How to share a buy this photo link?

Sharing a "Buy This Photo" link is an excellent way for photographers to sell their work and for customers to purchase photos they love. Whether you're a professional photographer looking to monetize your portfolio or someone who wants to share purchasing options with friends and family, this guide will help you through the process step by step.

What Is a "Buy This Photo" Link?

A "Buy This Photo" link is a direct URL that takes potential customers to a page where they can purchase a specific photograph. These links are commonly used by photographers who sell their work through online platforms, stock photography websites, or personal photography websites.

Choosing the Right Platform for Selling Photos

Before you can share a "Buy This Photo" link, you need to select a platform that allows you to sell your photos. Here are some popular options:

• Dedicated photography marketplaces (SmugMug, Zenfolio, Shutterstock)
• E-commerce platforms with photo selling capabilities (Shopify, Etsy)
• Personal photography websites with integrated shopping carts
• Social media platforms with shopping features

Popular Photo Selling Platforms Comparison

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating and Sharing a Buy This Photo Link

Method 1: Using SmugMug

SmugMug is one of the most popular platforms for photographers who want to sell their work. Here's how to create and share a "Buy This Photo" link on SmugMug:

Step 1: Upload Your Photo

Log into your SmugMug account and upload the photo you want to sell. Make sure the image is high-quality and properly edited.

Step 2: Set Up Pricing

Go to your gallery settings and enable commerce. Set up your pricing for different print sizes and products. You can create pricing profiles for different types of photos.

Step 3: Get the Buy Link

1. Navigate to the specific photo you want to sell
2. Click on the photo to open it
3. Look for the "Buy" button on the photo page
4. Right-click on the "Buy" button and select "Copy Link Address"

Step 4: Share the Link

Now you can share this link through email, text message, social media, or any other communication channel. When someone clicks on the link, they'll be taken directly to the purchase page for that specific photo.

Method 2: Using a Personal Website with WooCommerce

If you have your own WordPress website, you can use WooCommerce to sell your photos and create buy links.

Step 1: Set Up WooCommerce

Install and activate the WooCommerce plugin on your WordPress site. Follow the setup wizard to configure basic settings like payment methods and shipping options.

Step 2: Create a Product for Your Photo

1. Go to Products > Add New in your WordPress dashboard
2. Add a title and description for your photo
3. Set a price in the Product Data section
4. Upload your photo as the product image
5. Publish the product

Step 3: Get the Buy Link

1. View the published product page
2. Copy the URL from your browser's address bar

Step 4: Share the Link

Share the product URL with potential customers through your preferred communication channels.

Method 3: Using Social Media Platforms

Many social media platforms now offer built-in shopping features that allow photographers to sell their work directly.

Instagram Shop

1. Set up an Instagram Business account and connect it to a Facebook Shop
2. Upload your photo to Instagram
3. Tag the photo with the product from your shop
4. To share a buy link, go to your shop and find the product
5. Copy the product URL and share it

Facebook Marketplace

1. Go to Marketplace and click "Create New Listing"
2. Select "Item for Sale" and upload your photo
3. Add details and pricing
4. Once published, go to the listing and copy the URL to share

Tips for Effective Photo Link Sharing

Use Clear Call-to-Actions

When sharing your "Buy This Photo" link, include a clear call-to-action that tells people what to expect when they click. For example: "Click here to purchase a print of this sunset photo" is more effective than just sharing the link alone.

Include Image Previews When Possible

Most platforms will automatically generate a preview when you share a link on social media. Make sure this preview shows your photo clearly to entice potential buyers.

Share on Relevant Platforms

Different photos will appeal to different audiences. Share nature photography links in outdoor and travel groups, portrait links with family and friends, and so on.

Protect Your Work

When sharing buy links, use watermarked or lower-resolution versions of your photos to prevent unauthorized copying. The high-resolution version should only be available after purchase.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Links Not Working

If your "Buy This Photo" links aren't working properly, check that:

• The product is set to "Published" or "Live" on your platform
• Your e-commerce settings are properly configured
• The link hasn't been shortened incorrectly by a social media platform

Challenge: Low Conversion Rates

If people are clicking your links but not buying:

• Review your pricing strategy
• Improve product descriptions
• Make sure the purchasing process is simple
• Consider offering multiple product options (prints, digital downloads, etc.)

Challenge: Link Tracking

To track how effective your links are:

• Use UTM parameters in your URLs
• Set up Google Analytics on your website
• Use the analytics tools provided by your selling platform

Advanced Link Sharing Strategies

Create QR Codes for Your Buy Links

QR codes make it easy for people to access your buy links quickly. Use a free QR code generator to create codes that link directly to your photo purchase pages. These can be included on business cards, at exhibitions, or in printed materials.

Email Marketing

Build an email list of people interested in your photography and send regular updates with new photos available for purchase. Include direct buy links in your emails for a seamless purchasing experience.

Limited-Time Offers

Create urgency by sharing links with limited-time discounts or special offers. For example: "This landscape print is 20% off for the next 48 hours only - click here to purchase."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need a professional website to sell my photos online?

No, you don't necessarily need your own website. Many photographers successfully sell their work through platforms like SmugMug, Zenfolio, or even social media marketplaces. These platforms handle the technical aspects of e-commerce for you.

Q2: How do I price my photos for selling online?

Research what similar photographers in your niche are charging. Consider factors like your experience level, production costs, print quality, and target audience. Many platforms allow you to set different prices for different sizes and formats.

Q3: Can I sell the same photo on multiple platforms?

Yes, unless you've signed an exclusive agreement with a particular platform. Selling across multiple platforms can increase your reach, but be sure to track where your photos are listed to avoid confusion.

Q4: How can I protect my photos from being stolen when I share buy links?

Use watermarked preview images, disable right-clicking on your website, only display lower-resolution samples, and consider using platforms with built-in copyright protection features. Remember that some platforms automatically add protection to your uploaded images.

Q5: What information should I include when sharing a buy this photo link?

Include a brief description of the photo, available formats (print, digital, etc.), any special offers or discounts, and a clear call-to-action. You might also want to mention shipping information for physical prints if applicable.

Conclusion

Sharing "Buy This Photo" links is an essential skill for photographers looking to sell their work online. By choosing the right platform, creating clear links, and sharing them strategically, you can turn your photography hobby into a profitable business. Remember that successful photo selling is not just about sharing links—it's about sharing quality images that people want to own and display.

Start with a platform that matches your needs, follow the steps to create proper buy links, and experiment with different sharing strategies to find what works best for your specific photography style and audience. With persistence and quality work, you'll soon see the results in your photography sales.