There are so many ways you can market to your ideal client. You’ve got Facebook, online advertising, print advertising, local networking and even Pinterest… most of which cost money to reach your clients and potential clients. Instagram has quickly become a hot marketing tool for photographers and definitely one you should be utilizing. Unlike Facebook, Instagram reach is not limited – all of your posts will show up in your followers’ newsfeeds.
Instagram is a great way for potential clients and clients to get to know you on both a professional level and personal level. I recommend having just one account for your business and personal “stuff” rather than two separate accounts. I mean who has time to keep up with another social media account anyway?? By posting both personal and business related images your potential clients will get to know you better. When potential clients feel like they “know” you and can relate to you they are more likely to choose you over another photographer. Just be sure that what you post best represents you and reflects what you want others to perceive about you.
For best results, follow and tag your clients on sneak peeks and session shares on your Instagram. Be sure to comment on your clients’ pictures often and keep that interaction alive – they are more likely to want to book you for future sessions because of that relationship you’ve built. Encourage your clients to share your content by posting their sneak peeks on their Instagram using the RePost app. In my captions I always say, “As always, please feel free to tag yourself and share using @repostapp please do not crop out my watermark. Thank you! E-mail info@kerimeyersphotography.com to book your maternity and newborn sessions.” This way when clients do reshare the images there is a “call to action” with my email right there for potential clients to see!
When you are posting business related images be sure to utilize hashtags. There are a maximum of 30 hashtags allowed on a post. I always start with a broad set of 10 about my business and location and then include some specific hashtags describing my image. For example, “phoenix”, “scottsdalemoms”, “phoenixmoms”,“phoenixnewbornphotographer”, “newbornphotography”, etc.
It’s also beneficial to take a moment to search out other local businesses on Instagram and give them a follow. Comment on their posts often to make your presence known and build up your local social network. That way should someone ask them if they know a photographer your name will be on the list!
If you haven’t started using Instagram for your business, go do it now! It works! I’ve even started receiving client inquiries from potential clients that have found me on Instagram – you can, too!
Keri Meyers
Keri Meyers Photography
Phoenix, Arizona
Keri Meyers is an industry expert with a classic style that has greatly impacted the newborn photography industry. Since 2010 photographers from all over the world have traveled to mentor with Keri and experience her workshops. She is the cofounder of NewbornPhotography.com, a supportive environment for newborn photographers to gather and market the importance of hiring a professional newborn photographer. In addition to her portrait business, Keri teams up with NewbornPhotography.com cofounder, Jennifer Blakeley, to photograph the children and newborns of celebrities such as Vince Vaughn, Megan Fox & Brian Austin Green, AJ Cook, Ian Ziering and others.
Find Keri Meyers Photography on the Web: Website | Instagram | Facebook | For Photographers
