New member - tips for increasing traffic to portfolio?

Hi folks,

I'm a new member to NPN and only recently have began to upload images into my photoportfolio. Can anyone pass along any tips/suggestions for increasing traffic and attracting photobuyers? (I also have a business website but would like to learn more about the benefits of having one with NPN.)

Comments, suggestions, etc on either (or both) websites greatly appreciated!

Thanks.


Marcy Ugstad
Redmond, Oregon
http://members.photoportfolios.net/ mugstad
www.highcascadesphotography.com

Participate.

I've witnessed a direct correlation between my activity here on NPN and the number of visitors to my website and portfolio. Being active at other photo communities would also help, because it's really all just about getting your name out there.

As for attracting photo buyers, you're not likely going to do that online, except for rare occasions (or perhaps for stock photography). Most online sales that I've heard of were sprouted from a face-to-face meeting between the photographer and the buyer at an art show or some such thing, and that person then went online later and found something they liked and ordered. Until you become famous, you're not going to just be making sales out of the blue to complete strangers. That said, I've had a few people approach me through PhotoPortfolios looking for photos...

Two things to add to Kenn's informative post (I'll second everything he said). 1) link to your portfolio in your member bar (below you posts - this can be done in your user preferences) 2) link to your portfolio from outside, say from your website. Both these will help push traffic that way. Good luck

Thanks folks for the tips and suggestions - appreciate it. And just for info, actually I have done very well with image sales off my website and hoping to pick up a few additional buyers through images seen via my portfolio through NPN.

Again, thanks Ken and Greg for the suggestions.

..Marcy