As everyone knows, marketing yourself and your work is crucial in today’s
competitive world. Do not lose opportunities to get your images and name in
publications, the internet, etc. Naturally, an updated website is a must.
But go more for practicality than visual effects. The faster and easier your
website is to navigate, the more people will look at your services and
images. Today, time is at a premium and no one is willing to sit around
until your website loads. It is more likely that they will click out. Also
make it easy for clients to view the things they are interested in.
Well-listed, intelligent drop down menus will take them to those specific
areas of your work which actually interests them.
It is important that your website is easily amended so that you can change
images and information regularly.
If you have done a lot of stock photography, try to use this in local papers
or publications. Bartering these images with editorial space or adverts will
get your name noticed by the general public. Issue press releases to the
local papers for any excuse imaginable. Putting your images on sites such as
Face book, Hi-5 and other such applications costs you nothing. It is amazing
the number of youngsters (your main clients for sessions) who constantly use
these sites. Getting exposure there will also contribute to your publicity
and enlarge your client base.
The main thought behind your strategy is to keep your name and images
appearing as frequently as you can. Good relations with your local press are
very helpful but do not neglect other organisations that might have use for
your images. Entering competitions and exhibitions helps to further market
your work – and when you win, issue a press release!
Today most clients, especially models, will want electronic copies of their
images. Most of them will be trying to find work through internet- and
web-based media. Giving digital copies marked with your website name will
reward you with lots of free web advertising. Be very efficient and punctual
with your email replies. It is shocking how much work is lost because of the
photographer not replying to requests from clients.
When selling your work, do not neglect the time needed to make the client’s
viewing experience a pleasant one. Prepare a good show of your best images –
(digitally enhanced) with suitable background music. Have print samples in
small and very large sizes so the client can compare. Allocate enough time
so that you can guide and coax your clients into recognizing their requests
and preferences, and servicing these needs fully.
Give the full service of lamination, mounting and framing of your images.
Sign your enlargements before they are framed. Prepare visual presentations
of your images and try to show these at fashion and modelling schools, as
well as any other places prospective clients might be gathered.
Conclusion
Finally, to sum up, I think the most important factors that a photographer
has to bear in mind in order to develop his business are the following:
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