Marketing

Q:

When cold emailing clients you’d like to work with, is it a good or bad idea to include an image or attachment of your work in the email? What are some things to avoid when cold emailing?

A:

Good or bad is not totally relevant in our world of marketing because to market your branding may be very different from what other photographers do. Try everything and see what sticks. Some companies block emails with images, most people do not open attachments for their safety, and others prefer just a link to click it. Try it all!

TOP 10 SECRETS

TO SUCCESS WITH @ASKSTERNREP

1. Create a cohesive body of work with a consistent look. Know who you are as a photographer. 

2. Know your niche + know your market. Who are your clients?

3. Market yourself. Consistently + tenaciously, and in a way that is aligned with your brand and goals. 

4. Know what you’re good at and delegate what you’d rather not to.

5. Ask for help. There’s no shame in needing help or asking for it.

6. Be a good business person. Manage your time with discipline based on your priorities.

7. TEST outside your box. Be hungry. Hustle. Stay fresh with the times.  Your portfolio should not just be the jobs you have shot , it should be the jobs you want to shoot.

8. Social Media. In this day and age, as a professional photographer, being on Instagram is a MUST. And know, it has become the new portfolio. Most of your images need to be professional, while a sprinkling of behind-the-scenes personal images can complement your brand. (But no drunken Taco Tuesday photos!)

9. Money. Know how  to negotiate or have a rep help you.

10. Enjoy it!

*Instagram*

POST CONSISTENTLY. Post consistently. Post consistently. Did I say post consistently yet?

Post consistently.

Q:

If agencies are “following” you, what, if anything, would you recommend doing?

A:

If agencies are following you on Instagram – be proactive and engage them. Follow that hot lead and make the most of it by engaging them on social media, contact them on LinkedIn, and get them on your promo list. Use them ‘following’ you as a way to get your foot in the door!!

Q:

What are some things to avoid when cold emailing?

A:

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.

Less is more. The clients’ imagination is our strongest selling point

Q:

Do people still send postcards out? Are they a good way of marketing?

A:

Yes, we still send out promo mailers, as it’s important to use every possible opportunity you can think of to stay in front of clients. Not every type of marketing will work for everyone, so I like to try every method that is within our budget.

Q:

In this day and age of social media, is a blog even relevant anymore? Should you use social media to drive traffic to your blog?

A:

Other reps may disagree with me, but I don’t see the purpose of a blog anymore.

Instagram: IS IMPORTANT.

I’m sorry to say it, because I know it can feel like a bit of a nag, but it can’t be ignored. 

3 reasons to up your instagram game today:

1. It’s FREE marketing. 

2. Clients are OFTEN looking at your Instagram before your website these days. 

3. The game has changed and Instagram is an intrinsic part of the new advertising paradigm.

Q:

How and when do you get a rep? I’ve heard it’s when you have enough clients, but I think I mostly want one to help me get more clients and the type I want.

A:

You get a rep when you are ready. Is your work marketable? If so, reps will find you. If you need a rep’s help to make yourself marketable, it is a rarity that they will pick you up since it will mean they are working for free. Usually at that stage a consultant is best.