HTML is not dead. Let’s face it. Flash isn’t for every photographer or every budget. But when I look at the services and products available for photographer for building their websites there is little to no help for those who simply want an HTML and CSS design. The chasm between Flash and HTML websites should not be so huge, as if Flash is the only way to go.
- Sell the logo+branding
- Sell the color + additional typography studies
- Add the CSS definitions based on the previous offering
- Offer a few basic layouts, or a custom layout if that is preferred
- Referral to a developer who can implement the design at an affordable price (don’t do this step yourself or risk undermining your credibility as a designer)
- Repeat the process for the photographer blog design+branding+strategy
So for you designers, here is my business idea. Offer a basic logo+branding service for a flat fee of say $250, or $500, or $750 (whatever you charge for this). This is your business core, and every photography needs this more than they know. I can point you to a few dozen photographers who need this service right now, but who don’t know how to buy this service or that it’s even within their budget. It is your business to inform your prospective customer, and to create a preference.
A way to upsell this basic business need is to offer a CSS file as a deliverable. The basic CSS option uses a primary or basic color scheme using the themes that are included in the logo. The 2nd level uses type fonts from the basic study, and has a custom design for everything from H1,H2,H3 all the way to P, I, B, and all the basic events such as Warning, Confirmation, et al.
From there we can offer a basic service to design a layout that meets their needs, including layout graphics like rounded corders, shaded edges, etc…
To me this is common sense. We need wheels before we need a leather wrapped steering wheel. We need gas before A/C does us an ounce of good. And a moon roof without the moon? Let’s start out photographers with the basics, and allow their business to drive where their website design takes them, and their customer demographic dictate to us whether Flash is a “no brainer” or not.
The basics get yous and your customer’s business moving in the right direction. Partnership with the technical talent who can implement your beautiful designs will make you look like a rock star, and help your customer achieve their business goals faster than if they had to search for this on their own.
Just some brainstorming, would love to hear your thoughts.
