Most website builders offer time-saving features like drag-and-drop editing, third party site integrations, SEO optimisation and different ways to collect subscribers.
Before you choose one, make a list of what you want to include on your site. This will help you determine what features matter the most, and potentially save you money in selecting only what you really need.
Don’t forget to include a social accounts link to your Zealous portfolio. You can download the Zealous social icon here.
Cargo
Cargo’s bold, visually focused templates are great for showcasing your work. Cargo Collective is a space where members’ sites are showcased, so it’s a great way to market yourself. It’s a little more basic than some of the other builders out there but their templates are specifically geared towards the creative community.
TOP FEATURES
- Easy-to follow tutorial videos
- Weekly email with featured sites, tips and resources
- Cargo Collective which they describe as a ‘daily updated exhibition of featured images and websites’
Weebly
Weebly is best for those of you looking to sell your work online. Get the added benefit of making sales alongside other independent sellers on Weebly Marketplace. With insightful tips on how to boost your SEO and site engagement, it’s an ideal starting point for growing your online store.
TOP FEATURES
- Integrated store dashboard to track your sales
- Digital gift cards and coupon codes
- Automatic tax calculator
- Import your products from other online sales platforms
Wix
Wix has an array of apps to help you maximise the impact of your site. The Wix Art Store app lets you showcase, sell and print your work – right from your site (great for photographers). If you would much rather someone else create your site, just send a request and get matched with a Wix Expert who fits your needs. Take bookings for your workshops, RSVPs for exhibition private views and more.
TOP FEATURES
- Fast results if you need a website in a hurry with Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence)
- Manage all your orders in one place with the Wix Art Store app
- Take workshop bookings and RSVPs for exhibitions
- Integrated live chat functionality for you to engage with visitors
Squarespace
Squarespace has a lot to offer. Image metadata importing autofills your image descriptions using data you have already assigned – great when you want to upload works to your portfolio quickly. All images hosted on Squarespace can be edited directly within your browser using the Adobe Image Editor. It also has an audio collections feature for musicians. Squarespace Circle is a good starting point for emerging designers to start creating websites for clients.
TOP FEATURES
- 100s of website templates
- Image metadata importing to speed up the process of updating your portfolio
- Easy importing – Pull in content from Twitter, Instagram, etc. directly into your site
- Import your products from other online sales platforms
Format
Favoured by photographers, Format sites are fully customisable. Like Wix, you can quickly set up an integrated online store to sell your work with a streamlined dashboard. If you’re working on a brief, you can share a private proofing gallery with your client. They’ll be able to review and favourite your work from any device, so this also works well for illustrators.
TOP FEATURES
- Publish and update your portfolio directly from Adobe® Lightroom®
- Private proofing galleries for clients to review your work
- Add images directly from your Instagram to your Format site
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Charlotte Lynch
Marketing Manager
