Photographer Photography Marketing Tools

A photographer photography portfolio is a mandatory marketing tool. With the advancement and popularity of technology, equipment is inexpensive, high-quality, easy-to-use and accessible. One of my reasons for preferring digital photography is the ease and compatibility of digital images and technology.

Keep in mind, that marketing is a process. It never ends. Consequently, effective marketing tools are mandatory to keep your name (and work) in front of your (new and potential) customers. Photographer photography and self-promotion is a must (its also really just a breeze when you do the basics).

Photography Marketing Tool #1

• Inkjet Color Printer – For me, inkjet printers have been my most used and most successful photographer photography marketing tool. With a color inkjet printer I make:
• Business Cards – I purchase ‘glossy photo business cards’ from Office Depot (Actually, for my marketing purposes, the least expensive card stock make the best cards.) I print 20 – 50 cards at a time - depending where I will be distributing them. I am also able to change the images on the cards using desktop publishing software. Some of my customers collect my various business cards. Also, placing the cards on business card sized magnets (bought from Office Depot or Staples) and dis tributing them. The magnet cards are especially effective when marketing my “Child Photography” services. Pictures of cute children are held longer than regular business cards. Magnetized business cards with cute children are held even longer – and made to go on refrigerators.
• Flyers – I produce flyers for my own photographer photography business. I also produce flyers for other businesses using my photos. This cross-marketing strategy is especially successful with beauty salons and gyms. Their marketing literature has a first class (or, at least, head and shoulders above the crowd) look and my photography work is seen by many. Of course, I include my contact information.
• Price Lists – Price lists provides opportunities to keep your work in front of people. Depending on who your customers (new and potential) are, sending them a price list every three to four months (choose one or other) will keep you in front.
• Post Cards – I use post cards when targeting specific customers. With the ever-increasing costs of stamps, this strategy gets expensive if I don’t accurately research my customers. I buy Avery post card stock from Office Depot or Staples. I place one of my photos or a montage of my photos on the post cards with the use of my inkjet printer. I then mail them out with a brief personal note. Sometimes, I simply put something on the card like “don’t forget about me,” “now that I’ve got your attention,” “when you are ready, so am I.”
• T- Shirts – I make a t-shirt transfer (that I buy from Office Depot) with one of my attention-getting portrait. The image on the transfer includes my business name with contact information (my web site). I have tried different color shirts. But, white seems to be the most response generating color t-shirt in my experiences.
• Calendars – Desktop publishing software can produce attractive calendars. However, try to stay away from the multi-page calendars – they can get to be expensive. Most medium range and low-end publishing software can produce small one page/half page calendars. You can them place an adhesive, magnetic backing (found at office supply stores). The magnetized calendars are usually placed in a prominent location that is seen on a regular basis. With your contact info properly placed – you are seen as often as the calendar.

Photography Marketing Tool #2

Telephone/Answering Message – Your telephone must be answered with a pleasant, friendly, cordial and assured voice. Whether the telephone is answered by a live person, voicemail or an answering machine, your image is conveyed within the first five seconds of your answering message. You must use a dedicated telephone number for your photography business. Your telephone number must be on all of your literature and handouts. Listen to your outgoing message yourself and determine if the customers you are seeking will form a positive opinion of you by this message. Many business owners leave long sales messages on their telephone answering function. As a rule, when I have to listen to such a message, I don’t. I hang up and try another number. Listen to your outgoing message, listen to it and ask yourself, “How would I as a customer react after calling your photographer photography business line and hearing your message?” Would you want to do business with yourself? Far too many photographer photography businesses fail to listen to messages their customers are required to.

Photography Marketing Tool #3

Photography Portfolio: A high quality photographer photography portfolio is one of the best strategies for self-promotion; to get published and/or sell your photographs. Today, you have multiple options to present your photographer photography portfolio. Portfolios can be presented on CD-ROM, DVD, videotape, website, web gallery, as well as the traditional book filled with photographs. That is good news!

Photography Marketing Tool #4

Photography Website – A website is a must for a photographer, amateur and professional. Photography is meant to be seen – not kept in a book or on a hard drive. It is meant to be seen. A website is almost perfect for increasing your exposure and popularity. A website is certainly the perfect tool to have your photography ‘seen’ by many.

Website Tips:

• Visitors will most likely come to your website:
• After seeing an advertisement in a publication or another website
• After contact with a happy and satisfied customer who highly recommended you
• After meeting you and taking your advice to check out the website

Your website should offer current samples of your best work. Offer visitors an incentive and a chance to sign-up for and book a portrait session.

To literally explode your marketing results, you must also investigate email marketing. It has to be the greatest marketing tool of all time. It is definitely worth your time and efforts to research and investigate email marketing how it is being used successfully by large and small business owners. Photographer photography and email marketing - a profitable combination.

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