Do you ever visit a photographer’s website and wonder, how can I replicate this creative site? With an ultra competitive landscape, finding ways to make your website stand out can be challenging but we’re here to help you get your site the attention it deserves. Since first impressions last, our goal is to create a website that drives visitors and rises atop your competitors. So, let’s get started.
1. Choose the Perfect Template
You don’t need a fancy marketing agency to create your perfect website. You can start right here. The first step to building the perfect website is to choose the perfect template. Format has a number of different portfolio website templates that will allow your site to be seen the way you want it to. Your site should embody all things you, so choosing a web design that fits the image you want to portray to clients is integral. Since there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to website design, Format offers a variety of design themes. The best part is, you don’t have to be a web designer to navigate the templates and build your dream site. Check out the different templates available that fit everything from an architecture portfolio to art or photography or video or design portfolio – the sky’s the limit and there is something for everyone!
2. Professional, Sleek Templates
Here’s the thing – your website is going to be what tells clients everything they need to know about you. So, what are you going to tell them? And more importantly, what are you going to show them? With your website potentially being one of the first points of contact between you and your clients, it’s important to think about the best suited template. It’s important to choose one that looks both professional and sleek, yet that doesn’t mean it has to be plain or boring. Keeping this in mind is going to help your website stand out. But what does a professional look like? There are plenty of different ways to make that happen – your website can have bold color schemes or it can take a retro feel or it can simply look polished. It’s your blank canvas, so make sure it is true to your unique brand and looks good too.
3. Use of Colors
While you contemplate the best template that will make your website stand out while staying on brand, consider the color schemes you want for your website. Since your web page is all part of your brand, the color palette you choose needs to match. Take some time to think about the vibe of your website and consider what the color will say. Do you need black and white, mate, vibrant, cool, or brilliantly accented colors to tell your story? It’s all in the details and choosing the right color scheme for your website design is something that shouldn’t be overlooked while you are creating a site that stands out. It’s important to think about your audience and the power that the colors on your website will have in holding their attention.
4. Choosing the Perfect Typography
Part of the perfect web design is deciding what type of typography is right for you. Ultimately, you need to think about the typography that will best match your brand aesthetics, whether it’s big and bold or harsh and colorful or skinny and sleek. Take a look at some of the websites you like and see if they could fit into the canvas you are trying to create. Typography is not just a font, but it’s who you are – so consider what you want it to say about your personality and visual or tonal direction. During this stage, it’s important to also think about the functionality of what you are choosing. Consider how it will affect the navigation for readers as they move through your website and how it will look from page to page. Put some thought into what the headlines will look like and across other aspects of your website beyond the landing page.
5. Full-Screen Video
Video content has now become a common theme found on websites. The use of video is a great way to initially catch visitors’ attention and then continue to hold it. The longer people stay on your website the more potential interaction can come from what could be a potential customer. In fact, research shows that video will keep people on a website an average of 50% longer. The move to fullscreen video on the landing page means your web design will include a large, full-screen video directly on your home page. This is another great way to both make your website stand out, while also showing clients what your brand is about. Make sure your full-screen video embodies just that, whether it’s through animation or abstract videography or simply a cool video. There are many website builders that provide intuitive tools and templates that allow you to create full-screen videos with their video website templates.
6. Great Content
Make your website a go-to place for people to get great content. A place that no matter what, potential customers can find at least a few intriguing things on your site that will make them stick. Filling your website with great content is an important way to keep visitors engaged. While this one may seem like a gimme when talking about creating a website that stands out, unfortunately, it often can fall to the wayside. One of the most important things for a business is to ensure their website is getting fresh content constantly. This means a few things – one of them being that you will need to be updating your website many times a month. This means you’ll have to stay disciplined about staying on track with your posts. This doesn’t always need to include a complete overhaul on the website design, but you will need to continue to add content and show people you are up-to-date on design trends. Fresh content ideas and great content can help you stay ahead of the competition and it can also help your website rise to the top of search engines. So consider some content – update employee bios, share new ideas your company is working on, write a blog post, and don’t be afraid to use your own photos, or stock photos if you have to.
7. Stunning Images and Videos
This is really where you can shine. Websites always benefit from stunning photos or a captivating video being worked into the layout. They can also be used for added content along the way. As you work to develop the perfect website strategy, don’t forget to put some thought into how and where your photos will be displayed on your site. Website visitors may stay longer if you can capture their attention through stunning photography or fun videos, so don’t be afraid to be authentic in the photos and videos you post on your site.
For example, capture and share out-of-the-box headshots instead of just the classic style to really showcase to potential clients the essence of your business. Using stock photos is okay if you need to, but if you can develop your own content then it’s going to capture a truer essence of your company. Play with animation, have some fun, and share with the world your incredible images and videos.
8. Great User Experience
Last but certainly not least, when people visit your website they need to have a good user experience. Websites that are challenging to navigate, difficult to understand, or are outdated can cause users frustration which becomes counterintuitive to your ultimate goal. If your competition has a more user-friendly site than yours, then you will need to make some website changes. Be sure to constantly be checking on your website from different devices – desktop, tablets, and mobile to really have a strong idea of the user experience on a variety of different platforms. This is an especially good habit to get into when you originally posted your work. Put yourself in the shoes of your clients and ask yourself, is this easy to use? A great user experience is great for both your user’s happiness and your website’s ability to stand out.
Additional ways to make your website a stunning masterpiece:
The Ultimate Guide to Website for Photographers
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