When you first start your photography business you're all excited and maybe a little nervous. You have a couple of weddings under your belt and maybe 2 or 3 more on your books. But sooner or later you're going to need more clients. And that's when you're going to need to start marketing your photography business. Otherwise, you might as well just hang your camera up and go get a job.
If you're really serious, you actually need to start doing something to bring in new clients the minute you decide you're going into business. Those 2 or 3 weddings you already have booked aren't going to keep a roof over your head for long.
In the beginning your marketing budget is probably pretty tight, if you even have one. Don't worry. There are still things you can do to get your name out there.
Start by talking to everyone you know, whether they need a photographer or not. If they don't, they may know someone who does. Don't be afraid to talk up your business and don't be embarrassed to ask your friends and family to start passing the word. You're not asking them to do the work. You're just asking them to keep you in mind.
Next, think outside the box to set up some free promotional opportunities. Contact your favorite hair salon and offer to come in and do free glamor shots for an afternoon. Contact your local elementary school and offer to do free team photos for all the soccer teams. Contact your favorite pub and offer to do free portraits on Valentine's Day or Halloween. All this will cost you is time and you'll be getting your work out there for people to see.
And why not use the Internet to promote your business? A website or blog would help. You could showcase some of your best work and list all of your services. A website takes time to develop a following, though, so your best bet is to set up a Facebook page and start connecting with people in your community.
Your best option, though, is to start networking with other business people in your area. If you're focusing on wedding photography then contact the various wedding vendors in your town, like caterers, bakers, limousine services and such. If you're focusing on family portraits you can get to know the local party planners. Connecting with other business owners is really the best way to promote your photography business because you're all marketing to the same target audience.
Marketing your photography business is crucial and it should be at the top of your list of things to do every day. Don't ever assume that word will just 'get around.' You have to be pro-active if you want to keep a steady stream of clients.
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