Social Media, SEO and the Internet have now given a small number of photographers more of an “inbound” marketing angle. Social media has allowed photographers to get closer to their target market and join in on their conversations. Social Media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube have given many photographers the opportunity to share more than just their portfolio with their clients. In this day and age where photography studios are popping up left and right, it is so important to stand out from the masses.
I’ve noticed many wedding photographers and portrait photographers are still practicing traditional “outbound” marketing and advertising techniques. Sending monthly postcard mailers, spending hundreds of dollars for bridal shows, and dropping hundreds to thousands a year in traditional paper ads. This can be referred to as “Spray and Pray marketing.” Some of these methods may still produce some business for many years to come. Although, many consumers are now “Googling” their questions and finding referrals from the Internet.
Our clients are evolving and becoming smarter consumers. Google and other search engines have made information more readily available via the Internet. So it is essential for us to embrace to new trends of technology and adjust our marketing efforts accordingly. To help increase the conversion rate of bookings you have to go where the people are. So, if your prospective clients are on Facebook, Twitter and other Social Media sites…you can capitalize on this to boost your photography business!
“Those that use Facebook as their primary marketing effort are reaping the rewards compared to those that place a secondary emphasis: 7.6 Facebook generated bookings vs 1.1 in the last 12 months respectively. Those using Facebook should consider
investing more effort in this area early on in their career when volume is the goal.” (Source: 2009 Digital Wedding Forum and Two Bright Lights Marketing Effectiveness Survey)
Over the last four years I’ve been sharpening my Internet marketing skills and applying them to my photography business. I can honestly say that Social Media and SEO have helped me grow my photography business over 30%! Best part is, adding Social Media to your marketing efforts is very cheap compared to traditional marketing! Over the last year I’ve been doing some private consulting with photographers and some photography industry people. Now it’s time to start teaching my “Social Media workshops!” Stay tuned for some dates and locations! Of course I will be covering some Social Media tactics in the “Fishing for Clients” workshop, with Jonathan and Cara of F8 Photo Studios, during the Raleigh Photog Shootout in November! 
Some topics will include:
- Understanding the Internet
- Boosting traffic to your website with Social Media
- Analyzing traffic and focusing your marketing
- Converting traffic into bookings
- Creating a voice with Twitter
- Creating a community with Facebook
- Broadcasting yourself of Youtube
- The key to consistency on the Internet
Here is what some are saying about Social Media:
“Social media is THE key to marketing in 2010. The DWF has been using Facebook and Twitter to drive traffic and awareness of it’s happenings, and reaching new audiences. Taking tips and advice from Rob Nicholson, we’ve been applying sound social media strategies to fuel the DWF’s growth for over a year now.”
Tim Uhl, Director of Marketing
“Social media is a medium to broadcast ideas and concepts through various networks. Rob has skillfully harnessed technology’s potential to create and organize nationwide shootouts from the convenience of home.
Whether one’s intention is to build exposure for a business or to make new friends, social media has opened doors to what was once unfathomable. Whatever part of the spectrum it is, Rob is a skilled agent in exercising this phenomenon.”
Lawrance Chan, Tofurious SEO Workshops for Photographers
“Rob is critical and creative thinker. His ‘outside the box’ approach to social media marketing has helped our company reach a target market that was otherwise impenetrable. We highly recommend tapping into his insight.”
Garrett Delph, Owner ShootDotEdit, LLC
~Rob
