The New-and-Improved Storefronts: A Photography Website That Stands Out
Many photographers feel a bit of a panic when building a website. There’s so much to think about—choosing the right layout, picking the perfect photos, writing all the copy, and... It’s exhausting just thinking about it!
Some photographers start enthusiastically, only to quickly realise that building a website is just the beginning of a much larger commitment. You’ve got to keep everything fresh and updated to keep the bookings rolling in. But the reality? Many websites end up outdated or underperforming, which can mean losing out on potential clients.
A well-designed photography website should:
- Introduce you to potential clients
- Showcase your portfolio
- Highlight your unique style and offers
- Provide essential information about your services
- Facilitate easy contact and booking for potential clients
- Display testimonials from past clients
- Establish credibility and professionalism in your field
- Improve your visibility in search engine results
We’ve designed Storefronts to be the easiest, most efficient option for photographers who want their portfolio website to do all this while practically managing itself and still driving clients to their door. With Smiler's user-friendly interface and smart automation features, you can set up a sleek, professional website in just a few clicks. Once it’s live, your Storefront takes care of the heavy lifting—showcasing your best work, driving bookings, and even helping to build trust with potential clients through features like review collection and display.
What's New in Storefronts?
With the latest updates, Storefronts got a serious glow-up! More importantly, it has evolved into a revenue-generating powerhouse that converts visitors into clients. From visually engaging reviews that build instant trust to achievement badges that highlight your expertise, these updates are geared towards increasing your conversion rates.
Say hello to Storefront 2.0 ⚡
Impress Clients with Sleek Design
A photographer's portfolio is their most powerful marketing tool, that's why this Storefronts update offers a visual revolution! The revamped portfolio viewer now supports video content, allowing photographers to showcase their work in motion and giving potential clients a more immersive experience.
Additionally, the update features larger photo displays, particularly beneficial on mobile devices where screen real estate is at a premium. So, regardless of the viewer's device, the intricate details and stunning compositions of your work are not lost on your Storefront. The result? A more immersive and impactful portfolio experience that truly does justice to your artistic vision.
One way to maximise your business value is to clearly communicate that your photography services offer greater value than your competitors. With this updated visual identity, you not only present a more polished and professional image but also have the opportunity to better showcase the exceptional results that clients look for.
Build Trust Through Achievement Badges & Reviews
In the photography industry reputation and experience are everything. That's why Storefronts now offer a unique way for photographers to showcase their wins. The new trust badges and ratings feature rewards photographers for various achievements, such as a high number of bookings, exceptional client reviews, or other markers of success! They’re displayed front and centre on the photographer’s profile as a quick and easy way for clients to see their expertise and reliability at a glance.
We already know that customer reviews are your most powerful sales pitch, but they pack even more punch when they’re visually engaging! Now, visitors can view the photos attached to the reviews, bringing the testimonials to life. When visitors see positive reviews paired with high-quality images, it validates the credibility of those reviews.
In a crowded market, these elements can be the tipping point that makes a client choose one photographer over the competition. They’re a subtle yet powerful way of showcasing experience and quality without resorting to overt self-promotion.
Turn Visitors into Clients with One-Click Booking
One of the most significant enhancements to Storefronts is the integration of a seamless booking system. Now, regardless of whether a visitor is browsing on their smartphone or desktop, booking a photoshoot is always just one click away. No fuss, no back-and-forth, just a smooth and simple process that puts your services front and centre.
We've optimised the Service Menus to tackle a major hurdle: bridging the gap between a visitor admiring your work and actually taking the step to book. By improving the ease of navigation through your Storefront, we’ve made it simpler for visitors to find exactly what they need. The Services Menu now clearly presents all relevant information and incentives, making decision-making easier for visitors.
It's a stark contrast to traditional website builders, making Storefronts the best portfolio website alternative there is. Clunky contact forms or external booking systems often cause missed opportunities. By making it easier and more intuitive for clients to move from browsing to booking, we’ve eliminated the friction that often causes hesitation, helping you turn more admirers into paying clients.
Simple to create, simple to book! Your Bookable Services display all the relevant information and incentives to make it easier for prospective clients to book you on the spot.
Stand Out in Search Results with SEO Optimisation
The photography industry is fiercely competitive making standing out in search results rough on those with poor SEO. If you’ve been tweaking keywords and refining your messaging but still feel like your efforts aren’t getting noticed, there’s a better way to make your voice heard.
Storefronts are crafted to strike that perfect balance of photos and text that search engines love. The more valuable content you have, the more likely search engines are to send clients your way. By showcasing your work while integrating rich content, Storefronts make your unique selling points stand out and provide the kind of content richness that’s key to climbing search rankings.
And it doesn't stop there! With the new FAQ section, photographers now handle commonly asked questions head-on. Plus, with every well-crafted answer, you’re adding valuable keywords that improve your search rankings and get more eyes on your Storefront.
What Makes Storefronts the Best Website Builder for Photographers?
The Storefronts update represents a paradigm shift in how photographers can present themselves online. By combining stunning visual presentation with practical features like one-click booking and achievement badges, Smiler's Storefront feature offers a comprehensive solution that actively works to generate new business—not to mention that it takes less than 5 minutes to set up.
Easy Setup
Building a website the old-fashioned way can feel like running a marathon with your shoelaces tied together. You could easily spend 20 to 40 hours—or more—just comparing templates, uploading photos, writing content, and getting your booking system to actually work. And let’s be honest unless you’re a tech wizard, the whole process can be a headache, with ongoing maintenance constantly lurking in the background.
With Smiler Storefronts, creating a photographer portfolio website becomes a breeze. It's completely free, and all it takes is a few minutes to create and publish your Storefront. You don’t even need a credit card to get started—just create a free account, and you’re good to go!
Conversion-First Mindset
Smiler Storefronts are designed with a conversion-first mindset, ensuring that every element on your page works toward turning visitors into clients. Instead of scattering essential information across multiple pages—like your About section, portfolio, booking forms, and contact details—everything is integrated into a single, well-organised page.
For photographers, this means less time spent managing a complicated website. With everything—from portfolios to your services—neatly displayed on one page, clients can quickly find all the information they need without the frustration of navigating through a maze of tabs and pages.
For clients, this streamlined experience is a game-changer. They can view your portfolio, learn about your services, and secure a booking all within a few clicks. By minimising the steps between browsing and booking, Smiler Storefronts reduce the friction that often leads to drop-offs, resulting in higher conversion rates. It’s a user-friendly experience that not only impresses clients but also encourages them to take action, making your Storefront a powerful tool for growing your business.
Powerful Automation
One of the most compelling aspects of Storefronts is its automated nature. Unlike traditional website builders that require constant manual updates and maintenance, Storefronts intelligently updates itself based on the photographer's activity. New photos, recent bookings, and reviews are automatically integrated into the Storefront so that the portfolio always reflects the freshest content.
But automation doesn’t mean a loss of control! While Storefronts automatically populate galleries by gathering client consent, photographers have the final say on what gets showcased. It's the perfect blend of convenience and customisation, allowing photographers to do minimal work on website management.
Smiler Photographer Suite is designed to fill up your schedule with shoots, so you can spend more time behind the camera and less time behind a screen.
Hacks to Grow Your Photography Business with Storefronts
If you didn’t know before, now you do—Storefronts go far beyond what traditional portfolio websites can offer. At Smiler, we know that boosting your revenue from each client is just as crucial as attracting new ones when it comes to building a sustainable photography business.
Use the Services Menu to Lock in Clients
The Services Menu offers a direct line with clients to communicate the full range of services you offer. Whether it’s different types of shoots, such as weddings, portraits, and events, or specialised packages like seasonal promotions, this is where potential clients will first learn about what you can do for them.
To make the most of this feature, ensure that each service is clearly listed with a compelling description that highlights the unique benefits and value you provide. For example, rather than simply stating "Wedding Photography," describe how you capture the most intimate moments of a couple's special day. Additionally, consider highlighting any special offers or packages that provide added value, such as bundled sessions or discounts for early bookings.
Spread the Word
Leverage the power of your Storefront by sharing it across all your platforms—social media, link in bio, website, and even your email signature. Include direct links to your portfolio and services, and encourage your followers to explore your work. Social media is a great way to drive traffic to your Storefront and turn your audience into paying clients. When visitors have a direct path to book you without you even lifting a finger, it pays off big time.
Getting Started with Smiler's Storefront
Whether you’re new to Smiler or a returning user, getting started with your Storefront is easy and completely free. With just a few simple steps, you can set up a professional, visually robust Storefront that helps you attract more clients.
If you're a new user start by creating your account for free now. Set up your Storefront and populate it with your best work, services, and personal information. It's quick, intuitive, and designed to help you make the most of your online presence right from the start. If you already have a Smiler account, login using the button below.
We are excited about this new era of portfolio websites for photographers and can’t wait for you to try it out! We’d love to hear about your experience and you can get in touch with our support team for any kind of assistance you may need.