Looking for the best places for photographers to build their own photography website?
So you’ve edited your photos nicely? Trying to decide between WordPress, Squarespace and Weebly, to build your own Photography Website?
If you’re wondering how to make a website on your own, you’ve come to the right place!
Currently, these are arguably the three top ways to build your Photography website (or any website), so you’re on the right track!
Don’t get me wrong, all 3 can get you a decent website, however they all have slightly different processes to get you there.
Before we begin, don’t forget to find a domain name for your website!
Why you need a website as a photographer:
- Social Media isn’t enough
- Its affordable and easy to get up and running
- Builds your brand
- It’s expected
- Educate your potential clients on your service
Before we get started let’s take a look at a quick breakdown of the key features:
| WordPress | Squarespace | Weebly | |
| Best Free plan | x | ||
| Best Designs | x | ||
| Best Pricing | x | ||
| Best underdog | x | ||
| Best help & support | x | ||
| Best Apps & Plugins | x | ||
| Best for Basic Website | x | ||
| Best for Blogging | x | ||
| Best for Ecommerce | x | ||
| Most easy to use | x |
WordPress.com – Best for bloggers and content creators
Although I have tried all the website builders mentioned on this page, this website is powered by WordPress.com
Because of its flexibility, I recommend WordPress website builder to most small business owners and bloggers looking to build their own Photography Website.
Why?
Well, when starting off on my photography business journey, like with any new venture, I wanted to gain maximum benefit for minimal cost, until I was sure I’d made the right choice.
That’s where WordPress website builder comes in.
WordPress.com allows you to start a basic site for FREE. YES FREE!
In order to access more features, you can then upgrade your plan for a small fee per month!
I have indeed absolutely loved building my website with WordPress.com, their interface has been easy to use, and you can easily grow your business website with WordPress.
Squarespace – Best website builder for creatives
Squarespace has powered its way to being the heavyweight opponent of WordPress, through smart marketing and, above all, a long list of happy customers.
If you’ve started to look at build your own photography website then you’ve probably heard of Squarespace website builder.
Particularly integral to Squarespace’s success is their well designed website templates, beginner friendly building blocks and easy to manage interface.
Although Squarespace offer a free trial, they do not have a free plan, and you will be committing to a paid plan once the free trial expires.
Squarespace does not require any coding knowledge.
It is very user-friendly, and even inexperienced website builders can easily create a site using Squarespace website builder. Other than keeping the information up to date, there is little to no maintenance required.
Finally, I know a lot of people who use Squarespace and are very happy with the experience.
The general consensus seems to be that if you no interest in web development or website building, yet still wish to save costs and build a site by yourself, then Squarespace is the way to go!
Weebly – Best choices for free website creation
Although Weebly may not pop up in your Social Media Ads as much as Squarespace they definitely deserve consideration when deciding on where to build your site!
Don’t want to touch any code? CHECK. Simple drag & drop editor? CHECK. Free plan? CHECK.
Weebly is a simple beginner site builder that is making inroads into the eCommerce industry.
Although it is not suitable for major eCommerce sites, it does provide a highly cost-effective option for smaller businesses to enter this market.
You should check out Weebly if you’re just starting out and are looking for a free basic provider to help build your own photography website.
Should you then decide you are happy with your experience and wish to expand your site, you can upgrade your plan at the touch of a button!
To note, however, is that Weebly’s templates aren’t quite as up to scratch as WordPress or Squarespace, and some of the customization options have limitations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it took me many hours, even days to decide where to build my website, and as mentioned, I went with WordPress.com
I tried out each website builder and found WordPress to feel the most natural and logical platform.
WordPress.com is also the original blogging haven, and a blog was always going to be an integral part of my website.
Finally, my advice would be not to overthink the decision, as each platform will help you build your own Photography Website at the end of the day. I recommend having a play on each platform by using the free trials or plans before making your decision.
With that said if you can envision your site growing significantly, WordPress.com is most definitely better set up to grow with you!
Also, don’t forget, if you have the budget, but are sat there saying “ew nope, that’s not for me” but still feel your own website is important (trust me it is!), then head to Fiverr to check out expert Freelancers on hand to help you get started selling your photography!
Although expensive, hiring a professional with undoubtedly get you the best results. The most powerful website designs are custom-built by professionals.
Such websites are typically created when the owners desire extensive customizations and unique designs that DIY website builders cannot give!
Don’t hesitate, and get started today!
When starting out it’s also not a bad idea to use a dedicated service for selling your photography alongside your new website!
DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission from some of the links above. For the benefit of the doubt, please assume all links might be affiliate links.
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