Anyone use Zenfolio?

[postatomic]

Pros? Cons? Side effects? Uncomfortable rash? Erections lasting more than four hours?

Thanks in advance for any and all comments. Especially those that relate to Zenfolio. On the surface it looks like an inexpensive hosting-commerce service. But what secrets like beneath the surface? Curious minds aren't interested by I am.

[Richard D]

1. I've used it and liked it.

Only difficulty I've had is that dark prints with lots of black don't really look great on their mat printing. Haven't tried it on glossy yet. Good prices, fast service. No downside I've found yet other then that I don't sell enough photos, which isn't their fault.

[postatomic]

3. Thank you

I've used MPIX (which Zen uses, and is a plus in their column) for B&W prints and am 90% satisfied. I've also contacted MPIX to chat with their 'master printers' if I have something that needs to be 99%. Have you done any of the metallic prints? First ones I got blew me away.

Again, thank you for your input. I'm pretty good at SEO so if you ever need help let me know. There is so much crap clogging up the internetz tubes - maybe you just need better traffic. From what I recall of your photos you deserve some attention (and sales).

[Richard D]

5. Thank you so much!

I've not yet tried the metalic prints, but will do so for the next black and whites I do.
I'd love help with SEO, especially if I knew what it meant . . .
I too feel like my photos should be getting some attention. I recognize beauty and some of them are just gorgeous. I've been priviledged to be in some amazing places with some amazing people and sights and I would love to share them more and maybe make a bit of $$ doing so.

:-)

[postatomic]

8. SEO = Search Engine Optimization

There are people out there that will do it for a fee but I've found you can do it yourself and save thousands of dollars. I've driven two of our business sites to page one with the search tags I focused on. They would be listed in first position but they get bumped by companies that invest in google ads.

It requires a little work and persistence but in a short amount of time you can drive your photography site up the google ladder.

I'll dig up some links that I'll post but I'll give you one tip as a starting point.

Do lots and lots of back linking

What is a back link? A site that you use to link your photo site. Do them all. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linkind', a Blog, etc, etc. Always use the same batch of 'tags' or keywords that you think people will search for to find you.

A second tip:

Setup a google business account. Don't do the 'pay' version. You don't need to. Here you can include all your tags and keywords AND you can check google to see what key words are being used when people are looking for a particular kind of photography. It will also provide you with the key words that people are using when they are directed to your site. This information is valuable when deciding on what 'tags' or keywords you want to focus on.

I'm rambling here and throwing a lot at you. I'm really swamped right now. Have some projects I need to have finished by next week but I'll dig up the links for you.

It was friends of ours that turned me on to DIY SEO so I don't mind paying it forward and helping out others. Especially a fellow dem.
:hi:

[Richard D]

9. Thank you

And I shall pay it forward when the time is right. Something I firmly believe in doing.

[Stevenmarc]

6. I love metallic paper for B&W

Especially for my architectural shots. I've also printed a couple of series on aluminum which takes certain images to a whole other level.

[postatomic]

7. Aluminum is pretty friggin' amazing

I've only done a couple and I keep cussing the cost but when I figure in what it would cost to do a custom matted/framed 'normal' print it really isn't that bad. I haven't tried B&W on metallic. Will give it a shot.

Thanks

[Stevenmarc]

2. They offer free webinars

You can get the whole sales spiel and ask whatever questions you have

[postatomic]

4. Would imply good customer service

I narrowed it down to 3 and Zen is looking good. Only down side I can't do major customization but the whole idea was to find an 'out of the box' service that looks decent and I don't have to re-write code and boring crap like that.

Thanks for your input.
:hi: