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Question Daniel: “Hello! I’m an amateur photographer who really would like to do professional work someday. I would like to get my photography more “noticed” and I have a Facebook page designed to aid me to do such. How could I get this page, or my work, noticed by a larger audience?”
Elisha: You could pay for the FB ad–but you pay per click. Ask everyone you know to share, leave your business info on bulletin boards in the community, get business cards with your info on them to leave places and have friends hand out. If you can do some discounted sessions that’s a great way to get your name out–those people will share your name/pictures and your name will start to spread.
Mary: Here are some tips: 1. Tell your friends to “share” your page. Start a contest where every person that shares your page is entered to win something (I usually do something like a $10 iTunes card). 2. Ask questions on your FB page, simple, fun questions to start getting some interaction (those interactions will show up on friends feeds) 3. Post a FB special- offer discount to FB fans on a upcoming portrait session but make sure to note this is ONLY for your FB fans 4. Post LOTS of photos. Photos are what people interact with most. Even if it is work you did a while ago, no one knows that but you.
Mary: And if you have the budget- do some FB advertising. I would say $30 for a month and you could really bump up the number of fans.
Jenna: I love using moo.com for ordering my cards. They are inexpensive and have a nice ‘feel’. You can even order different designs in one package. You could create cards with different info for the kinds of sessions you’re offering – eg: one for families, pets, etc. Then you can leave those in coffee shops and other community spots as Elisha recommended. And for people that don’t use Facebook, you can share your work on a blog. There are several free platforms, like Blogger (I think that’s one of the easiest to set up).
Sarah: Build your portfolio, make business cards, and get your name out there. Shoot public events and attract the public towards your page. Ie getting the interest of other professionals, for me it’s just sort of happened as I went. That said I don’t consider myself a pro yet, I’m still very much learning.You can also approach other photographers and ask about mentorship once you build up a portfolio.
Shannon: I’d love to know the answer to that one. Haha
Kelly: Word of mouth is your best friend in the beginning. FB is a lovely form of free advertising, but just like the others said…get some business cards & marketing material printed & enlist the help of friends & family. Another thing you could do is start going to local networking events…..just some ideas 🙂
Kelly: If all you have is a FB page right now, then you should consider starting a website and/or photog blog.
Elisha: ^^Yes, weebly.com has a great free website to get you started and you can always upgrade later!
Kelly: Another great place to look @ photog website templates…..https://www.facebook.com/#!/bludomain
Jade: www.creativemotiondesign.com . If you want a professional design and fantastic support!
Daniel: Thank you so much everybody for your help! It really means a lot. I appreciate it all and will be trying out these ideas! -Daniel from Above The Line Photography
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