Jumpstart Your Photography Business for the New Year!

It’s a brand new year and it is time to really get your photography business booming! Make this your year to either get started or kick your existing photography business into high gear! Here are some things to do in order to get those customers rolling in!

1. If you haven’t done it already, start an email newsletter. This is one of the best marketing tips I can give you. It isn’t hard to do, either. The company I use is called constant contact, and you can easily add a newsletter sign up box to your website and start sending your email newsletter as often as you’d like. I recommend starting out quarterly, and then moving into monthly newsletters once you are more comfortable.

Click on the Constant Contact link at the above right to get started.

Why is this important? People who are visiting your website have already shown an interest in what you are doing. You need a way to capture the contact info of these people and get in touch with them on a regular basis.

For existing customers, this is also important. Your existing customers should become repeat customers. You need to capture their attention and their business time and time again. It is important to develop a relationship with them over time.

What to put in your newsletters? Share a little personal info about your life, your family, your work, etc. Make sure to include some great samples of your work. Tell your potential customers about any specials or contests that you are running.

An alternative to the email newsletter is the blog. Blogs are also a great way to keep in touch with your customers, although it may be more difficult for people to find your blog. Remember, you can create a free blog at www.shuttermom.com!

2. Update your website and your marketing materials for the new year. This includes your price lists. Now is the time to review them and make any necessary changes. It may be time for you to increase your prices!

Depending on the age of your website, it might be time for you to replace some of the images with fresh ones, and make sure all of your links are functional and up to date.

3. Find a new place to display your work. This will take a little time and effort on your part, but will be worth it. Make some visits to local children’s boutiques, dentist offices, even restaurants. Any place you can think of, really. Bring a nice portfolio of your work along. Ask about displaying your work, and don’t be afraid to offer the owner a free portrait session or other photo work in exchange!

4. Find out about any upcoming bridal shows, baby fairs, health expos, etc. in your city. These are GREAT places to rent a booth and display your work. Make sure to have plenty of business cards on hand and a way to capture contact info of the people who stop by your booth (a contest is a great way to do this).

These tips should get your year off to a great start! Get busy!