Growing Your Photography Business (Part 4): Networking, Website and Social Media

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If you are offering photography services or planning to start one, it pays to equip yourself with business skills. This makes sure you are still successfully running a business you are passionate about.  Here are three more tips in case you missed them: parts one, two and three.

Networking

When you hear the word ‘networking,’ you may imagine a room full of businesspeople sipping coffee and exchanging business cards. They’re sharing information about themselves, their business and their challenges. When you are networking, you are spending time getting to know others and looking for areas of shared interests. 

As a photographer, networking is essential because you could discover new solutions and opportunities. It increases your “social capital” and increases the value of your network. Networking also increases your possibilities of finding long-lasting relationships. 

You can find networking opportunities almost everywhere. Networking can be as ‘casual’ as standing in line with someone in Starbucks. You can find local gatherings through Facebook or Eventbrite, or stumble upon a poster somewhere.

You may have heard the saying, “your network is your NET worth.” This has been true for me through the years. Being surrounded by a supportive circle can help you grow by increasing possible referrals and recommendations.

I’ve created a practically-informed Finance Sheet that can help you reach your financial goals.

Website

For me, a website is your marketing that never sleeps. A well-managed website can bring so many benefits for your photography businesses opening up new markets, reaching new customers, increasing efficiency to save you money. 

Unlike social media accounts, you have greater freedom with your website. It empowers you to “own” your digital store where your audience can know you. You can modify your own layouts, flows, links, and processes at a relatively lower cost. You can showcase your work, add your own software, rank in search, accept payments, and virtually market your business 24/7. 

You can’t just ignore the unstoppable trend where customers know you by Googling first before trying to meet you. They want to know who you are, your story and drives, and your work. You also have to make sure web features are there such as responsiveness, SSL, SEO, speed, user experience, and more.

Social Media

Social Media is where you meet your target customers and interact with them as your brand. It’s a precious tool to grow your photography business.

The benefits of social media include increasing brand awareness, generating leads, building relationships, checking out the competition, and more. 

Using social media differs depending on your target market and objectives. Each social media platform has certain demographics and audience interests.

For example, Facebook’s primary audience uses it for socializing or memes. Pinterest users are usually looking for inspiration and visuals. Youtube viewers are watching for entertainment and how-tos. It’s better to determine what are your goals and audience for your photography services. 

With billions of people in social media, you can start working on your strategy to increase followers, gain clients, and build relationships with clients and audiences. To help you out, I have come up with this shot list to make sure you are organized and giving a good customer experience.

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Success in your business involves establishing a solid financial foundation. Thank you for reading my photography business tips and I wish you many years of success! 

XoXo…

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