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The photography field becomes more competitive daily. As a freelance photographer,
you need to make sure people know who you are and what you are capable of.
Unfortunately, most of us don't have a large advertising budget to get the word out.
The good news is that with a little time, some practice and a little imagination,
you can develop a very strong marketing campaign at little to no cost.
You Are An Expert:
As a professional, you are an expert and using that to your advantage will have a
huge impact on your success. To establish yourself as a local expert, consider
teaching local workshops, offering classes through a community college or the
University's continuing education system, start a club.
Another way to position yourself as a local expert in your field is to write product
review, testimonial, or how to articles. Editors of small local publications often
listen to new column ideas that their readers might be interested in reading. If the
publication has a website, make sure the editor puts your column online too. You may
or may not get extra pay, but your exposure will grow rapidly.
Once you start, ideas for your column are everywhere and easy to come up with. Not
only will writing a column position you as a local expert, but with today's
technology, your column is liable to be seen around the world.
Open The Communication Lines:
Ways you communicate can have positive or negative impact. Make sure you project a
professional appearance. Show you appreciates your clients by responding to
telephone calls in a professional and timely manner. Replying to emails concisely
and quickly reassures potential customers that you care about their needs. Make sure
you proofread what you write and use the spell check feature even if you're a good
speller.
Communication shouldn't stop once you're filled your end of the agreement. Keeping
a client posted on new developments, events, or services you developed keeps you on
their mind. This makes all your customers feel like they are important and that you
value them. The easiest way to do this is with a blog. A blog will not only inform
your clients of new developments, but it will add new content to your website. New
and pertinent content is what keeps people returning to a website over and over.
Be Reachable:
Once you're considered an expert, potential clients may feel stand offish about
contacting you. Make sure that you are approachable. Make sure that the community
knows how to contact you. Prominently display you email and telephone number on your
website, handout business cards, and market your service with clear and consistent
contact information.
Be Consistent:
Make sure that everything you do looks and feels the same. Having a professional
looking product does nothing if the rest of your business is piece-meal together.
If your personality is casual and friendly, make sure that everything you do
reflects this. People like knowing what to expect, generally, people don't like
surprises when they are buying something.
Make sure that your business is incorporated into everything you do to promote it.
Brochures, website and email address should all be consistent. Providing a
consistent message about who you are and what you do doesn't mean you can't change
things that aren't working. If something doesn't work, get rid of it and refocus
your efforts on the things that do work.
Do It:
Your local community is full of potential opportunities; you just need to leave the
office or house to find them. Volunteering your service at local non-profit
organizations helps the community to know you. It also shows you as someone who
cares about improving the community instead of just out for a profit. Attending
local Chamber of Commerce meetings or local clubs also increases you networking
circle. You'll find new clients or customers in the most unusual places.
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