Which Website Platform Should You Choose for Your Photography Business?
Hey, creative soul! 💛 I know how overwhelming it can be to start your photography business and tackle the big, scary question: “Which website platform should I use?” With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even begin.
So let’s break it all down. We’ll compare some popular platforms for photographers—Squarespace, Showit, Wix, WordPress, and Pixieset—so you can find the perfect fit for your style, skills, and goals. Spoiler: I’ll share why I often recommend Squarespace to photographers just starting out!
Squarespace template for Photographer from Tila Studio
What Do You Need in a Photography Website?
Photographers have specific needs for their websites. It’s not just about looking pretty (though that’s huge); it’s also about functionality. Here’s what most photographers are looking for:
Beautiful Galleries: Your photos are the star of the show.
Ease of Use: You want to spend your time shooting, not figuring out tech.
SEO Tools: To help clients find you online.
Customization: To reflect your unique brand.
Mobile Responsiveness: Because most clients browse on their phones.
Client Features: Booking options, proofing galleries, and contact forms.
Platform Comparisons
1. Squarespace
Best for: Simplicity and elegance.
Pros:
Stunning, modern templates that showcase your photos beautifully.
Beginner-friendly and super intuitive.
All-in-one platform: hosting, updates, and maintenance are included.
Built-in SEO tools to help you rank higher on Google.
Mobile-responsive designs that look amazing on all devices.
Integrated tools like Acuity Scheduling for booking clients.
Cons:
Limited flexibility for advanced customization.
Fewer third-party integrations compared to WordPress or Showit.
Why it’s great for photographers:
Squarespace is ideal if you want a sleek, professional website without the headache of dealing with too many moving parts. It’s perfect for beginners who want their website up and running quickly.
2. Showit
Best for: Designers who want full creative control and photographers with a clear vision.
Pros:
Completely customizable with drag-and-drop editing—your imagination is the limit!
Flexibility to create unique layouts and designs without any coding.
Cons:
Steeper learning curve for beginners.
Take longer to build the site since every element has to be manually built out.
Harder to design on its own without prior design knowledge or templates.
More expensive than Squarespace, especially with WordPress hosting fees.
You’ll need to manage the WordPress backend if you use its blogging features.
Why it’s great for photographers:
Showit is perfect if you want a completely custom design and love the idea of endless creative freedom. However, it’s better suited for those who are willing to spend time learning the platform (or have a designer’s eye).
3. Wix
Best for: Beginners who want to experiment with design.
Pros:
Drag-and-drop editor for easy customization.
Tons of templates to choose from.
Affordable pricing for basic plans.
Cons:
Too many options can feel overwhelming.
Slower site speeds compared to other platforms.
Not as polished as Squarespace or Showit for showcasing photos.
Why it’s great for photographers:
Wix is a good option if you’re on a tight budget or love designing things yourself. Just keep in mind that its templates aren’t always as clean or professional as Squarespace or Showit.
4. WordPress
Best for: Advanced users who want full control over their site.
Pros:
Unlimited customization with thousands of plugins and themes.
Great for advanced SEO strategies.
Scalable for any business size.
Cons:
Steep learning curve.
You’ll need to handle hosting, maintenance, and updates yourself.
Can be time-consuming to set up, especially for beginners.
Why it’s great for photographers:
WordPress is powerful, but it’s not the most beginner-friendly option. It’s better for photographers who are tech-savvy or working with a web developer.
5. Pixieset
Best for: Photographers who prioritize client galleries and proofing.
Pros:
Designed specifically for photographers.
Built-in client proofing and gallery delivery.
Simple and easy to use.
Cons:
Limited design flexibility for building a full website.
Not as versatile for SEO or blogging.
Why it’s great for photographers:
Pixieset is great for delivering photos to clients but isn’t ideal if you want a full-featured website. Many photographers pair it with Squarespace or Showit for the best of both worlds.
Why Squarespace is My Top Pick for Most Photographers
Squarespace offers the perfect balance of beauty, functionality, and simplicity. Here’s why I recommend it:
Ease of Use: It’s intuitive and easy to set up, even if you’ve never built a website before.
Beautiful Templates: Their designs make your photos shine and give your site a professional feel.
All-in-One Solution: Hosting, updates, and SEO tools are included—no need to juggle multiple services.
Cost-Effective: You get a polished, functional website without breaking the bank.
Client-Friendly Features: Add scheduling, contact forms, and even e-commerce for selling prints or sessions.
If you’re new to the business and want to focus on growing your brand instead of fighting with tech, Squarespace has your back.
Audrey Squarespace 7.1 Template for Photographers from Tila Studio
Final Thoughts
The platform you choose depends on your needs, skills, and where you are in your photography journey. If you’re looking for simplicity, elegance, and an all-in-one solution, Squarespace is the way to go.
Still not sure where to start? Fill out this form and let me help :)
