Posts By Alisia

Life through a Lens: 8 Tips Before Starting Your Photography Business

Most people who run a photography business publish some of their images online in an effort to take their business to the next level.
As such, it’s wise to begin to grow a following before you launch your photography business. At this point, you could be asking yourself, “how do I get fans and followers?” The answer is by showcasing your skills to thousands or even millions of people online.
Here are some tips that can help you generate a following to establish fans and potential customers before your photography business is up and running.

  1. Give Out Photography Gifts or Tips Free of Charge
Enhance engagement and create raving fans by giving out something valuable to your target audience for free. You can develop a photographer’s community and use the forum to give out photography tips or free photos. You could also offer an e-book or video tutorials. This allows you to build trust with your community and for them to evaluate the quality of your work. The  more you help others, the more your following will grow.
  1. Publish Guest Articles on Authority Sites
You can also grow a following by contributing articles on other authority websites. This will allow you to gain exposure as a photography expert but also it allows you to access the audiences of other established photography websites. Look for some of the most popular photography sites and pitch potential articles, tips, and tutorials. If accepted as a writer, this is a win-win situation since you’ll be helping these sites with content creation but also generating traffic for yourself.
 
  1. Design Your Website
Don’t wait until you’re swamped to set up a website. Do it now while you have a fledgling photography business. That way you have time to design a website that will be a great resprensatiation of your business and your skills as a photographer
Make sure to link to all your social media accounts such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and Pinterest. And use this as an opportunity to set up a portfolio of your work that displays your artistic style, service offerings and example work to show potential new clients what they can expect.
4. Network with Influencers
One of the best ways to get followers even before you open your photography business is to request more experienced photographers to share some of your work with their followers. You accomplish this through networking with influencers. The truth is: successful photographers were once in your shoes and many would be happy to help. But, you must offer value in return. Choose a photographer with a sizable following and think about how you can you help or what you may be able to offer them.. If you provide some kind of value, they’re more likely to help with some simple promotion of your business. Approach photographers that you either know or the ones where you truly admire their work. Be sincere and you’re more likely to find success here. Don’t ask every photographer out there, be selective and build quality relationships instead.
  1. Establish Branded Materials
Any and every opportunity and meeting is a chance to brand yourself. When meeting with new people and even other photographers have a business card handy. Make sure emails contain a signature with your website and social media profiles. Talk about your business as a brand (no matter how small it is) and promote it when possible to establish yourself.
  1. Create a Newsletter
In some instances, newsletters may to be more effective than even relying on your social media accounts. If you create something of value, you will see a return. Create compelling and helpful newsletters for your website visitors and it can help you grow your existing fan base. As long as what you provide is high-quality and offers value to your readers and potential customers there’s no reason it can’t develop into more.
  1. Above all, Sell Stock Photos While You're Building Your Business

Before you have consistent customers, consider creating and selling stock photos to make some extra cash. There are countless free stock photography websites that need an endless supply of content from photographers. Consider creating images for these sites while you’re growing.