Wedding Advertising on Craigslist

[TheTexas2]

I am curious if anyone has had a good experience with advertising your wedding photography on Craigslist?

I seem to get calls from people who want everything (complete day of shooting, all files on CD) for nothing, or I find that they have 3-4 photographers on hold and then never follow up when they don't use you. It has been frustrating at best and I am wondering if this is common or if I am in the minority.

Thanks for any feedback...

rhonda

[bondarnes]

That's pretty typical of Craigslist. Mostly frequented by bottom feeders.

[jonnydonut]

I've never heard of anyone having any luck with professional services on craigslist. It's great for used items: lenses, backpacks and etc sometimes, but services... i don't know.

You're probably just not reaching the right audience. What do you use craigslist for? Finding an accountant, or a print lab, what about for album designer; what about a plumber or a chiropractor? Probably not, but there is a certain type of person who would.

My suggestion: unless you're looking for used furniture, stay away from craigslist.

[toverman]

People who go onto Craigslist are looking for deals. When you advertise on there, you are mixed in with a large pool of photographers who are mostly giving away the farm so that's what seekers begin to expect even more. It can also possibly taint your reputation because of the types of people offering their services on CL.

A better way, although it takes patience (something I don't have enough of), is to build relationships with your clients, vendors with the same clients, networking with other photographers, getting your name out there, producing consistently excellent work, etc. etc. etc. Craigslist is directly opposite of my longterm photography goals.

[MulberryLane]

Originally Posted by toverman

People who go onto Craigslist are looking for deals. When you advertise on there, you are mixed in with a large pool of photographers who are mostly giving away the farm so that's what seekers begin to expect even more. It can also possibly taint your reputation because of the types of people offering their services on CL.

A better way, although it takes patience (something I don't have enough of), is to build relationships with your clients, vendors with the same clients, networking with other photographers, getting your name out there, producing consistently excellent work, etc. etc. etc. Craigslist is directly opposite of my longterm photography goals.

Yep. I learned that quickly on there. And then I got the hell out.

[tresorph]

some crazy posted this week, defintely brought me the LOLs - I bolded for oomph, haha.
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Blushing bride seeks wedding photographer for small, intimate wedding set for April 2010. Estimated coverage time 4-6 hours needed (before, during, after, and during reception). Huge fan of photojournalistic photography, with very few posed photos. My photography budget is less than $600. Novice photographers who can validate their craft through portfolios or sample pictures are welcome to inquire, and also those interested in expanding their portfolios. I am seeking digital edited photos on CD/DVD, all copyright priveledges, and possibly an album. Remember that this is my wedding day...a day that I will only get ONCE. After it is all said and done, the pictures are all that I will have to look back on and reminisce. So please... SERIOUS inquiries only. Thankyou!!
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[toverman]

Well, at least the bride knows how important the photos will be. Afraid that looking for someone on CL (or at least all that for $600) is going to bring her lasting sorrow later.

[kamekaze]

Wow, I'm surprised that so many here don't use an advertising medium as great as craigslist... How often do you get free advertisement seen by thousands of people daily? Just because ya'll see the craigslist community as "bottom feeders"?

[TheTexas2]

Can't believe that ad on CL, unbelievable!

I pulled my ad a few weeks ago after validation from TPF that it is not the most effective avenue for gaining wedding clients.

rhonda

[dracula02]

Originally Posted by tresorph

I am seeking digital edited photos on CD/DVD

You could give her 2 images and that should fulfill her request

[BWangPhoto]

Originally Posted by kamekaze

Wow, I'm surprised that so many here don't use an advertising medium as great as craigslist... How often do you get free advertisement seen by thousands of people daily? Just because ya'll see the craigslist community as "bottom feeders"?

It isn't how the people on craigslist are viewed as "bottom feeders" etc. but the fact that those people that are shopping based on price alone and for as little as possible are some of the worst customers to have. They complain the most, expect the world and do not want to pay anything for it.

I don't know how long you have been in business, but I for one do not need those clients coming in my door. I market to, and serve those clients that understand quality and that it costs to produce that.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by BWangPhoto

It isn't how the people on craigslist are viewed as "bottom feeders" etc. but the fact that those people that are shopping based on price alone and for as little as possible are some of the worst customers to have. They complain the most, expect the world and do not want to pay anything for it.

I don't know how long you have been in business, but I for one do not need those clients coming in my door. I market to, and serve those clients that understand quality and that it costs to produce that.

+1

If you want to market to young, modern professionals use some of the social networking outlets such as Facebook. At least then you're more likely to find paying clients with jobs and all/most of their teeth.

[kamekaze]

Originally Posted by BWangPhoto

It isn't how the people on craigslist are viewed as "bottom feeders" etc. but the fact that those people that are shopping based on price alone and for as little as possible are some of the worst customers to have. They complain the most, expect the world and do not want to pay anything for it.

I don't know how long you have been in business, but I for one do not need those clients coming in my door. I market to, and serve those clients that understand quality and that it costs to produce that.

Nothing wrong with being selective on clients, Im just surprised that people here turn down free advertising to a huge market.

[BWangPhoto]

Originally Posted by kamekaze

free

A nasty word when you are trying to make a living...

People do not value your work when it is free. If this is such a great resource for reaching "paying" clients, I wonder why Mercedes Benz of Austin isn't on there advertising?

[toverman]

The people who have set the bar on acceptable pricing on Craigslist typically don't understand the true cost of sales; don't figure in their time before, during and after a photo shoot; wear, tear and depreciation of equipment; insurance (if any of them have it); don't figure in a decent profit. So if you actually set your prices like they should be set, you won't be able to compete on price. Most people looking for a service on Craigslist will choose based on price. Because legitimate businesspeople must also charge collect and remit sales tax, that adds to the price. This has nothing to do with quality of photography, as there are some people selling their services who can produce good work. If they are busy, it's because their prices are low. Are they making money? Probably not. And as mentioned above, low-budget clients can (not always, but often) be the most difficult people to work with. Figure in some frustration cost to reach that true cost of sales.

Advertising in general is hard to justify. You're betting someone will see your ad, want the service, click on your ad and maybe read it, act on it, be impressed enough to hire you and actually buy anything beyond the session fee. Relationships and word of mouth is a key for some to be successful. If your clients are mostly low-budget, they will either be complaining all the time about how you didn't give them something or they will refer you to their low-budget friends and family.

I's easy to ignore a market you don't want.