Marketing For Photographers

Marketing for Photographers

As a family photographer that moves constantly because I’m a part of a military family, I rely heavily on marketing my business before I move to the new area, especially after moving from Woodbridge, VA to Torrance, CA. So, when I arrive in my new area in Southern California, the marketing I’ve put in before arriving helps to get new clientele for my photography business. I’ve used all of these marketing tips I’m sharing in this blog post, plus many more that are in my Marketing eBook.

Boy, marketing is a hard pill to swollen…there is just so many ways to market your photography business to drawn in your ideal client in your city, but where does one start?

I’m glad you asked. Marketing can be a tricky business especially for photographers. We like to rely solely on social media, but is that were your ideal client is hanging out?  You want to get in front of your ideal client, but where are they?

That’s when a little research is needed. Let’s talk about how to identify your ideal client.

Where do they live?
Are they female or male?
What is their age range?
Do they have kids?
If so, what are the age ranges of their kids.
What is the education level? (High School, Bachelors, Masters, PhD)
What is their salary? (Do they have discretionary funds)
Where do they shop? (Are they a mall shopper, bargain hunter, boutiques)
Do they vacation? (Where do they vacation; local, stateside, overseas)
Do they value photography?
What is their pain point? How can you fix their pain point?
What do they like to do for fun or for leisure?

​These are the questions you need to ask and do research on to determine who is your ideal client and where they hang out.  Based on your ideal client, you'll want to develop a marketing strategy and determine the different channels you want to use to market to your ideal client.​
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When you’ve determined your ideal client, that’s when you’re ready to start marketing. Did you know it’s recommended to have at least 5-7 marketing strategies / channels going all at once? This is just in case something isn’t working you have other channels bringing in clients to your photography business.  What are other marketing channels photographers can use outside of Social Media?
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​Here are some marketing ideas you may use for your photography business:
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Clothing

Did you know your clothing can be a billboard? Especially, if you’re out on a job. Many potential clients will see you in action and may take a photo of you with your contact information (if it’s on the back of your shirt). You can also purchase hats, backpack, and other clothing items to emboss or embroider your company logo on.

​If you’re looking for a vendor to purchase items visit VistaPrint, Promotique, or your local store.

Networking

Networking is a fantastic way to build relationships and draw in clientele. The goal is to meet at least one new person a day and let them know about your photography business. When you attend networking events, look for ways to bring the person you’re meeting new clients and business.

Where can you find networking events may be your next question. Well, I’m glad you asked. You can find them everywhere…Facebook (under events), Google, Eventbrite, and more places.

On a side note, ensure you have a business card to hand people you meet when you’re networking.  Also, consider the card you are handing out. Is it a representation of you and your business?  Does it scream luxury and expensive or does it say cheap?

How does your card feel?  Is it soft or hard to the touch?  Do you have curved or square corners?  Do you have silver or gold foil?  Maybe consider spot gloss or foil on your card.

Vendors to get business cards

• Moo
• VistaPrint
• Your Local Print Office

The day following your networking events, follow up with all the people you meet.  If you connected with the people you meet, email them and schedule a virtual or in person coffee to learn more about them and their business.

Website

Did you know having a standalone website is vital to your business?  It’s a place you can send potential clients to look at your wedding, family, maternity, or newborn portfolio.  As a business owner, consider your website a virtual storefront. 
 
Yes, social media is convenient, and they offer lots of different tools many photographers love and disregard the need for a website.  However, with a website, potential clients can get a true understanding of the different photography services you use, learn about your personality, and more.  A good website serves as a great marketing tool.  If you have a website, you’ll want to ensure you have the Facebook pixel installed as well as Google Analytics.  This way you can track who’s visiting your site and what part of the world or country they are visiting.  In addition, you can learn what pages of your website is getting the most traffic.  If you’re only using social media, you’ll be unable to do these things.
 
Also consider what would happen if any of these social media platforms go down; would potential clients be able to find you, contact you, or access your work?​

Blogging

Many business owners overlook the importance of blogging.  When you post on social media, those posts last for approximately 36-48 hours.  However, when you post a blog, they can live for several years.  Especially if you write an evergreen blog post like where’s the best place to have family pictures taken in your local city. You’ll constantly get traffic to your website because people will be looking for information listed in your blog.  
 
I have been contacted by vendors and given money because my blogs bring traffic to their websites.  In addition, more recently, I was booked by a client who read a blog I wrote in 2017.  So, blogs can be powerful.  You want to write blogs your ideal clients would like to read and receive information about.

Ideas on where to start:

• What questions are you constantly asked by your wedding, newborn, or family clients?
• Why did you become a photographer?
• Write a personal blog.
• How can your clients take great pictures for their vacation?

 
Did you know blogging also helps with SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?  Yes, it is a great way to stay on top of the different search engines if you are providing valuable content your ideal client is searching.  For more information about SEO and how to implement it into your marketing strategy, check out the SEO eBook. 
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Packaging

Packaging plays a vital role in the marketing of your business.  From the bag you give, to the tissue inside the bag, to the ribbon you use.

Have you ever wanted to visit a store to purchase something just because you wanted their bag or some of their packaging?  I.e... Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Hermès, etc.  I know I have!  The packaging from these luxury boutique stores are phenomenal.  Everyone wants one of those little blue bags.

Your photography packaging should say nice things about your business.  What does your packaging currently say about your business?  If your packaging is one of a kind, your clients will talk about your packaging just like they speak about Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton.

To get more ideas on packaging, visit this blog.

In Conclusion

Marketing is vital to any photography business.  So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a wedding photographer, family photographer, newborn photographer, or some other genre of photographer.  Marketing is an everyday task to help keep your business in front of your ideal clientele.
 
If you’re looking for other ideas to market your photography business, check out the Marketing eBook.  I have detailed several ideas to market your business to draw in new clientele for your photography business.   Don’t hesitate to call me at (213) 212-2251 or email [email protected] with any questions you may have or if you're interested in mentoring.
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Don't forget about your packaging!

Contact Tamieka