Website 101
Why do you need a website? An amazing number of professionals still don’t have one. Seriously. What if you’ve been in business for years and you have a great client base? Your customers know you and love your work. Repeat business is a non-issue. You’re coasting, doing fine. Why rock the boat?
Here’s why. Photography is a competitive business. Whether you specialize in sports, seniors, portraits or weddings, new photographers appear in the market place daily. For every seasoned photographer who knows running a successful business is not a piece of cake, there are ten more grabbing the latest camera, printing business cards and slapping a magnetic sign on their car doors eager to take business away from you. These new photographers have websites, you can bet on that.
The web has changed the way we do business, completely and forever. When was the last time you used the yellow pages to find something? Can you really afford to be complacent?
Here are the primary reasons why you need to have a website.
• Establish credibility
• Increase visibility
• Showcase talent
• Hold the attention of a prospect long enough to turn them into a client.
What’s in a Name?
The first step in the process is to get a domain name. This is the name that defines your website, like poundslabs.com. Domain names are inexpensive and yours forever, as long as you pay the annual bill. Check out Register.com or GoDaddy.com.
Doesn’t a “Host” hand out the appetizers?
No, but a web host will open the door for you. Host in web world means a company that opens the door to your site and gives it a place to call home. Try DogBark, GlowHost or GoDaddy.
Build it and they will come.
How do you “build” a website? Some web site hosts provide a web site builder. All you need to do is click on a design you want and then add text and photos. There are many websites that give tutorials on how to build your own. Companies like Adobe Dreamweaver or MacWebsite Builder, offer packages of varying prices. You can also hire a designer who specializes in web sites.
What makes a “good” website?
• Good layout and design
• Easy navigation
• Great content.
• SEO friendly
Why am I doing this again?
• Clients have 24/7 access to you and your work.
• You’re global. Potential clients all over the world can now “see” you.
• Targeted Marketing. Those two words alone make a website completely worthwhile.
• It’s cost effective.
• Your competitors already have websites!
If you’ve already got a website, stay tuned for Website 101.2 to make sure it’s really working as an effective tool for marketing your studio!