What are some things to avoid when cold emailing?
I’d say the most important part of a cold email is not to sound cold. Don’t have it sound like a mass email. Be as personable as possible. Mention something they personally may be interested in. And spell their name correctly.
How often do art buyers respond to email blasts? How enthusiastic should a photographer actually be about positive feedback from an email blast?
Never. When sending out emails, don’t expect to get any responses. The point of an email blast is not to get responses, and they know that. The point of an email blast is to send out as many emails as possible to the correct clients to show them your work.
When sending newsletters/promos to new clients or agents, is there a polite way to introduce yourself other than the generic, “Hey, I’m a new photographer in the area, etc.?” In essence, when photographers reach out to you, how do you like to be “asked?”
The best way is to speak to people as you would want to be spoken to. The more personal and less ‘mass email’ sounding, the better. Be short and quick but also as personal as possible. Use the person’s name and spell it correctly.
If you want better odds of getting your question answered, ask only one.
Always address a person with their name in an email. Do not approach a rep or a client with a mass email…if you want a response.
Proofread your emails. Spell-check. Double check that you addressed your email to the right person. Professionalism takes you to the next level.
You usually have 10 seconds on the phone or over email to grab someone’s attention. Choose your top question and only ask them ONE.
Making the subject of your email interesting is THE most important factor in getting your email read. This will make or break whether it is opened or deleted.
Make it long, Say it all. Use a question mark. Stand out. Use their name. This is today’s 5-second elevator pitch opportunity!
What advice can you give to aspiring photographers?
Explore. I don’t even call it testing anymore. Explore and expand your look without losing all that specific edge to your style. As I said before, all photographers need to rediscover themselves on a regular basis. Educate themselves, look at others, assist and learn as much as possible.
We’ve talked a lot about the importance of social media but I think new photographers could really benefit from thinking beyond social media for their marketing as well. Send emails. Write people on LinkedIn. Go to lunch. Meet people in person. Aspiring photographers may need to get creative by finding ways to connect.
Guest Post: Interview w/ Mara Serdans
www.MarasMix.com
I am dedicated to never using the word “just” in my emails, it sounds like I’m apologizing.
Sound confident.
