Setting Up an Online Presence

Setting up a website is difficult. You have to figure out your own style, source imagery, organise and repeat continuously as your work progresses. If you're interested in creating your own website or any kind of social platform these few steps I took may help you along the way.

Step 1: Research

Create mood boards or just look at loads of different sites. I looked at numerous online photography portfolios focusing on what I thought worked that I could include on my own website. My main goal was to make my website simple and easy to follow but also effectively showcase my work without distractions.

Step 2: Style

Experiment with layouts, logos and colour to find your own unique style that the viewer would be able to recognise as your own. I have found this to be one of the most difficult steps as I am too much of a perfectionist. I can spend hours trying to find the perfect colour palette.

Step 3: Content

Once your website is practically set up you need to think about what content your are wanting to exhibit. Ask yourself; who are your wanting to attract? Does the work presented showcase my skills? Remember not to include every photo be selective and choose a selection of the best. You can continue to replace them in the future as your work progresses. Categorise your content into subsections on your website to make it easier for the viewer to find different projects or portfolios. This also makes your site more professional as you can tell the audience exactly what you have to offer without them searching through hundreds of pictures.

Step 4: Feedback!

Always get an outsiders opinion. Remember anyone can look at your website so its good to get feedback from someone who hasn't spent days or weeks creating it. You are going to know all the hidden details but other people aren't.