How do I set up a website?

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

If you don't know how to set a webpage, you can start here: www.photoidentities.co​m 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.

it depends on what you want it to do

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.

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,

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.

fredlef wrote in post #5559850
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,

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...

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

Good comment.

Some Friendly Advice on Websites

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cory1848 wrote in post #5559950
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?

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

fredlef wrote in post #5560219
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.c​om/

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

fredlef wrote in post #5560665
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.

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.