When I first started with my photo business, getting clients was my main concern. I didn’t have much of a marketing budget, so I needed a way to find clients that was easy and inexpensive.

Lucky for me, I still had a “day job.” I went to my boss and asked if I could set up a small display in the faculty lounge. She said yes, so I set up a small table with some nice framed 8x10s and a couple of small portfolios. I added some price lists and business cards, too.

The price lists were specially made just for my co-workers, so they knew they were getting a discount. If you do this, mention your “regular” prices, and then state that your co-workers will receive a discount of a certain percentage.

By the end of the first day, I had 5 appointments scheduled, with many more to come in the following weeks and months. My co-workers became my regular customers, and they also brought me a lot of business through word of mouth advertising.

If you don’t have a day job, then you can also do this at your church, your child’s school, your play-group, your child’s day care, or even your spouse’s place of work.

Just remember, it is best to start with who you know!

 

Cindy Bracken is the founder of www.shuttermom.com, an online community for photographers. Stop by today to enter the photo contest, create a free blog, or participate in the forums.

Cindy’s other websites include www.picturepartypeople.com, www.dayinthelifephotography.com, and www.prostudiolighting.com