articles/Websites/websitewhyshouldibother-page2
by Tom Lee Published
Topic Of Conversation
I use 'News Pages' on my website for local wedding announcements, just like the tradition of posting them to the local paper. Recent wedding couples are displayed on an 'Announcements' page, so that family and friends can see them. This is not only novel, but has a serious commercial value. What percentage of wedding or portrait commissions come your way by word of mouth? A good 50% of work most people receive is due to the manner in which they conduct themselves and present their work.
Brides discuss their wedding with prospective brides, they tell them how much they enjoyed themselves and how professional you were, and now they are on the internet! I can't say if the website pictures have tipped the balance, but I do know that from recent referrals, these pictures have been discussed and caused great amusement. If it helps to get them talking about you and your work, it can only benefit you in the long run.
Too Much Effort
There will always be photographers who proclaim that its all too much effort, or I'm too busy. But there have always been photographers who refuse to accept digital photography, or refuse to educate themselves by attending seminars and lectures, or prefer to sit by the telephone and wait for it to ring.
Successful social photographers know that they will only get out what they put in to their business. Whether full or part time practitioners, learning new skills or embracing new technology is all part of the game. Even if you don't agree with my sentiments there is the sheer prestige of having a good-looking website. This says something about you and your professionalism.
Nearly 70% of our prospective customers have internet access through their home computers, and 'Internet Shopping' is developing at an incredible rate. This has even woken up the Government so much that there are moves to decrease the local call rate on the internet, to making it even more accessible. People with digital television access now have the facility to access internet sites without a computer. How many homes do you know without a TV!
Can you afford to be left behind, and if not, how long can you afford to wait?
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