Getting the word out about a new business can be challenging, especially when you’re on a budget. Luckily, in photography your work can be the best advertisement. Here are some ways to introduce potential clients to the work you do.
1. Maintain a social media presence.
It goes without saying that, nowadays, a successful business needs a social media presence. Popular social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SnapChat, are all great options, and each platform appeals to slightly different demographics. Be active! Select a few that speak to your target demographic and be a rockstar. Don’t stretch your efforts thin by trying to maintain a presence on too many platforms.
2. Get creative with business cards.
Yep, good old-fashioned business cards, but with a twist! Offer to purchase business cards for wedding-related businesses – bakeries, dress shops, or flower shops – as long as you can print your contact information on the back. Customers will get an automatic referral each time they pick up a business card.
3. Get involved with community business groups.
Join the local Chamber of Commerce or BNI chapter, attend meetings, and participate in events. Not only will you build a network of other entrepreneurs, you’ll also widen your net of connections in the community – and they’re all potential clients.
4. Offer a headshot session.
Now that you’ve built a network with local Chamber or BNI members, pick an afternoon and offer a discounted headshot session for professionals. Think volume, so keep the price around $35 for three shots on a single background with a similar pose. By keeping the deliverable simple, you can keep your lights in place and rock through 10 -15 individuals in an hour. Also, don’t forget to reach out to other businesses or nonprofits whose employees may need professional headshots. This is a great way to use your social media acumen to demonstrate the importance of quality headshots for professionals using social media.
5. Attend wedding expos.
Meet the clients face-to-face at expos. These one-stop-shops encourage couples to book venues, photographers, caterers, cake makers, and just about everything else they need for their special day. Stand out with a cool promotional item, but be sure to be authentic. People hire people they like. There are many skilled photographers, so be the person they want to share their big day with.
6. Widen your appeal with newspapers.
Contact your local newspaper or neighborhood newsletter to see if they’re looking for photographers to shoot local events. If the paper or newsletter has few or no staff photographers, all the better. They’re probably looking for someone who can wield a camera. Ask for photo credit and payment for your work.
7. Showcase your work.
Look for local businesses that display work by local artists and offer up some framed shots. Rotate the collection regularly to continue to grab customers’ attentions. Art shows are also great places to display your work, network with other artists, and get your work in front of new eyes.
8. Alert the media.
Contact local media and ask if they report on new or expanding businesses. If so, supply them with information and samples of your work, and be sure to talk up your talents and qualifications!
Hitting the pavement and promoting your new business can be a challenge, but by getting creative you’ll reach more people, set your business apart from others, and have some fun! If you want to organize your marketing efforts, aJuxt Media Group offers custom marketing plans. Click here to contact us.
Written by Lynsie Slachetka || Chief Executive Juxtaposition Officer & Founder