How to Create and Customize a New SmugMug Page?

Creating a stunning photography website doesn't have to be complicated. With SmugMug, you can build professional-looking pages to showcase your photos without needing coding skills. This guide walks you through creating and customizing a new SmugMug page from scratch, helping you design a site that perfectly displays your photography.

Getting Started with SmugMug

Before diving into page creation, you'll need a SmugMug account. If you don't have one yet, sign up on the SmugMug website. They offer different plans based on your needs, from basic photo sharing to professional portfolios with e-commerce capabilities.

Setting Up Your Account

After signing up, take some time to set up your basic account information:

1. Log in to your SmugMug account
2. Go to your account settings
3. Fill in your profile information
4. Set your privacy preferences
5. Configure your default settings

Creating a New Page in SmugMug

Now that your account is ready, let's create your first page:

Step 1: Access the Site Customizer

To begin creating a new page:

1. Log in to your SmugMug account
2. Click on "Customize" in the top navigation bar
3. This opens the Site Customizer, your main tool for building pages

Step 2: Add a New Page

To add a new page to your site:

1. In the Site Customizer, find the "Pages" tab in the left sidebar
2. Click the "+" button next to "Pages"
3. Select "Add Page" from the dropdown menu
4. Choose a page type (Gallery, Folder, or Custom Page)

Each page type serves a different purpose:

Step 3: Name Your Page

After selecting a page type:

1. Enter a name for your page
2. Choose a URL for the page (or use the auto-generated one)
3. Click "Create" to generate your new page

Customizing Your SmugMug Page

Now comes the fun part - making your page look exactly how you want it!

Choosing a Layout

SmugMug offers several layout options for your pages:

1. In the Site Customizer, select your new page
2. Click on "Design" in the left sidebar
3. Select "Layout"
4. Browse through the available layout options
5. Click on a layout to preview it
6. Select "Apply" when you find one you like

Customizing the Header

The header is often the first thing visitors notice. Here's how to make it stand out:

1. In the Site Customizer, click on your header
2. Use the editing panel that appears to make changes
3. Add your logo by clicking "Logo" and uploading an image
4. Adjust the header height using the slider
5. Change the background by uploading an image or selecting a color

Adding and Arranging Content Blocks

Content blocks are the building elements of your page:

1. Click "Add Block" in the top bar of the Site Customizer
2. Choose from options like Text, Gallery, Slideshow, or Contact Form
3. Drag and drop the block where you want it on the page
4. Click on the block to edit its content and settings

Popular Content Block Types

• Text Block: Add paragraphs, headings, and other text content
• Gallery Block: Display a collection of photos in various grid layouts
• Slideshow Block: Create an interactive slideshow of your images
• Contact Form: Add a form for visitors to get in touch with you
• Map Block: Show your location or where photos were taken

Uploading and Managing Photos

Your SmugMug page will need photos! Here's how to add them:

1. Exit the Site Customizer by clicking "Done" in the top right
2. Click on "Upload" in the top navigation
3. Drag and drop photos or click to browse your files
4. Select the gallery where you want to upload the photos
5. Wait for the upload to complete

After uploading, you can organize your photos:

1. Go to the gallery containing your photos
2. Click "Organize" at the top of the gallery
3. Drag and drop to rearrange photos
4. Use the tools to sort, filter, or batch edit
5. Click "Save" when finished

Styling Your Page

Make your page visually consistent with these styling options:

1. In the Site Customizer, go to "Design" in the left sidebar
2. Click on "Style" to access theme options
3. Adjust colors for text, backgrounds, and accents
4. Change fonts for headings and body text
5. Modify button styles and other design elements

Color Scheme Tips

When choosing colors for your SmugMug page:

• Use colors that complement your photography style
• Stick to 2-3 main colors for consistency
• Make sure text has enough contrast against backgrounds
• Consider using your logo colors as accent colors

Mobile Optimization

Many people will view your site on mobile devices, so check how it looks:

1. In the Site Customizer, click the device icons at the top (desktop, tablet, mobile)
2. Review how your page appears on each device type
3. Make adjustments as needed for mobile viewers
4. Test navigation and readability on smaller screens

Advanced Customization Options

Once you're comfortable with the basics, try these advanced features:

Custom CSS (Portfolio and Pro Plans)

If you know CSS, you can make detailed customizations:

1. In the Site Customizer, go to "Design"
2. Select "Custom CSS"
3. Enter your CSS code in the editor
4. Click "Save" to apply your changes

Setting Up Password Protection

For client galleries or private content:

1. Select the page you want to protect
2. Click "Settings" in the left sidebar
3. Go to "Privacy"
4. Choose "Password Protected"
5. Enter your desired password
6. Save your changes

Adding Custom Domain (Power Plan and Above)

Use your own domain name for a professional touch:

1. Purchase a domain from a domain registrar
2. Go to your SmugMug account settings
3. Select "Domain" settings
4. Choose "Custom Domain"
5. Enter your domain name
6. Follow the instructions to update DNS records

Connecting Your SmugMug Page to Social Media

Increase your reach by connecting to social platforms:

1. In Site Customizer, add a Social Links block or go to your footer
2. Click to edit social media links
3. Enter your profile URLs for each platform
4. Choose icon styles that match your site design
5. Save your changes

Enabling Social Sharing

Let visitors share your work:

1. Go to "Settings" for your gallery
2. Find "Sharing" options
3. Enable social sharing buttons
4. Choose which platforms to include
5. Save your preferences

Previewing and Publishing Your Page

Before making your page live:

1. Click "Preview" in the Site Customizer to see how visitors will view your page
2. Test all links and features
3. Check how it looks on different devices
4. Make any final adjustments
5. When ready, click "Done" to publish your changes

Getting Feedback

Before widely sharing your page:

1. Share the link with a few trusted friends or colleagues
2. Ask for specific feedback on usability and design
3. Make improvements based on their suggestions

FAQs About Creating SmugMug Pages

How long does it take to create a complete SmugMug website?

A basic SmugMug site can be set up in a few hours. However, a more comprehensive site with multiple galleries, custom pages, and fully optimized content might take 1-2 days to complete. The more content you have to organize and upload, the longer it will take.

Can I transfer my existing website content to SmugMug?

Yes, you can transfer content to SmugMug, though there's no automatic migration tool. You'll need to manually upload your photos and recreate your site structure. Some photographers find it helpful to take screenshots of their old site to reference while building the new one.

What's the difference between galleries and folders in SmugMug?

Galleries are containers for your actual photos, while folders are organizational tools that can hold multiple galleries or other folders. Think of folders as the filing cabinets and galleries as the individual files containing your images.

Does SmugMug offer e-commerce capabilities for selling photos?

Yes, SmugMug's Power, Portfolio, and Pro plans include e-commerce features. You can set prices, choose products (prints, downloads, etc.), customize your shopping cart, and process payments directly through your site.

How often should I update my SmugMug site?

For active photographers, adding new galleries every 1-2 months keeps your site fresh. However, the frequency depends on your workflow and client needs. At minimum, review your site quarterly to ensure all information is current and that your best work is featured prominently.

Conclusion

Creating and customizing a SmugMug page doesn't need to be overwhelming. By following these steps, you can build a professional photography website that showcases your work beautifully. Start with the basics, then gradually explore more advanced features as you become comfortable with the platform. Remember that your site should evolve with your photography, so don't be afraid to update and refine it over time. With SmugMug's user-friendly tools, you can create a stunning online presence that helps your photography stand out.