web hosting

[TracieCrawford]

What is the best web host for small photography business: needing password for each client gallery unlimited storage, ease of use(computer illiterate), templates or something so will be touch of "button" to do a gallery Thanks for all help!!

 

[480sparky68 67]

I'm sure WordPress can do that.

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

When you say 'web host', it usually means a place to host your own website. So instead of having your clients go to [www.Smugmug/tracie/dklskldkld/sldlksk] etc., you could register a domain and have your clients go to something like www.TracieCrawford.com

If that is something that you want, then you will need three things. First is to register the domain name that you want (or find one that is available). Then you purchase a hosting plan. (you can often register and get a hosting plan from the same company, but you can do it separately if you wish). Thirdly you need the actual web site. You can build it yourself, ask (pay) someone to design it for you, or you could use a template. Most hosting companies will have simple web building software and/or templates that you can use. There are also many companies that sell website templates.

My recommendation for website hosting is HostGator.com.

If you want client galleries to be part of your website, then that is something that is certainly possible. Some websites have this built right into them, or you could purchase an add-in type application (I use Photocart). Or you could use an on-line photo hosting/gallery type website (like Smugmug etc) and just link to them from your website.

Maybe you don't want to have your own website, you can still use something like Smugmug to set up client galleries etc. It just doesn't look as professional when you send your clients there.

 

[TracieCrawford]

Thanks guys, Now to decide...

 

[Vtec44]

I'm sure WordPress can do that.

Wordpress is exactly what I use, and a bunch of plugins.

 

[KmH]

...(computer illiterate)....

Unfortunately, that will be an ongoing issue for nearly all aspects of trying to run even a small photography business, until you become computer literate.

 

[stickboy]

I second the HostGator.com hosting option. They are relatively cheap at around $10 a month with an extremely high storage cap, if not unlimited with some packages. They offer a control panel where you can quickly install Wordpress or whatever system you want to build a website from. I recommend wordpress because you can in fact add a lot of plugins that will help you do what you want with the site. I personally use a plugin called NextGen which is a photo gallery system for your site. If you don't know much about designing sites, you can also find a whole plethora of free themes for Wordpress to dress the site up. Give it a look and if you have any questions we can likely help.