Do Photographers and Creatives Need A Website?

You’re getting your new business up and going or maybe you’ve been at it for years and have always marketed yourself on instagram and you’re wondering to yourself, “Do I actually need my own website?”

It seems like the legit thing to do, but how useful is a site anyways in today’s world of social media?

As a branding and website expert, this is going to sound crazy coming from me but… you don’t actually need a website. Here’s the thing…

Can you book clients without a website? YES

Can you showcase your portfolio without a website? YES

Can you grow your business without a website? ABSOLUTELY!

So why have a website then?

While you can do all these things without a site especially utilizing social media, a website will make all of these things happen so much easier and faster. Because…

1. A professional, beautiful website will position you as experienced and your services will be perceived as more valuable and worth the investment in a client’s mind, even if it’s a subconscious feeling.
   
   
2. You can better showcase and curate your portfolio on your website. Social media is a great way to show off your work, but you’re beholden to the algorithm and what is performing at the time. On your own portfolio you are in full control of how to showcase your work (goodbye having to only post reels for the sake of being found!)
   
   
3. You have more avenues of being found with a website than just using social media. With a website you have SEO at your disposal along with blog posts and even an email marketing list which all starts on your website.
   
   
4. Not to mention, you can make your website completely your own. On social media, everyone’s profile is more or less set up the same way. However, on your own site you can create the user experience that you want. You are in control of how a potential clients interacts with your brand and leave a lasting impression that will make them remember you long after they exit your site.

But where to start?

So now that you’ve decided to create a website for your business, where to start? You want to create a site that will leaving a lasting impression, position you as the expert and right fit for your potential clients, and be easy to navigate. You have essentially 2 avenues you can go down to get a new site up and launched.

1. Create a website yourself

DIY-ing your website is a wonderful option, and very doable especially if you are tech savvy and have a pretty good idea what you are looking for. Doing your own website is also a great option if you are dipping your toes in the water as a new business owner and aren’t extremely sure what niche or specific services you offer.

For example, if you’re a photographer and you aren’t sure if you want to focus on weddings, families, newborns, or brand photography and you are offering anything and everything for the time being. Instead of investing in a custom site and working with a designer, a DIY website at a lower investment may be the smarter choice for the first few years or until you decide what your niche is going to be! At that point you may want to invest in a custom website.

However, there are better options for DIY-ing than others. Since you’re a creative and value the look and feel of your site, not just getting a site up for the sake of having a site, spend some time finding a template that you love. My recommendation is to find specifically a Showit template. Showit is, in my opinion, the best website platform especially for creatives looking for beautiful and easy to use templates. Check out my Insta post all about comparing website platforms here.

Where to find beautiful Showit website templates:

Check out the Design Vault that has a range of templates built with strategy and a range of different design styles just for photographers and creatives like you! Showit also has their own library of templates created by Showit designers that have some lovely options! Etsy is another great place to look for Showit website templates.

If you’re just getting started with Showit and want to quickly learn how to use it so you can launch your template in no time, check out their crash course and their Showit 101 course, all free resources to use as a Showit subscriber.

2. Work 1:1 with a website designer

Allow me to help as an expert brand and web designer who has worked with over 120 clients (and counting) who have been where you are actually seeing results as soon as we launch! No more running your business on a hope and a prayer without a clear direction. Together we’ll create a brand and website that puts you on the path to clarity so you can confidently book dream clients with ease in no time!

My secret power is being able to take that vision that’s been swirling in your mind and transform it into a brand and website that’s just so you it feels like you’re looking in the mirror. Seriously, that’s what my clients have raved about over and over after working together! 

Here’s just one example. This is what Janelle Aloi had to say after working together:
“I was intimidated to start because I felt like I was so all over the place and it would be impossible to make sense of the ideas in my head but Kara did it and made it seem easy! She really helped me to narrow down all my thoughts and ideas into a clean logo and branding that truly reflects me and my business.”

So, wondering how we can bring to life a branding that breathes fresh air into your business and a website design that leads to more bookings? Well…

Introducing my signature offerings:

By far my most popular package, whether we’re doing branding, website, or both, is my VIP Day offering to create the designs you’re after in just 8 hours with an investment of $950.

We can also work together on a more in-depth project with my All-In offering (average investment of $3600) if you are looking for the full works for your branding and/or website.

Every project is completely personalized and starts with strategy so we can set your business up for success from the very beginning. This allows you to make your investment back many times over while enjoying every minute of the process. 

So what do you say? Are you ready to experience the exponential growth that comes from purposeful design, strategically created? 

Whether you decide to DIY or work with a designer, a beautiful website built with your audience in mind will help you boost your online presence and start seeing more bookings!