Marketing

Marketing Outreach 101: 

If you want to really connect with clients, you need to be the one to go through the efforts of extending a specific invite selection of dates/times/locations all for them to easily say – “YES!”

Marketing plans must incorporate the unexpected moments of putting ourselves out there in the most natural ways. 

When implementing marketing strategies, allow for flexibility, experimentation, and open-mindedness. By embracing these principles, photographers can navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace and tailor their approaches to meet the unique needs of their businesses and clients. This is a valuable reminder that adaptability and a willingness to learn are critical components of sustained marketing success.

You look like an amateur if you don’t have an official website email address, along with a signature on the email including your web or IG link on it.

Marketing means “being remembered.” Sometimes, we spend extra money on a story or theme that identifies or connects us to our clients’ memories. Bring or show clients something specific that correlates with your work to stick in their minds and have them remember you. 

Marketing has a crucial role in ensuring our brand or business is memorable to its target audience. Effective marketing is not just about immediate visibility but also about creating lasting impressions that resonate with potential customers. Be sure to seize all opportunities to engage with audiences in memorable ways, whether through thoughtful gifts, personalized outreach, or unique branding strategies. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that when the right moments arise, clients and customers will think of their brand first. The video highlights the importance of creativity and strategic thinking in marketing, showcasing how small gestures can significantly impact brand recall and customer relationships.

Marketing is a tool for memory-making rather than just visibility. Think creatively about how to engage with clients, and ensure you leave a lasting impact through thoughtful gestures, strategic branding, and personal touchpoints. The insights shared serve as a guide for marketers looking to enhance their brand recognition and customer loyalty through memorable marketing strategies.

I want to change the definition of our OUTREACH. “Reach out” now means finding your way to include unknown, surprising, or unplanned approaches and constantly trying new ways.

Today, we explore the evolving nature of outreach in the business landscape. Outreach is not a static concept; rather, it is dynamic and constantly shifting, influenced by market changes and technological advancements. We need to adapt outreach strategies to stay relevant and effective. While foundational aspects like LinkedIn presence, branding, and social media are critical, but the landscape of outreach is ambiguous and requires experimentation with new methods. Outreach should be viewed as a fluid process that necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to the ever-changing environment.

Businesses need to evolve their outreach strategies in response to the shifting landscape. By focusing on adaptability, foundational tools, key contacts, and a commitment to experimentation and learning, professionals can navigate the complexities of outreach effectively and remain relevant in an ever-changing environment.

Image-making feels like the center of the world as, of course, it has to be your pinnacle point of focus. But then there is more – the ongoing process to be findable. Clients are showing you off to their clients, meaning you must be easily found/searchable with a timely, systematic structure to your presentation. If we skip the importance of step two, we will be climbing a constant uphill battle for success.

The dual nature of photography is both an artistic endeavor and a practical business. While the creative process is consuming and deeply personal for photographers, they must also recognize the importance of marketing their work effectively. Potential clients often face overwhelming choices and need quick access to the photographer’s portfolio to make informed decisions. Therefore, photographers must ensure that their images are easily accessible and showcase their work in a way that resonates with both their clients and the end users. This balance between artistry and practicality is crucial for success in the competitive photography market.

Photographers have to not only hone their craft but also be strategic in how they market and present their work. The creative process is undeniably valuable, but it cannot exist in a vacuum. Photographers must adapt to the realities of a competitive market where ease of access and effective communication of their capabilities can make all the difference in their success. By embracing both the art and the business sides of photography, they can create a sustainable career that resonates with clients and stands out in a crowded field.

Slow times = time to improve.

No way to say that differently, as we should all keep pushing the creative clock and get better. Why waste valuable time thinking we get time off if we aren’t on a photo job? Plain and simple- we full-time freelancers are always on our clock pushing ourselves forward, or we will lose our lead in the industry.

Today, we discuss the challenges freelancers, particularly photographers, face during slow periods in their business. Instead of viewing downtime as wasted time, we should utilize this time constructively. We should continue working, even when we are not engaged in paid projects. This could involve collaborating with other professionals, exploring new creative avenues, and enhancing our portfolios. Reaching out to peers in the industry can lead to fruitful collaborations, allowing photographers to diversify their skills and expand their networks. Ultimately, turn slow periods into opportunities for growth and improvement.

Freelancers, particularly photographers, can navigate slow periods in their careers. By reframing downtime as an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and creativity, professionals can not only enhance their skills and portfolios but also build meaningful connections within the industry. Continuous improvement and maintaining a strong work ethic serve as a reminder that every moment spent working—whether on paid projects or personal development—is an investment in one’s future success.

Q:

When you talk about the rising importance of “content,” are you referring to the necessity for photographers to post more and better content, the necessity for clients to produce more content and hence hire photographers more often, or both?

A:

When I refer to the importance of content, I am talking about both: photographers need to create more content, as do clients. We must constantly create and post content in today’s business world to make our work findable. Years ago, the marketing process was more challenging to show our work to clients, so this could actually be a win/win if we accepted it and joined the content party.

Q:

Is there a suggestion on what else to do to get blocked email promos through clients’ email filters?

A:

I don’t have the technical fix yet, but this is a numbers game for us. I send out quarterly promos knowing that most will not get seen, but if 20% get opened, that is still part of our MARKETING PLAN that has succeeded in one way: more eyes are on our work than if we didn’t send it out. I use the same theory on IG as it’s the marketing plan numbers game.

Big truth: REPS NEED MATERIAL. I always say, “Give me something to say and something to show.” 

Big Untruth: I’m a creative/artistic business owner, so I get the day off when I’m not on a paid job. 

You are your marketing department, whether you are repped or not, and just like any business owner, you must constantly feed the marketing of your business. Your growth is based on your new ideas, and this never stops! You are being hired for your ideas, and your idea-making skill-set must be seen constantly in your marketing.