How to Promote a Commercial Photography Business
Promoting a commercial photography business requires some background work and preparation. Create a showcase of your work online and in your community which, in turn demonstrates your ability to many different audiences.
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Instructions
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Establish an online presence. Upload your favorite photographs to a free photo-sharing website, such as Flikr.com or Snapfish.com, and use social networking sites to promote your collection on that site. If you have a large budget and the expertise, you can set up your own website and post your photos there. Some websites allow you to design a commercial website for free, such as Weebly.
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Create business cards with an example of your photography. Order business cards online or at a print shop. Use one of your best photographs as the background of the business card or in one section of it. Your cards should contain all pertinent information on how to contact you. The cards should also contain a link to the photo-sharing website where your pictures are posted.
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Create a book of your favorite photographs. While having pictures online is essential, face-to-face meetings will require a portfolio for potential customers to view. Create a book by ordering prints and placing them in a photo album or scrapbook. For a professional look, create a photo book online at such places like Lulu or Blurb. The books are created by uploading your photos and formatting them on the site. When the layout and content are to your liking, you can order it online. The finished product is similar to a book you would purchase in a bookstore.
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Join a local business networking group. Most communities have networking groups that meet once a week. Each member gives a short presentation each week and the members refer customers to each other. Only one member from a particular profession may join the group, so you will not be competing with other photographers. These groups have membership fees, but most members find them to be very effective for building small businesses.
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Get involved in your community. Offer to take pictures at a community family event, such as an Easter Egg Hunt. Have a small area where you can take pictures of kids and have their parents give you their email addresses so you can send them the photographs.
You can also contact local high schools and have a drawing for free senior portraits. The school may allow you to post photographs in the cafeteria to gain interest.
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Follow-up with all contacts. After completing the above promotional activities, you should have several on-line and community contacts. Make sure you keep in touch with them by publishing a monthly newsletter or offering promotions.
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Tips & Warnings
When using social networking websites, keep your personal accounts separate from your photography business accounts.
Take your business cards with you wherever you go. You will find many opportunities for distributing them.
Do not use photographs of children without their parents' written permission when promoting your business. Also, do not use photographs of adults without their written permission.
