Over the last few years we have seen the internet take great strides in both functionality and design. This has had an incredible effect on the web, and every website owner, from SME’s to personal blog owners have to consider how to ensure that their website utilizes the latest technology.
Here are ten top trends in photography website design.
Moveover Flash and Make Way for HTML 5, CSS3 and JQuery
Flash is fast becoming an outdated form of technology; hell even Adobe recently announced that they are withdrawing support for their own product!
Nowadays a combination of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript have can be used to create animated galleries and portfolios. Although these technologies are not as flexible and as fancy as Flash they are more stable, more reliable and they are accessible to all devices.
Knock Off the Sound Effects
Although musical websites were a big thing not so long ago they are now one of the quickest ways to irritate a visitor to your website. In fact any automated media content that makes noise is likely to tick of your visitor.
Given that we’re getting rid of Flash it is no longer practical (or prudent) to have music playing on your website. Knock off the sound effects and instead share your favorite songs through your blog.
Photography and Blogging
Photo blogging platforms and image based social networking sites such as Instagram, Flickr, Tumblr, and Pinterest are all having a big impact on how photographers engage and interact with an online audience.
If you’re not signed up to at least one of these sites then now is the time!
SEO Strategy
Blogging and social media are two of the best tools you have at your disposal and it is crucial that you use them to your advantage.
Make sure you regularly add SEO friendly (and people friendly) copy to your site. If you’re keen to get ranked on Google then be sure to sign up to Google’s new social network, Google+. This service has absorbed the Google Places system (which pinpointed your business on a Google Map).
You can also use location related keywords in your content (such as London wedding photographer) to help increase your Google rankings.
Mobile and Tablet Devices
More and more visitors will be coming to your site on mobile devices and tablets. Make sure your web design is responsive (fluid depending upon the screen size).
If your photography website is a little outdated then invests in a new responsive design!
Goodbye Boring Font, Hello Fancy Typeface!
Gone are the days of only being able to use a handful of dull and boring fonts on our website. Font embedding technologies have come a long way, and now you can easily embed a huge number of fonts into your website.
However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should! The same typography rules apply, keep your font clean and easy to read, and don’t use to many fonts as you may undermine your brand identity.
Get Savvy with Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube all have the potential to give you access to a whole new audience.
- Connect with your clients, friends and family on Facebook
- Follow your photography inspirations with Twitter and broadcast to a worldwide audience
- Increase your sites SEO with posts on Google+
- Interact with your professional network and get referrals through LinkedIn
- Show off your skills as a photographer and image editor with YouTube
Categorize Your Images
Make it easy for your visitors to view your entire portfolio and organize your website so that people can see your images based on their categories. This is great for SEO as well as your visitors.
Clean and Simple Canvas Design
More and more photography sites are going for clean, canvas like designs. By providing a simple backdrop your photography can really stand out.
Data Capture Forms
In order to make the most of the traffic visiting your website you need to incorporate data capture forms that allow you to convert your best visitors into leads and clients.
Include online ordering and booking features on your photography website to find out which of your visitors are really interested in your services.
Image Credit:Emily Kendell
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