Do you search
for images
directly from
independent
photographer
websites?
QUESTION:
58% of the respondents
said that they search for
images on independent
photographer websites.
42%
58%
Yes No
Independent Photographer Websites
Our Survey
I am usually looking for
something specic, so I
want to see a good search
engine. Most other stuff is
nice, but I don't have time
to look at it.
Which
method(s) of
image delivery do
you prefer?
QUESTION:
48% of the respondents
prefer to receive images via
FTP or web download.
82% want the ability to
download images directly
from a photographers
website.
Web download
FTP
E-mail
DVD/CD-ROM
0 125 250 375 500
Image Delivery Preferences
Our Survey
Which
method(s) of
image delivery do
you prefer?
QUESTION:
48% of the respondents
prefer to receive images via
FTP or web download.
82% want the ability to
download images directly
from a photographers
website.
Web download
FTP
E-mail
DVD/CD-ROM
0 125 250 375 500
Image Delivery Preferences
Our Survey
Don't get lazy with the
usability design or try to be
too complicated. In the end,
it's just about the work, and
having your images easily
accessible to the user will
pay off in the end.
Does a uniquely-
designed website
make you more
likely to purchase
images from, or
give assignments
to the
photographer
who owns it?
QUESTION:
58%
42%
Yes No
Is unique design important?
Our Survey
Does a uniquely-
designed website
make you more
likely to purchase
images from, or
give assignments
to the
photographer
who owns it?
QUESTION:
58%
42%
Yes No
Is unique design important?
Our Survey
Being unique and
creative is great, as
long as it's intuitive.
Does a uniquely-
designed website
make you more
likely to purchase
images from, or
give assignments
to the
photographer
who owns it?
QUESTION:
58%
42%
Yes No
Is unique design important?
Our Survey
Do not over-design the
website. I am looking for
images not design ideas.
Does a uniquely-
designed website
make you more
likely to purchase
images from, or
give assignments
to the
photographer
who owns it?
QUESTION:
58%
42%
Yes No
Is unique design important?
Our Survey
Clean, well-designed
websites are best. Ease of use
can make or break a site.
Does a uniquely-
designed website
make you more
likely to purchase
images from, or
give assignments
to the
photographer
who owns it?
QUESTION:
58%
42%
Yes No
Is unique design important?
Our Survey
How long are
you willing to wait
for a website to
load before giving
up?
QUESTION:
If your site doesnt load
within 15 seconds, you will
lose 71% of your audience.
0
34
68
103
137
171
205
< 5 10 15 30 1 5 5+
Site/Page Load Speed
Our Survey
Seconds
14% of the respondents
said they would bail out if
your site doesnt load within
5 seconds.
Minutes
How long are
you willing to wait
for a website to
load before giving
up?
QUESTION:
If your site doesnt load
within 15 seconds, you will
lose 71% of your audience.
0
34
68
103
137
171
205
< 5 10 15 30 1 5 5+
Site/Page Load Speed
Our Survey
Seconds
14% of the respondents
said they would bail out if
your site doesnt load within
5 seconds.
Minutes
Speed is the most
important thing to me,
followed by the ability to
quickly search for key
words & phrases.
When you nd a
suitable stock image
from a photographers
website, do you want
the ability to generate
an immediate price, or
would you like to
contact the
photographer directly
to negotiate pricing?
QUESTION:
39%
5%
9%
47%
Instant Pricing
Call to Negotiate
Dont Care
Both
Immediate Pricing
Our Survey
86% of the respondents
want the ability to get an
instant price.
When you nd a
suitable stock image
from a photographers
website, do you want
the ability to generate
an immediate price, or
would you like to
contact the
photographer directly
to negotiate pricing?
QUESTION:
39%
5%
9%
47%
Instant Pricing
Call to Negotiate
Dont Care
Both
Immediate Pricing
Our Survey
86% of the respondents
want the ability to get an
instant price.
I need to obtain pricing
and images quickly. Need a
good search engine.
When it comes
to viewing the
images on a
photographers
website, which of
the following sizes
do you prefer?
QUESTION:
67% of respondents dont
like it when images are
smaller than 700 pixels
wide.
0
38
76
114
151
189
227
265
Any 500 700 900 900+
Image Sizes
Our Survey
pixels wide
When it comes
to viewing the
images on a
photographers
website, which of
the following sizes
do you prefer?
QUESTION:
67% of respondents dont
like it when images are
smaller than 700 pixels
wide.
0
38
76
114
151
189
227
265
Any 500 700 900 900+
Image Sizes
Our Survey
pixels wide
We care less about how
cool the site is and more
about how great the images
are, We want to see them
fast and big and the
navigation needs to be clear
and simple.
When it comes
to viewing the
images on a
photographers
website, which of
the following sizes
do you prefer?
QUESTION:
67% of respondents dont
like it when images are
smaller than 700 pixels
wide.
0
38
76
114
151
189
227
265
Any 500 700 900 900+
Image Sizes
Our Survey
pixels wide
Please rate each
of these
watermarked
image examples
according to their
usability.
QUESTION:
UNUSABLE
Images are impossible to
comp with, so the image will
not be considered at all.
Our Survey
94%
84%
say this will not
be considered
say this will not
be considered
Please rate each
of these
watermarked
image examples
according to their
usability.
QUESTION:
UNUSABLE
Images are impossible to
comp with, so the image will
not be considered at all.
Our Survey
94%
84%
say this will not
be considered
say this will not
be considered
I don't like ridiculous
watermarks. Often times I
have to comp an image to
show a client before making
a purchase decision, if the
watermark gets in the way, I
won't use it.
Is there a color
or shade for
website
backgrounds that
you prefer?
(Where you feel
images are either
easier to view, or
look best?)
QUESTION:
Our Survey
WHITE
BACKGROUND
38% 38% 20%
Love it Like it Neutral
3%
Hate it
76%
approval
rating
Is there a color
or shade for
website
backgrounds that
you prefer?
(Where you feel
images are either
easier to view, or
look best?)
QUESTION:
Our Survey
BLACK
BACKGROUND
44% 30% 20%
Love it Like it Neutral
5%
Hate it
75%
approval
rating
Is there a color
or shade for
website
backgrounds that
you prefer?
(Where you feel
images are either
easier to view, or
look best?)
QUESTION:
Our Survey
DARK GRAY
BACKGROUND
20% 39% 32%
Love it Like it Neutral
9%
Hate it
59%
approval
rating
Is there a color
or shade for
website
backgrounds that
you prefer?
(Where you feel
images are either
easier to view, or
look best?)
QUESTION:
Our Survey
LIGHT GRAY
BACKGROUND
14% 34% 42%
Love it Like it Neutral
9%
Hate it
48%
approval
rating
Is there a color
or shade for
website
backgrounds that
you prefer?
(Where you feel
images are either
easier to view, or
look best?)
QUESTION:
Our Survey
COLORED
BACKGROUND
2% 2% 27%
Love it Like it Neutral
69%
Hate it
4%
approval
rating
Is there a color
or shade for
website
backgrounds that
you prefer?
(Where you feel
images are either
easier to view, or
look best?)
QUESTION:
Our Survey
TEXTURED/
PATTERNED
BACKGROUND
1% 1% 4%
Love it Like it Neutral
94%
Hate it
2%
approval
rating
Is there a color
or shade for
website
backgrounds that
you prefer?
(Where you feel
images are either
easier to view, or
look best?)
QUESTION:
Our Survey
TEXTURED/
PATTERNED
BACKGROUND
1% 1% 4%
Love it Like it Neutral
94%
Hate it
2%
approval
rating
I like a nice clean
background (white) --- not
an over designed site. It
should be about the
images.
How many
galleries of images
do you
realistically look
through on a
photographers
website?
QUESTION:
0
42
84
126
168
210
0-3 4-6 7-10 10+
Galleries Viewed
Our Survey
number of galleries viewed
40% said they look through
4-6 galleries per visit.
21% said they will look
through 10+ galleries.
How many
galleries of images
do you
realistically look
through on a
photographers
website?
QUESTION:
0
42
84
126
168
210
0-3 4-6 7-10 10+
Galleries Viewed
Our Survey
number of galleries viewed
40% said they look through
4-6 galleries per visit.
21% said they will look
through 10+ galleries.
I will look through every
image on a site if I like the
work, and the site is usable.
If it's too hard to get to the
galleries, or search, or if the
pages take too long to load,
I won't go past 2 or 3
galleries.
How many
galleries of images
do you
realistically look
through on a
photographers
website?
QUESTION:
0
42
84
126
168
210
0-3 4-6 7-10 10+
Galleries Viewed
Our Survey
number of galleries viewed
40% said they look through
4-6 galleries per visit.
21% said they will look
through 10+ galleries.
Too many photos per
gallery is annoying.
How many
galleries of images
do you
realistically look
through on a
photographers
website?
QUESTION:
0
42
84
126
168
210
0-3 4-6 7-10 10+
Galleries Viewed
Our Survey
number of galleries viewed
40% said they look through
4-6 galleries per visit.
21% said they will look
through 10+ galleries.
Do you often
watch auto-
running
slideshows within
a photographers
website?
QUESTION:
77%
23%
Yes No
Willing to watch slideshows?
Our Survey
77% said they usually dont
watch self-running
slideshows within a
photographers website.
Do you often
watch auto-
running
slideshows within
a photographers
website?
QUESTION:
77%
23%
Yes No
Willing to watch slideshows?
Our Survey
77% said they usually dont
watch self-running
slideshows within a
photographers website.
No auto-running
Slideshows. No music. No
design/Flash pizzazz.
Do you often
watch auto-
running
slideshows within
a photographers
website?
QUESTION:
77%
23%
Yes No
Willing to watch slideshows?
Our Survey
77% said they usually dont
watch self-running
slideshows within a
photographers website.
I hate running slideshows. I
want to be able to stop and
drag a low res off to show
designers, etc.
Your sites
purpose/goal
Whats your sites purpose/goal?
There are two different types of users:
People in Portfolio Mode
are willing to sit through a slideshow-style
presentation, and are more tolerant of Flash.
People looking to buy images
dont wish to be entertained by
slideshows, animations, and sound effects.
1.
2.
Whats your sites purpose/goal?
Looking for Assignment Work ?
"
Make it clear what you are good at
"
Make it clear where you work (where is local, and where
is travel.)
"
Make it obvious how to contact you
"
List clients youve worked with before
"
Create a case study area where you show pictures and
describe how the assignment went.
"
Get yourself listed in as many directories and link lists as
possible.
"
Experimental showcase (be like Howard!)
Whats your sites purpose/goal?
Looking to Sell Stock / Prints ?
"
Caption/keyword ALL of your images!
"
Make your images searchable - via CONCEPT, too!
"
Make sure your site, and your search, is fast
"
Make sure there is an easy way to identify images (ie:
image numbers, image names.)
"
24/7 contact info: dont hide your cell phone, email
"
Make transactions fast, smooth (built-in e-commerce with
instant pricing and instant download.)
"
Consider specializing in a specic category of stock (ie:
minorities, or active seniors.)
"
Diversify - get your images in many places.
"
Imagine what it would be like to BE one of your clients.
Whats your sites purpose/goal?
Looking to get a New/Better Job ?
"
Regular updates
"
Only the best of the best. Quality, not quantity.
Consider having someone else edit your portfolio.
"
Show your unique vision
"
Be positive!
"
Maintain a blog, be passionate about photography
and let that show
Whats your sites purpose/goal?
The Six Most Important
Elements to a Great Website
1. Intuitive Navigation
2. Image quality, size, and speed
3. Easy to update, and update often
4. A clear and present brand
5. A clear way to contact you
6. Integrate search, stock, e-commerce,
print sales, etc.
Whats your sites purpose/goal?
Making Money
How many of these revenue sources
can your website handle?
1. Rights-Managed Licenses
2. Royalty-Free Licenses
3. Print Sales
4. Personal Use Licenses
5. Hard goods
6. Subscriptions
7. Assignment work
Marketing
your website
A few ideas on how to get people to your site:
"
Direct mail (promo cards) with your URL on them
"
Links trades with others
"
Business cards containing your URL
"
Email signatures
"
Word of mouth
"
Buy text ads
"
Pro Community Sites (like SportsShooter.com)
"
Prosumer Communities (Flickr, Photo.net)
"
Social Networking Sites (Facebook, Myspace)
"
Blogging and RSS feeds
"
Message boards
"
Viral marketing tactics
"
Search Engines...
Marketing Your Website
Marketing Your Website
Search Engine and SEO checklist
Caption and keyword your images.
Keep track of your stats (Google Analytics)
Know your Google page rank number.
The number of people who link to YOU is of huge importance.
One way to create links to your site is to maintain a blog.
Use the browsers title tag wisely.
Make sure you are able to be found - get listed in
photographer directories.
Image names are important.
Whenever possible, links to your pages should contain
keywords, not just click here.
Always remember, text is your friend.
Marketing Your Website
How YOU see this Flash site...
Marketing Your Website
How Google sees that same Flash site...
Marketing Your Website
How YOU see this Flash site...
Marketing Your Website
How Google sees that same Flash site...
Marketing Your Website
How YOU see this Flash site...
Marketing Your Website
How Google sees that same Flash site...
Marketing Your Website
How Google sees that same Flash site...
Marketing Your Website
Lets all completely GEEK OUT
with Google Analytics...
Marketing Your Website
The wonderful world of Google Analytics
Marketing Your Website
Marketing Your Website
Marketing Your Website
Your title tag is important!
Marketing Your Website
Marketing Your Website
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Marketing Your Website / Brad Mangin
Website
Best Practices
Website Best Practices
Do these things...
Make sure images load fast (aka: instantly, with no
waiting)
Make it possible to search through the images on
your site through keywords.
Make it possible to download usable comp images.
If you embed a watermark, make sure it is subtle.
Make sure your email address always visible!
Include a page where your users can view an entire
gallery as thumbnails.
Include the ability to purchase images right on the
site, instantly.
Website Best Practices
Do these things...
Make sure your phone number is always visible!
Make it possible to view images at full screen.
Make sure that menus are persistent on all pages
of your site.
Make it possible to send or copy or bookmark a
link to a photo or gallery.
Make sure captions appear below every photo
Include metadata information in the le that
identies you as the photographer, and how
someone can contact you.
Website Best Practices
Do these things...
Create a 'newly added' section
Give your users the ability to sign up for email
update notications that alert them that new work
has been added.
Keep track of your stats, study your users
behavior.
Get people to link to your site.
List yourself in every directory and list you can
nd.
Remain positive. Dont be a hater. :-)
Website Best Practices
NOT these things...
No phone number listed at all.
Put music on your site.
Place ads on your site (ie: Google text ads.)
Use a slideshow as the default view, or use
slideshow-only galleries.
Force users to sit through a full-screen 'intro' that
plays before you get to your site's main menu.
Use contact forms instead of listing an email
address directly, so it is clearly visible on your site.
Automatically resize your clients browser window.
Advice from
your clients
Free Advice
What your clients want to tell you, but dont.
If you want to get my attention,
make it clear up front that you
will be easy to work with and that
your prices will be affordable --
no haggling. I'm not looking for
Microstock prices, but it IS extra
work for me to get photos from
you instead of an agency, so I
don't want it to cost more, too.
Free Advice
What your clients want to tell you, but dont.
Less is more. Show only the
best stuff. MUST be
memorable and easy to le you
in my brain. Oh, that's the guy
who does ____________. Specic
vision is key. But it's OK to
have differing categories of
images, but each with a
specic strong vision. Make
sense?
Free Advice
What your clients want to tell you, but dont.
A simple, well-designed
site gets me every time.
Evaluation
Criteria
Website Evaluation Criteria
Does your website load fast (within 10 seconds)?
Does it you make it clear what you do and where you are?
Are your images, and thumbnails large enough?
Does it contain contact information on every page?
Is your content clearly organized? Navigation clear?
Are your galleries edited tightly?
Can you search for images?
Does it contain obtrusive watermarks?
Is it SEO-friendly? (Page titles, captions, keywords)
Can clients download images directly?
Does design get in the way of functionality? Backgrounds clean and
simple?
Are your prices clear?
If you are using Flash, can Google still index it?
How
PhotoShelter
can help
How PhotoShelter Can Help
Some key ways we can make it easier...
Instant portfolio websites
Sales tools
Website features that buyers demand
Image delivery options that t your
workow
Viral marketing tools
Search engine optimization & guidance
Images are secure in our redundant
datacenters
Grover Sanschagrin
Founder, Vice President
grover@photoshelter.com
510-759-8137 [m]
Download the survey results:
photoshelter.com/survey