3 Inexpensive Ways to Advertise Your Portrait Business

Advertising your new portrait business does not have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to get the word out with very little money, and in some cases, free!

Portrait Parties

One way to advertise your services (and begin to make some income!) is to offer portrait parties. Basically, you'll get a friend to invite their friends over, you'll photograph each child/family, then your friend gets a percentage of total sales toward purchasing her own portraits. This is an excellent way for a new photographer to get into the business and find new clients quickly. For more detailed information on getting started with portrait parties, see my article, "How to Advertise Your Photography Business With Portrait Parties."

Auctions

Another way to advertise cheaply is to donate to auctions. Find out what private schools and other organizations are in your area that have a yearly silent auction to raise money. By donating a session and portrait to the auction, not only will you be getting to do a session with the chance of selling them additional portraits in addition to the one they won in the auction, but you'll also get exposure at the auction itself. You'll likely set up a display for the auction and may be able to get permission to display your business cards as well. The only costs you'll have for this is the cost of the portrait and business cards for the display. Also ask if you can set up a contest box in your display. Prospects can fill out a form and put it in the box for a chance to win a free, no obligation portrait session and free small portrait. You'll pick one winner, then everyone else is a runner-up, receiving just the free, no obligation session.

Blogging

You can set up your own blog for free through http://www.blogger.com and will be able to get people who are interested in your services, but just not ready to book yet, to read your blog. On your blog, you can give parents sneak peeks at images from their sessions, do portrait contests, and advertise upcoming portrait specials. This will keep everyone informed and also help them remember you over other photographers when the time comes to book a session.

Portrait parties, auctions and blogging are 3 easy ways to get your name out there inexpensively. When you put these three ideas into action, you'll soon see new business coming your way!