In this post in my video series on survival strategies for photographers, I look at some low-cost and no-cost ways to attract new business in a down economy.
- How Can Photographers Give Back During the Holidays?
- Photographers, Here’s What to Do with Your Online Leads
- To Increase Referrals, Post Wedding Photos on Facebook — Right After the Ceremony
- Survival Strategies for Photographers: Earn More with Printed Products
- Survival Strategies for Photographers: Using Facebook
April 29th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Great, simple ideas. The iPad giveaway is a very cool idea - would really add a new dimension to the final package for families. Thanks!
May 7th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Good idea; I do a lot (LOT) of non-profit stuff, not always for free, though. But I bill them with a significant discount shown on the bill for at least the shooting time and usually any prints. This establishes the value of products/services and the savings they recognize. They get value and I look good. Also it's important to identify yourself during the shoot (ID tag, name tag) and perhaps work a "thank you" into the event program.
May 7th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
This is definitely near and dear to my low budget heart! My best form of 'free' advertising lately has been to donate a gift certificate to a local charity auction for a portrait session and a few prints or a new frame. They make money on the auction and viola you build your business with:
1. A new customer who will almost always order more than the free prints that comes w/the shoot.
2. A new network of customers from that customer. (I try to go viral and give a referral credit voucher towards more pictures for any new booking thus getting more sales too since they never end up just spending the credit!).
3. Exposure from the auction (give them a stack of business cards to put out in front of the certificate). They often have an auction booklet printed as well which should include your business.
4. Don't forget to put in your donation as a tax write off!
May 11th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
I liked the ideas shared here. However situation in India is little different. So based on the ideas shared, I'll try to work out something suitable for my customers here. Thanks!
May 19th, 2010 at 1:38 am
Shawn-
Good presentation. On Marketing, I assume you scour the newspaper for engagement announcements and send them a high-quality brochure of your wedding services. Right?
May 27th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Albert, not usually since their engagement announce. has an image and it most often is made by the photographer they commissioned for their wedding day...