Hey guys.

Okay, here's the deal. I recently bought a low-level site from BigFolio. And though they have been great, I am not really in love with it, and kind of feel like it is bland and not representing me well. I recently looked into Creative Motion Design sites and found a template that I really liked. But the problem is that it would be a leap of faith in that the money would come in to cover it. I am not really bringing in the big bucks right now.

So, would you please, check out the current site

and then check out the template

and let me know what you think? Should I make the attempt to upgrade? I love the blue that the template offers, and from what I have read CMD is awesome. I think a website is an important part of the marketing - but should I save my money for a lens? or a back-up camera body? or invest it into the website?

Help, please. Need your expert advice!

An effective website is a CRITICAL part of marketing. It should also fit your personality and what your business is about. It's like clothes, if you feel good in them, you'll look good! (okay...maybe not always, but you know what i mean). Although your present site is very nice, the new template is quite appealing. Good luck in your decision. BTW, I would place an effective website above even the Canon 50mm 1.2L lens... whew, I can't believe I said that...

Thanks for the feedback Michael. I agree with what you said. It is a hard decision, especially since I did just get it this fall -- and put the money into it. Not much, but still, money is money.

Any other thoughts? C'mon guys . . .

Your low level Big Folio site looks tons better than mine. Is it tweaked. Tell me how!

Can your BF template be tweaked to better reflect what you want in the meantime? It seems that if you've put the money there, you should take advantage of what options it can offer. Just a thought.

I think if you changed the color scheme in your old site you could freshen things up a lot!
It's tough when you don't have the cash but I would have to say a backup camera is pretty damn important...

Hard choice, Good Luck!!

Yeah, I tweaked a few things. Not a ton. But I had them make the space taller at the top to fit my logo, and had them change the font size so that it was more readable. The best part is that they did it all for free. Great people, just not really loving the site.



Good point. I don't think with the lower level sites, that there is a lot of options for tweaking. I am pretty such it would be more of a cost to change the color and such. But again, I will look into that.

Thanks!



Thanks Laura. Good points. I do have back-up film bodies currently, but I did just switch to digital this fall. So I am thinking about getting another D200 to use at weddings and as a back-up. Surely they can't both fail at once.

Don't let Garret know you just said that

+1

There's no doubt the CMD site is nicer (and I would recommend CMD), but from a business perspective I can't help thinking you should try and make the BF site work for you.

Okay. It's a secret!

+1 since you already have a workable site in place, a backup body definitely wins this one.

Well Becky, you know what I think about BF (THEY TOTALLY ROCK!!!!!!!!!)

IMO If you are thinking about going with CMD, which, according to their site, will cost $595 for the site, $200 for hosting, $50 for a splash page, and $50/hour for custom design, then why not talk to Mike @ BF and find out what the same money will get you at BF, especially since you already have the site?

ETA: I agree with what others have said about the backup body. I think that would be a wiser choice, especially since the cost on D200's have dropped about $300+!!!

You know I'm like a/the CMD bragger around here right?

Get the 2nd body. lol