Posting on Facebook

[wrdm]

I wonder if I'm possibly hurting myself with my current methods.

After a photo shoot, once I have all my clients photos ready to post into a secure gallery for them to order I usually post 4/5 pics that I really like onto Facebook (watermarked) in an attempt to generate some more word of mouth / potential clients etc . . . . .

I've always noticed that my sales of prints are really slow or even non existent, and now I'm beginning to wonder if this is caused by the fact that people can see these photos online, free of charge, any time they want, or have the image on their profile??

I also wonder if I'm hurting myself by uploading all the photos to a secure online gallery for them to browse anytime they want rather than doing the initial proofing in person??

I think that maybe I should use the posting of photos to facebook as a incentive for them to buy, i.e if you spend £xxx I will post x amount of photos to FB? Either way, posting them after the sales have been made?

Last question, do you think that it is a good idea to set a time limit for the online gallery in an attempt to try and force their hand a little?? Possibly even state that a fee will be charged to repost photos outwith this time frame??

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by wrdm

I wonder if I'm possibly hurting myself with my current methods.

I think so.

After a photo shoot, once I have all my clients photos ready to post into a secure gallery for them to order I usually post 4/5 pics that I really like onto Facebook (watermarked) in an attempt to generate some more word of mouth / potential clients etc . . . . .

Post them after the clients purchase, or just post one teaser.

I've always noticed that my sales of prints are really slow or even non existent, and now I'm beginning to wonder if this is caused by the fact that people can see these photos online, free of charge, any time they want, or have the image on their profile??

Barring other causes (I've not looked at the quality of your work) it's quite possible.

I also wonder if I'm hurting myself by uploading all the photos to a secure online gallery for them to browse anytime they want rather than doing the initial proofing in person??

Absolutely. In person proofing is always better, but when it can't be done, setting an expiration date on galleries gives a sense of urgency.

I think that maybe I should use the posting of photos to facebook as a incentive for them to buy, i.e if you spend £xxx I will post x amount of photos to FB? Either way, posting them after the sales have been made?

I wouldn't. What if you want to post a particularly good photo from a session that hasn't met your minimum purchase? You could offer to sell a FB-sized image for them to put up themselves.

Last question, do you think that it is a good idea to set a time limit for the online gallery in an attempt to try and force their hand a little?? Possibly even state that a fee will be charged to repost photos outwith this time frame??

Not only is it a good idea, but most will say that it's essential.

[Biomech]

Sensitive things like weddings and events I post on facebook as a montage using Picasa, that way people get a general idea of the shots but it's not really something worth robbing. Something like:

[TheEagleSpirit]

Originally Posted by Biomech

Sensitive things like weddings and events I post on facebook as a montage using Picasa, that way people get a general idea of the shots but it's not really something worth robbing. Something like:

Beautiful Job

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

I think so.


Post them after the clients purchase, or just post one teaser.

Barring other causes (I've not looked at the quality of your work) it's quite possible.

Absolutely. In person proofing is always better, but when it can't be done, setting an expiration date on galleries gives a sense of urgency.

I wouldn't. What if you want to post a particularly good photo from a session that hasn't met your minimum purchase? You could offer to sell a FB-sized image for them to put up themselves.


Not only is it a good idea, but most will say that it's essential.

++1 agree 100% with Jim, he has echoed every answer that I was going to post

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Biomech

Sensitive things like weddings and events I post on facebook as a montage using Picasa, that way people get a general idea of the shots but it's not really something worth robbing. Something like:

love this idea Jamie..beautiful job on it. I'm assuming you are creating these without a standard template, and appreciate how much work goes into making these

[Biomech]

Thanks alot

Actually that one I think I made by hand in photoshop :P But then after some talks, another photographer recommended Picasa. If you can get around all the importing crap, theres options to make posters using various montage types. You select the photos, click "make montage" or whatever it is. Then keep clicking "shuffle" until the layout and positions are how you prefer Turns a 45 min job into a 2 minute job

[lonni]

Facebook is a bit hit and miss, but i find it works well as a marketing tool and does ot seem to impact sales. Taging someone spreads my name and i get referalls etc. But i also proof in person, and i pick and choose clients that are serious about ordering.

It seems to be standard practice for every photographer i know to post one or two preview photos to keep the client from bugging them during the editing period, so not doing it might look odd to people.