CraigsList Clients

[OhSnapPhotos]

I did a quick search and didn't find any previous topics on this, but I apologize if I'm bringing up an old topic again.

I'm curious if anyone advertises their services on CraigsList and/or responds to the Photography Wanteds listed there.

I don't visit the site often, but was meandering about today and saw several folks near me who are looking for wedding photographers in my price range. They are slightly out of my current market location which I think may be why they haven't found someone in their own town.

Is it worth it to try to contact potential clients from this sort of site or is it better to let the truly interested people come to you and stick to more conventional advertising/client reaching methods?

[no.absolutes]

Sometimes I post on craigslist, sometimes I don't. Usually I just list some of my services, along with prices and a few of my best pictures. You can probably find my listings if you look under the gso/w-s-/charlotte listings

eta: Just wanted to add that I have received several emails from potential clients on craigslist, but have only ever gotten one shoot based off a craigslist ad.

[MWerner]

I stopped posting on Craigslist because the only responses I was getting were cheapos lookin for all day coverage and a high-res, edited disc for dirt cheap. If they're in your price range, then go for it. But please, be careful. Craigslist people can be... irritating...

[no.absolutes]

Originally Posted by OhSnapPhotos

Is it worth it to try to contact potential clients from this sort of site or is it better to let the truly interested people come to you and stick to more conventional advertising/client reaching methods?

Just wanted to address my experience with this as well - I have attempted to email people looking for services, but normally it is a bust. There are tons of people looking for something for nothing (ie. I emailed a couple seeking engagement pictures, they pretty much wanted free pictures in exchange for use in a portfolio).

[MWerner]

Originally Posted by no.absolutes

(ie. I emailed a couple seeking engagement pictures, they pretty much wanted free pictures in exchange for use in a portfolio).

It cracks me up how many people think portfolio work such great payment. If I'm looking to expand my portfolio, I will seek out someone who will be a stunning addition to my portfolio.

[no.absolutes]

Originally Posted by MWerner

It cracks me up how many people think portfolio work such great payment. If I'm looking to expand my portfolio, I will seek out someone who will be a stunning addition to my portfolio.

Exactly! I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking they were crazy!

[MatthewDutile]

Please, please, please, please don't use Craigslist to market or book jobs from there. All it does is cheapen the photo industry. If you have a look you need for your book, go book a free test (just not for an ad agency or anyone that should normally pay). Do it enough to charge industry fees and what your work should be worth. CL just kills me.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by MatthewDutile

Please, please, please, please don't use Craigslist to market or book jobs from there. All it does is cheapen the photo industry. If you have a look you need for your book, go book a free test (just not for an ad agency or anyone that should normally pay). Do it enough to charge industry fees and what your work should be worth. CL just kills me.

Using CL doesn't cheapen anything unless you give something away. CL is just another place you can advertise your services...it just happens to be free.

[Jim Bryant]

Most folks who either posts to CL, marketing and advertising for business, will only attract cheap clients. Once in a blue moon will you get someone who'll pay you for what you're worth. Most of the Seattle pros who thought CL was a great advertising tool to generate business have broken off. It was a great discussion at an ASMP membership meeting a while back. The general agreement was.......it attracted those clients looking for cheap deals.

[GadgetRick]

You can get cheap clients from anywhere. If you advertise on CL--and you get a cheap client--don't do business with them. Simple as that.