*Instagram*
POST CONSISTENTLY. Post consistently. Post consistently. Did I say post consistently yet?
Post consistently.
Marketing
Following Agencies
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!!
Advice on Cold Emailing
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
Less is more. The clients’ imagination is our strongest selling point
Promo Mailers
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.
Social Media vs Blogs
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.
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.
How and When Do You Get a Rep?
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.
Celebrity Portraits
Q:
When sending out promos consisting of documentary or environmental portraiture, how important is it to have subjects in the photos that are well-known celebrities or artists? Or does that even matter at all?
A:
Send out promos where your work matches the type of imagery your clients are looking for. That’s what will help you get noticed.
You only need to show famous folks if you are going for the celebrity or entertainment industry. Stay true to your look/style and make that powerful theme which will stand out.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
Q:
What advice can you give to aspiring photographers?
A:
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