Does anybody know how to create your own website for free for a business?

[Alex]

I am a photographer (No, I am not someone who goes about taking pictures saying I am a photographer. I actually WENT TO SCHOOL for it and have a DEGREE in photography. I own a professional camera and have my own business) Anyways, does anybody know how I can create my own website for my business so I can get the word out? A Facebook page doesn't do much, especially since a lot of people create a Facebook page saying they are a photographer when they are only someone who takes pictures and have not gone to school for it like I have. I would prefer not to pay for it... Also, how would I get the word out about my website? I don't know if it would do much, just coming up in the search engine. Thanks much!

[Jake]

There are some large photography portfolio sites that at least one person reported getting a significant percentage of sales through.

You biggest issue with making your own site is getting anyone to see it, it would probably require a lengthy Search Engine Optimization campaign to attract visitors, it strengthens the credibility of a Facebook business page if it links to a dedicated business site. Still, Facebook might be the quicker means to get viewers. Logging into Facebook under the business page, then commenting on related pages helps your page collect likes.

Here's a short how to sell your photos guide: http://www.thephotographerslife.com/2008...ur-photos/

A 4 year old list of 15 photo brokers: http://www.sitepoint.com/15-places-to-sell-your-photos/

There are a number of free site hosts that might do, one of those with an emphasis on images might be most suitable, getting a custom domain name, instead of the free (PO Box like) subdomain can make it look more professional without restarting from scratch.

Google's Blogger is quite popular and is one of the few free hosts with no paid upgrades, you can see a sampling of sites with a google search for:

site:blogspot.com inurl:photographer

The right theme selection can be important.

[Albert]

You can use free CMS, such as wordpress, joomla! and drupal. I like joomla best, really professional for business website.

[Timothy]

If you are web savvy and don't mind trying to create your own website then have a look at some free web hosting providers.

There is a short list located here.

http://www.freespace.com.au/web-hosting/

Most photographers get their business from referrers and good reviews.

Unless you are in a small town, SEO will be quite difficult and take a bit of time. You can try advertising on Google Adwords to get some leads.