Outdated trends that are quietly costing you bookings (and how to fix them)

You know the vibe: cursive fonts that are hard to read, music that auto-plays when the page loads, and ten million pop-up galleries that don’t load on mobile.

If your website feels more like your old Facebook profile than a modern-day client magnet… we need to talk.

Let’s call this your digital glow-up moment.

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1. The Cursive Font Phase (aka “Luv Ya Like a Sis” Energy)

We get it — you’re creative! You want your site to feel whimsical and romantic. But if your homepage header looks like it came straight off a MySpace glitter graphic, you’re losing people.

💡 Fix it: Use one script font sparingly (think: names in a logo or a single heading) and stick to clean, legible typography for everything else.
Here’s a list of web-safe, aesthetic fonts to explore instead.

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2. Auto-Play Music = Instant Bounce

Nothing says “2007” like opening a website and immediately getting blasted with Jason Mraz. Your potential clients are probably browsing from work, on a train, or while multitasking — and sound they didn’t ask for? Immediate red flag.

💡 Fix it: Let your photos do the talking. If music is important to your brand, include a curated Spotify playlist link in your About page or welcome guide instead.

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3. Too Many Galleries, Not Enough Story

A grid of couples’ names (Sarah + Tom, Emily + Josh, Kayla + Ben…) doesn’t give visitors anything to connect with. It’s like scrolling through a Facebook album of people you don’t know.

💡 Fix it: Title your galleries like stories. Try things like:

• Moody Super 8 Elopement in the Desert
• Colorful Summer Wedding at a Charleston Rooftop
• Vintage Film-Inspired Micro Wedding in Savannah

Need inspo? Read our full post on renaming galleries here.

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4. No Clear CTA? No Bookings.

You wouldn’t post a Facebook status in 2007 and expect someone to instantly DM you with a job offer. So why are you expecting inquiries with a site that doesn’t guide visitors anywhere?

💡 Fix it: Every page should have a clear next step. Use bold, action-oriented CTAs like:

• “Get in Touch”
• “See the Portfolio”
• “Check Availability”
  …and make sure it’s easy to find. Not buried in the footer.

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5. Desktop-Only Design = Missed Connections

Over 70% of website traffic comes from mobile — so if your site only looks good on a desktop, you’re making it reallyhard for potential clients to fall in love with your work.

💡 Fix it: Test every page on your phone. Make sure text isn’t cut off, buttons are tappable, and load times are quick. Or hire someone who knows how to optimize your site across devices.

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Final Word: It’s Giving… Timeline Post from 2011

Your website is your digital handshake. It’s where clients decide whether you’re worth the inquiry — or whether they’ll keep scrolling to the next photographer.

Let go of outdated design habits and treat your website like the modern-day storefront it is. Because unlike your old Facebook album, your business doesn’t deserve to be buried in the archives.

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We help photographers go from digital clutter to clean, high-converting websites. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing what you’ve got — check out our website package or slide into our inbox.