Hi there, photog! This is going to help you gain photography followers, build a better relationship with your clients, and increase your organic reach! We are taking all of this amazing advice from our Growing Your Facebook Group and Page Made Easy! This guide goes over all niches of photography but for these next set of examples, I’m pulling from the family/children niche. We also include prompts for Boudoir, Wedding/Engagement, Newborn/Maternity and Senior with that product!

To see samples from all the niches, click here and scroll to the bottom.

How To Get More People To Join Your Photography Facebook Group

Ask them to Join Your photography Facebook group with these prompts:

First thing is first. You need to ask them to join. Here’s some ways you can do that. Feel free to copy and paste these directly to your Facebook Page or Twitter! The key to your Facebook group is to build a community! Always remember that!

Hey there! I’m currently hosting a giveaway in my private Facebook group. If you’re interested in winning [prize], make sure you join the group! We do other lots of cool stuff when I’m not giving things away, too. [link]
PARENTS: Sometimes you just need a private space to talk with other parents! My Facebook group is full of parents who feel the same way, and we want your company! [link]
I tend to use my public Facebook page for business-related stuff, but if you want to see more from [your business] and other parents, come join us on my private group! [link]
Looking for a parenting community that talks about everything from working with teachers to game night or craft ideas? Come join my private group! [link]
I knew my private Facebook group for parents would thrive, but I had no idea that it’d be such an incredible environment and asset to my life. <3 I’d love to see you there, too. [link]
I’m telling you – I have learned about some of the coolest vendors in my private FB group. Those are some seriously in-the-know parents. Come hang! [link]
We’re talking about [humorous subject related to parenting] over in my private Facebook group and I cannot stop laughing! Things are getting too real, people. Come join the fun! [link]
We’re addressing the important questions over on my private Facebook group, such as… [list answer. Keep it humorous and light, like “the best place to eat where you won’t be judged if your child climbs all over the furniture.”] [link]
ATTENTION! You’re officially invited to an incredible community of supportive, not-afraid-to-get-real parents! Get in on this RN. [link]

Tip: Make sure to include the link at the end to your group when posting this to other social media! We just don’t want you to forget that! 🙂

Do I really need a photography Facebook group for my business?

The answer is YES. I can’t stress that enough. Take a look at this video where I show you exactly how much exposure your photography Facebook group can get you. You’re going to be STUNNED.

Now, I’m not saying you need to ditch your page. No, you need to do both. I know that’s annoying but that’s just how it works these days. Your group is going to get you exposure but if people are actively looking for your business on social media, they will look for your photography Facebook page. See why it’s important to do both? If you stop posting on your page, it will look like you’re not doing anything in your business – we do not want that!

Once you get people joining the group you’ll want to increase Facebook engagement with these posts:

These statuses were written very carefully for each individual niche. Simply fill in any blanks, which we’ve bolded, and then post! We recommend responding to (and/or “liking”) any comment that a follower makes within 12 hours. This helps keep the conversation going, and you can even follow up with an additional question! PROTIP: Schedule these statuses in advance on Facebook so that you don’t forget to post them! The more people that start commenting on these posts, the more Facebook will show your followers the stuff you’re posting.

Facebook only wants to show what they think people want to see. The more interaction (likes, comments) on a post, the more it will be visible! Post these on your group or page!

It’s no secret… kids can be downright ornery, but those make for some of the best moments during a session! Anyone care to share their favorite “ornery moment” they captured on camera?
I’m always on the prowl for gorgeous, family-friendly locations to shoot. I have a nice list already, but always happy to hear more suggestions. Anyone have some tucked away places they want to suggest?
You know what’s really important? Making sure that YOU’RE in the image, as well, even if you don’t feel like you look amazing (even though you probably look fab). MOMS out there, can we take a moment to post some candids where you’re in the image, too?
OK parents – what’s for dinner? Anyone have a killer casserole recipe that’s super easy to make?
When you’re shopping for children’s clothing for a photo session, what are some of the things you look for?
What’s your favorite online parenting destination? Blogs, groups and websites all count!
Does anyone have suggestions for awesome Instagram, Twitter or Facebook parents to follow? I think we can all use some more relatable parenting content!
I’m on the prowl for a parenting book to buy for [myself/a friend/an expectant mom/my sister]. Anyone read anything good lately?
OK parents – what’s the ONE toy you regret buying for your kiddo? And to keep things balanced, what about the one you love the most?
What’s the most important thing you look for in a family photo session/photographer?
How often do you plan to get photos done with your family, and what’s the reasoning behind that?

Run a Contest

The next thing you can do to get people over to your private Group is you guessed it, run a contest. Please note that it is illegal to host giveaways on public Facebook pages. For that reason, we’ve written these contest ideas for your private Facebook group, Twitter or Instagram. Social Media rules and regulations are ever changing, so depending on when you read this post, you’ll need to look those rules up to make sure you’re within the guidelines.

Another thing to note is that the prize doesn’t have to be huge for people to be interested in participating, so don’t feel pressured to give it all away! Make sure to cross-promote the contest, including on your blog, for max exposure.

I’m getting ready to release my magazine client guide, and need to choose a cover photo. I’ll be using an image from a session held within the last year! If we had a session together in that timeframe – and if you want to be on the cover – comment here and I’ll choose one of your photos to be in the running! The winner will be on the cover and will receive [a print credit/a frame image/a book/etc.], and the selected photo will be a random drawing!
Calling all parents out there! We’re partnering with [@company name] to give away [prize], and YOU could be the winner! To win, like this status and leave a comment sharing your favorite item from [company]’s store! Contest ends [time] and winner will be announced at [time].
CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT! It’s time to put your creative hats on, because I need your help (and I really want to give away [prize here]). I’m trying to come up with a catchy name for my [online store/blog/pricing package/new product/etc]. To enter, make sure you already like my business Facebook page, as well as this post, and then share your suggestion below! I’ll select my favorite as the winner on [date].
GUESS AND WIN! Here’s an image from my session with the [last name] family! Whoever can name the location of this session will be entered to win [prize]. You have [number] hours, and I’ll announce the winner at [time of day]!
QUICK CONTEST! I always love seeing what you all do with the photos and products from our session! Share a picture of your hung photos in their element below! A winner will be selected randomly and announced [date].
Giveaway alert! Woohoo! Want to win a [canvas print/framed print/mini album] from your most recent session? All orders placed by the end of the week will be entered to win, and I’ll announce the lucky winner on Monday morning!
FILL IN THE BLANK CONTEST! Answer this question and win [something small]: “I love being a parent because _____.” Respond by [time], and I’ll announce the winner randomly an hour after!
CONTEST TIME! Your mission: create a caption for this image and leave it in the comment section below. Your prize: a $[print credit] you can use toward whatever you want! The winner will be chosen at random and announced on [date]!

Have Your Group/Page Get To Know You Through Live Videos

Here’s some live video ideas for your photography Facebook Group or Page. Don’t be afraid of live videos – they’re your best friend and can make you much more relatable to your clients! Facebook and Instagram prioritize live videos and will alert your followers when you start one. That’s like a form of free advertising right there! Live videos are also a way for your clients to get to know you, and your work, better. By going out of your way to showcase products or interview a niche-related expert, you demonstrate your dedication to your profession and to serving your current and potential clients.

Post behind-the-scenes video of you shooting a family session with young children. We recommend having an assistant who holds your phone so he or she can ask you questions as they come in. Some question prompts you can have for your audience include: What have you always wanted to know about a family session? Does the process look like what you thought it would? What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned so far?
Do an Informational/FAQ session that discusses what clients should wear as a family. Make sure you have a bullet-list of items to bring (from necessities like water to clothing choices to props) and why clients need them. Also, really encourage your viewers to ask any questions they may have about their upcoming sessions.
An FAQ/Informational session on how to prepare your children for your session. You can discuss “what ifs” such as “what if my child is fussy the whole time?” and address questions like, “Should we nap our kids before or after?” Encourage your viewers to ask anything that’s on their mind.
A quick video showing some of your favorite family session props, with an optional giveaway. Share each prop one at a time, say where it came from and how much it cost, and what type of age group it’s best for. For the contest, throw a random number (1-however many people are watching) into a bowl and have your viewers guess the answer. The first person who guesses wins a small prize (perhaps a new version of one of your favorite props)!
Provide a glimpse into your own family life. This makes you relatable as a photographer, and can help build rapport with potential clients. Choose a time of day (perhaps dinner time or a Saturday afternoon when you do a certain activity together) and introduce your kids, ask them questions about what it’s like to have a parent as a photographer, and encourage your viewers to ask their own questions!
An FAQ/Informational video on when and how to book family sessions. Discuss common milestones that call for family photos (such as children reaching a certain age, moving into a new house, etc.). You can also discuss package options, payment plans, and products available for purchase after the session.
Do a live broadcast at golden hour to show clients why this time of day is perfect for photo shoots. Talk about the way the light is soft, and show examples of the images you’re taking on the back of your camera.
Do a behind-the-scenes on a family session that includes pets to demonstrate how this works (plus, people love animals)! Again, have an assistant follow you and ask you questions that viewers may have. Also explain what you’re doing throughout the position to provide more insight into this world!

Network With Those In Your Community With Live Interviews with Vendors

In addition to regular live videos, you can also reach out to local vendors for real-time interviews. These interviews not only give you an opportunity to network with local businesses, but they also provide valuable insight for your clients and give them an opportunity to ask questions in real time.

To help you jump start your interview session, we’ve come up with 10 questions to ask each vendor. If you’re uncomfortable with live videos, you can alternatively turn these into Q&A blog posts! When setting up these interviews, see if the vendor is willing to offer some sort of a discount that’s exclusive for your clients. You can advertise this in advance to build interest in the live video session. We also recommend doing the interview on location whenever possible.

Clothing Boutique
- What style of clothes do you carry?
- Do you have clothing for all ages or just adults?
- What are some current “trends” in fashion (youth or adult)?
- Do you have any tips for making clothes last longer?
- Where’s your favorite place to have your clothes dry cleaned?
- What kinds of clothing photograph well?
- Do you have any clothing recommendations for families on a budget?
- What types of accessories do you carry?
- How often do you hold sales or specials?
- How often do you get new clothing in?

Children’s Salon Owner
- What are some of the current hair trends for boys?
- And what about hair trends for girls?
- What products do you use and/or recommend for children?
- What makes your salon a go-to for children?
- How important is it to go to a hair salon that specializes in children’s hair?
- Do you have any tips for a child’s first haircut?
- How much of a say do you think children should have in their haircut and style?
- How long have you been cutting children’s hair?
- Tell us about your salon team!
- Do you have any “children say and do the darndest things” stories?

Dance or Martial Arts Studio
- What kinds of classes do you offer?
- What age groups are best for this activity?
- How much does it cost per child?
- How often are classes held?
- Do you ever have any recitals or opportunities to watch your child’s progress?
- What are the physical benefits of this class for children?
- What about the mental benefits?
- Is this a good way for children to make friends with others?
- Are your classes mostly boys or girls, or an even mix?
- Do you ever offer any special rates?

There you have it, some amazing posts and ideas to get you growing your photography Facebook Group! Want more ideas for your family photography business? What about prompts for your boudoir, senior, wedding/engagement, maternity/newborn photography business? Head on over to the BP4U store and check out Growing Your Facebook Group and Page Made Easy.