Posted on Sep 7, 2015

iFeature of the Month: Scott Kalmus Photography

This past month, we’ve been searching high and low for an iPage customer worthy of being our very first iFeature of the Month. We received a bunch of great candidates, but when we saw Scott Kalmus’ photography site (www.scottkalmusphotography.com) we felt it was perfect for the debut.

scottkalmusphotographyScott Kalmus is a creative portrait and wedding photographer based out of Long Island, New York. He uses his iPage website to display his portfolio and find new clients. We took some time to ask Scott about his business and his website, and as expected, he had some really great insight. Check out our with him interview below!

Scott Kalmus and his familyPictured above: Scott Kalmus and his family


 

Hi, Scott! Thanks for being a customer of iPage. First, can you explain how you heard about us and why you ultimately chose iPage as your web host?

Absolutely. When I was finally committed to starting my own photography business I knew I needed a website, and I knew I needed to find someone to host it. My first approach was to search on Google. And iPage was one of the many that hosts I saw available. I decided to go with iPage for the support, the price, the included domain name and the positive reviews. Setting up my account was fast and simple which was something I was really looking for.  

 

We love your website! Did you design it yourself? And what tool did you use to create it?

Thanks! Originally I was going to use WordPress which was included in my iPage account, but when I realized how many blogging and CMS tools iPage is compatible with, I ultimately decided to go with Zenfolio for the design process because it’s made for photographers like me.

 

That’s great! We’re glad you found a tool that works great for you and integrates seamlessly with your iPage account. What’s your favorite aspect or design feature of your site? And are there any areas of the site you’re still looking to improve?

I think what I like most about my site is its simplicity. For example, I like that when someone first arrives, they’re shown some highlight images in a slide show. The blog is also a great feature (although I am behind on it) – It’s a great way to show existing and potentially new clients my work. Even though I do love my site, I am always trying to improve it and come up with new ideas.

 

We agree! So what’s been your biggest challenge in getting online and creating a website?

I think the biggest challenge for me was just pushing myself to get it done. I thought the hardest thing about it would be trying to find a host and domain, but iPage really made everything so easy. Having the ability to use their “live chat” feature is superb. 

 

Wonderful. We’re happy to hear it’s been an easy experience. What about being a small business owner? What’s been your biggest challenge in getting that started?

I think the biggest challenge was contending with the competition. There are so many “photographers” out there, especially in NY, which made it hard to book clients at first. But persistence is key. So is publicizing your work through social media and striving for word of mouth referrals. Once that’s underway, the clients start to come to you. 

 

That makes a lot of sense. What other advice can you give to fellow small business owners about creating and managing a website and online presence?

I think the best advice I can give is to ask questions. Reach out to iPage and use their “live chat” option. The agents are so willing to answer any questions and help you through the process. They have so many tools that come with your account and free extras that you will not be disappointed once you get going. Just jump in!

 

Great advice! Thanks. So is it safe to say that having a website has benefited you and your small business?

Yes, it’s been great! Prior to being online, I was operating mainly through email and social media. And doing those things is still good, but having a professional looking website really helps a lot. In addition to booking new business, I use my site for sharing my clients’ photos. Each client has their own private password-protected viewing gallery. I use this to manage the photos they would like for print or possible album creations. So that’s been really helpful to me as well.

 

Awesome! So it sounds like you’re managing everything pretty independently which is great. But do you ever need to lean on iPage for help and support?

Yes! iPage has helped me whenever I needed a question answered. Plus, to this day, iPage has never been down, therefore allowing my site to always be up and very quick for those navigating it.

 

Good. That’s what we like to hear! It’s our goal to be a helping hand however you need it in your online journey. Before we wrap up, is there anything you would like others to know about your website or your small business?

Hmm, well I am mainly a portrait photographer. I shoot everything from new born pictures, to weddings and engagements, corporate events and everything in between. I’ve even done some destination weddings! So if you know of anyone looking for a photographer, have them visit my site and get in touch!

 

We’ll be sure to do that. Thanks again, Scott. We really appreciate your time and have loved hearing about your experience with us so far. Good luck in the future and we wish you nothing but success!

Thank you! I am so happy I went with iPage and I know I will be a long term customer. We’ll talk soon!

 

Have any questions or advice for Scott Kalmus? Feel free to leave a comment for him on our Facebook or Google+ posts! And be sure to keep an eye out for next month’s iFeature of the Month!

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