How to Upgrade SmugMug Plan?

Ready to take your photography business or hobby to the next level? Upgrading your SmugMug plan can give you access to more storage, selling options, and customization features that match your growing needs. In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to upgrade your SmugMug plan without any complicated jargon or confusion.

Why You Might Want to Upgrade Your SmugMug Plan

Before jumping into the how-to steps, let's quickly look at why you might consider upgrading:

• You need more storage space for your growing photo collection
• You want to sell prints or digital downloads
• You need more customization options for your portfolio
• You're starting a photography business and need professional features
• You want to remove SmugMug branding from your site

SmugMug Plan Comparison

SmugMug offers several plans to match different needs and budgets:

How to Upgrade Your SmugMug Plan: Step-by-Step

Now let's get into the actual process of upgrading your plan. It's straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes.

Method 1: Upgrading Through Your Account Settings

1. Log into your SmugMug account - Visit SmugMug.com and click on the "Log In" button in the top right corner
2. Access your account settings - Click on your profile picture or icon in the top right corner to open the dropdown menu
3. Find account settings - Select "Account Settings" from the dropdown menu
4. Go to subscription section - Look for the "Subscription" tab or section in your account settings
5. Select "Change Plan" - You should see your current plan and a button or link to change it
6. Choose your new plan - Browse the available plans and select the one that fits your needs
7. Review price changes - Check the new pricing and what you'll be charged
8. Confirm your upgrade - Click the confirmation button to finalize your plan change
9. Update payment method if needed - Make sure your payment information is current
10. Check for confirmation email - SmugMug will send you a confirmation of your plan change

Method 2: Upgrading Through the Upgrade Prompt

Sometimes you might try to use a feature that's not available on your current plan. SmugMug will show you an upgrade prompt.

1. Click on a premium feature - Try to use a feature not included in your current plan
2. Look for the upgrade prompt - SmugMug will show you a message that this feature requires an upgrade
3. Click "Upgrade Now" - This will take you directly to the plan selection page
4. Select your desired plan - Choose the plan that includes the feature you want
5. Complete the payment process - Enter or confirm your payment details
6. Start using new features - Once confirmed, you can immediately use your new features

Method 3: Contacting Customer Support

If you're having any issues with the self-service options:

1. Visit the SmugMug help center - Go to help.smugmug.com
2. Click on "Contact Us" - Usually found at the bottom of the help page
3. Explain that you want to upgrade - Tell them which plan you want to switch to
4. Provide your account information - They'll need to verify your account
5. Follow their instructions - They can guide you through the process or make the change for you

What Happens When You Upgrade?

Immediate Changes

When you upgrade your SmugMug plan, several things happen right away:

• You gain immediate access to all the new features included in your upgraded plan
• Your billing amount will change according to the new plan's pricing
• If you're upgrading mid-billing cycle, SmugMug will typically prorate the difference
• Your account dashboard will reflect your new plan status

What Stays the Same

Don't worry about losing anything during an upgrade:

• All your photos and albums remain intact
• Your custom domain (if you have one) stays connected
• Your account login credentials don't change
• Your existing customizations remain in place

Timing Your Upgrade

Consider these factors when deciding when to upgrade:

Best Times to Upgrade

• Before a major project - Upgrade before you need specific features for an upcoming shoot or client
• During promotional periods - SmugMug occasionally offers discounts on plan upgrades
• Start of your busy season - Get new selling tools before your peak business period
• When you hit storage limits - Upgrade when you start running low on space

Making the Most of Your New Plan

After upgrading, take these steps to maximize your investment:

After Upgrading to Power Plan

1. Set up your custom domain name
2. Create password-protected galleries for clients
3. Customize your site design with the additional themes
4. Set up right-click protection for your images

After Upgrading to Portfolio Plan

1. Set up your price lists for selling
2. Connect your payment processing
3. Create product offerings
4. Customize your shopping cart experience
5. Set up sales tax settings if applicable

After Upgrading to Pro Plan

1. Create multiple price lists for different client types
2. Set up branded email marketing
3. Configure your client access privileges
4. Create coupons and promotions
5. Set up assistant accounts if you have a team

Troubleshooting Common Upgrade Issues

Sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are solutions to common problems:

Payment Declined

• Check that your credit card information is current
• Verify you have sufficient funds available
• Try a different payment method if available
• Contact your bank if the card is being declined incorrectly

Features Not Appearing After Upgrade

• Log out and log back in to refresh your account status
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Wait a few minutes as some changes may take time to propagate
• Contact SmugMug support if features don't appear after 24 hours

Billing Questions

• Check your email for the detailed billing receipt
• Review the prorated charges if you upgraded mid-cycle
• Contact billing support for specific questions about your charges

Downgrading If Needed

If you find that you've upgraded to a plan with more features than you need, you can also downgrade:

1. Go to the same Account Settings > Subscription area
2. Select "Change Plan" and choose a lower-tier option
3. Be aware that downgrading may remove access to certain features
4. Downgrading typically takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my photos or settings when I upgrade my SmugMug plan?

No, all your photos, galleries, albums, and customizations remain intact when you upgrade. The upgrade only adds features and capabilities without affecting your existing content.

Can I upgrade my SmugMug plan in the middle of my billing cycle?

Yes, you can upgrade at any time. SmugMug will typically prorate the cost based on the time remaining in your current billing cycle, so you only pay for the difference between plans.

How long does it take for new features to become available after upgrading?

Most features become available immediately after your upgrade is processed. If you don't see new features right away, try logging out and back in, or clearing your browser cache.

Is there a fee for upgrading my SmugMug plan?

There's no additional fee for upgrading beyond the difference in plan pricing. You'll simply pay the new rate (prorated if mid-cycle) for your upgraded plan.

Can I try a higher plan before committing to an upgrade?

SmugMug doesn't typically offer free trials of higher plans. However, they do have a money-back guarantee period, so you can upgrade and downgrade if you find the features aren't what you need.

Conclusion

Upgrading your SmugMug plan is a straightforward process that can give your photography portfolio or business a significant boost. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily move to a higher-tier plan that offers the features and capabilities you need as you grow.

Remember that you can upgrade at any time as your needs change, and SmugMug offers flexibility to match your evolving requirements. Whether you're looking to sell prints, protect your content, or create a more professional presentation, there's a SmugMug plan designed to help you succeed.