Path to Business Bethany Barrette

Building an effective website as a creative professional is essential. It's your online portfolio and a way to attract new clients. Forbes states almost half (48%) of visitors will determine the credibility of a business based on their website. But creating a site that works well can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you build a great website and avoid common mistakes.

1. Keep It Simple

A simple, clean design works best. Visitors should easily find what they're looking for. Too much clutter can confuse them. Stick to a few colors and fonts. Make sure your text is easy to read.

2. Showcase Your Work

Your work is the star of your website. Use high-quality images and videos. Create separate sections for different types of work. Write short descriptions for each project. Let your work speak for itself.

3. Easy Navigation

Make it easy for visitors to move around your site. Use clear menu labels. Keep the navigation bar in a familiar place, like at the top of the page. Include a search bar if you have a lot of content.

4. Mobile-Friendly Design

Many people will visit your site on their phones. Make sure your site looks good on all devices. Use a responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes. Test your site on both phones and tablets.

5. Fast Loading Times

No one likes a slow website. Optimize your images so they load quickly. Use a good hosting service. Avoid too many plugins and large files that can slow down your site.

6. Clear Call-to-Actions

Tell visitors what you want them to do next. Whether it’s to contact you, view more of your work, or follow you on social media, make it clear. Use buttons and links that stand out.

7. About You

Include a section about yourself. Share your story, your skills, and your experience. This helps visitors connect with you on a personal level. A friendly photo of you can also make a big difference.

8. Contact Information

Make it easy for potential clients to reach you. Include a contact form, email address, and phone number. Add links to your social media profiles. The easier you are to contact, the more inquiries you’ll get.

9. Regular Updates

Keep your website fresh with regular updates. Add new projects, blog posts, or news. This not only shows that you are active but also helps with search engine rankings.

10. SEO Basics

Optimize your site for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions. Write clear and concise meta descriptions. Make sure your images have alt text. These small steps can help more people find your site.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Overloading with Graphics: Too many graphics can slow down your site and distract from your work.
- Ignoring SEO: Without basic SEO, your site might not show up in search results.
- Poor Navigation: If visitors can’t find what they need, they’ll leave your site quickly.
- Not Updating Content: Outdated content can make you look inactive or unprofessional.
- Ignoring Mobile Users: A site that doesn’t work on mobile can lose you a lot of visitors.

By following these tips, you can create a website that effectively showcases your creative work and attracts new clients. Remember to keep it simple, showcase your best work, and make it easy for visitors to contact you. Avoid common mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to having a successful online presence.

We tell you the top things you should know about how to start a wedding photography business in 2024. If we were to start our wedding photography business today, it would look quite different from when we first began. Over the past nine years, we've learned invaluable lessons that we wish we had known from the start.

Gaining experience and building a portfolio is crucial in the early stages. Assisting experienced photographers can provide a behind-the-scenes look at the flow of a wedding day, offering to carry equipment, take behind-the-scenes shots, or help with logistical tasks. This experience will help you understand the pacing and demands of wedding photography. Additionally, second shooting allows for hands-on experience without the pressure of being the main photographer.

Networking with local photographers to express interest in second shooting is essential, showcasing your willingness to learn and assist. Offering discounted services can help build your portfolio and gain referrals, but it’s important to clearly communicate your usual rates and the discounted price to ensure clients value your services. You should always ask for reviews and referrals in return.

Smart investments in gear and equipment are another key aspect. Renting equipment allows you to use high-quality gear without the upfront investment. For the first few weddings, renting cameras and lenses can ensure you are familiar with the equipment before the wedding day. Once you are sure about your commitment to wedding photography, you can invest wisely in essential gear like a reliable camera body, a versatile lens, and a good flash. As your business grows, you can gradually invest in more specialized equipment.

Establishing your presence through branding and marketing is also vital. Creating a simple website is crucial for showcasing your work and allowing potential clients to find you. Platforms like Wix or Squarespace can help us create a clean, professional-looking website, including your portfolio, services, pricing, and contact information.

Networking with industry professionals, such as planners, venues, and other vendors, can lead to referrals and collaborations. You should attend industry events, join local photography groups, and engage on social media platforms to connect with other professionals.

Social media is a powerful tool for showcasing your work and attracting potential clients. Regularly posting your best work, engaging with followers, and using relevant hashtags can enhance your visibility. Sharing behind-the-scenes content can give potential clients a glimpse of your process.

Continuous learning and improvement are essential for long-term success. Seeking feedback from experienced photographers or mentors helps you improve your skills and refine your style. Constructive criticism is invaluable, and applying it to future shoots is crucial. Investing in education through workshops, webinars, and photography podcasts can help you stay updated with the ever-evolving field of photography. Learning from professionals who share their experiences and tips can provide new insights and techniques.

Refining your client experience by focusing on excellent communication, timely delivery of services, and going the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction is also important. Personalizing your interactions can make clients feel valued and special, leading to referrals and repeat business.

Building a successful wedding photography business takes time, dedication, and a lot of hard work. Every wedding you shoot is a learning opportunity. With these strategies and a love for capturing special moments, you'll be well on our way to becoming sought-after wedding photographers.

The wedding season is approaching, and for those in the industry, it's not just about capturing beautiful moments but also about being mentally and physically prepared for the journey ahead. As the pace shifts from the end of one season to the anticipation of the next, priorities evolve, focusing on self-care, business improvement, and gearing up for the upcoming events.

At the close of a season, it's crucial to take time for self-care, to recharge and prevent burnout. Wedding professionals often find themselves balancing between the demands of running a business, shooting weddings, editing, and managing personal responsibilities. Over time, there's a realization that maintaining mental and physical health is essential for longevity in the industry.

The off-season becomes a period of reflection and preparation. It's a time to address neglected tasks, update processes, and improve efficiency. From updating websites to maintaining and upgrading gear, there's a lot to be done behind the scenes. Attention to detail extends to client questionnaires, ensuring inclusivity and relevance to evolving societal norms.

Moreover, this period offers an opportunity to focus on the business itself, rather than just working in it. It's about thinking like a CEO, examining marketing strategies, refining sales processes, and exploring avenues for growth. By allocating time to plan and implement changes, wedding professionals set themselves up for success in the busy months ahead.

Prioritizing physical health becomes paramount, recognizing the toll that long hours and demanding work can take on the body. Incorporating regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and seeking chiropractic or massage therapy are integral to staying in top shape for the demanding wedding season.

Networking also plays a crucial role during the off-season. Building and nurturing relationships within the industry not only fosters a sense of community but also opens doors to collaboration and referrals. Whether through casual meetups or strategic lunches, connecting with like-minded professionals can lead to valuable insights and opportunities.

Strategic planning and time management are essential to juggle the demands of the off-season with personal and professional obligations. Leveraging tools like CRM systems and exploring emerging technologies like AI can streamline processes and automate tasks, freeing up valuable time for other priorities.

As wedding professionals gear up for another season, the focus shifts from decompressing to preparing both mentally and physically. By investing in self-care, refining business practices, nurturing relationships, and embracing innovation, they position themselves for success in the bustling wedding industry.

When it comes to finding your ideal client, it's not just about booking weddings—it's about finding the perfect match. We've spent years refining our understanding of what makes the ideal client for our wedding photography business, and it's been an enlightening journey.



Reflecting on our experiences, we realized that the couples who truly stood out to us were those where every aspect of the wedding felt right. It wasn't just about capturing beautiful moments; it was about connecting with clients who resonated with our style and approach.



While we're open to working with a diverse range of couples, there's something special about finding those who align perfectly with our vision. These are the couples who inspire us, challenge us, and ultimately make our work feel effortless.



But identifying your ideal client isn't always straightforward. Sometimes it takes time to figure out what works best for you. In the early days, we accepted weddings based on volume rather than compatibility. It was a learning process—one that involved mixing different experiences to understand what truly resonated with us.



Like dating, finding your ideal client is often a trial-and-error process. You may not realize what you're looking for until you've experienced it firsthand. Some clients instantly click with your personality and approach, while others may not be the right fit.



One key factor we've discovered is the importance of energy. We thrive when working with couples who bring enthusiasm and positivity to their wedding day. It's not about being hyperactive; it's about embracing the moment and being open to spontaneous fun.



Another crucial element is having a competent planner or coordinator. While we're experts at capturing moments, we're not event managers. Couples who invest in professional planning ensure that their day runs smoothly, allowing us to focus on what we do best.



We've also learned the value of investing wisely in the wedding experience. While extravagant budgets aren't necessary, attention to detail can elevate the overall look and feel of the day. Couples who prioritize key aspects like decor and attire tend to have more visually stunning weddings.



Saying no to potential clients can be challenging, especially when you're starting out. But as we've discovered, it's better to wait for the right match than to compromise your vision. Sometimes, turning down a wedding opens the door to opportunities that are truly aligned with your values.



In the end, finding your ideal client is about more than just booking weddings—it's about building meaningful connections and creating extraordinary experiences. By staying true to our style and preferences, we've been able to attract clients who appreciate our work and inspire us to push creative boundaries.



So, as you embark on your journey to find your ideal client, remember to trust your instincts, stay true to your vision, and never settle for anything less than extraordinary.

Starting a business can be thrilling, but what happens when your closest circle doesn't fully support your entrepreneurial journey? In our candid chat, we delved into the complexities of starting a business amidst skeptical friends and family.

🤔 Skepticism & Support: It's common for loved ones to express doubt when you embark on entrepreneurship. They might worry about the viability of your venture or recall past experiences with MLM schemes. But beneath the skepticism lies genuine care and concern.

💼 Professional Perception: As entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of professionalism. Yet, our friends may struggle to view us in a business context, especially if they've known us in a different light—perhaps as the life of the party rather than serious professionals.

📸 Photographer Predicament: As wedding photographers, we've encountered scenarios where friends opted for competitors over us, leaving us questioning their faith in our abilities. The disappointment stung, but it also highlighted the need for clear communication and expectation-setting.

💰 Discount Dilemma: Offering discounts to friends can be a tricky territory. While it may seem like a gesture of goodwill, it's essential to consider the value of your services and the impact on your business's bottom line.

👫 The Value of Trust: When friends do choose to support our businesses, it's more than a transaction—it's a testament to the trust they have in us. Their belief in our abilities fuels our passion and drives us to deliver our best work.

🔄 Turning Skeptics into Supporters: While not everyone may immediately grasp the value of our services, it's our responsibility to educate them. By showcasing our expertise, professionalism, and dedication, we can turn skeptics into staunch supporters.

💡 Finding Common Ground: Open communication is key. When friends express reservations about hiring us, it's an opportunity to address their concerns and find common ground. Explaining the intricacies of our work and the value we bring can bridge the gap between skepticism and support.

🌟 Celebrating Supportive Allies: To those friends and family members who believe in us, we express our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support means the world to us, and we're committed to exceeding your expectations every step of the way.

🤝 In Conclusion: Entrepreneurship isn't just about building a business—it's about forging connections and nurturing relationships. While skepticism may linger, it's the bonds of trust and support that propel us forward on our entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you're an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of starting a business or a friend contemplating hiring a loved one's services, remember this: behind every venture is a passionate individual striving to make their mark on the world. Together, let's champion each other's dreams and celebrate the power of friendship and entrepreneurship.

Today, we're diving deep into a crucial aspect of being a wedding professional: having a backup plan. We all know that weddings are intricate events with numerous moving parts. Yet, unlike many other professions, we don't get sick days. When you're a wedding professional, there's no calling in sick; you have to show up no matter what.

The topic of backup plans often arises, especially during unpredictable times like the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Couples began to ask, "What if someone falls ill?" This concern hit close to home for us, as we recently returned from a period of illness ourselves. Thankfully, it occurred during the off-season, which eased the situation a bit. But it got us thinking about the importance of having contingency plans in place.

One significant instance where we had to rely on our backup plan was when we found out we were pregnant with twins. Bethany ended up on bed rest in the midst of wedding season. Despite our meticulous planning, the twins arrived earlier than expected, throwing us into chaos. But because we had already communicated with our clients and arranged for backups, we managed to fulfill our commitments seamlessly.

This experience underscored the necessity of having backup plans and strong connections within the community. It's not just about you falling ill; family emergencies or unforeseen circumstances can also disrupt your availability. Having a reliable network of fellow professionals can be a lifesaver in such situations.

We've also encountered challenges with content creation, realizing the importance of scheduling and maintaining a buffer of pre-created content. As we grappled with our recent illness, we saw the impact of pausing content creation on our online presence. It's a reminder that consistency is key in today's digital landscape.

Our experiences have taught us valuable lessons. We've learned that professionalism isn't just about delivering top-notch service under ideal conditions; it's about navigating challenges with grace and preparedness. Whether it's illness, family emergencies, or unforeseen events, having backup plans and a supportive network can make all the difference.

Ultimately, it's about prioritizing our clients' needs and ensuring they receive the service they deserve, regardless of the circumstances. By proactively addressing potential challenges and having contingency plans in place, we can uphold our commitment to excellence and professionalism in the wedding industry.

So, to all my fellow wedding professionals out there, let's continue to prioritize preparedness, build strong connections within our community, and navigate the unexpected with confidence. After all, it's these challenging moments that truly define our dedication to our craft and our clients.