The other day, I asked for you to comment and leave suggestions as to what kinds of things you’d like to read about on the Shuttermom blog. Here is the first question that I’m answering having to do with finding more clients for your photography business. Hope this helps, and be sure to join in with over 400 other photographers at www.shuttermomuniversity.com for more photography business tips and coaching. Thanks!
Q: I would love to see some help on finding new clients. Thanks for all the great info so far =)
A: Start with who you know. Everyone has some sort of “in” with a particular group. For example, your co-workers (who need business portraits and family portraits), the parents and kids from your child’s school (who need family portraits, kid’s portraits and senior/teen portraits), people from your church (more of the same), the bakery or local coffee shop or restaurant where you are known as a “regular” (who may need promotional food photography), Your doctor or dentist (who needs business portraits and pictures for their website) etc. You get the idea.
EVERYONE you know should know about your photography business. They should all have a copy of your business card (or a magnet to stick on their refrigerator). They should be on your mailing list. They should be on your email list. People you already know and have a relationship with are much more likely to do business with you than with someone they don’t know. Whenever they think about photography, they should think of you.
Think about a group that you have an “in” with. Make it a goal this month to get to know some of the people in this group and tell them about your photography. Give them a business card magnet to stick on the fridge. Get them to sign up for your email list. Get them on your mailing list. Run a “special” for the people in the group (a group discount or a free 8×10 with their session, etc.). Trust me, once one or two people in the group use your services, they will start talking about you to others in the group (as well as showing off their portraits), and you will start getting more calls.
The other side of this coin is the people you DON’T know. You should always have business cards with you. Every time you meet someone, try ending your conversation with this: “By the way, I’m a professional photographer. Keep me in mind if you need any photography services.” And hand them your card or magnet. You never know when they will say, “Oh! I’ve been thinking about having a family portrait done,” or something similar. This gives you the opening to talk more about your business and set an appointment with the person. Don’t be shy…just try it!
I’ve used www.vistaprint.com for my business cards and magnets and have been pleased with the results. Of course, it goes without saying (although I’m saying it anyway): your business card should contain one or two of your best images, along with your phone number, website address, and email address.
Have a suggestion or question for Shuttermom? Be sure to post it in the “Suggestion Box” at the top left of this page. Thanks!
More to come!
Hi There! I just found this great article on lighting for boudoir photography and wanted to share. Here’s a snippet:
A show in the works for a year, and featuring images from one of the world’s greatest dog photographers, opens Friday at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography Gallery, but the artist won’t ever see it.
