A Snapshot Into SnapKnot

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This is a guest post by Michael Rheaume, co-founder of SnapKnot.

SnapKnot is a website dedicated to helping engaged couples find the perfect wedding photographer. SnapKnot is photo-centric, showcasing the work of photographers such that a bride can compare and contrast style and quality side-by-side. Couples can select their location and budget range and browse through photographers who match their criteria.

SnapKnot is easy, fast, and fun to use, and free for interested couples to contact photographers they like.

SnapKnot was founded by Mike Rheaume and Reid Warner. We were freshman year roommates at Dartmouth College and have remained good friends since. Most people ask if we are photographers or have experience in the wedding industry – neither, in fact!

Reid was married in 2007, and he and his wife had a very frustrating experience trying to find a wedding photographer. They spent a lot of time and effort in their search, only to be disappointed time and again by photographers they liked who they later discovered had prices that were out of their budget. (Fortunately they ended up with a great photographer who they were very happy with: Jim Kennedy

Because of that largely frustrating experience, Reid felt that there was a better way for couples to start their search for a wedding photographer. This is how the SnapKnot idea started. Mike used to work for a small marketing firm, and was looking to use his knowledge and experience in a new venture. We jumped in with both feet from there!

We launched the site in February of 2010 and have experienced tremendous growth so far. We have just over 1200 photographers on the site worldwide. This makes the site a great resource for just about any couple planning a wedding in either the US or abroad.

Our primary focus over the last few months has been increasing our bridal-related traffic to the site, to get more potential clients to view photographers on the site. To this end we are engaged in a variety of strategies, including website SEO, online advertising, partnerships with bridal blogs/websites, and a particular emphasis on social media marketing through our presence on Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon and Flickr.

In fact, we have been pleasantly surprised by the number of photographers who range from active to *very* active in social media. Perhaps this is because of the largely independent nature of the business? We were immediately able to tap into an extended network of photographers, and in turn we are able to more easily promote new content such as new engagement shoots, weddings, special offers, and more to our own growing network of engaged couples. One of the benefits our Premium members receive is that SnapKnot acts as a marketing extension, effectively amplifying their brand's voice in the marketplace.

One of the benefits our Premium members receive is that SnapKnot acts as a marketing extension, effectively amplifying their brand's voice in the marketplace.

SnapKnot makes it easier for couples to find and contact photographers who match their criteria, and it's also quick and easy for photographers to create an account (5 minutes or less).

In addition to the online world of social media, we've also found that “old school” networking has worked wonders for us as well. Fresh out of the gate we made it to WPPI in Las Vegas this March, where we were fortunate enough to connect with some great people in the industry.

We met Becker of the [b] School, and recently appeared on his weekly Study Hall.

Mike was able to attend the Beantown Bride and Two Bright Lights event in Boston, in July.

Folks like Mark Stagi of Digital Photo Buzz, Chris Gampat of The Phoblographer, and the guys over at BridePOP have been very helpful and supportive as well.

We appreciate you all! It's a great industry to be working in.

We encourage any wedding photographers reading to at least create a Free account – test out the service and see how you like it.

For those interested in trying out the Premium version we are offering a special discount code for Tiffinbox readers: SESHU1 (only applies to new Premium accounts & upgrades; expires August 31, 2010). Use this code to receive 1/2 off your first month of Premium service for $24.95.

You can read about the details of Free vs. Premium features.

Please leave a comment below with any questions or general feedback, and also do not hesitate to email us: contact@snapknot.com