How Do You Market Yourself?

[annnewjerz]

So, after my Husband's OT at work just got cut, I was trying to come up with ways to fund my new little hobby since most of our money now will go into bills and savings. I'd prefer not to get a part-time job because the way things at my current job are, I never know when I'm going to get out for the day.

I have done shoots for 3 families (1 was for practice, 1 was as a gift and 1 I got paid for). I believe I am going to shoot a bridal shower in May, but other than that...I'm finding it hard to spread the word that I'm available for a small fee.

Those of you that have paying clients, how do you think the best way to go about "marketing myself" is? I know word of mouth is good, which is how I got 2 of the 3 shoots I already did, but I'd like to come up with a way to get the word out to a few more people other than the ones who already know.

Thoughts??

Edited: I do realize the hilarity in my original post and yes, selling myself would be illegal (although maybe more profitable ). I have changed to say marketing, wouldn't want anyone to think this was an advertisement

 

[MICKEY88]

So, after my Husband's OT at work just got cut, I was trying to come up with ways to fund my new little hobby since most of our money now will go into bills and savings. I'd prefer not to get a part-time job because the way things at my current job are, I never know when I'm going to get out for the day.

I have done shoots for 3 families (1 was for practice, 1 was as a gift and 1 I got paid for). I believe I am going to shoot a bridal shower in May, but other than that...I'm finding it hard to spread the word that I'm available for a small fee.

Those of you that have paying clients, how do you think the best way to go about "selling myself" is? I know word of mouth is good, which is how I got 2 of the 3 shoots I already did, but I'd like to come up with a way to get the word out to a few more people other than the ones who already know.

Thoughts??

isn't "selling yourself" illegal in the US, except for a few places in Nevada

 

[Dismom+two]

Good question!!

 

[JoeDif]

isn't "selling yourself" illegal in the US, except for a few places in Nevada

Yikes

 

[annnewjerz]

isn't "selling yourself" illegal in the US, except for a few places in Nevada

I knew someone was going to chime in with that sooner or later, you just happened to do it as the first response.

Maybe "market" yourself would be better?? I'll have to edit my OP to reflect such changes.

 

[MICKEY88]

I knew someone was going to chime in with that sooner or later, you just happened to do it as the first response.

Maybe "market" yourself would be better?? I'll have to edit my OP to reflect such changes.

LOL

even marketing yourself is iffy..
law enforcement across the USA is cracking down on that sort of thing on Craigslist

perhaps marketing your photography

 

[baybemama]

I've done a few different things. But here's the most essential that will help you.

1) Have a business card always on hand that lists a website that has examples of your work
2) Post a postcard sized ad at places that moms go. Library, coffee shops, fitness clubs, etc. Pick your favorite picture, put your name on it and a phone no. or website.
3) Offer to do free sittings for people in exchange for the experience. I've done this when I wanted to add maternity to my portfolio. Now they have a few hanging up in a practice and it's free advertising! Just don't offer too many free ones
4) Craigslist!

 

[MICKEY88]

WOW, I really like all the signature lines in this thread so far..

well 1 thru 6 anyways..

 

[Chikabowa]

My family/children's side of business is 100% word of mouth (WOM). It's gold in this business and the best advertising you can get. But be prepared for a long-term investment in waiting time for WOM to start working for you though. It takes a while for not only your name to start getting passed around, but also to have your name passed around in circles that value high-quality custom photography and can afford to invest and appreciate what you do.

The market is very saturated when it comes to children/family photographers, so setting yourself apart in terms of style, quality and customer service is really important.

But make sure you have a portfolio up online, have a great looking website, and blogging really helps too.

 

[annnewjerz]

My family/children's side of business is 100% word of mouth (WOM). It's gold in this business and the best advertising you can get. But be prepared for a long-term investment in waiting time for WOM to start working for you though. It takes a while for not only your name to start getting passed around, but also to have your name passed around in circles that value high-quality custom photography and can afford to invest and appreciate what you do.

The market is very saturated when it comes to children/family photographers, so setting yourself apart in terms of style, quality and customer service is really important.

But make sure you have a portfolio up online, have a great looking website, and blogging really helps too.

Thanks! Yeah I'm definitely not looking for instant gratification...I know that it will take months if not years for people to spread the word and or/pass along my information, and also not looking to charge as much as a pro would, since I'm far from one. Just a small side-biz...maybe make $100 here and there, just enough to save up and buy a new lens (or two) or some other stuff I want throughout the year. I would love to eventually have an actual client-base, a more professional looking site (which is why I'm considering upgrading to the SmugMug Power account, instead of the basic), and all that jazz but for now, I'd be happy just shooting some family photo album shots for any Tom, Dick or Harry that asked. Pretty high standards, right??

Thanks so much for the input--it's especially helpful coming from someone in the business who knows what works and what won't.

Ann

 

[Quicklabs]

Hey, sailor.....
Yep, great minds think alike.

Do you have a portfolio that displays your work? Is there a local coffee shop or other business that would allow you to display your best pictures there? (With a little stack of cards attached) It's win-win--they get beautiful wall art and you get to "market yourself."

 

[annnewjerz]

Hey, sailor.....
Yep, great minds think alike.

Do you have a portfolio that displays your work? Is there a local coffee shop or other business that would allow you to display your best pictures there? (With a little stack of cards attached) It's win-win--they get beautiful wall art and you get to "market yourself."

I have actually thought about hanging some up in the library, they allow local photographers to display their work and if someone is interested, they could buy it. I was also thinking about putting up a picture or two at my vet's office for some "pet photography" opportunities...although I've got to say, based on my experienced with my own animals I imagine that will be a bigger headache than it's worth

 

[Quicklabs]

If you're at all interested in Pet photography, you need to think about photographing at dog shows. I hate to think of what I forked over to photographers who have taken my girls' pictures at agility trials. I've bought packages costing hundreds of dollars just to get the shot of flying over a jump and having a$10 ribbon hanging around Augusta's neck with the judge beaming down at her. From what I can observe at every show I've ever attended (hundreds), the photographer's tent is always packed.

 

[MICKEY88]

I have actually thought about hanging some up in the library, they allow local photographers to display their work and if someone is interested, they could buy it. I was also thinking about putting up a picture or two at my vet's office for some "pet photography" opportunities...although I've got to say, based on my experienced with my own animals I imagine that will be a bigger headache than it's worth

keep in mind that if you hang pictures up or use them for marketing, business cards, post cards etc, you need a signed model release from the person in the picture..

 

[MICKEY88]

Edited: I do realize the hilarity in my original post and yes, selling myself would be illegal (although maybe more profitable ). I have changed to say marketing, wouldn't want anyone to think this was an advertisement

hmm now you have me wanting to see pictures...

 

[annnewjerz]

hmm now you have me wanting to see pictures...

HAHAHA, trust me...I won't be selling myself unless it's for a guaranteed winning multi-million lotto ticket (or a trip to every Disney in the world!) Juuuuuuuuuuuuuust kidding. There are a lot of weird people out there though, you never know what might pique someone's interest and make you a quick fortune. Take the brownie pan that has all edge pieces for example---genius!

On the note about the signed model releases, I was thinking about that on the drive home. I know I can get permission from the one kid I would like to put up on a post-card, flyer, whatever but as far as actually displaying something (like in the library as I mentioned) I would probably put up shots of landscapes, flowers, my dogs and the like. If my Golden Retriever hires an agent and demands a percentage of my prints...I know I'm in trouble.

 

[saturndb]

I would suggest treating it like you are opening up a business. Develop a business plan. as for some ideas for marketing. hand out business cards, hand out flyers at events that attract your target customer, display samples of your work (i.e. website, local stores, etc.) and ask anyone who you photograph "who do you know that might need and /or be interested my services?" then get thier address and send them a coupon or special offer.

 

[MICKEY88]

I know I can get permission from the one kid I would like to put up on a post-card, flyer, .

for anyone under 18, the parents must sign the release..

and speaking of your dog, as of 11 pm last night I am the agent...

 

[annnewjerz]

for anyone under 18, the parents must sign the release..

Thanks for the info, although the child in question is under 2 years old...so I wasn't planning on having her sign it, unless it was in crayola.

 

[sherry7]

What about Craigslist? I think it would be under the Creative section. When I was looking around for a photographer for DS' senior pics, that was one of the places I looked. I ended up finding the photographer we used through word-of-mouth though.