where to advertise?

[evphoto]

this is my first post, though I have lurked for a long long time. I have learned lots from reading and really appreciate everyone that gets on here and posts.. so thanks!

anyways my question is this:

where is the best place to advertise? I have tried craigslist and have gotten a couple responses, I have tried a moms site in my area and got only one response. Where else can I try? How do you start getting your name out there when you are just starting? Everyone always says word of mouth is the best way, but how do you get your name out there for your name to get around? I'm not super concerned about it as this is just a side thing because I love photography, I already have a full time job so I don't need the customers just want some new subjects to shoot.

any and all help would be appreciated


...check out my site E.V. Photography

[Jim Bryant]

Just took a look see at your site and I strongly suggest that you gain more experience in shooting before jumping into the pond. You really need more of a variety of photos. So I guess shooting friends of friends, family and such. CL only attracts folks looking for some really cheap. You could try a community newspaper, place an ad or have them do a story on you as a new business feature. But mostly word of mouth works.

[GadgetRick]

Well, I'm not sure there's a best place to advertise for everyone. Each person will be different. However, in this business, it seems word of mouth is the best way (by far) to get business. How to get it? Well there are a lot of ways--and it can take time. Here are some ideas:

-Get involved--any kind of community activity you can think of from school stuff (especially if you have kids) to stuff in your local newspaper. As people see you around, they tend to want to get to know you--especially if you're always taking pictures!
-Facebook--create a fan page, invite your friends, urge them to invite their friends, etc. You'd be surprised how quickly this can grow. Just started one myself (Monday), I already have 40 fans and I'm not even really promoting it yet. No business from it yet but part of advertising it letting people know what you do...constantly... So update the fan page frequently. Post pictures frequently. Give information frequently. You get the idea.
-Don't be afraid to talk about what you do. I don't mean dominate conversations with your photography, rather, work it into conversations while your out and about. Always carry cards to hand out when someone says, "Really? You're a photographer?"
-Networking groups--they can help you but it depends on the group you're in. I wouldn't expect a lot of business from these groups. Honestly, they're better for gaining contacts than anything. These people know other people. Be specific when you're in these groups about who you want to know, what you want to do, etc. People are dense sometimes.
-Take pics--bring your camera to family events, etc. Remind them what you do--family is the first to forget. They know people who will need your services.
-Be SURE of yourself--always be confident when talking about what you do. I don't mean try and BS someone, rather, be sure when you're talking about the things you do. People will believe you're REALLY good with the right attitude (not saying you're not good). Also, people tend to want to do business with confident people rather than shy, introverted people.

There are other things but these are just some suggestions.