Technical knowledge - Check!
Exotic locations - Check!
Glamorous Models- Check!
Decent Clientele - Check!
If you satisfy the above four criteria, you are good to
make it big in the photography industry.
Well, not really. What about your Marketing Skills?
One of the main challenges for photographers is how to
get clients. Your technical knowledge may be to the T, but what about the
business and marketing aspect? Marketing is needed to promote any service.
Don't worry! Marketing doesn't have to cost much money if you are willing to
put in a little time and effort.
Photography is a profession where you are the sales, the
production, the operations, the logistics and the marketing guy. So your
business entirely depends upon you. It is upto you to get clients and provide
them with new and quality services.
I agree being a photographer you may not have a lot of
time after your photo shoots and events, but this is something you absolutely
must do. Unless you give time in the present, your future business will not
thrive.
Keeping in mind every photographers busy schedule, online
marketing is not something that will take you ages to learn and execute. Just a
few minutes of chatting with your friends, reading and posting a few articles
will give do the work.
Below are a few proven methods of promoting your business
and getting clients, without putting a lot of time into it :
1. Say Hello!
Networking is a great way to get your name out in the
market. Meeting people, attending exhibitions, functions can lead to partnerships
and future business developments Engage in friendly chats with established
photographers and make sure you talk about your business plans too. But do not
over promote yourself.
2. Online
Signatures
Make sure to add a signature with every comment /mail you
send. This becomes like a mini campaign for your business.
3. Facebook &
other Online Networking
Facebook is probably the easiest way to market your
business amongst friends and family. You can create a page with all your
photographs. But make sure you do this with the permission of the models in the
pictures. Marketing on Facebook is more informal and fun! Online chatting,
sharing images, getting comments and likes are all proofs of effective
marketing.
Other social networking sites like Twitter, MySpace will
do the same. LinkedIn is more serious and professional kind of marketing.
Also participate in various online discussions and forums
of your industry. This will help you learn a few things and also help you get
your name in the market.
4. Pinterest
Pinterest is for members to share pictures and memories.
This can be a great platform for you to connect with clients and potential
customers. Uploading pictures (with permission) will increase your marketing
reach over the web. Make sure to add details about every picture and complete
your profile with your website link, Facebook page and other details where
people can contact you.
5. Blogging
Blogging is a great way to communicate with your
audience. It is a place where you can educate, learn, converse, share bits
about your personal lives and showcase your images and products. Post articles
on regular basis to get a good fan following. Link your blog with your
Facebook, LinkedIn and other accounts.
6. SEO &
Keywording
No don't be put off by the technicality of the word. It
is very easy. Search Engine Optimization will help your company to pop when
anyone types something related. All you have to do is add keywords for your
blogs. For example the keywords for a Photo Retouching Service would be -
photo, service, editing, retouching, inexpensive, photoshop, XYZ Company etc.
More the keywords more are the chances of people coming across your blog
7. Classifieds and
Local Online Listing
There are many companies that allow you to post free ads.
You can post offers and discounts to attract customers. Also give your
company's URL to online directories. People looking for services will refer to
these directories.
8. Recommendations
Make sure you request your clients to recommend you in
their circles. Ask them to post their satisfied replies on your website and
blogs.
Happy customers attract customers!
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