm. Nowadays, even top-notch photography websites are often constructed using templates, and there are solid reasons behind this savvy choice.
First off, template-based photography websites are incredibly affordable. These templates come with well-written code and built-in SEO capabilities, easing the burden of tackling the complex world of search engine optimization.
Moreover, the argument against template websites looking too similar doesn’t hold much weight anymore. Modern templates are highly customizable, allowing photographers to tailor their sites to their individual styles, rendering the “look-alike” concern outdated.
Ease of construction is another major advantage of template-based websites. With responsive design as a standard feature, these sites look stunning on any device. They’ve also been thoroughly tested to ensure smooth navigation for visitors and easy content updates for developers and owners alike. Choosing a template-based approach for your photography website simplifies the process while delivering impressive results.
You may opt for photo hosting sites, but, if you choose to self-host, you can go with a WordPress template for the best websites for photographers, such as Memoir.
Tip 2: Define Your Focus and Stay Committed
As a corporate executive searching for a reliable portrait photographer, I wouldn’t want to sift through a jumble of portraits, food shots, reportage, sports, architecture, and landscapes. What I’m after is clarity and relevance.
A cluttered portfolio showcasing every photography genre might suggest versatility, but it can overwhelm and confuse potential clients who seek a specific type of photography.
When I land on a photography website, I want instant clarity on what the photographer specializes in and if it aligns with my needs. A well-organized site should convey this information immediately, not after a few seconds of searching.
The bottom line is this: to stand out in the crowded market, identify your niche and center your website around it. If you excel in multiple areas, consider creating separate websites for each specialization.
Your niche should be a sweet spot where your passion, market demand, and expertise intersect. Keep your descriptions clear and straightforward to accurately communicate your area of expertise.
It’s understandable that new photographers may fear narrowing their focus for fear of losing potential clients. However, presenting a mishmash of photography styles can inadvertently signal inexperience to clients seeking specialized services.
A photographer isn’t a jack-of-all-trades; they’re artists with unique talents. By pinpointing your niche, you can deliver exceptional work and focus solely on what you do best. Why settle for mediocrity in every area when you can excel in one?
Tip 3: Pick a Template That Keeps Images Front and Center
Best photographer websites always focus on making images the center of attention. There are templates for photography websites that have been specially designed to showcase images and generate photo galleries, similar to photography portfolio websites.
Tip 4: Prioritize Quality Over Quantity on Your Photography Website
Let’s simplify it:
“Remember, less is more, no matter how many times we say it. Your photography portfolio shouldn’t include every single photo you’ve ever taken. Instead, it should showcase only your absolute best work. Think of your website as a highlight reel of your talent.
To ensure you’re showcasing your best shots, seek input from friends or peers. Sometimes, we’re too attached to our own work to judge it objectively.”
Tip 5: Create Your Portfolio Around Your Strength(s)
The top photography portfolio websites don’t overwhelm visitors with a mix of every type of photo. They highlight the photographer’s expertise by showcasing only relevant work. In your case, emphasize your strengths.
If you’re aiming for landscape photography gigs, don’t clutter your portfolio with wedding or food photos. Stick to what’s relevant to how you want to be seen. Why market yourself as a wedding photographer when your passion lies in landscapes?
Tip 6: Make a Website that Aligns with Your Style
Let’s say you’ve also managed to identify your style as a photographer. Now, you need to pick a website design that aligns with your niche and your style. E.g., a sleek theme will be a good match for a minimalist photographer. Photography websites build brand identity.
There are so many different approaches to photography that make each photographer unique. The best photography portfolio websites provide the ideal website design to reflect personal style. Consistency in style across social media and your portfolio site is essential.
Tip 7: Add an eCommerce to Your Website
Welcome to the e-commerce era! Why not take advantage of it on your website? Photography websites are perfect for selling prints, workshop tickets, or exhibition passes. Plus, clients can conveniently pay for their photo shoots directly on your site.
Adding an e-commerce function to your photography website isn’t complicated. The top online portfolio sites already have integrated online stores. So why not seize this opportunity? It’s a smart way to make your website profitable and cover its costs.
Conclusion
Photographers, whether beginners or seasoned pros, understand the vital role of having a photography website to showcase and sell their work. In today’s digital age, not having a website can leave you invisible. It might sound tough, but it’s the reality we face.
Your brand needs to be visible where it matters most: online. Once you recognize the necessity of a website, focus on building one that immediately captivates your potential clients when they visit. Make sure your site grabs their attention and showcases your work effectively.
