So you’ve decided to launch your own photography business – you have the camera, an Instagram account, and a few clients who are *totally* down to spread your name – so do you actually need a website when just starting out? There are a ton of opinions floating around in the web space and social media about photographers and their way of booking clients (and let’s be honest, they get a bit strong). And dang it, you just want to know “What is best for ME?”
Ugh, SO glad you asked 😉 – let’s get into it.
1. Can I Just Use Instagram Or Facebook?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: yes, *with strategy*
Instagram and Facebook are powerful marketing platforms for photographers (and they come with many cool features that allow you to dive deeper into marketing potential – looking at you, question box).
…but… you don’t own your space on Instagram and Facebook.
I know…it’s not something you really think about: “owning your space” – and Instagram going down just means you get a little social media break, right? While the optimist in me is smiling, the realist says, “photographers, you might wanna think about this one a bit more…”
Let’s repeat that: you don’t own your space on social media platforms. What does this mean?
- You don’t own your audience: you can’t export followers or contact them outside the platform.
- Vanishing followers: hacks, shadowbans, or disablements can wipe out years of work overnight.
- Content risk: if the app goes down, your portfolio goes with it.
and so on and so forth…the list goes on.
Let’s add in *client experience*. When your business lives solely on Instagram or Facebook, your client experience is limited by the platform itself. You’re working within someone else’s layout, rules, and attention span, which usually means potential clients are scrolling past your work between memes, ads, and other photographers. We’re talking less than 3 second attention span here, from people who aren’t intentionally seeking you out.
A website allows you to intentionally guide your dream client from first impression to inquiry without the distractions. It sets expectations, communicates your value, and helps filter out misaligned clients before they ever land in your inbox.
In other words: your website isn’t just a portfolio, it’s one of your strongest (and owned) marketing assets that works for you 24/7 to reduce the back and forth messages, and attract more aligned inquiries.
OK, ok….but will just using social media work for ME? Or, do I still need a photography website when just starting out?
I personally think that building a portfolio on social media first will be just fine. BUT have a plan in place to start working toward getting your own website, sooner rather than later. If not to just simply own your space, do it to start providing your dream clients with an idyllic experience that gets them excited to work with you! Plus, if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to spend the rest of your days stalking the algorithm like a crazy ex just to “maybe” get inquiries.
2. I’m Seriously Just Starting Out…Money Is Tight.
2019, been there and done that with that same exact thought. I remember sitting at my desk filing for an LLC thinking “…well, this better work” (along with absolute excitement, of course).
Starting a business is expensive. Plain and simple. So, tacking on other expenses right off the bat? We absolutely shudder at the thought.
And hiring a web designer right then and there? …Well, unless you’re incredibly type A and have been planning for the expense of custom web design, I’d say put a pause on the custom design investment for now; but don’t pause the strategy.
*Read our blogs & go the DIY route instead* …Seriously though, there are some of us who pride ourselves on building trust by giving valuable advice for free.
*shocker*.
While I hope to work with one-on-one soon, I’m not gonna leave you hanging just because a website doesn’t yet make the greatest financial sense for your business. My belief is that you need to start messily and work your way into building a standout client experience, to include a website that effortlessly calls out to your dream audience and converts them into paying clients.
What I will say though… even though you don’t need a custom photography website when just starting out, keep in mind that what you’re trading in order to go the DIY website route is time. So, don’t go too deeply into the web design rabbit hole and get absolutely consumed by a perfectionist mindset. The burnout will get real. Real fast.
3. I’m Not An Established Photographer Though…So I Can Wait, Right?
You can wait.
But the truth is, there will always be a reason to wait…and that is the trap that keeps you from growth.
I don’t have enough clients.
I’m not confident in my style or skill.
This investment seems premature.
I’m really not sure that this is the branding I want to keep…
The thing is, your website isn’t meant to be a final, forever version of your business. It is simply a starting point. When strategically considered, it is one that grows with you as you book more sessions, gain clarity, and refine what you actually want to be known for.
In fact, having a photography website when just starting out often helps you get more established. It forces clarity. It gives potential clients somewhere intentional to land. And it starts building trust long before someone ever reaches out.
Waiting for everything to feel “ready” usually just delays momentum.
So yes, while you can wait…I wouldn’t stay stuck on waiting until things are perfect. Get a few sessions wrapped up and use them as the base content for your website. Bonus points if you can get testimonials from those sessions!
4. Umm…I Really Don’t Want To Deal With The “Tech” Behind Building A Website.
For someone who is not used to website designing, the task along with learning a new platform can be daunting. It’s normal.
After all, you’re a photographer not a website designer (unless you find yourself becoming weirdly fascinated by it like me, then welcome to the club).
But truly, If the thought of hosting, domains, page builders, and one more thing to learn makes you want to slam your laptop shut and scream into a pillow… you’re not alone. Most photographers didn’t start their businesses because they love tech and building their photography website; they started because they love creating.
Here’s the thing though ( a little encouragement for ya): your photography website so does not need to be complicated to be effective, especially when just starting out. What converts is clarity in who you’re trying to attract, not complexity of your design. With platforms like Showit, coding is a thing of the past (again, unless you are weirdly into that stuff).
What you do need is something simple and clear:
- who you are
- what you offer
- how someone can work with you
That’s it.
If you’re going the DIY route, give yourself boundaries. Pick a platform, choose a simple layout, and resist the urge to tweak every tiny detail. Seriously…resist that urge. A “good enough” website that exists will serve your business far better than a perfect one that lives in draft mode forever.
As a fellow perfectionist, I understand the collective shudder when seeing this…but it’s true:
Start messy. You can always refine later.
So… Do You Really Need A Website For Your Photography Business To Be Successful?
Not necessarily on day one.
If you’re brand new, testing the waters, and booking a few sessions through social media alone, that can absolutely work for a season. Be strategic and think long-term. Social platforms are great for visibility, connection, and getting your feet under you.
But if you’re thinking long-term about building something that grows with you, is able to act as a 24/7 salesperson, and attracts aligned clients, a website becomes less of a “nice to have” and more of a necessary foundation.
A simple website gives you:
- ownership over your space
- control over your client experience
- clarity in how you communicate your value
- and breathing room from chasing the algorithm for every single inquiry
It doesn’t need to be perfect nor does it need to be expensive. And it certainly doesn’t need to happen all at once.
It just needs to exist and then it can grow with you.
Start where you are. Build your business intentionally. And let your website grow alongside your business instead of waiting for the elusive and imaginary “ready” moment to arrive.
If you’re ready for a website that supports your current season while positioning you for long-term growth, explore my semi-custom website design experience here. It’s designed for photographers (and creative businesses) who want a professional website that supports their current season of growth, while leaving room to evolve with clarity.
Stay rising, friends!
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