Five Ways to Successfully Market Yourself as a Photographer
Whether you’re an established photographer or a newcomer to the exciting field of photography, you need to incorporate clever strategies to promote your work. Marketing is an essential aspect of any successful business. Because photography is a very competitive field, you’ll need a clever angle and edge to succeed.
The following are five essential guidelines you should follow that will help you market and sell your work:
1. Create a Portfolio
Your portfolio needs to contain several important sections. First of all, you’ll want to include an “About Me” page. Talk about yourself and how you became interested in photography. List any relevant information that will help potential buyers or agencies get to know the person behind the camera.
Your portfolio should also contain references pertaining to your craft. Include names and contact numbers of former employers.
Of course, you’ll want to include samples of your work in your portfolio. Choose the most unique, clear photographs. Be sure these sample photos are varied. For instance, you might include photography of still-life, nature and people. Do you have a specialty? Maybe it’s baby photos or wedding photography. Perhaps your special talent lies in space photography. Showcase these talents by arranging the samples in a separate folder.
2. Create a Blog or Website
A personal blog or website can be a fundamental way to promote your work. How so? Here you can discuss your future projects, your goals and day-to-day updates on your offerings. You can also be as creative as you wish, because it is your blog. If you’re creating a website, there’s several options: make your own from the scratch, set one up with a bit of help from Blogger or WordPress or hire a professional website designer. Having an experienced person or team design your webpage can give your site the polish and professional look you’re aiming for.
Be sure your blog or website includes a traffic counter that lets you know how many visitors have viewed your page. You may also want to add a geographic tracker that allows you to keep track of the locations of your visitors.
Give your website or blog a personal touch. Your potential clients and employers want to get to know the artist – that’s you! You might want to take a few special photos that are used solely for your website or blog.
3. Use Social Media
There’s no better way to promote your work than on a site where all your friends and associates hang out. Post about your latest projects and offerings. Add links to your blog and samples. Place a survey on the social media website of your choice. Ask for opinions and get people involved. Set up a contest. Make a short & sweet Youtube clip where you can give some tips, or do a review, and spice it up with your personality. The more interaction you receive, the wider audience you may reach. Make it personal by offering your own perspectives and advice on photography.
4. Use Your Photos on Merchandising Products
Create beautiful postcards of your photography and offer them for sale. Print your own photo books featuring some of your best work. You can find some examples on this page, along with tutorials and templates. Do you have a photo studio? If so, enlist the service for a customized canvas print to place on your studio wall. If you’re into landscape and nature photography, why not print a calendar made of your own photos for each month of the year? Let your creativity soar!
Doing all this is not complicated (nor expensive) as it may seem. Many bigger digital printing companies offer all of this in one place, and might give you discount for ordering in a bulk. Besides, it might be worth investing in some quality printing – impressing your potential client could go easier if you present your work in custom made presentation folders and have stylish business card with your favorite photo printed on it. Another creative idea for a digital photo marketing strategy is to offer free products that showcase your work.
Your established clients will keep returning for more if they know they are appreciated. Create customized “Thank You” note cards to send to a client following a sale. Using pre-designed template is an option, but the main attraction will be an original, never-before-seen photo you add to your note.
source: http://guides.wikinut.com
5. Print Up Referral Cards
These are somewhat like business cards, with a slight twist. Your referral card will have your name and contact information, as well as a unique photo you’ve taken that represents your work. You give these cards to your clients after a sale and have them refer a friend. When they do, your client receives a bonus. The bonus may be in the way of a discount off their next purchase, or perhaps a some kind of prize. Everybody wins.
And there you have it: Five quick and easy ways to promote your photography and help yourself to a successful and rewarding career. Now, that is really the way to “focus”!
