How to Build a Web-Based Photography Business
Whether you are an established studio or a budding business, moving your photography business to the Internet can build sales and increase your free time. Your customers will appreciate the convenience of being able to view and order their prints online, and you will gain free time while your print sales come to you. Building a web-based photography business requires a website with special tools for viewing and ordering photos and some technical knowledge on how to organize and present your work.
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Instructions
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Build your photography website. This is an extension of your business and your digital storefront should be unique enough to represent your work and photographic style. It is possible to design your website on your own; however, a photography business website requires specific technology to allow your customers to view and order prints. You may wish to have a designer build a custom website, or find a template company which can provide you with the basic framework for your site, including the shopping cart and gallery.
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Advertise your site. Building a site will gain your business a foothold on the web, but advertising is what will direct new clients to your photography business. You may choose to add your website address to your business card and letterhead and include it in any printed advertising, such as flyers. If you wish to advertise your website on the internet you can choose from any number of options, including local directories of businesses, Google advertising campaigns and ads on websites that are related to your business, such as wedding websites for wedding photographers.
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Communicate with your clients and prospective clients. Since a web-based photography business has a different impact than a tangible storefront or studio, keeping your name remembered can be a challenging task. To build a successful web-based business, follow up on inquiries and e-mails sent through your site. You may also choose to keep a blog of your current projects or start an e-mail list of interested clients to keep them updated on your work. This will keep your name fresh in the minds of your current, former and prospective clients.
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Tips & Warnings
Watermark or protect your images from theft by disabling the ability to save them from your website.
Many organizations, such as the Master Photographers Association, offer reduced rates on services such as credit card processing, allowing you to handle your ecommerce easily.
