Michael James
Sep 12, 20194 min
Whether you're just starting your photography business, or have been in business for years - your sales are the foundation of your business.
This is probably my personal favorite, because its fun. Find a shooting partner (who maybe has a different niche than you or decide mutually before hand to split leads) and hit the streets with your camera's. You should know the busy spots in your area, simply go shoot and bring plenty of business cards. I have picked up numerous leads just from going out and shooting on the street with friends. People love to see the action, and it gets them thinking about where they could use a photoshoot in their life. Coming from retail I always alike this to letting your client "try it on" because they get to see what you do without buying it first.
This one is great also because it will get the competitive juices going. Find your favorite shooting partner again and work out a challenge as to who can gather the most leads. From gas stations, to Walmart, to the carwash there are endless opportunities to network and far classier ones than I chose but the point is anywhere you are - you're networking. Whoever can get the most leads in a month has to assist the other with a shoot of their choice ;still a win - experience ;).
This one you should be doing already. From your new Apple Watch to your screensaver on your laptop, every photo should be yours. You never know who might be sitting behind you at Panera wondering who got that beautiful shot. Already doing this? Great! Now go and order some Fractureme panels to show off when people ask to see your prints.This will not only provide intrinsic inspiration seeing your work around you in various settings and mediums, but more importantly it will inspire potential clients. These are conversation pieces so try to choose your best and those you are ready to sell.
Whether a generic photography shirt or your very own branded hats & polos make sure to wear something that let's people see what you do. If you're into landscapes wear something highlighting that, if you do portraits, you guessed it! Rep that... Whatever you do the more you show it off while shooting the more traction you will get with potential customers honing your illustration skills in the process.
Saving the best for last here we have the most obvious, least accomplished, non-selling, selling-action - pleasing your current customers. Your customers are going to be your best friends when growing your business. When you give clients exactly what they want and go above the call of duty for them, they will be sure to tell their friends. In a world full of service-industry horror stories people love to brag about the WIN.
Now that you have some ammunition for your sales arsenal you can go out and sell your photography skills more confidently than ever. Just remember there is value in what you do and you are the first to see that through the lens. For more advice on driving your sales, specifically with more traditional sales marketing techniques be sure read this article from PHLearn laying out some great tactics for driving your sales.