Your Experience when starting your business?

[ChrisAdval]

How did you build your clientele?

Did you purposely under-charge because you lacked experience of being in business when starting out to help build clientele?

Share your experiences when starting out and how you got your clientele if you don't mind.

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by ChrisAdval

How did you build your clientele?

Did you purposely under-charge because you lacked experience of being in business when starting out to help build clientele?

Share your experiences when starting out and how you got your clientele if you don't mind.

Under charging is a bad idea because it is hard to raise prices later on.. Belive me. So dont be to low. I built clientell via word of mouth.

[graciousness]

You don't undercharge.

You give discounts

See the difference?

[ajax_andy]

I've only just started charging for work and would say that I very much undercharge for work that I source myself i.e. replying to twitter posts etc looking for a photographer etc. i do this to make sure I get the job, can add to my portfolio and also gain more experience of shooting when there is money involved (which is a different pressure to doing a shoot for free).

However I also have my website and anyone who comes to me for work then pays more.

I look at 2 fold really, if I want to do it I charge an amount that makes sure I get the job... but if the client wants me to do it then that means they like my work and style and therefore are willing to pay more.

[BigFuzzy]

There is no one way. Don't look for one.
I'm sure that the full time pros, both lurking here and elsewhere, all have different stories as to how it went for them.

Much of this is personality as well as the conditions under which you start your business.

For example. If you have a significant other making good dough, the pressure on you to start providing for the meals is significantly reduced hence you can take a much more conservative approach to your pricing so that you can build a strong portfolio/client base. That's just one of many factors including the saturation of your market, what area of photography you're targeting, etc etc.

One thing, for sure, without a doubt, no matter how you look at it is that (for free or for pay) a photographer looking to get started needs to have a great portfolio of work that people say "wow, I want to buy that".. without that, none of the rest will matter, really.

I do see, more often than not, established pros warning to not undercharge because it's very difficult to get away from that "cheap photographer" label.

Luckily, I have a full time job and I don't have to take paid photo shoots. I do charge because my time is valuable and I believe in my skill/quality. I could undercharge all the locals because I can and because I love shooting. But I don't. I charge what I think my time's worth...then add a bit just because. I think everyone should charge what they're worth in the end and the market (and your portfolio) will establish what you're worth.

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

There is no one way. Don't look for one.
I'm sure that the full time pros, both lurking here and elsewhere, all have different stories as to how it went for them.

Much of this is personality as well as the conditions under which you start your business.

For example. If you have a significant other making good dough, the pressure on you to start providing for the meals is significantly reduced hence you can take a much more conservative approach to your pricing so that you can build a strong portfolio/client base. That's just one of many factors including the saturation of your market, what area of photography you're targeting, etc etc.

One thing, for sure, without a doubt, no matter how you look at it is that (for free or for pay) a photographer looking to get started needs to have a great portfolio of work that people say "wow, I want to buy that".. without that, none of the rest will matter, really.

I do see, more often than not, established pros warning to not undercharge because it's very difficult to get away from that "cheap photographer" label.

Luckily, I have a full time job and I don't have to take paid photo shoots. I do charge because my time is valuable and I believe in my skill/quality. I could undercharge all the locals because I can and because I love shooting. But I don't. I charge what I think my time's worth...then add a bit just because. I think everyone should charge what they're worth in the end and the market (and your portfolio) will establish what you're worth.

that was great advice and response thanks!

[Aboiement]

The marketing genius strikes again!!

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

There is no one way. Don't look for one.
I'm sure that the full time pros, both lurking here and elsewhere, all have different stories as to how it went for them.

Much of this is personality as well as the conditions under which you start your business.

For example. If you have a significant other making good dough, the pressure on you to start providing for the meals is significantly reduced hence you can take a much more conservative approach to your pricing so that you can build a strong portfolio/client base. That's just one of many factors including the saturation of your market, what area of photography you're targeting, etc etc.

One thing, for sure, without a doubt, no matter how you look at it is that (for free or for pay) a photographer looking to get started needs to have a great portfolio of work that people say "wow, I want to buy that".. without that, none of the rest will matter, really.

I do see, more often than not, established pros warning to not undercharge because it's very difficult to get away from that "cheap photographer" label.

Luckily, I have a full time job and I don't have to take paid photo shoots. I do charge because my time is valuable and I believe in my skill/quality. I could undercharge all the locals because I can and because I love shooting. But I don't. I charge what I think my time's worth...then add a bit just because. I think everyone should charge what they're worth in the end and the market (and your portfolio) will establish what you're worth.

I think the last bit about charging what you're worth is very true (as is the rest but this bit especially). If you dont have the experience but charge that of someone who has, then the client might expect a higher or more consistent product then you can deliver. If you charge less their expectations will be less too (unless they have unrealistic expectations)... I think that if you charge less and their expectations are less, yet you produce an excellent product then they will be very happy and spread the word about you to others. Good word of mouth is invaluable afterall.

Obviously though as others have said its then maybe hard to get out of the "cheap" bracket but at least you're doing it with a good reputation that should hopefully make things a little easier in that department.

Like I said I'm just starting out so I could be talking total horse crap for all I know

[Aboiement]

Originally Posted by ChrisAdval

How did you build your clientele?

Did you purposely under-charge because you lacked experience of being in business when starting out to help build clientele?

Share your experiences when starting out and how you got your clientele if you don't mind.

My clients are my editors. I use cunning and skill to allure them to me. I never under charge. Not once.

I got "clientele" by calling them and building a working relationship.

Easy peasy. Not sure why this is so hard for you Chris.

[Xposurepro]

Never under-charge to attract clients .. unless your goal is to attract clients who don't want to spend any money.
Produce top quality work and build a client base of people who are looking for quality not coupons. Word of mouth is king. Know what your client expects and then exceed that expectation to get them talking and bragging on you. I don't like coupons and discounts for absolutely no reason. However, seasonal campaigns or those based on some type of holiday, event or charity are great tools to take advantage of. Establishing a well planned referral or loyalty program can bring in a great deal of money. I launch a high school senior referral program every spring and I can expect at least $60K in the first 2 months just from those interested in having the opportunity to tell people about me .. that figure doesn't even include the actual clients who they refer into the studio through the marketing program. Loyalty program are perfect for creating repeat clients. You want to have something in place so that those big spenders have an excuse to keep coming back to you for not only major events, like a newborn or wedding, but also .. just because they are big spenders and like updating their photos or have no problem hiring a photographer to capture moments that most people would consider non-prophoto moments .. Like my sister is coming into town and I haven't seen her for 3 years so I want to drop $400 on a quick session just because I can. Gotta love those clients so keep them close.