website or photobiz?

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When I took my photography to the next step I purchased a smugmug pro account. I think it is $150 for the year. You can create a great website when you play around with customizing it. You also can host all of your work there and set your own pricing to sell your photos.

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+1 for smugmug or zenfolio. I too put the cart before the horse, and jumped in with a Zenfolio Premium account just a couple of weeks ago. I researched both and settled on Zenfolio due to ease of set-up and price; however, I like the look and customization of Smugmug. I am planning on using Zenfolio as a stepping stone until I can teach myself some web building and design my own. Zen is working the ability of offering more user customization, so I am looking forward to seeing what they will offer. Maybe I won't have to build my own??? I have been really happy with their product/service so far.

Even with the baby steps I have taken in my small community, I think having a web presence is necessary. Just my .02 though.

Good luck and I hope it takes off for you!

Tyler

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Photoiz is AMAZING! I have used it since day one of my business. I use the flash version and bulk option (25000 images) I have used every feature they have. I get great feedback from clients. I also use Itransact which partnered with photobiz to cover the merchant part. I have over 800 orders since January and only 2-3 issues...which they worked out quickly.

They are working on more updates that will fix any suggestions I have ever had. No I dont own stock or have any affiliation.... But I was a beta tester and have worked with them a lot.

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Matt, What is the total price yearly of your site?

Just wanted to add that I also use PhotoBiz and am thouroughly pleased with them!! I made the switch from Photoreflect a few months ago and couldn't be happier!

I stay pretty consistent at the $100 a month level (15,000 images) but do bump up the bulk option which is $160 a month when I have major events( 25,000) images. So my yearly cost is $1200-$1500. Not bad considering what you get. Also you can move up and down between the monthly rates as you need. I started at the $25 a month level and just added more as my business grew. Other than spending major $$ to have someone custom design something I cant think if a better option for people like me who dont have the time or knowledge to deal with website issues. With Photobiz I have a staff and engineers taking care of my site...... worth it to me.

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I remember the excitment of starting my site last year.... get a good web domain, have a businees plan, be creative, have fun and GOOD LUCK!