Best and Least Expensive way to Advertise?
Feb 11, 2021 18:24:46 #
I have always struggled with the advertising end of business. As my photography was improving, I was lacking at getting the word out. What have you used in the past to bring in business, and what works? I did some free Head Shots and trying to get out the word that way, a client of mine has thousands of Social Media followers and is helping me out in that aspect. Any advice would be helpful.
Feb 11, 2021 18:37:28 #
Feb 11, 2021 18:53:07 #
toptrainer wrote:
I have always struggled with the advertising end of business. As my photography was improving, I was lacking at getting the word out. What have you used in the past to bring in business, and what works? I did some free Head Shots and trying to get out the word that way, a client of mine has thousands of Social Media followers and is helping me out in that aspect. Any advice would be helpful.
Over the years, I found the best advertising was word of mouth.I always ask them if they are pleased to tell their friends.
Feb 11, 2021 19:50:00 #
Agree with PixelStan77 100%. "Referrals" are golden. Not only ask if they will tell their friends, ask if they will give you names of some friends who may be interested.
Feb 11, 2021 20:34:47 #
Do you have a website? Most people looking for photographers will search the internet. You need a professional looking website, and probably some search engine optimization. Word of mouth works there to, if you ask your satisfied customers to leave online reviews for you.
Feb 11, 2021 20:37:03 #
I have a Website, and have been promoted by clients, I guess I just want it to go faster.
Feb 11, 2021 20:57:21 #
toptrainer wrote:
I have a Website, and have been promoted by clients, I guess I just want it to go faster.
If you search for photographers in your area, where does your website come up? If it's not on the front page of Google, people probably won't notice it. Is your website optimized for mobile phones? It might be a smart investment to pay someone to make your website more search friendly. That will take some research to find a good company with good customer reviews.
Feb 11, 2021 21:08:14 #
Social media is oversaturated with "photographers" looking for clients. Having a website, a Facebook page, may help to reinforce some more direct sales activities but these are no a reliable source of ongoing business.
If you are serious about starting a professional photography business you have to make sure you have a viable product that will work in today's market. Your stuff has to be a cut above what folks can DYI it has a friendly amateur knock off for them.
You have to decide what your specializations will be and establish a TARGEt market. You need to devise a business plan, create a portfolio, and a marketing strategy that includes advertising.
As an example- you mention headshots. So- who needs "headshots"? Business people, companies requiring photographs featuring their management and personnel, for annual reports and advertising publicity portraits or actors, musicians, entertainers, models, radio and V personalities, politicians for campaigns.
Where do you find these people? How do you make contacts? You got do legwork and networking. Shoe w you work to advertising agencies, rent a boot at a trad or business show. contact musician's and actor's unions, Contact a modelling agency or modelling school, speak to your local congressperson's office- see who is running for office. Real estate agents use portrait on the ads, site signs, and advertising. If you buy print advertising select trade or professional journals or publications in your target markets. Rent a showcase in a popular mall, hotel, or popular restaurant and display your work. YES, create a website so folk can see your portfolio online but a person- to personal meetings, sales calls and participation in trade and business shows are all very powerful methods of making sales.
Yes! Referral and word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable but FIRST, you need to have some satisfied customers.
Networking means- example- If you want to photograph weddings, speak to caterers, florists, party planners and offer them photographs of client's flowers, catering arrangements and celebrating images of clients they refer to you. If you want to shoot pets, speak to a petshop owner- offer the owner a collage of all the pet owner's pets refers to you- Display your work in his or her shop.
If you just advertise and wait for the phone to ring or an Email- that ain't gonn cut it. You got to get out there!
If you are serious about starting a professional photography business you have to make sure you have a viable product that will work in today's market. Your stuff has to be a cut above what folks can DYI it has a friendly amateur knock off for them.
You have to decide what your specializations will be and establish a TARGEt market. You need to devise a business plan, create a portfolio, and a marketing strategy that includes advertising.
As an example- you mention headshots. So- who needs "headshots"? Business people, companies requiring photographs featuring their management and personnel, for annual reports and advertising publicity portraits or actors, musicians, entertainers, models, radio and V personalities, politicians for campaigns.
Where do you find these people? How do you make contacts? You got do legwork and networking. Shoe w you work to advertising agencies, rent a boot at a trad or business show. contact musician's and actor's unions, Contact a modelling agency or modelling school, speak to your local congressperson's office- see who is running for office. Real estate agents use portrait on the ads, site signs, and advertising. If you buy print advertising select trade or professional journals or publications in your target markets. Rent a showcase in a popular mall, hotel, or popular restaurant and display your work. YES, create a website so folk can see your portfolio online but a person- to personal meetings, sales calls and participation in trade and business shows are all very powerful methods of making sales.
Yes! Referral and word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable but FIRST, you need to have some satisfied customers.
Networking means- example- If you want to photograph weddings, speak to caterers, florists, party planners and offer them photographs of client's flowers, catering arrangements and celebrating images of clients they refer to you. If you want to shoot pets, speak to a petshop owner- offer the owner a collage of all the pet owner's pets refers to you- Display your work in his or her shop.
If you just advertise and wait for the phone to ring or an Email- that ain't gonn cut it. You got to get out there!
Feb 11, 2021 21:31:24 #
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
Social media is oversaturated with "photograp... (show quote)
Thank you for the advice.
Feb 12, 2021 07:05:08 #
Feb 12, 2021 07:26:56 #
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
Social media is oversaturated with "photograp... (show quote)
Spot on...on every point!
If you haven’t read Shapiro’s contribution, READ IT!
If you have read it, READ IT AGAIN, slowly, and take notes!
Well done, Ed!
Dave
Feb 12, 2021 07:34:17 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
toptrainer wrote:
I have always struggled with the advertising end of business. As my photography was improving, I was lacking at getting the word out. What have you used in the past to bring in business, and what works? I did some free Head Shots and trying to get out the word that way, a client of mine has thousands of Social Media followers and is helping me out in that aspect. Any advice would be helpful.
I built a successful wedding photography business ONLY by word of mouth. That, and I started out taking weddings at my cost only until I had built up about 40 weddings, at that point my business took off and I started charging accordingly.
In today's world making a living in Photography is very difficult. I would suggest this as a side line income for you, not a mine revenue source.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
Feb 12, 2021 08:00:26 #
Just adding my “👍” to EJ Shapiro’s advice. It’s the best advice you’ve received. Just keep in mind that no one’s saying this is easy. It’s not... it’s hard work. And that’s true for anyone striking out on their own. Getting the work is the hard part! EVERYONE you know...and I do mean EVERYONE...is a possible step closer to your goal. Let your imagination run wild for possibilities! Your needed connections aren’t just the people you know, it’s who they know and who they know and who they know......
Go for it!!!
Go for it!!!
Feb 12, 2021 08:11:03 #
toptrainer wrote:
I have always struggled with the advertising end of business. As my photography was improving, I was lacking at getting the word out. What have you used in the past to bring in business, and what works? I did some free Head Shots and trying to get out the word that way, a client of mine has thousands of Social Media followers and is helping me out in that aspect. Any advice would be helpful.
Feb 12, 2021 08:15:42 #
toptrainer wrote:
I have a Website, and have been promoted by clients, I guess I just want it to go faster.
You just missed an opportunity to identify your website.
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