Skip to content

The beginner’s choice: personal portfolio vs. social media profiles

So, should you build your personal portfolio or instead invest time in social media profiles?

This is a common question I get from photographers just starting out, and the answer is somewhat simple.

You probably can no longer build a successful business without some sort of social media presence. But you would be taking too many risks to only “set camp” there, without building your own website.

website-vs-social-media-profiles-preview

Social media companies can always get sold or shut down (acquisitions, natural life cycles, new competitors etc.), so you don’t really “own” your profiles there.

As opposed to social media profiles, a website is an asset you can control, that you have copyright over.

A good metaphor is to consider real estate: it’s like buying vs. renting.

Social media sites are excellent marketing hubs, and they’ll always be there to drive businesses forward in one shape or another. But building your strong personal website should be the core of your focus.

So the simple answer is: personal portfolio *AND* social media profiles.

It’s obviously important to leverage all the social media tools you have (by placing profile links and sharing buttons on your site). Use them as much as you want, just don’t rely solely on them, it’s more important to build your own online presence.

Off-topic or inflammatory comments may be moderated.
Please add VALUE to the web, thanks!
 

Search for other articles:

Or explore these related categories:

Level up your photography website
with the free guides & resources!

ForegroundWeb free resources preview

You'll get a free eBook (on photo website mistakes), many checklists and guides about improving your site's design and SEO, video recordings of website reviews, podcast interviews, and more. Plus... fresh free articles, actionable tips and curated links from around the web - sent directly to your inbox (twice a week).

No spam ever. You are free to unsubscribe at any time.
Already subscribed? Check the first email to access the resources.
Subscribe to the ForegroundWeb newsletter

Web-design tips & best practices for photographers

Get instant access to all of my exclusive resources:

No spam ever. You are free to unsubscribe at any time. 
Already subscribed? Check the first email to access the resources.

🎙️ My interview on the Hair of the Dog Podcast Free SEO course for photographers Wedding photographers need to be different 🎙️ New podcast interview The market is selfish Google hates seeing repeated content! How to develop your soft skills as a photographer 7 quick principles for creating a great website 4 ways to make your photography website more trustworthy What are famous photographers doing right on their websites? Or better yet, what are they doing awfully wrong despite being successful?