Marketing, something which is very important for every photographer. Marketing is the only thing that will help photographers have their photos sold. This will not only help them being recognized but also earn a lot of money.
Technical knowledge - Check!
Exotic locations - Check!
Glamorous Models- Check!
Decent Clientele - Check!
If you satisfy the above four criteria, you are good to make it big in the photography industry.
Well, not really. What about your Marketing Skills?
One of the main challenges for photographers is how to get clients. Your technical knowledge may be to the T, but what about the business and marketing aspect? Marketing is needed to promote any service. Don't worry! Marketing doesn't have to cost much money if you are willing to put in a little time and effort.
Photography is a profession where you are the sales, the production, the operations, the logistics and the marketing guy. So your business entirely depends upon you. It is upto you to get clients and provide them with new and quality services.
I agree being a photographer you may not have a lot of time after your photo shoots and events, but this is something you absolutely must do. Unless you give time in the present, your future business will not thrive.
Keeping in mind every photographers busy schedule, online marketing is not something that will take you ages to learn and execute. Just a few minutes of chatting with your friends, reading and posting a few articles will give do the work.
Below are a few proven methods of promoting your business and getting clients, without putting a lot of time into it :
1. Say Hello!
Networking is a great way to get your name out in the market. Meeting people, attending exhibitions, functions can lead to partnerships and future business developments Engage in friendly chats with established photographers and make sure you talk about your business plans too. But do not over promote yourself.
2. Online Signatures
Make sure to add a signature with every comment /mail you send. This becomes like a mini campaign for your business.
3. Facebook & other Online Networking
Facebook is probably the easiest way to market your business amongst friends and family. You can create a page with all your photographs. But make sure you do this with the permission of the models in the pictures. Marketing on Facebook is more informal and fun! Online chatting, sharing images, getting comments and likes are all proofs of effective marketing.
Other social networking sites like Twitter, MySpace will do the same. LinkedIn is more serious and professional kind of marketing.
Also participate in various online discussions and forums of your industry. This will help you learn a few things and also help you get your name in the market.
4. Pinterest
Pinterest is for members to share pictures and memories. This can be a great platform for you to connect with clients and potential customers. Uploading pictures (with permission) will increase your marketing reach over the web. Make sure to add details about every picture and complete your profile with your website link, Facebook page and other details where people can contact you.
5. Blogging
Blogging is a great way to communicate with your audience. It is a place where you can educate, learn, converse, share bits about your personal lives and showcase your images and products. Post articles on regular basis to get a good fan following. Link your blog with your Facebook, LinkedIn and other accounts.
6. SEO & Keywording
No don't be put off by the technicality of the word. It is very easy. Search Engine Optimization will help your company to pop when anyone types something related. All you have to do is add keywords for your blogs. For example the keywords for a Photo Retouching Service would be - photo, service, editing, retouching, inexpensive, photoshop, XYZ Company etc. More the keywords more are the chances of people coming across your blog
7. Classifieds and Local Online Listing
There are many companies that allow you to post free ads. You can post offers and discounts to attract customers. Also give your company's URL to online directories. People looking for services will refer to these directories.
8. Recommendations
Make sure you request your clients to recommend you in their circles. Ask them to post their satisfied replies on your website and blogs.
Happy customers attract customers!
School Photographers and Photo Retouchers
There are many photographers and photo retouchers in the entire world of photography. Also, there are a few photographers who are specialized in the field of school photography and school photo retouching.
How School Photography Works?
School Photography. How does it work? Why is School Photography done? So many questions for School Photography? Your answer is right here, in this article.
School Photography At A Glance
Photographers have found this niche very rewarding as there are over lakhs of children finishing their schooling every year. It is pretty evident that the western culture is eventually going to influence the rest of the world, adding on to the niche.
