What’s Your Preference?

MelissaL · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2010, 02:25 PM

I am starting a photography business and need some ideas about how to get my name "out there". I have read that word of mouth is the best advertising, but you need a few happy clients to get the word of mouth going.

What has worked for you?

I have a blogsite....[throo] the lens photography » Natural Light Photographer in San Antonio, TX.
I am on facebook too.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

prince · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2010, 05:05 PM

Tie up with other businesses that support your style of work. Ex. I have tied up with a dog trainer since I like to do pet photography. Schools and such might be hard to break through. Some low cost free sessions might help as well.

lynweber · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 05:35 PM

I'm wondering about marketing for like tradeshows or bridal expos. I have a hard time designing a setup.

private · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 06:47 PM

my best advise is, go where the clients that you want are. brides? bridal shops, hair dressers, gyms, real estate agents...kids, moms groups, pools, daycare providers

AnneWynne · #5 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 08:47 PM

This has been an oft' discussed topic on this forum.

Do a keyword search in this forum and you will find lots of ideas and information. I also recommend Gurilla Marketing on the Internet (a book). Do a keyword search on Google for photography marketing ideas and you will get a ton of links. Go4ProPhotography blog has a lot of great ideas and inspirations.

The main thing about marketing is that you have to do it. You cannot just sit in front of your computer all day, you have to hit the streets and get your name out there. Get business cards, flyers, do up some 4 by 6 flyers you can get printed out for cheap (make sure your images look great, a bad printer is a waste of money).

Tell people what you do, then hand them a business card. If they express an interest, get their name and contact information and put them on your mailing list and contact them within a couple of weeks with a specials announcement.

You can be the best photographer in the area, but if no one knows you are out there, you will never be the best _professional_ photographer.

Good Luck!
Anne

sjhonda · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2010, 10:44 PM

Create a photography newsletter that you send out through email to your clients each month. Include articles of interest to those in your chosen demographic but also include specials and advertisement for your services. If you keep your services fresh in the mind of past clients, when they need a photographer they will likely think of you.

Stephen Honda
Orange County Wedding Photographer

royale013 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynweber

I'm wondering about marketing for like tradeshows or bridal expos. I have a hard time designing a setup.

tie up, at a flower shop who is specialize in wedding, catering service who also do wedding, dress makers will also do great.

shphoto32 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010, 04:52 AM

I've teamed up with some local studios that teach art. I helped them promote their businesses by providing pictures of their businesses for their websites, and they let me put displays up insite.

Facebook can be huge if you can figure out how to use it to your advantage.

Low cost shoots are good, but you still gotta charge for your work. Float the session fee and one or two small prints and then give them your regular price on everything else. Pick people who have blogs, and are well connected who will talk you up. You don't want to be the free or bargain photographer. You want to be the luxury photographer, and you won't get there by working for free or super cheap. Of course you have to work your way up, but if your doing amazing work, charge the big bucks.

faeriegodess612 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2010, 04:58 AM

All of the above suggestions are great,... my own?

Run an ad in the newspaper, also make sure that your listed in the phone book under photographers and possibly pay extra for an ad there too. Like everyone said, post business cards or flyers at places where people go that would most likely need your services. Vistaprint has some good deals on business cards if you dont already have them. Also, considering your in San Antonio, depending on how far your willing to travel, there are a lot of people always needing photographers on the military bases. You might be able to contact the Family Readiness Group's for each base and ask if you can leave something with them. Theyre the sort of event coordinators for each base.