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Question from Briana: “I’m frustrated! I’ve been in business for a year ( shooting…seniors, families, children, engagements, weddings, pretty much everything!) and a half and I’m not getting many inquiries. How do I get myself known?”
Christina: This, is the million dollar question. I look forward to hearing everyone’s ideas because I’ve tried everything from google marketing, to facebook ads, and handing out my business cards, to starting a group on Meetup geared towards businesses. It’s still tricky!
Alicia: I would start by figuring out where you want your focus to be – seniors? work on high school representatives and reach out to local high schools, sports teams, etc. newborns? offer some free canvases to doctors offices/obgyns in exchange for your business cards/flyers to be there. etc. I would start with 1-2 focuses and work on those!
Luke: Just for getting your name out, competitions can be good, and just talk and network with other businesses.
Holly: Quit! Lol, not really of course, but I’ve had a huge increase inquiries since I put my studio on hold to go back to school. I’m way busier now that we’re “closed” than I was when I was trying really hard to”find” customers.
Amie: I am in the same boat and My bigger issue is I just moved to this area.I started out by printing up flyers and my business cards taking them around to area businesses. Then if you want newborns go to OBGYN`s and offer specials and let them know for every client they refer they will receive a canvas wrap of the baby for their office. Alot of times they give expecting mothers a gift bad have then put in a business card and or a gift certificate for lets say a print(or what ever you want) Try preschools and daycare centers. There is always word of mouth and I offer free session (not prints) to people as a word of mouth and portfolio builder
Kristen: I agree with the “focus on one or two”. Not that you need to specialize all the time, but focus your marketing efforts on those areas, and then when your calendar is good from those, focus in a different set.
Jess: I agree finding the answer is like a golden egg.. so far word of mouth has gotten me the most inquires/ people in the door.. I am going to direct mail next spring for getting seniors in the door. I have also learned to be sure and keep all past clients I build the best experience you can think of and with that I have had a lot of success too but getting new faces in seems to be what everyone wants.
Ami: I have found, at least in my area, word of mouth is the best advertising. When I started I donated sessions to mom groups, fund raisers, my local relay for life and I gave a free session on my Facebook page. Of course I was not making any money off these however through those free sessions I gained referrals and repeat clients. I was also able to build my portfolio. Now when I do a session I always give a little thank you gift like a photo key chain or a purse calendar with a photo on the cover from the session. You can get them as low as $4. Moms are going to show those things off like crazy and get your name out there. Good luck!
Elisha: Try craft/vendor fairs, classifieds (free is better obviously) online, any FB groups for local things such as play groups, if there is a MOPS group in churches around you, offer discounts to the first few people or something and then have them spread your name–could even do a referral program where they earn free products/print credits for each person they refer and books with you.
Donna: Not a lot you can do, people just don’t have the money to spend on photos anymore.
Lavish: I think maybe take a look at your pricing, your market, your competition, etc. Change the things you need to, and promote, promote, promote!
Kayleigh: I think the biggest issue faced by photographers these days is that DSLR cameras are so easy to get a hold of, so lots of people are just getting basic photos done by friends and family members. I have been doing photography for about 2 years now and I have found that word of mouth has been my best advertising tool. When my friends, family and coworkers get photos done by me they show their friends who show their friends and so on. As far as booking weddings, I’ve done 3 for people that I know and the other 2 were from an ad I posted on Craigslist offering weddings at a low price because I was a beginner at weddings. I also use Facebook as a tool for running contests and networking with people and businesses. You have to have a style that makes you stand out and shows folks why they should have you take their photos ahead of other photographers in your area. Hope this helps, good luck!!
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