What makes a good photography website? 5 key elements to attract dream clients
As a photographer, your website is one of the most powerful marketing tools, which is why it’s important to learn what makes a good photography website so you can attract and convert dream clients. It’s often the first place they visit to learn about you, your work, and what you offer. That first impression matters—big time. With just a few seconds to make a lasting impression, your website needs to work hard to capture attention, build trust, and guide visitors toward booking a session with you.
So, what makes a good photography website? After over a decade of working with photographers and other creatives, I've narrowed it down to five essential elements that can turn your website into a client magnet.
What makes a good photography website that converts?
1. A strong first impression (you have 5 seconds!)
Did you know that you only have 5–8 seconds to capture a visitor’s attention when they land on your website? In that brief moment, they decide whether to stay or leave. So, it’s crucial to make those first few seconds count.
Here's what makes a good photography website worth exploring in those crucial first moments:
Your Logo: Your brand logo is the face of your business. A professional, well-designed logo shows you take your craft seriously and helps establish credibility.
A Clear Tagline: In just a few words, let visitors know exactly what you do. Whether you specialize in weddings, portraits, or commercial photography, make it clear how you can solve their visual storytelling needs.
A Glimpse of Your Work: Give them a preview of your best shots. Whether it’s a stunning wedding portrait or an editorial shot, showcase what you’re best at and link to a full portfolio.
A Call to Action (CTA): Don’t leave visitors guessing about the next step. Include one or two CTAs like “Book a Session,” “View Portfolio,” or “Contact Me” to guide them along their journey.
Your Face: People want to connect with the person behind the lens. Show your personality by featuring a photo of yourself. Trust is key in the photography world, and putting a face to your brand builds that connection right away.
I have a blog post on how to create a standout personal brand that will resonate with potential clients and sets you apart in the industry.
2. Clear and simple navigation
Nothing is more frustrating than landing on a website and not being able to find what you’re looking for. Visitors should be able to find your portfolio, pricing, contact information, and other important pages without hassle.
As a photographer, simple, intuitive navigation is one of the key answers to what makes a good photography website.
Keep your menu simple with clear categories: Home, Portfolio, About, Pricing, Blog, and Contact.
Use descriptive names for each page to avoid any confusion. For example, instead of a vague "Gallery" link, name it "Wedding Portfolio" or "Portrait Sessions."
Make sure your contact info is easy to find, whether it’s a phone number, email, or a contact form.
When visitors can navigate your site without confusion, they’re more likely to explore your work, take that next step, and reach out. This is key to a good website that converts visitors to inquiries!
3. An about page that focuses on photography clients
Your About page is often the first place potential clients will visit after looking at your portfolio. It’s where they decide whether you’re the right fit for them. While they want to know about your experience and style, they also want to know how you can serve them.
Here’s what to put on a photography website About page:
Your Story: Share what inspires your photography while highlighting how your work benefits clients.
Your Personality: Be authentic and relatable. Your unique style and approach are what set you apart.
Your Process: Outline what clients can expect when they work with you, from consultation to final delivery.
4. Blogging to improve SEO and build trust
Blogging may seem outdated, but it is a key factor to what makes a good photography website perform well on search engines! When it comes to your photography website, blogging is a powerful tool for attracting new clients and improving your SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Google loves fresh, keyword-rich content, and blogging is a great way to add that. Here’s why blogging is essential for photographers:
Boost SEO: Blog posts rich with relevant keywords like “studio family photos” or “how to choose the right photographer” can improve your rankings on Google.
Show Expertise: Write about tips, client stories, or behind-the-scenes insights. This positions you as an authority in your field.
Drive Traffic: Regular updates encourage return visits, increasing the chances of converting leads into bookings.
Check out my post on SEO for photographers to learn more about how blogging can work for your business.
5. Client reviews: build trust with social proof
In the photography world, client reviews are gold. People want to know that you’ve delivered quality work to others before they commit to booking a session with you. This is known as social proof, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to build trust with potential clients.
Showcase Reviews: Dedicate a section of your site to client testimonials or create a separate page for reviews. Include photos from the sessions to make the testimonials more personal and impactful.
Video Testimonials: If you can, include video reviews from happy clients. Seeing a real person express their satisfaction with your work builds even more trust.
Encourage Reviews: After each session, ask clients to leave reviews. You can do this through email or a follow-up form.
Make your website work for you
Your website is often the first impression clients will have of your photography business. What makes a good photography website comes down to these important factors, a strong first impression, clear navigation, a compelling About page, a blog for SEO, and authentic client reviews. By adding these elements to your photography site, you’ll not only attracts visitors but also converts them into loyal clients.
Investing in a website that reflects your style, professionalism, and expertise is one of the best ways to grow your photography business and stand out in a competitive market.
Now it’s your turn: Make sure your website is not just a portfolio, but a tool that works for you!
Need help? Reach out today to see how we can elevate your online presence.