Help! What do YOU do for advertising?

[HillHavenStudio]

Hi! I am trying to start my own business, and I have had lots of people comment on photos I have taken and how much they like them, and I have had a few shoots, and people say they like those too. A few kinda do the continual "I need to get you to take pictures of my kids" thing without every making a real commitment. I have so much trouble with advertising and getting my name and my work out there. Most of the people I know are through my church and I sometimes feel like my advertising stops there. So, my question is how do I become pro-active and get some of these wishy washy people to make an appointment, and how do I get my studio name out there. How do you do it? How did you do it when you first started? Any advice would be a great help! Thanks from a beginner.

[thiefimages]

I had/ have the same problem but I have taken the bull by horns so to speak. This is what I have done.

For advertising I had printed t-shirts with my business name and catch phrase on it. It stands out and I find people read it. Especially at airports and I think that it is because airports are boring places to be. I also had business cards printed. When they read the shirt I hand them a card. Names can be forgetful. I don't think mine is though and neither is my catch phrase - thiefimages.com - Stealing those precious moments in life ! and it seems to be working. I have noticed that the majority of photographers don't wear shirts emblazoned with their company names on it. I am different. I am a walking advertisement. I also put my business cards on those community notice boards and I have to replace them weekly as people take them which is good.

Getting people to commit is always hard. I must admit that I have family and friends ask me to take photos of them for free from family portraits to weddings. They think that this is a hobby or a hobby business for me. I have been compelled to explain that by me taking photos of/ for them costs me money and time and I should be paid for it. I have had to explain it like this - If I come into your place of business and took stuff for free because I was family/ friend would result in either them going broke or being fired and me arrested. Most, but not all, understand and will pay me for the photos and my time.

Word of mouth is one way, you being a walking advertisement is another.