Spring is almost here…Hallelujah! This winter has been brutal and I cannot wait for it to be over so I can get out and start shooting. While we’re waiting for the last bits of winter to fade away, I’ve come up with a list of new ways you can market your business.
1. Hold a raffle for a free session at local businesses. Leave a fishbowl (or somewhat similar container) with entry slips at the front desk or checkout station of different places around town where you know your niche client will be.
The goal of this is to collect their email addresses to grow your client email list.
If you’re a newborn photographer, ask around to different places that you know moms go to all the time – ultrasound locations, maternity clothing shops, hospital maternity ward, OBGYNs, newborn clothing and supply shops, etc. Raffle off a free newborn session. Keep an email database of all of the emails you collect through this raffle. On the entry slip, have them put their due dates. Then, you can send out emails around the time of their due date to advertise your newborn sessions. You can also send out emails around the child’s milestones. They may not book your newborn session, but they may book a milestone session later on.
If you’re a child photographer, you can look at children’s boutique shops, libraries, churches, daycares, and other places where moms of older children will be going to on a regular basis. Think about your niche and where the clients you want to attract normally hang out. That is where you want to market your raffle.
2. Offer spring mini sessions.
If you’re looking to earn some quick cash, start offering mini sessions. Spring is a great time to do this because the weather is just starting to get nice, everything is bloom and gorgeous for photos! You can offer Mother’s Day minis, Easter minis, or just plain spring seasonal sessions.
3. Give away t-shirts with your business information on them.
Everyone loves t-shirts and they love free stuff. Order some shirts to give away to your friends, family, and clients to help promote your business. They don’t have to just say your studio name, you can make it say something cutesy like, “I just got shot at Brooke Photography!” with your website and phone number on the back.
Think outside the box. If you’re shooting senior girls, order tank tops. If you’re a newborn photographer, order onesies.
—–
Stay tuned for more spring marketing ideas for portraits, weddings, and seniors – coming later this week!