Tips on finding clients?

[cbui81]

Hey guys,

So I'm just starting out and I'm having problems finding clients. I know it's still early, but craigslist isn't working at all. I've been posting on there almost every day, but maybe people are scared of competition or something, but as soon as I post it, they flag the ad and it gets taken down.

I'm looking to bring in clients for portraits. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I've already my business cards printed also, and have been handing those out as well.

[aliasbullfrog]

I was noticing that your flickr page has no real portrait shots. Do you have a website with your product available?

California? That craigslist thing is a joke here, I know (I live in Hollywood). And true to the word, it's about who you know, right? Have you given your friends/relatives or co-workers your business cards to pass around to new mothers, engaged couples, or even aspiring teen models who still live under the parents' payroll?

Just a thought.

[AnneWynne]

Craigslist never really worked that well for me, either, and I live in the South. There are lots of marketing ideas on this forum, so do a key word search. If you are on Facebook, friend Nancy Stall, she posts links on going pro photography at least once daily.

I am not sure there is any one magic marketing trick out there other than perseverence. You gotta market everyday. Give everyone you meet your business card and tell them if they can't use it to pass it on to a friend. Let people see your work as much as possible. I have a magnetic sign for my car that has 4 images on it. I just got it, but it has resulted in one person _asking_ me for my card.

Name recognition is very important. People have to see your name about 16 times before they remember it. Once you have the name exposure, it is more likely people will contact you because your name is familiar (they may not know why, may never have seen your work, but just because they recognize your name will contact you for more information.)

Work on branding yourself so it will make an impression on your potential clients. Everyday you go out, every person you meet is another opportunity to spread your name out there, so become a brand they will know, and in knowing your brand, will trust. Get a Facebook page, update it at least once a day, and get your friends to fan you and spread your name.

Good luck

[cbui81]

Thank you. I forgot that I need to update my Flickr with portraits that I took recently. And I'm still working on my website to make sure I end up with something I really like, but as soon as I get that completed, it's going everywhere.

[ReenaG]

I am in the same boat. I don't want to advertise on Craigslist cause all I ever seem to get is spam!

I have given out my business cards at my kids school and friends know I am trying to get my foot in the door. Some have taken me up on my offer and others make an appt. with me then decide because I am a 'friend' that it is ok to just cancel the day before, the day of;

I am just getting very discouraged.

I know, I know I am not charging a session fee (and should be) and am giving free prints out as an incentive .... and after reading everything here and everywhere, I know I should charge. This area though I live in and the people I know...just don't seem to willing to pay

and if I can't even get them in for free, i have serious doubts I would if it cost.

[danbaileyphoto]

I tried Craigsist last year when things were REALLY slow with assignment work and stock. It didn't do very well, I think I got one job. I just don't think that people go to CL to look for photographers.

It takes time and LOTS of effort to build up a client base. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get new work, if you do a good job and are very personable and professional, then people will pass your name around. Keep putting yourself out there in the world with your personality and your business cards. Offer new client specials and discounts for referrals. Be creative with your marketing.

Professional Photographer Magazine is geared towards portrait and studio photographers, and they actually have some great articles and resources that help shooters find new clients and expand their businesses. Might be a good pub to check out, it's only about $20/yr.

Facebook is another great way to build a client base these days. Become friends with your clients, post example photos of them on your professional FB page and tag the photos. This posts the shots to their wall as well, which makes it easy for friends and friends of friends to see and share those shots and introduce people to your work.

Marketing and find work is the hardest part of being a photographer. Keep plugging away and, if your work is good, your success and client base will grow. It won't happen overnight, though, it takes lots of patience.

[RAWcop]

You can always check out Where Professional Models Meet Model Photographers - ModelMayhem
You can find models that are just starting out and want photos done for free.

[Eastree]

If you want a way to bolster your portraits portfolio, there's a way you can, but you won't be paid (at least not much) for it: Volunteer some time.

If you're wise enough about it, try going through a non-profit so you can maybe write (some of) it off your taxes. But I digress.

My Google fu is weak, so I'm unable to find what I read about at the Holiday season last year: basically and annual event wherin photographers go to the homes of the less fortunate (via a central agency; no random visits) to do a free sitting and an 8x10 print family portrait.

Another thought would be calling around some local charities which help children and families, or veterans (like the V.A., of course -- I'm sure someone in Afghanistan would like a print of his or her family posed and well lit!), etc. I've been considering this sort of thing lately, too.

Something I look for is local publications. I picked up a monthly local events pamphlet, and in the back I found three good opportunities for this sort of thing with my initial skimming: One for volunteers to visit hospice patients, one for a charity raising awareness for victims of traumatic brain injury, and one for Senior awareness. They may not be the most ideal clients, but you'll be able to not only show your skill behind the camera, but also impress potential clients because you care about your local community. And if nothing else, you'll have even more opportunities to hand out your business card. People often remember best the last person who provided a given service.

Any way, as I'm not a professional (and frequently debate whether I ever even want to be paid for what is now only a hobby), all I can do is regurgitate what I've seen and heard from other photographers: It's constant work to find work. A former coworker was on the phone at every break -- both short breaks and lunch -- making cold calls to potential clients. Most business for him came by word of mouth.

So I guess there's a tl;dr here somewhere:
Volunteer/charity/mobile work will help spread word-of-mouth advertising, and also show you care. Cold calls to events and organizations will help find more opportunities for this.

I know you need to make a living. But since you're just starting out, you'll need to work extra hard to get your name out there. I wish you the absolute best of luck; I love seeing fellow DPS members succeed.

[toasted75]

I'm not a pro photographer, so probably not best to take my word on face value, but from a business point of view, I think if you do any sessions for free (as most people starting out probably will do at some point), at least do it in a way where you get some publicity out of it... this is probably how I would approach things if/when I ever start down this road.

Don't just offer it to family and friends as a way to 'build your portfolio', offer a free voucher as a prize in a local school raffle, or sports club fundraiser... find a charity you like and offer them one afternoon a week for a month or someting to help photograph what they are doing for the community - and make sure you get a press release written for it and send it to the local papers etc. (get press releases, or a newsletter write up both before and after if you can, the after one can then point to your website where you can display a selection of the final photos).

You're still building your portfolio for free, but you're at least getting your name out there, getting a wider range of subjects, and getting involved in your local community which can only help enhance your word of mouth marketing that comes provided the photos you take are worth it.

Obviously you need to have your business setup first (website, business cards etc. would give you a lot more of a professional appearance), and I'd probably start off with charities first before I offered free vouchers as prizes, just because you'll probably be able to build some portfolio shots faster and you'll have more chances to 'get it right', get to establish some ongoing relationships... but it's something to think about, just make sure you back it up with some publicity... even if it's just submitting a press release to one of the free online PR sites.

[candleman]

well.. after hearing glowing reviews on another forum, i have just ordered:
Duct Tape Marketing: The World's Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide