After running a photography business full-time for 7 years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what actually works, and what doesn’t.
I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on things that do work, and have seen amazing results. Buuut… I’ve also spent tens of thousands of dollars on things I wish I didn’t, because they did NOT have the ROI (return on investment) I was hoping for. And that’s a reeeal bummer. ?
However, one of the BEST investments I’ve ever made was creating a photography business website that stood out from the rest. This alone helped me to recoup a lotta funds and next-leveled my business in ways I never even imagined.
Now, for some honesty hour. I can’t say the path getting here wasn’t a rocky one. It was.
I wasted a lot of dollars on other website providers and templates that were just NOT a good fit. But the truth is, you don’t know what you don’t know. And once you know better, you do better. Good news is, I eventually found what works best. Praise. The. Lord. ??
So today, I’m excited to share with you my top (not-so-secret) resources for a stand-out photography business website. My goal is to help you avoid all the headache (and heart-ache) that a sub-par online presence costs you.
1. SHOWIT (My All-time Fav Photography Business Website Hosting Platform)
My website wouldn’t look as snazzy as it does if it weren’t for Showit. I seriously can’t get over how much I love it.
Showit is a drag and drop website builder, (meaning you don’t have to know any code at all to use it,) and that’s a HUGE deal for us non-designers. But the even better news is, even though it’s drag-and-drop, it doesn’t limit you on customization. There’s practically NOTHING you can’t do in showit. Got an idea you want to implement? I guarantee you it’s possible. It’s insane.
Truth be told, I can usually tell a Showit design apart from any other, because they seriously look THAT good. They’re just next-level. Like, even if you’re basing your site off a template… it doesn’t look “template-y.” I don’t know how to explain it, so here’s a few examples of some people who are running their kick-butt sites on Showit, (chances are… you know a few!) ?
2. Tonic Website Templates for Your Photography Business Website:
Once the Showit box is checked off the list, the next one (and tbh my favorite resource of all time,) is Tonic Site Shop. The owners, Jen & Jeff, are the best in the game at designing showit website templates, and all the cool kids have one. Just being honest. ?
But for real. Finally, a website you and your dream clients will love — and it’s just one instant download and a matter of days from going live, looking incredible, and changing your business forever. These templates are fully customizable, gorgeous on any device, with a seamless WordPress blog to match, and SEO power for days. No one will ever guess it wasn’t custom designed just for you (because, honestly, it was). They just know what you need.
Whew, GIRL. Your old website is already jealous. ?
Did I mention there’s no code, no tears, no limits? Really. Just pick a design, purchase, customize it, launch it, and sit back while the compliments roll in. ??♀️
Curious why I’m such a Tonic fan? Here’s 7 reasons I’m obsessed:
- Their designs are all completely customizable — like, you can change anything, and you can change it yourself, in your sweatpants, with a coffee in your hand.
- It’s easy: just drag and drop it like it’s hot until you’ve got the site of your dreams. It totally passes the mom test — if you can write an email, you can customize your own site. Promise.
- Awesome support from people who actually care about you. Does Squarespace care about you? Probably not. ??♀️
- You’ve got total control of your mobile and your desktop — no more wondering why something looks wonky on the platform 90% people use to see your brand for the first time and not being able to fix it. Gone are those days. ?? buh-bye.
- Jen and Jeff have done all the heavy lifting for you — the sites are gorgeous, obviously, but they’re also super strategic, and designed to connect with your ideal client. All you need to do is plug and play.
- For 1/8th the price of a custom site, you can have the site of your dreams up within days. No more ? into your ☕️. (Tears of “too good to be true” are on the way.)
- All the designs are cocktail inspired, straight from the top shelf – French 75, Vodka Soda, Moscow Mule, Gin & Tonic. You get it. It’s a theme. Just go with it.
MY CURRENT FAV TONIC DESIGNS FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS WEBSITE: (in no particular order)
1) Vesper – For the timeless, editorial, sophisticated photographer
View the vesper showcase here: https://tonicsiteshop.com/showcase/?tx_showcase_category=vesper
2) Lita Grey – for the sophisticated, spacious, editorial photographer
VIEW THE LITA GREY SHOWCASE: https://tonicsiteshop.com/showcase/?tx_showcase_category=lita-grey
Lillet Blanc – for the editorial, sophisticated, cool photographer
(This one’s newer, so I’m still waiting on the showcase to be developed!)
French 75 – for the classic, stylish, timeless photographer
VIEW THE FRENCH 75 SHOWCASE HERE: https://tonicsiteshop.com/showcase/?tx_showcase_category=french-75
5) Cover Club – for the stunning, fine art, high-impact photographer
VIEW THE CLOVER CLUB SHOWCASE HERE: https://tonicsiteshop.com/showcase/?tx_showcase_category=clover-club
Take it from me… don’t wait any longer for your dream photography business website. It’s already been made and it’s waiting for you at Tonic Site Shop.
I can’t WAIT to see what you create. ? (Seriously, email me after you snag one and lemme know which one you got! I’ll try not to stalk you until it’s live. ?)
This is always one of my favorite parts in my 1:1 Coaching Program for photographers, and the excitement isn’t just limited to them! We can all have snazzy websites now. ?
And now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for… ?
LOOKING FOR MORE HELPFUL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS? FEEL FREE TO BINGE ON THESE BLOG POSTS, OR PIN ’EM ON PINTEREST FOR LATER!
If you’re short on time, follow me on Pinterest – and you’ll get these kinda tips delivered straight to your feed! You know… when you’re scrollin’ through Pinterest with coffee in hand, ready to take on the day… or, procrastinate.
Whatevs. Pinterest biz sesh, anybody!? 
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