Zenfolio vs. Smugmug

<p>Hello, everyone!<br>

I've tried both for 2 weeks, and, honestly, don't see that big of a difference for a beginner pro, except Smugmug has a better visitor tracking system, which is not all that important after all, though it is a nice feature to have. I was thinking of starting with a basic package for a year, and then upgrade to a pro, when I am more confident in my client base. What are the most obvious pros and cons?<br>

Thank you!</p>

<p>I use Zenfolio (<a href="http://www.jeremyrichterphotography.com/">here</a>) because I felt that it fit my style better, plus with the premium package, I was able to customize some things and remove the Zenfolio branding like I wanted. Zenfolio continually improves their product, and now has added a blog feature, but I'm too invested in my current blog setup to change over now.</p>

<p>Another Zenfolio user here. I really like the breadth of customizations that they allow and enable. In my experience (which may be biased), SmugMug sites tend to have a "look" — I'll see them and think "oh, SmugMug." Zenfolio sites tend to be a lot more diverse. For instance, here's <a href="http://www.doppler-photo.net/music-at-google">an exhibition of mine</a>, <a href="http://www.2pnt0.com/p209157697">my friend's site</a>, and <a href="http://www.mikewiacek.com/panorama/h149bce81">my other friend's site</a>. All three are hosted on Zenfolio, but each one looks pretty distinct (and Jeremy's site looks different still). That isn't to say that they don't have any common design features — they certainly do — but the vast majority of the design is flexible. You have the freedom to create something that's your own, and that's tailored to your specific purpose(s) and target audience(s).<br>

Also, strongly agree with Jeremy about the active development cycle; that was one of the things that drew me to Zenfolio in the first place. They also have a very active forum community, with frequent contributions and responses by Zenfolio employees.</p>

<p>Ekaterina,<br>

Smugmug and Zenfolio seem to be the favorites on these forums. I never tried Zenfolio, so I can't give you any feedback on it. When I began my search for a website, the majority of photographers told me Smugmug, so I went with them and I have been very pleased with their service. Have used them since 2007 and sold over a thousand prints/products to clients with no complaints so far! They offer 2 printing companies. One for custom printing and product gifts and another company for even higher quality printing. I have always used their basic printing company (EZ Prints) and clients have been satisfied. For superior printing they offer Bay Photo. <br />

<p><strong>PS...Here is another link comparing websites and Smugmug was very popular-</strong> http://www.photo.net/business-photography-forum/00YgL7</p>

<p><strong>At Smugmug you can customize your website to your desire</strong><br>

<strong><br /></strong><br>

<strong><br /></strong>Except that the size of your main page's photo is limited. Very annoying to be limited to small photos.</p>

<p>Scott Cole,<br>

FYI- You might want to check the website you have listed. I wanted to see if you had a large main page photo and the link does not work- Personal home page: http://scottcolephotography.com<br>

I got this when using Firefox and Safari: <em>Sorry, the website scottcolephotography.com cannot be found</em></p>

<blockquote>

<p>except Smugmug has a better visitor tracking system</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Zenfolio is linked to Google Analytics, so their tracking system is quite precise as well. I use Zenfolio for the variety of customization they permit (as someone else has mentioned above already)</p>

<p>I'd recommend Zenfolio too! I think Zenfolio is great, been using it for years too. I particularly think that it's very visually appealing compared to some competitors like Smugmug, the display is clean and simple, and my clients find it very easy to use.</p>

<p>I find it really easy to work with as well, especially because of the export plugins in Lightroom, Aperture, etc. And just about anything is customizable.</p>

<p>You can get a 10% discount with a coupon code, there are several good ones at<a href="http://zenfoliocoupon.net"> zenfoliocoupon.net</a></p>