Where to look for some Business and how to go about it?

[Verticalways]

First thanks for taking the time to read this!


I have just started a photography business and have had some experience being a photographer I did portraiture for a large photography company and studied it for 3 years so I have a good idea of what I am doing - though I do not consider myself a pro.

My Question
How should or could I advertise my business on a very limited budget. I am talking almost free here since some family matters have ravaged my bank account... I have a website and am looking to contract just about anything that has to deal with people, from fashion/weddings/portraits/family photos/etc. however I am unsure where and how I should start advertising - Suggestions?

What I have done to get going....

• Made business cards with website address and contact information
• Made a appeasing website with what I have to offer of a portfolio (since the images I shot were all copy righted to other companies)

Part 2 of my Question
I had considered going to daycare and leaving my business card and other places around the area that I would be near for business however is that really effective, what would be?

Places I have considered to solicit my services

• weddings
• Bands
• Churches
• Daycare
• PennySaver
• Senior Photos

If you would like to see my website it is located here Clickable Memories Photography


Thank you for your time and comments!

[BK553]

I'm in the exact same situation. I've also been shooting for a couple years, but for a NPO that has rights to the images (I did it for a salary, not for photographic rights). I'm trying to get something up and running as well. One thing I can suggest is a Facebook page, it's free and easy, and you can quickly network with your Facebook friends. Your website looks good, I'm using smugmug as well and for the most part it works well (customizing it is a b*tch though )

[Eastree]

Originally Posted by Verticalways

How should or could I advertise my business on a very limited budget? I have a website and am looking to contract just about anything that has to deal with people ... however I am unsure where and how I should start advertising - Suggestions?

If you're looking for absolutely free, Craigslist will get you some jobs, though lower paying. It really depends how you market, and coincidental timing so you're not advertising a $120 sitting fee (just as an example) next to someone offering a $30 sitting fee.

It takes some time, but also having a Facebook business page, and possibly a Twitter account, and some like to list themselves on Linkedin as well, can possibly bring in a lot of business -- especially if you can use it effectively.

Now that your free options are mostly exhausted, consider looking into a mass mailing company. At least see how much they charge to put one ad in their regular bulk mailing. Local publications would also be a good option, if it's in your budget.

Part 2 of my Question
I had considered going to daycare and leaving my business card and other places around the area that I would be near for business however is that really effective, what would be?

That depends heavily on how exactly you intend to "leave" your card. In almost every case, someone who leaves cards laying around (such as trying to secretly 'drop' them around a business hoping someone needing the service picks one up) end up being disrespected. I'd rather suggest a trip to some local strip malls and other shopping areas, where people often leave stacks of advertisements. Of course, get the management's permission before just leaving a stack of ads!

You'll probably be a little better off, too, making a flier rather than just leaving a card. It will catch more attention, and give potential customers something to see besides just your name.

Places I have considered to solicit my services

• weddings
• Bands
• Churches
• Daycare
• PennySaver
• Senior Photos

Erm, do NOT crash weddings! In stead, call bridal shops, consignment shops, and suit rental places (you've basically double-covered both weddings and prom/some seniors and juniors) and ask about leaving an advertisement. Call upcoming bridal shows, and ask about advertising (passing out business cards, etc.). Some aren't free, which is why calling in advance is so important!

Churches don't often allow outside solicitation, and tend more often to rely on a congregation member who does the same (if someone happens to be a photographer). You may not be able to post an ad, but leaving the clergy aware of your business can bring business to you.

Since I have no idea where you live .... In case gay marriage isn't legal in your state (also assuming you're American), adding "Commitment ceremonies" to your list of photographic services, since so few are catching on to that term right now, may help bring in a few jobs. That is, if you're comfortable with going.

I'm not a professional (yet), but something I noticed with the one part-time photographer I used to work with, is that he was almost always on the phone making calls to find clients. Cold calls to events and businesses will take a lot of time, but possibly also bring in a lot of business. Find event lists as far in advance as you can, and call immediately! the longer you wait, or the closer it is to the event, the less likely they will still need a photographer.

I think I'm about out of ideas at the moment. But there's a book floating around called, "Career Opportunities in Photography," (ISBN which I am finding potentially very helpful. Not only does it explain many types of photography and tips on how to get in contact with people.

[danbaileyphoto]

Marketing and advertising is all about finding creative ways to get your name and imagery out there. It doesn't have to be expensive, in fact the photographer on a tight budget is often the most resourceful at marketing because he/she NEEDs to be more creative in this realm to make up for the money constraint.

Sit down with a little notebook and think about WHO your potential customers are. Then write down some ways that you might be able to reach them. Think social media, as well. Again, be creative. Also, the best advertising is often word of mouth.

Finally, it takes time and lots of patience to build a business through marketing. It won't happen overnight, you have to slowly and methodically lay the bricks that will eventually pay off down the road.

[Niresangwa]

There's some great advice here, so good luck with it.

One comment from me, albeit unsolicited, is that your online portfolio needs to be rounded out asap. As I clicked through it, it appeared to be the same couple of girls. The images were fine, but all of the same kind, and all of the same couple of models. It's going to speak to your experience, thereby affect how you're perceived by potential paying customers.

[Jim Bryant]

Check out the book Guerrilla Marketing!

[KimberlyH]

I agree with Niresangwa. Hunt down every family member and friend you have and start mini photo sessions. If they know you are trying to get your foot in the door of this business they should be more than happy to help out. It doesn't have to be a huge session...just enough to yield a few good photos from each group of people. Otherwise, a prospective client will look at your website and think you've only just started. Not a good thing!

[ToadHollow]

We've got quite a bit of traffic from a small Google adwords campaign we've been running. Very inexpensive and we've had tens of thousands of impressions so far. Very inexpensive and the results are worth it.

[terri33inne]

Deleted... Sorry... meant to start as a new thread.

[terri33inne]

Sorry... again... haven't had my coffee today.