Why have a website?

Why is it that people spend their time and $$$ creating and maintaining website to show their gallery?
Does it increase $$$/business?

some for fun, others have businesses and either want to sell their images directly or to attract potential clients.

and of course the status aspect of haivng a site to show off

it definetly attracts more business though

It's an excellent marketting tool if you do weddings, social events, sports photography, fine are landscaping prints, etc. It gives credibility at a time when the consumer expects it as part of their shopping experience.

I should have had mine set up years ago, and I'm sure that cost me business. Now when I get calls from interested parties I can point them to the online galleries and samples, and it will help in the prescreening process. - Stu

I do it for self expression. I don't want to take pictures and keep them to myself. Most people want to show the world their artwork. Only the strong can accept honest criticism.

It should be your #1 marketing tool, and everything else you do in terms of marketing should drive people to your website so they may see your portfolio and contact info.

It's the next best thing to a physical art gallery - but available to everybody in the world at the click of a mouse, and for a only a fraction of the usual floor rental space. Plus it's a lot easier to change or expand the exhibit.

A website with samples of your work, contact details and prices as well as availability would be very useful. BUT people won't come looking for you because of your website. They will look because of:
1. Word of mouth.
2. The Yellow Pages (or whatever they're called in your area).
3. Business cards left in various locations.
4. Flyers posted in shop windows.
5. The sign on the side of your vehicle.

Many people won't bother looking online at anything.

We do it solely to share pictures with family and friends. And because it's fun.

That may change, though. I'm in the process of doing some writing (now that I am finally retired), and it will be a good place to auto-publish.

Prior to it's construction, prospective B&G's would call and ask to see my website with samples of my wedding work. By the tone of their voice, I could actually hear them lose interest in me as a potential photographer when I said that the site was still under construction.

These days, right or wrong, most of the public EXPECTS you to have a web presence if you are serious about promoting your business. A website is no guarantee of being successful, but many count it as a strike against you if it doesn't exist.

I started mine up just because I could. First go at one. My intent at first was just for a hobby...and to beable to show my work off to family and friends. But as time went on, I started shooting various sporting events at the school I teach....then started posting the shots for kids to see. I wasn't interested in 'nickel and diming' selling shots...so just told kids to feel free to download what they want and get them printed.

Now THAT....has led to some good paying jobs. Been a great PR tool. Parents and friends have seen my work...and are calling me now for family portrait shoots and weddings.

Give...and it shall be given back to you.