For all you photographers out there I wanted to share a great deal for you. The Wondershare Flash Gallery software is available for today (October 28th) for free. Normally this software costs $49.95. It allows you to create flash slideshows and web photo galleries with no programming knowledge. Multiple templates and design options are included. I recommend you check it out. You must download it through the Giveawayoftheday website at the following link:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/wondershare-flash-gallery-factory-standard-4-8-0/
Sorry Mac users…this offer appears to only apply to PC users.
If you are happy with how your photography business is performing, then don’t bother reading the rest of this post…however, if you don’t have a website yet for your business or you are not getting the results you want from your business, then you need to check this out…
You see, for years I’ve been helping my photography friends learn how to get started with their own WordPress site for their photography business. Now I’ve finally released all that information to the general public. This is your opportunity to get in…
I recently submitted a survey to the over 900 members of Brand-ography.com regarding their photography business website. There were some very interesting results. Below is a sampling of the answers I received…
What type of website do you have for your business?
30% = I have a Flash Website and a separate WordPress Blog
28% = I have a fancy Flash Website
16% = My Website is made with WordPress
10% = My Website is made from HTML Website
10% = I have a Website, but I don’t know how it is made!
4% = I have a HTML Website and a separate WordPress Blog
2% = Website? I don’t have a website!
It is interesting that the majority of the photographers I polled had either a flash website or a wordpress blog in conjunction with a flash website. I understand the attraction with a flash website as they are usually quite visually beautiful, however there are sever limitations as we shall see later…
Who created your website?
72% = I did it myself
21% = I hired a professional
5% = A family member or friend made it for me
No big surprise here, the majority of photographers created their website themselves. This seems to be a growing trend as the tools are easier to use and the cost of a professional web designer increases.
Are you satisfied with your website?
41% = It is just okay
33% = Yes I am completely satisfied
25% = No it needs an overhaul
The majority of photographers felt their site was ‘just okay’ or needed an overhaul. Only 1/3 of those polled were completely satisfied with their website. Even more interesting are the comments received when asked what they would change about their website. Below are the responses…
What would you like to change about your website? (expense, time, results, etc)
- My wordpress needs some help looking more professional
- Just updated it and it will be going live within 2 weeks
- My wordpess needs some help looking more professional
- Copywriting
- Results and more engaging
- Needs to be updated
- Easier to update , etc…
- I would like to move away from flash and go with a CMS site where everything is neatly in one place.
- I need to add a proofing section but they are soooooooooooooooooo expensive!
- Client viewing area and testimonial page
- Nothing, I just wish I had the time to update it as much as I’d like.
- I need a cheap, easy to manage site that looks like a million bucks!
- Look more professional.
- I would like to customize it a bit more and make it look less like a blog… but would still like to include a blog. I also would like to learn to make it more effective!
- Results
- I would like to integrate a self hosted shopping cart that I can control the product offering (prints, gift certificate redemption, promos).
- Copywriting
- More flash, easier simple navigation. One that works on all browsers.
- Able to get it pinged on search engines.
- Better SEO for the flash part
- More interaction
- More traffic
- Increase the number of visitors, increase the conversion rate
- Colours, look, content
- I am not sure! But I haven’t improved due to $.
- Just created it but will be looking for a more professional option
- I am not completely satisfied but I don’t need a complete overhaul
- I like it but want more flexibility and options for layout and content
- A comprehensive CMS so I don’t have to do everything with XML, a bit less flash so it has better SEO.
- Actually I just personalized my smugmug site a little and that is all I have.
- Results
- Mix Flash with HTML
- Need to hire to set a website up for me personally
- The client galleries, the speed at which it loads
I found it interesting that there were many repeated themes in the comments to include : Getting results, more traffic, increasing conversions, more professional appearance.
Based on this survey, it is apparent that the majority of photographers want a professional appearing website that gets results!
If you are looking for help in setting up your photography website, be sure to join Photowebsitetutorials.com and get a free website building checklist. Click here to join.
Choosing a domain name for your website can be very intimidating. But this is a critical element in your online strategy so it deserves special attention. Why are domain names so important? They are critical for two specific reasons…
- The domain name is what visitors will type in when they want to go directly to your site.
- The domain name is used as part of Google’s ranking algorithm to decide what is ranked higher in the search engines.
For those two reasons alone, a good domain name can put you leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. So how do you choose a good domain name? Follow these simple steps:
- Goto Godaddy.com in your internet browser.
- In the area that says “Start Domain Search” type in a possible domain.
- Godaddy will then let you know whether that domain is available. If it is not available, try another variation or try a different keyword.
- Try and find a domain name that is available for each of the following:
a. Your company name such as “JohnDoePhotography.com” or “WeddingMemoriesPhotography.com”
b. The city you live in and “photography.com” or “photographer.com”
c. The city you live in and the type of photography you specialize in such as “LittleRockWeddingPhotography.com”
Did you know you can actually have more than one domain name for your business? This is true. But why would you want more than one domain name? Well this will help you to drive more traffic to your site, thereby increasing your clientele! But don’t worry; you won’t need to build 3 or more separate websites. You can have all three domains point to the same website if you wish. This is called “Domain Forwarding” and is easily setup by your domain registrar. (The company where you bought your domain.
The 7 Rules of Domain Name Selection
Below are the 7 rules that I consider when picking a domain name:
Rule #1: Make it a “.com”. For your business website do not use a .org, .net, .info or any other extension (unless using a country specific extension)
Rule #2: This is the only exception to Rule #1. If outside the US, consider using country specific extensions such as .uk or .au.
Rule #3: Avoid strange or difficult spellings
Rule #4: Avoid using “The” or similar words in your domain unless that is how you market your business.
Rule #5: Register your personal name if it is available. (Just because you may be famous one day!)
Rule #6: Shorter is better but not always possible
Rule #7: Hyphens are okay. Can’t find a good domain name that is available? Try using hyphens to separate the words.
There you go. There is a short lesson on how to pick out one or more domains for your business!
Bella Baby Marketing System
I just finished uploading over 2 gigabytes of PSD files from my Bella Baby Marketing System!
This is now available for free to all registered members of Brand-ography.com. This system is what I used to double my income over the last two years. It is a very luctrative and rewarding market
It contains a complete Investment guide, business card, gift certificates, ads, promotional materials, bag tags, greeting card, punch cards, stickers, and more!
Even if you don’t market to baby’s the layouts are invaluable so don’t hesitate to download them!
Go here to register and download the files…
Download the Bella Baby Marketing System
For all of my blog readers I have a special post. I am giving you all my Portrait Experience Tour absolutely free! This is what I use on my own website to establish my brand and set client expectations. It is a huge help in connecting with clients and bringing in the type of client that I want.
To all my blog readers I am offering my Portrait Experience Tour absolutely free of charge. All you have to do is register for a free account using the form below. If you already have a free account, just login to display the download links. This Portrait Experience Tour is a fabulous sales tool that I use on my business to provide information to my clients in a high class, professional way. Included in this download will be photoshop PSD files of each page in my portrait experience tour excluding the framed art presentations which I purchased from DesignAglow and do not have rights to distribute.
You may use these files to create your own portrait experience tour on your website. Mine is obviously geared toward babies and families but you can modify to fit your specialty. I have included the photographs that I use, but of course you will want to replace these photographs with samples of your own work.
I hope that you find this useful in your business!
View a gallery of included files…
Not a member? Register for free and gain access to the free downloads by filling out the form below.
If you are a member, but don’t see the download links below, then be sure to login.
I've recently noticed there is a lost of confusion about what branding really is. Just the other day I read a forum post in which someone was attacking someone else over what was just a sheer misunderstanding of the term branding. The very next day, in a different post, someone was saying that branding wasn't important because colors, styles, design elements come and go out of style. I'll just speak for myself here, but I know I'm not alone when I say this; you have to understand that I speak of branding the way they spoke of it when I learned it in college- and that is the effort to understand the needs and wants of your customers and prospects, by strategically preparing your company for every point of public contact- these strategies are known to me as branding, and so that is what I call them. Most of us that talk about branding seriously, are not talking about the outward appearance of your business, unless we specifically speak of names, logo's, colors, and graphic design elements. We are talking about your businesses communication and fulfillment strategy itself. The promise your making to your customers and the way in which you design your business to make and keep those promises. The success of your brand is measured by the sum total of your clients experiences and their perceptions of you. Your brand lives in the minds of your audience- not in the colors or styles of your logo, or marketing material designs. To me, branding is a foundational piece in your business and one you do not want to be without, and that is why I talk about it so much. But, sometimes I don't stop and think that I need to explain what I am talking about, and that I am not talking about graphic design, but rather business building strategies. I am happy to release a new branding package called "Always Olive". I really like the colors in this design. It has a great classy look but is full of color. Click the picture below to view all the pieces included in this set. This set is available for one week at a discount price of $199. Kickstart your brand with a full featured branding package today!
Twirly Swirly Branding Package
Polka Dot Birdie Branding Package
Just take a look at the following benefits to see why offer the best solution for branding your business today:
- Multiple designs available.
- Support area with tutorial videos to help you get started right away.
- Free Branding Newsletter to clients packed with marketing and branding tips
- More pieces in our package than other competitors. We listened to what you want and put it in!
- 30-day Money back guarantee. No risk to you! No one else offers this!
- Exclusivity option available. Want to keep a design all to yourself? We also offer an exclusivity option to our designs. Contact us for details!
Black and White Branding Package
So really you can’t go wrong. Not only do we offer more features and a better price than what you will find elsewhere? Our support is second to none and each and every package includes the following features:
- Full Resolution files.
- Fully layered PSD Files for easy modification to suit your style.
- No waiting. Ready for immediate download.
- Easy to edit with Photoshop. Modify text, colors, fonts to suit your business.
Always Olive Branding Package
The "Fabulous Ten" is a tremendous program that has been the primary reason my business has doubled in income for the past three years. This program will help you to build a list of high-quality clients that are eager to use your services and spread the word.
Included in the "Fabulous Ten" are all the files you need to create your own network of partner business who will work together to benefit everyone. Also included is a guide to step you through each of the programs included in the "Fabulous Ten". Click here to learn more....