Marketing Tools & Getting out there.

[ChevydreamZ]

I need some help. Just like alot of people on here. I want to know what you all use to get your name out there? I know google can get a little pricey because of all the competition that is out there. So I wanted to know of other ways you have found to market yourselves. I have a Facebook page, a website, and of course a Flickr page.

Any help and advice would help.

Any good reading material would be helpful too, i know there are many successful photographers on this board so I look forward to hearing from yall.

Thanks in advance.

[WarrenG]

David,

Pick up a copy of "The Little Red Book of Selling" or "The Sales Bible" by Jefferey Gitomer. Getting yourself out there is as simple as introducing people to what you do. Whether standing in line at the grocery store, or at the ball park with your kids. You do not need to be overbearing with the "hard sell", but you do want to let people know what you do, and why you are good at it.

I am always selling... when people ask me what I do I tell them "I sell photography services" which generally leads them to say "really? what does that entail". I used to say that I was a "photographer" when I got asked that question, but most times people would simply say "yeah, I have a <insert friend, relative, or spouse here> who is a photographer". I do not want to talk about taking pictures, I want to talk about how I can earn their business, and what we can offer to them. See a cute girl at the store with a beautiful ring? Make a comment of how beautiful that ring is on her, and how good her fiancee did. I mention that it is crazy at how high the prices are and how stressul it is planning everything out, at least it was for us. She responds that "they are just getting started", at which point I give her a card and get her email address. I am not saying you should stalk every girl in line at the store, but I am giving an example that led to a nice wedding.

You should also get together with other business owners in the community, and see what they do. You can modify almost anything to fit what we do, but be sure before all the business starts to roll in that you are prepared to handle the work, and deliver as promised... as that work will lead to referrals (both good and bad).

Good Luck!

W

[ChevydreamZ]

Originally Posted by WarrenG

David,

Pick up a copy of "The Little Red Book of Selling" or "The Sales Bible" by Jefferey Gitomer. Getting yourself out there is as simple as introducing people to what you do. Whether standing in line at the grocery store, or at the ball park with your kids. You do not need to be overbearing with the "hard sell", but you do want to let people know what you do, and why you are good at it.

I am always selling... when people ask me what I do I tell them "I sell photography services" which generally leads them to say "really? what does that entail". I used to say that I was a "photographer" when I got asked that question, but most times people would simply say "yeah, I have a <insert friend, relative, or spouse here> who is a photographer". I do not want to talk about taking pictures, I want to talk about how I can earn their business, and what we can offer to them. See a cute girl at the store with a beautiful ring? Make a comment of how beautiful that ring is on her, and how good her fiancee did. I mention that it is crazy at how high the prices are and how stressul it is planning everything out, at least it was for us. She responds that "they are just getting started", at which point I give her a card and get her email address. I am not saying you should stalk every girl in line at the store, but I am giving an example that led to a nice wedding.

You should also get together with other business owners in the community, and see what they do. You can modify almost anything to fit what we do, but be sure before all the business starts to roll in that you are prepared to handle the work, and deliver as promised... as that work will lead to referrals (both good and bad).

Good Luck!

W

Thanks alot for the advice Warren.
I have really only just begun with marketing myself and I know doing stuff within the family is fun and all I am at the point where I feel ready to branch out. I have noticed the, "i know a photographer" line alot, I really like that you approach it at a different angle.

I understand that referrals have a lot to do with this kind of business.

Once again, thanks.

[kayumangi]

I think the phrase "Getting your name out there" is a misnomer.

It implies taking a chance, and being uncertain on who you're targeting as clients.

I think you should start first by identifying who your ideal clients are. As in describe what they look like, what do they wear, what do they buy, where do they shop, what cars they drive, their education background, their attitudes and beliefs and so on.

The point being, the more detailed you describe your ideal client, the easier for you to identify how you should market to them. Perhaps google ad words will not work because your ideal clients prefer snail mail, or perhaps they prefer a more visual presentation so putting up an exhibit at the mall would work better, or they like chatting with people so calling them up via phone would work best ... and so on.

Checkout "Book Yourself Solid" by Michael Port.

Good luck and welcome to the race =)