Who really uses your website for selection?

[Double H]

I know that brides-to-be do a lot of comparison shopping using websites to select their photographyer but does any other market segment seem to do the same? I've had many seniors and families use my website to locate me, but few of those actually looked at the website as part of their decision making process. Just wondering.

RM

[Damon]

I think the look of your website can go a long way in the decision making process. That's why I'm trying to make mine look much better than it currently does.

[my3peas]

Well, being that I don't advertise anywhere, except for a few business cards here and there, I think the majority of my clients choose me from my website. In fact, I'd say 1 in 3 comment on the quality of my blog and my website every time I get an inquiry.

[toverman]

Most of my photo business (and freelance writing for that matter) comes from word of mouth. My Web site helps get them talking, but so far a lot of people don't stumble upon the site initially without a biz card or good referral from someone they know. I hope that changes at some point!

[CaptainTom]

If we are talking strictly about brides, I would evaluate my website as follows.

A bride hears by word of mouth, that I am a wedding photographer (which in the strictest sense is not correct. I am a commercial photographer who does weddings) and they either contact me directly or are directed to my website by the referring source. If they contact me directly, I will also direct them to my website so they can see what I am all about and find out if they like my work.
The next step is that they have seen my website, and are still interested. That's when the sale is made.

I think that if you don't have a website you are perceived as not a professional, or not serious about your photography.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

I think that if you don't have a website you are perceived as not a professional, or not serious about your photography.

I agree. And it's better if it's not a free Web site but one with your own domain name.

I don't know if the public perceives this, but I think that your e-mail address used for photography should also use your domain name rather than be imashutterbug@yahoo.com, etc.

[snidow]

Originally Posted by toverman

I agree. And it's better if it's not a free Web site but one with your own domain name.

I don't know if the public perceives this, but I think that your e-mail address used for photography should also use your domain name rather than be imashutterbug@yahoo.com, etc.

I completely agree, I am that way with other businesses. If their email address is yahoo or some such I am more suspect of them.

[Matt_G]

My website is my store, and information desk. It is my business.

Other than taking the actual pictures 99% of my business is done through my site.