Newspaper Add

[karenjean]

I hope I'm putting this in the right place. I'm just starting my photography business. It's only part time right now, I'm still working at my full time job. I mainly do seniors, families, & children. I have done two weddings in the past, I'm not sure that's the path I want to go down right now. I'm an on location photographer at the moment, can't afford a studio in my home. I'm still building my portfolio, so all the pictures I've taken so far are through friends of mine. I haven't charged any of them a dime to take their pictures. I'm ready to make a little money from my photos. I want to put an add in the local newspaper to bring in some business. I know putting an add in the local newspaper is never recommended, but I feel like I need to get my name out there. I've never placed an add in the paper before so I don’t know how to word it. I'm thinking I want this information in the add. I also want them to know since I'm still building my portfolio I will be running a special. Maybe give a discount on the sitting fee, which isn't really high to start with because I need to get my name out there. Or maybe so many proofs with a purchase of a certain dollar amount? Or maybe a free print size? This is all new to me, I'm not sure what to give for a special. This is some of the information I would like to include in the add. Can you all please help me with the wording?


I am an on-location photographer. I will shoot your session in your home, park or a location of your choice. The sitting fee covers unlimited locations. I will travel to any location you have in mind within reason. Unlimited session time, I don't want you to feel rushed when we are doing a session. We will take as long as is needed to create the perfect images for you and your family. For the Seniors, I offer unlimited clothe changes. On line gallery to present your images. Custom editing (such as blemish removal, skin softening, text addition and selective coloring) are free. There is no charge for ordering images in black & white, vintage toning and/or any other color you might have in mind. Take advantage of the referral program by receiving a $25.00 credit toward prints at your next session when a customer comes in and tells me you referred them. I want to hear your ideas and thoughts for your photographs. Your vision is important to me. Since I am still in the process of building my portfolio, I am running a special until the end of the year.


Sorry this is sooooo long

Thanks everyone

Karen

[richerimage]

Hi Karen

Congratulations on taking the plunge!

Hope some of my comments will help you... I, like you, have just started my photography business after being made redundant from my previous job in property development.

Worlds apart - I'm sure you'd agree, but I was in charge of marketing for this company and the following would be my advice to you (hopefully you'll find it useful since I am applying exactly the same philosophy to my own business).

1. Your problem is my problem - you have a bunch of stuff to shout about but need to condense into sharp, punchy, ad-speak (never enough room is there!).

To overcome this I would start to think 'what sets me aside from everyone else in my area?'. I wouldn't push services that are exactly the same as other photographers since I feel that the vast majority of customers would assume these features as standard.

Maybe your best lead is the fact that you come to them so they do not have the inconvenience of travelling to a studio? You can also push that you do not restrict on time by saying you will reserve the whole morning or afternoon to be with them in case you both feel there is still more to do to provide the client with the shots they're after (I would word it this way since it may put some people off if they get the impression they have to reserve several hours with you).

Maybe your add could read something like...
__________________________________________________ ___

'Enjoy new and beautiful pictures of you and your family!

I will take your photos in the comfort of your home and garden at a pace that is comfortable with you and your family.

They will provide you with timeless enjoyment and make the perfect gift for your loved ones this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Reserve your session before November XX and, mention this ad to receive TWO Free 12" x 8" prints.

Karen@JeanPhotography.com t.555-5555
__________________________________________________ ___

A BIG question I would ask though is 'is a newspaper ad the most cost effective method of advertising?'.

Paper ads need to be run for at least a month and need to always be on the right hand page (never place an add if you don't get this placement, no matter how cheap).

I don't know how much this would cost but I would be willing to bet that it would fund a couple of thousand good quality 'postcard' flyers that could be delivered at Mom and Toddler Groups, Retirement Clubs, etc. It may also be enough to provide you with a nice website? People could then 'join' your website to receive a discount and a monthly news letter from you that could include a couple of articles that relate to decoration and the home (the key here is to provide something of value - for free) and may prompt them to thinking 'Hey, we haven't got any good pics of the kids since they started school!'

What I wouldn't mention is that you're building a portfolio - It would scare people off, I would also think long and hard about how much you charge! What I mean by this is don't be too cheap! You have the luxury of a full time job so I would be temped to start high and bring your price down if you have to (it's always much harder the other way round).

Anyway, hope this helps a bit and please feel free to drop me a line if you want me to expand on any of these points.

Sorry about the long post, but hey, you started it!

[AnneWynne]

I agree with Richard, ask yourself if the cost of a newspaper ad is worth the expense. Do a search in this forum on marketing and you will find lots of low cost/no cost ways to market yourself. There are also books out there on how to market your photography business, as well as how to start one.

The main thing to remember is that you must constantly be marketing yourself...passing out business cards/Moo cards, asking your friends whom you have not charged to pass out cards, asking your clients who you do charge to pass out your cards ("I've included a few extra cards in your package. I hope if you are pleased with my services you will let your friends know."

Build a web presence...if not a web site, then a photo blog (see my blog at wordpress for an example... www.anneedens.wordpress.com This is how you will show people what kinds of work you do...remember a picture is worth a thousand words, so only put your best work out there. Make sure you have an address for your website/blog on your address card. And, keep your site updated (something I am lax about).

Good luck with your venture.

Anne