You have a stunning photography portfolio, now you just need a Showit website to amplify the services you offer but you don’t know where to start.
No more guessing games. Here is your go-to guide to creating a Showit website that not only looks pretty but actually makes you money.
Foundation and Framework
The first thing to note is who you are speaking to. I want you to get really specific with this. The more clarity you have on who you are trying to attract, the more you can create a website that speaks directly to them.
Let’s say you’re a wedding photographer in New York. Your audience isn’t just “couples in New York.” We can shift this into a more defined niche like modern, style-conscious couples planning luxury city weddings who value candid, editorial-style imagery.
By having a clear audience, you lay the foundation for who you are trying to call into your work through your website so that these exact people feel seen and know you are the obvious choice for them.
The more clarity you have on who you are, who you are for, and why you are a photographer, the more you can amplify your voice as the leader in your industry throughout your Showit site.
Alright, now that you know exactly who you are for, it’s time to set some goals for your website so that you can get the most out of it effortlessly. Let’s dive in.
User Experience
The way people experience your website is going to be the main focal point in the flow of your site. We want to create an experience that is engaging, sets you apart, and positions you as the authority, while also being easy to navigate through your branding and overall design composition.
Showit allows you to input your brand kit. I highly suggest working with a brand designer (such as myself) prior to creating your site. However, if not, choose colors and fonts that feel aligned to your goals and style.
By having a brand kit built into Showit, you are already setting yourself up for visual consistency.
Here are the key pages you will want to include on your site
- Home
- About
- Services or Packages
- Portfolio
- Contact
- Blog if applicable
- 404
- Terms and Conditions
- Privacy Policy
By including these pages and the appropriate content within each one, users can explore every dimension of you and your work. This creates a client journey that naturally leads them to inquire.
Your Homepage Is Your First Impression
When people land on your site, the goal is to hold their attention and your homepage sets the stage for this.
The first thing you want to include is your hero section. I recommend showcasing your work alongside this to create a strong visual impact.
Your hero section is not just about looking pretty. It is your first and sometimes only chance to convert a visitor. So it needs to be clear, specific, and action-driven.
This is why we focused on clarity earlier because it is about your audience seeing themselves in your work.
Clear headline
Editorial Wedding Photography for Modern, Style-Driven Couples
Subheadline (this is where you differentiate yourself)
Capturing your day with a candid, storytelling approach that feels effortless and true to you
Call to action
View Packages
Inquire Here
Include visual proof of your work.
Let’s Dive Into Curating Your Portfolio So It Makes You Money
Your website is not a place to dump every single photo you have taken to prove you are the photographer for your dream client.
Instead, I want you to categorize your work. For example, if you are a wedding photographer, you can have subgroups such as weddings, elopements, portraits, and Super 8 film. If you are a lifestyle photographer, this might look like couples, family, and maternity.
Having subgroups of your portfolio displayed on your website allows your ideal client to explore their best fit rather than feeling overwhelmed by seeing all your work at once.
I suggest dividing your portfolio into specific galleries. These can be displayed on your home page, services page, and portfolio page.
Alongside your work, using storytelling helps elevate your galleries. This allows your reader to feel fully immersed. It is more than just looking at a pretty picture. It is about helping them see themselves in your work.
Your About Page Is Not All About You
This section is more than just getting to know you. Its purpose is also to convert intentionally by helping clients understand who you are, sharing your story of why you started, why you are the go-to expert in your industry, and how you can best serve them.
Structuring Your Services
You do not need a million packages. You need a few that serve your client while also making sense for you. You should clearly state what is included within each package along with your price.
There is a lot of nuance around listing prices on your website. There are definitely pros and cons to both approaches, but in my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons.
Pros
– Ditch the guessing game for potential clients
– Set expectations for your work
– Create clarity around scope
– Position yourself as a premium brand
– Filter browsers into buyers
Cons
– Less flexibility for custom quotes, however I suggest including a starting at price and a plus for custom work
– You anchor yourself to a number
– It can oversimplify your value
– This really comes down to personal preference, but these are things you can consider and experiment with.
Converting Your Dream Client
Including a contact form on your Showit website allows your audience not only to engage but to take action.
Your contact form can include questions that feel inviting and get them excited for their special session with you.
Another great way to convert your website is through basic SEO setup. Things that are often overlooked such as meta descriptions, alt text, page titles, and SEO-optimized copy.
At Blackbird Creative Designs, not only do we create solid website designs, but we also have an in-house copywriter to ensure you are getting the most impact from your site so that you rank on Google and stand out in your industry.
Showit makes it easy to include these SEO features and provides sections where you can include keywords relevant to your niche.
Your Website Should Not Look Like a Hot Mess
Showit has so many great drag-and-drop features that allow you to fully customize your website. We are ditching outdated 2000s websites and bringing in marquees, animations, banners, and so many other fun add-ons.
You can start by choosing fonts and colors that represent your brand. If you are having a hard time with this, you can check out my branding services here: brand design services.
When designing your Showit website, it is important to balance aesthetics with functionality.
Make sure your website loads quickly and clearly communicates to your user without overwhelming them.
User experience should always be the top priority when designing your website.
Are You Ready to Create a Showit Website That Becomes a Money Maker and Feels Authentic to You and Your Brand
My photography clients go from having a website they feel embarrassed to link on their socials to feeling confident in what they offer.
Your website is more than just a place to get leads, it is an extension of your work.
At Blackbird Creative Designs, we do not just create websites, we create full experiences that help you start attracting your people instantly.
I know you are ready for more. You are ready for couples to fall in love with your work. You are ready for a website that holds your vision before your busy season starts.This is your sign that you are meant for more. Inquire here to work together or explore my design services to find the best fit for you.
