There are certain things that every photography website needs and there are certain things that photographers need to meet their goals. Not every photography website will need the same features. Of course, your website will need an amazing way to display your awesome photos, but your site will also need a way to grow your business. In this article, we’ll discuss 14 things that photography websites need in order to grow your photography business.

Each element of your photography website can be part of a larger page or have their own page. All sites need SEO, image compression, be responsive, be secure, have amazing design, etc. We won’t focus on those elements. A well-designed website will get their attention and keep it. It must quickly communicate what you do, what they get, and how they get it (what they should do next). That’s exactly what these 14 things are. Let’s take a look.

1. An Eye-Catching Header with Photography in Mind

A well-designed header can include a sample photo and a headline that shows who you are and what you do. Clients can know at a glance if you’re the photographer they’re looking for. They should know quickly that you’re a sports photographer and not a wedding photographer, or a nature photographer and not a portrait photographer. Or, they should know quickly that you’re all of the above. This is done through visuals and text, such as a short headline over a nice photo of the kind of photography you do.

2. An Informative About You Page

The about you section or about page provides clients with information of who you are and your story, experience, and qualifications. It should also show your location, provide contact info, and show a few example photos. Make sure your location and the distance you’re willing to travel is clear. Don’t make them search for the information. The about page can also include FAQ’s. This is also a good opportunity to discuss how you work and what it’s like to work with you so they will know what to expect.

3. Contact Info

A contact section or contact page should include an easy-to-use contact form, business name, studio address, phone number, email, contact form, the time frame to respond so they have an idea of when to expect to hear from you, location you serve, and a map.

4. An Amazing Portfolio

To win clients you have to show your portfolio, which will not only include amazing examples of your work but also be easy to use. On your landing page, this should just be a few great photos. The full portfolio can be a portfolio page. Create galleries to show what you’re good at, what your preferences are, and show your best work. Just like all SEO, your images need a name, title, and description. It should be easy to navigate.

5. A Clear List of Services

Your list of services can be simple, but you need to show the kind of work you do with a description of each service. You can even link each one to a page with more detail or to example photos in your portfolio.

6. Prices and Packages

Consider creating multiple packages and then showing them in a pricing table. This will allow clients to choose up front what they need and not feel pressured into making a choice later. This will also show more detail about what’s included. When there are no surprises you’re more likely to have returning customers, and you can even build in an advantage for them to return.

7. A Scheduling Calendar

Booking a session should be your call to action. This tells them what to do next and leads them through the steps to schedule a session. Your scheduling calendar should be easy to see, understand, and use.

8. Newsletter

Another good call to action is a newsletter signup with a free offer. This is great for those that are not ready to schedule a session. It helps keep you in their mind so when they need a photographer you’re the one they come to.

9. Photo Proofing

Proofing allows the client to choose the photos they want. This can be done by creating a private gallery, private blog post, or a private shop page and giving the client access to it.

10. Testimonials

Testimonials provide social proof of your value and skills. This could include company icons if you’re doing product photography or corporate work.

11. Social Media

Social media buttons and embedded social media feeds help provide multiple ways clients can follow and get to know you. This helps you stay in close contact and they’ll think of you when they or their friends need a photographer.

12. Events

An events page provides clients with information about events they might want to be a part of, such as school, Church, family, or team portraits, workshops that you’re teaching, discounted photo shoots, etc.

13. Blog

A blog is a great way to build your audience and inform them about your services, show what a photo shoot looks like, provide image galleries for specific photo shoots, inform them about you and your specialties, and provide shareable content that brings them back for more. It can also provide industry news, product reviews, and tutorials that will help establish your skills and credibility, and even provide some passive income if you use affiliate links.

14. Shop

Adding a shop is a great way to sell prints, courses, books, gear, etc. The shop can also be used to allow clients to pay for services online and choose their packages or photos.

Photography Child Theme

This images I’ve used as examples come from the Photography Divi child theme from Aspen Grove Studios. It’s available in both a dark and light design and includes multiple home pages, shop pages, portfolio pages, blog pages, pages for courses, pages for events, about, services, appointment, and contact. It includes WooCommerce and LifterLMS integration. They include everything you need to get started quickly. Simply add your own images and information.

You can see more about the Photography child theme in the article Divi Child Theme Sneak Peek: Photography.

Ending Thoughts

That’s our look at 14 things photography websites need. These 14 things are sure to help your clients learn more about your services, stay in contact with you, and grow your photography business by turning potential clients, and even their friends, into returning clients.

Not every photography website will need every feature. For example, some sites focus on photography services while others focus on selling prints. But every photography website will need to focus on providing a clear communication of what you do, who you do it for, what they can expect, and how much it costs. These 14 things will help your website do its job: make you findable and make your services desirable.

Don’t forget to check out Photography, a child theme for Divi designed with your photography business in mind. For more information about photography plugins, see the article Best Photography Plugins for WordPress. For examples of photography websites, see the article Top 15 Examples of Photography Sites Using Divi.

We want to hear from you. What features do you see as essential for photography websites? Let us know in the comments below.