Building a website for your photography business is an important step when transitioning from a hobby to a career. However, the process can sometimes be frustrating, especially for those attempting it for the first time. In this article, we will discuss the common mistakes made when building a website and provide tips on how to optimize your website for success.

1. Building your business website on a hosted website platform

When starting out, many people turn to hosted website platforms like Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, or WordPress.com. These platforms offer easy-to-build websites and are a popular choice for beginners. However, as your business grows, you may encounter limitations with hosted platforms. They often lack the level of control you need to scale your website effectively. Additionally, the seemingly “free” website can quickly become expensive when you consider the costs of custom URLs, commerce functionality, custom email addresses, and more.

A better alternative is to opt for a self-hosted website. While self-hosting may have a higher upfront cost, it grants you full control over your website once it’s up and running. With a self-hosted website, you purchase a hosting account (such as Bluehost) and use WordPress.org (the free, open-source version of WordPress) to build your website. Starting with a self-hosted website saves you the hassle of switching platforms later if you find that a hosted solution is not sufficient for your goals.

2. Choosing a theme based on appearance, not function

One of the most common sources of frustration for clients is selecting a website theme based solely on its appearance without considering its functionality. Website themes are more like the apps your website is built in rather than something you can easily switch between with a click. Changing themes can be a complex process that requires manually transferring content, images, and layouts.

Some themes are user-friendly and easy to use, while others can be quite challenging. It’s important to choose a theme that not only looks visually appealing but also offers ease of use and flexibility. Divi is a popular theme known for its user-friendliness and powerful customization options. A good theme should make it easy to update your website while allowing you to maintain your brand’s style.

3. Building your website around features you won’t use

While it’s tempting to include various features on your website, such as blogs, communities, or online stores, it’s crucial to consider whether you’ll have the time and resources to maintain them. Having a website filled with unused features can lead to frustration and create dead zones on your site. It’s recommended to start with a small and efficient website and gradually add additional features as you commit to using them and incorporate them into your business plan. With a self-hosted website, you have the flexibility to add new features as your needs evolve.

4. Avoiding irrelevant content and optimizing images

As a photographer, it’s natural to want to showcase a large number of your stunning images. However, including too many unoptimized images can slow down your website’s loading speed, leading to a poor user experience. It’s important to optimize your images using tools like an Image Optimizer to ensure they are appropriately sized and compressed without sacrificing quality.

In addition to optimizing images, it’s crucial to avoid overwhelming your customers with excessive information. Develop a concise and consistent brand message that guides your written content, allowing customers to understand how to book your services and what to expect. Keeping your website clear and to the point will improve the user experience and increase the likelihood of conversion.

How to Optimize Your Website

To ensure your website works for you and helps grow your business, it’s essential to consider the following tips:

Plan ahead: Have a clear vision of how you want your website to function and support your business goals.
Choose the right hosting: Consider self-hosting options that offer more control and scalability in the long run.
Select a functional theme: Prioritize themes that are not only visually appealing but also user-friendly and customizable.
Evaluate feature needs: Start with a basic website and add features gradually as they align with your business plan and resources.
Optimize images: Use tools to optimize images, ensuring they are optimized for web display without sacrificing quality or slowing down the website.
Streamline content: Keep your website concise and focused, providing relevant information to guide customers and encourage conversions.

By implementing these strategies, you can build an optimized website that effectively represents your photography business and helps drive its success. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who can help you achieve your website goals.