Does Your Website Have These 5 Must-Have Features?
Wedding photographers, 2024 is FLEW by – can you believe we’re already approaching next year?
Many of you are gearing up for your 2025 bookings. As newly engaged couples begin searching for their dream wedding photographer, let’s get real for a moment: Is your website ready to convert visitors into clients?
Your portfolio may be stunning, but if your website isn’t pulling its weight, you could be leaving money on the table. Future bookings are directly tied to how professional, user-friendly, and strategic your website is.
Here are the 5 must-have features your website needs as you prepare for a packed 2025 season.
1. Clear, Above-the-Fold Information
Your website needs to immediately communicate who you are, what you do, and where you’re located – all without scrolling.
Why is this so important? Studies show users decide whether to stay on a website within seconds (some claim it’s as little as 0.5 seconds!). If your homepage loads with just a pretty image and your logo but no clear text, potential clients might bounce before they even know what you offer.
Pro Tip: Write a compelling brand bio that highlights your name, specialty, and location. For example:
“Hi, I’m Sarah, a wedding photographer specializing in candid, golden-hour portraits. I’m based in Portland, Oregon, and I love working with adventurous couples ready to say ‘I do’ in breathtaking places!”
If writing isn’t your strong suit, check out this helpful guide to crafting a brand bio!
2. Compelling Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Every page on your site should have a clear next step for visitors to take. A strong CTA keeps users engaged and helps them navigate your website with purpose.
Here are a few examples:
- “View My Portfolio” at the end of your About page.
- “Check Availability” on your Pricing page.
- “Let’s Chat” on every blog post or gallery page.
Sprinkle CTAs throughout your website and always include one at the bottom of each page. Not only does this improve your Google ranking by keeping visitors on your site longer, but it also keeps them invested in learning more about working with you.
3. SEO-Friendly Gallery Pages
Your gallery or portfolio pages are the heart of your website, but they shouldn’t just be a wall of images. To make these pages SEO-friendly and client-focused, include a mix of images and text.
Here’s what to include:
- Your favorite venues or locations to shoot.
- Ideal times of day for photography (sunrise, golden hour, twilight).
- Insights into your approach or style (e.g., documentary, high-end, candid).
Adding text to these pages helps search engines understand your content, which improves your ranking and visibility. Plus, it sets client expectations and gives them a glimpse into your unique perspective. Learn more about optimizing your gallery pages here.
4. Story-Driven Testimonials
Your testimonials should go beyond “She’s the best photographer ever!” While that’s nice, it doesn’t give potential clients insight into what it’s actually like to work with you.
Instead, use reviews that tell a story and highlight specific moments:
“Our sunrise session with Katya felt like a dream. Her energy at 6:00 am was unmatched, and the way she turned our little moment into something magical – surrounded by the ocean, soft music, and an incredible sky – was unforgettable.”
These kinds of testimonials build trust and create an emotional connection, making it easier for potential clients to envision themselves working with you.
5. Ditch Linktree for a Custom “Link in Bio” Page
If you’re using Linktree for your Instagram bio, it’s time to switch things up. While Linktree is free, it redirects users away from your website, hurting your SEO.
The solution? Create your own “link in bio” page directly on your website. It’s easy, free, and keeps traffic on your site, improving your search engine rankings. Plus, you can customize the page to match your branding and even include additional CTAs.
Ready to Take Your Website to the Next Level?
If you’re missing any of these five elements, don’t panic – I’ve got you covered.
Our collection of custom-designed Showit templates is tailor-made for wedding photographers like you. These templates include all the features listed above (plus so much more, like a free “link in bio” page!) and are designed to convert your visitors into paying clients.
Want something fully custom? I also offer completely bespoke website designs to help you stand out in a crowded market.
Shop templates here or schedule a custom design consultation. Don’t wait – let’s make your 2025 season your best yet!
