As I always like to say, choosing a builder to build your photo website on is a “game of compromises”. My newly-revamped guide aims to help you navigate this decision.

First things first:

DEEP DIVE

Best photography website builders (updated for 2024)

I just did a major overhaul of my guide on website platforms for photographers:

You might be thinking of switching to WordPress, or you’ve heard good things about a different tool, and you’re confused. With many options to choose from, some generic ones and others dedicated to photographers, it’s sometimes hard to figure out which is better.

WordPress has matured a lot in recent years. Being so popular, photographers can use a wide range of themes and plugins to set up their online photography business. And stats show how popular WordPress is among photographers. But with WordPress, you still can’t match the power and flexibility of dedicated photography platforms.

QUICK TIPS

1. I consider homepage photo sliders a missed opportunity

If you have a slideshow on your photography website homepage, we need to talk.

Sure, a big slideshow has some sort of "wow factor" because of the sheer size of the images. But that "wow factor" is actually diminished by the problems they create.

First of all, I don't think that slide shows are fully viewed anyway these days. People are so impatient and they're no longer willing to sit through an entire slideshow of images.

Second of all, they can affect performance because a slideshow is basically just a list of large images with larger file sizes, of course. This is especially true on the homepage, which is the most important page on your website.

Last but not least: SEO, because depending on how your theme or template is coded, it might cause SEO problems.

I feel that slideshows can give out the wrong first impression. Are you really sure that your very first slideshow image conveys the full range of your photography business? Are you kind of naively hoping that people will sit obediently through your 20+ image slideshow just to build an informed impression? I don't think so.

2. Become the go-to photographer

There are famous pro photographers who have already spent a lot of time, effort & money to get ahead. They managed to make a name for themselves.

The solution though might be to carve out a niche within your niche, where you can become the best out there when people try to work with YOU specifically.

The ideal scenario (which can be reached through years of hard work) is to become a one-person niche, the “go-to” photographer for a specific type of client.

When you’re narrowly positioned, people start seeing you as the expert in your field. Potential clients start saying “We want to do this. Get me [your name here]!”, because you’re the photographer that’s really well-known for that type of work. Maybe not worldwide (at first), but at least in your local area.

Not only do clients trust you more because they see you as the expert. They also feel like taking a lower risk with you, than going with a generalist.

In what niche would you like to become the “go-to” world-renowned photographer?

And more importantly, how do you plan on getting there?