Blog post version 1: marketing for photographers
I wrote a draft of this blog post with some very generic information about marketing for photographers. Then I read it. And I didn’t like it! I didn’t think it was as valuable to you as it could be.
As I was reading it I was thinking “how many times have I read this kind of stuff before?” And the answer is too many times to count.
How much value to you is some generic information that is written by someone who doesn’t know your situation, doesn’t know who you are, what you love, what you hate, what your goals and dreams are? Someone who doesn’t know what type of photographer you are or who your clients are.
So it was back to the drawing board…
Blog post version 2: smart marketing for smart photographers
This second version of the blog post is completely different.
This blog post is not for everyone.
This blog post is not for you if you want some generic marketing strategies handed to you on a platter.
This blog post is for people who want to find the marketing strategies that are really effective at attracting more of the right kinds of clients – for YOU!
This blog post is for people who are willing to do some work!
So, are you up for the challenge?
You can reach your goals. And you can get all the clients you need. But it’s going to take some work. And the work starts now.
In this first of 5 blog posts we are going to work through some of the basics. These are things you should have clear in your head before you even think about building a SMART marketing plan.
They are:
Marketing basics
To help you on your way here’s an example:
Our message:
We photograph dogs and only dogs! We love our dogs – our furbabies – and know you love yours too. We are experts at capturing their quirky, unique and lovable personalities.
Our ideal client:
A couple, with no children, who are passionate about their dogs (they “are” their children). In their mid 40s, both working, with a disposable income and they can afford to invest in a photographic session with their beloved pet/s. They enjoy the stage of life they are at. They value their down time and love nothing more than to spend it with their dogs. They value (and can and will pay for) luxuries when it comes to their furbabies.
Our philosophy/beliefs/values:
Fun. Love. Laughter. We believe that life is too short not to have fun. We value love and laughter in both our personal lives and our business.
About you, the photographer(s):
We are L and P, husband and wife. Our passion is our furbabies many of whom have come to us as rescues having had difficult and traumatic pasts. For us though they are our children, we love them for all their quirks. We have been working together as a partnership in business since 1996. Out of this grew an interest in photography and we’ve discovered a way to blend the art that L loves so much with the technology that is P’s keen interest. We’ve decided life is too short to not enjoy what we do to earn a living so we’ve started our photography business and we love every minute of it.
What do you have that is unique?
Casual, relaxed atmosphere – we don’t mind getting down to their level and doing whatever it takes to get those great images. We love animals, this isn’t a job for us, it’s a passion – doggy kisses are ok!
What have others loved and talked about?
“They get to know our pets”
“They don’t rush, they’re happy to work with our pets and their moods”
“They are friendly and personable”
“They go the extra mile to get that perfect shot”
What is the #1 reason why clients would choose you?
We care! As two photographers, husband and wife, working intuitively together we know and love animals and will use that knowledge and passion to capture the uniqueness of your pets.
What other things will make your ideal client sit up and take notice?
We work to your pets’ timetable, not ours – it takes as long as it takes.
Working on location, in an environment your pet is happy in, allows for a relaxed, fun sitting and better photos.
We look for the quirky, unique and memorable moments.
Now, what’s next?
If you would like to send your marketing plan basics to me using this form, I will select one and use it as the case study for the next blog post: Your marketing mix. How's that? I'll basically be writing your marketing plan for you.
If you don’t wish to send it to me, no problem. Complete it, hold on to it and have it handy for the next blog post where we will take this information and work though the key marketing strategies that should make up your marketing mix.