Photographers often don’t think that they need a website to sell. They think that word of mouth or a business listing can do them justice. The problem is that a website improves the chances of you being found, improves your revenue streams, and can also help you run your business.
In this quick guide, we will discuss how to build a photography website on Squarespace, arguably one of the best platforms to build photography websites on.
Step 1 – Set a Goal
The first thing that you need to do is to set a goal for your Squarespace website. Is it a good way for your brand to find new clients? Or is it something that is going to sell prints and other products to get you another revenue stream?
Choosing a goal allows you to think about the template that you’re going to use later on.
Step 2 – Pick a Plan
Now you need to pick a plan for your Squarespace account. There are four main Squarespace plans that you can choose from. If you want to take money from customers via the website, you will need one of three Business and e-commerce plans.
Otherwise, you could, in theory, use any of the plans. The costs of each plan are different. So also check your budget at which is going to be best for you.
There is no free Squarespace plan.
Step 3 – Find a Template
Now you need to choose a template that you know you can use and that matches your website aspirations. If you want to sell, think about putting the products upfront. If you’re looking to get more customers, then you want a more service-based template.
There are numerous eCommerce Squarespace templates and Photography Squarespace templates that you could look at using. When you’ve found one you like, you can click on the button that allows you to use the template.
Step 4 – Add Photos/Content
Now you can customize the template by adding your text and images. Create new pages and build in the functions that will make your website a fully functional website. It takes a good few days to complete this, even more, if you’re doing it in the background and doing other work.
Remember to optimize your images. You can use tools like RIOT to compress the memory they take up. This helps to speed up your website significantly. And speed is vital. A slow website will reduce your website’s conversion and will also affect your website’s ranking.
Step 5 – Create a Marketing Plan
Don’t expect people to just find your website. You will need a strong marketing plan for your website. That includes social media, SEO, blogging, email marketing and even reaching out to contacts. It is important to note that 98% of all content published on the internet never gets traffic from an organic search (Google search).
Step 6 – Publish
Don’t forget to publish your website and connect your domain to the website account.
Enhancing Photography Website Aesthetics and Functionality
Crafting a Visually Compelling Layout
To create a striking visual impact, focus on selecting a layout that showcases your photography in the best light. This involves choosing a design that allows your images to be the focal point, ensuring they capture the viewer's attention immediately.
Consider layouts that offer full-screen image displays, clean lines, and minimalistic elements to avoid distracting from your work. The goal is to create a gallery-like experience online, where each photograph can be appreciated in its full glory.
Optimizing for User Engagement
User engagement is crucial for the success of your photography website. This involves designing a site that is not only visually appealing but also easy to navigate. Ensure that your menu is intuitive, with clear categories for the different types of work or services you offer.
Incorporate features like smooth scrolling and quick loading times to enhance the user experience. Remember, a website that is frustrating to navigate can deter potential clients or fans, no matter how impressive the photography is.
Leveraging Multimedia Elements
Incorporate multimedia elements to add depth to your online portfolio. This can include behind-the-scenes videos, client testimonials, or audio descriptions of your work. These elements provide context to your photographs and help in telling a more comprehensive story about your work. They also cater to different audience preferences, increasing engagement on your site.
Strategies for Business Development and Growth of Your Photography Website
Expanding E-commerce Opportunities
For photographers looking to sell prints or services, Squarespace's e-commerce capabilities are a game-changer. Discuss how to effectively set up an online store, showcasing your work in a marketable format. Explain the process of managing products, processing payments, and handling orders. This feature is crucial for photographers who want to monetize their website and turn their passion into a profitable business.
Implementing Effective SEO Practices
SEO is a vital tool for increasing your website's visibility and attracting more visitors. Discuss how Squarespace's built-in SEO tools can be used to optimize your site. This includes using relevant keywords, optimizing image tags, and creating engaging content that drives traffic. Emphasize the importance of a strong online presence and how SEO can significantly impact your website's reach and discoverability.
Streamlining Site Management and Updates
Highlight the benefits of Squarespace's user-friendly interface for website maintenance. Discuss how creative professionals can easily update their portfolios, add new content, and make changes to their sites without needing extensive technical knowledge. This ease of maintenance ensures that your website remains current, relevant, and an effective tool for showcasing your work and engaging with clients.
Conclusion: How to Build a Photography Website on Squarespace
Above are the steps that you need to know for how to build a photography website on Squarespace. Remember that you can’t change your template, so be sure that you choose a template that you love before you get going and add it to your website.
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