As I have stated in a previous post this is a topic that I have struggled with since going full time as a photographer. It seems like there is a trick, or maybe it is an art to advertising yourself. This is something that I struggle with.
The first reason that I struggle with this so much is because it is hard to promote myself. It is easy for me to promote others and how great they are but when it comes to promoting myself I become self conscious about the situation. To an extent I feel like I am bragging about myself and throwing myself out there to get the attention of everyone around and it is just something that I am not comfortable with at all. I am not one that likes to brag or boast about myself. I have spent my entire life allowing my work and my work performance speak for itself. I never had the need to boast or promote myself in a manner to attract attention because my work ethic and values did that for me. However I am learning that is not the case with photography and it has been a fight for me to put myself out there and say "Look at me! You know you want to work with me!" It is very odd, and in a number of ways it is very unsettling for me.
When I first started out I was only doing this full time, and honestly it was more for fun, and for my kids than anything else. Due to one picture that a friend saw word of mouth took off and I was able to shoot my first event, a family reunion. It went well and I was able to get repeat clients from this particular event. The family enjoyed working with me, and they loved the product that I was able to give them. Which was great for me. It was quite easy for me to get sessions and I really did not have to work that hard to get them.
Everything changed a few years ago when I had to move. This meant that I had to start over with my client base. I went back to my old ways, photos just for fun, my kids and just enjoying taking photos. There has been a few that have put out there that I am a photographer and I have had a few sessions, however nothing like before. Now that I am full time I realize that I need to up my game.
I have watched other photographers and read a number of articles on line, and even dabbled with Thumbtack and there has just not been the success that I enjoyed before. I wonder if I am putting to much stress on myself or if I am to reliant on word of mouth. I have discovered that sites like Thumbtack are just not worth it to me, as I am having to pay to bid on clients, and most of the time I do not get the session and this is very disheartening and expensive.
I know that there are many ways to advertise, however, finding the most effective way has been a struggle. Like many photographers I have a Facebook page, and my website. This is just not enough.
I know that there are things that I currently need to do, for example build my SEO with Google. However beyond flyers I am just at a true loss for how to market.
What are some things that you do to market yourself in your local areas? Do you hold local events or participate in various small business events? What has been the most effective marketing strategy that you have been able to find or develop?
Please share your thoughts and comments to help us all learn and grow our individual businesses! You are all are great!
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