How do I set up a website?

[greatshot]

Hi,

I just started a photography business and need a website!! What is the best way to set one up? Can I do it myself? do I need to have someone do it for me?

Thanks,

Greatshot

[slava-slavik]

If you don't know how to set a webpage, you can start here: www.photoidentities.com or here: www.bludomain.com.

Spending time learning HTML, CSS, Flash would cost you more than getting a template and some expertise from these guys.

[Stocky]

it depends on what you want it to do

[elysium]

Its easy to build one but if you are running a business and dont have the time or know how, I would employ someone to build it for you.

To be honest, I would have set one up before the business so you can incorporate it into letterhead and business cards. Also have a point of reference for people passing your name to others by word of mouth.

Suppose if you have just started your business, it should matter too much.

Secondly, invest in a flash as minimum. Your gear list might be hungering for one.

[fredlef]

If you are interested in building yourself you may want to take a look at joomla - which is what I did. It is open source (joomla.org) but gives you the ability to change your look by putting on a new template while keeping your data the same. It took me awhile to find the right template but I like the current look. www.fredsmagicmoments.com

good luck,

[greg-andrew74]

Hi, i used to use www.moonfruit.com. they have so much on offer and so much freedom. Very cheap too. Takes a while to find your way around. hope this helps.

[cory1848]

If you are interested in building yourself you may want to take a look at joomla - which is what I did. It is open source (joomla.org) but gives you the ability to change your look by putting on a new template while keeping your data the same. It took me awhile to find the right template but I like the current look. www.fredsmagicmoments.com (http://www.fredsmagicmoments.com)

good luck,

I use Joomla alot as well, my site is a joomla based site. A word of caution though, if the OP doesnt know HTML, they are not going to PHP either and my guess is they don't know much about databased sites and permissions either. They are easy to set up but hard to maintain and if something goes wrong, good luck getting help. You have to keep joomla pretty secure to avoid hackers, dont ask me how I know...
I checked your site, I was actually playing around with that template for a personal site but some reason it wasnt work correctly for me. Yours looks good. I will probably build my own flash based site once I have some free time...

[tomd]

Have you looked at Zenfolio or Smugmug? They are pretty good for hosting, if that's what you want.

[PhotosGuy]

it depends on what you want it to do Good comment.

Some Friendly Advice on Websites (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=413354)

Be sure to look at the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom-left of this page, too.

[fredlef]

I use Joomla alot as well, my site is a joomla based site. A word of caution though, if the OP doesnt know HTML, they are not going to PHP either and my guess is they don't know much about databased sites and permissions either. They are easy to set up but hard to maintain and if something goes wrong, good luck getting help. You have to keep joomla pretty secure to avoid hackers, dont ask me how I know...
I checked your site, I was actually playing around with that template for a personal site but some reason it wasnt work correctly for me. Yours looks good. I will probably build my own flash based site once I have some free time...

Good points - I checked out your site as well. I really like your folder icons - that's a great idea. Where did your template come from?

[sapearl]

The quickest and easiest way to set up an online presence is with a BLOG. Now admittedly , it's not a true website in the sense of what people expect in the way of professionalism and service, but it's possible to get something bare bones online in less than an hour.

That being said, I resorted to hiring a pro to do mine. I tried to teach myself html so I could assemble a custom site with a particular look, but I neither had the time, expertise or energy at the end of a regular work day. It was not cheap, but it was money well spent, she was very responsive to my revisions and it functions. I also have a link from my website to my blog which I change myself.

Some people - myself included - also have other online galleries they maintain in addition to what's displayed on the formal website. I rent space on Pbase.com and use their site for my online proof galleries and exhibit areas. Again, there are links between all three which make up my online presence.

Greatshot, are you at the point where you have enough good work to display that you feel will attract business? - Stu

[cory1848]

Good points - I checked out your site as well. I really like your folder icons - that's a great idea. Where did your template come from?

What folder icons? Are you talking about the "our work" link? If so, thats expose. Thinking of changing that part up though..Lots of security flaws with that....

Template is called "trentco" from http://www.cmslounge.com/

[fredlef]

Hmm I guess it's where it takes you to zenfolio - the all photographs section - that's a nice look.

[cory1848]

Hmm I guess it's where it takes you to zenfolio - the all photographs section - that's a nice look.

Yeah thats zenfolios set up not mine...Cant take the credit for that. I really like the look of zenfolio, there are some features that are lacking but overall looks nice.

[Chip Andrews]

I used Yahoo for my website. It was easy & did not take me long at all. You are charged in 3 month installments so if after 3 months you do not like it you can get out. Also you can set up your own domain name right thru them. I was trying to keep costs down so this worked for me to start.

[kink]

hey there, i used bludomain.
come take a look at my site.
www.keonphotography.com
You can do everything once you have purchased their site.
Like changing the color, swatches, all uploading images and music very easy to do.
check them out!
www.bludomain.com

keon

[sapearl]

One thing you will need to do first is to "purchase" a domain name for yourself. GoDaddy is a good source and have been around for a little while..... typically that may run you around $6.95/yr or less. Pick something catchy, that is easy to remember, and not too long. Hopefully somebody else will not have already selected it.

Then you will need a hosting service - server space to house your website and all its files. This can be anywhere from "free/month" to $20/mo. Stay away from free. You get what you pay for.

Free tends to get you poor service, slow site response, a lot of advertising and generally potential aggravation. There's also no reason to pay top dollar. It's been a little while since I shopped for a hosting service, but you should be able to get something quite good in the $4 - $7.95/mo. range.

[sapearl]

For reviews of hosting services, check out these links:

http://hosting-review.com/?gclid=CLnj8vjFtZMCFQ3_sgod9VjHCw

http://www.best-web-hosting-2008.com/

http://www.top10webhosting.com/

http://www.100best-free-web-space.com/

As you can see they are running from around $4.95 - $8.95/mo. One thing I noticed is that these rankings always fluctuate from month to month. But if you see a positive pattern or select something in the top 5, then you can't go wrong.

My own DomainName is reserved through GoDaddy; my hosting service is Bluehost which occupies the old WordPerfect facilities in Oram, Utah.

[Ralph Merlino]

I have two friends who are professional photographers, they also
build very good web sites at reasonable prices. They are building
one for me right now. You may want to contact them.
www.web-siteservices.com