CraigsList to generate Photography Business Leads

If not, you may be missing out on a potential lead generation tool.

People use the Internet for everything. In fact, I've recently learned of two people that have used places like CraigsList.com to not only look for work, but to also look for clients.

CraigsList.com is a directory that is broken down by location, and by industry/area of interest. Let me show you how it works.

First, start out by clicking on your location. CraigsList.com has USA and International options. Once you're at your selected location, you'll find a variety of categories. Click around and see what's available. From my own research, I know most postings for photographers end up under the "services" section, and the category "creative".

Find the services section, and click on the "creative" link. This will take you to postings made under this category.

Browse through some of the postings, and see what people are writing. As I'm writing this, there are offers for web design, writing and editing, and photography.

Keep in mind that anyone can post. You can create a post selling your photography services. Or you can create a post asking for bids on services.

Let me show you how it can work. A friend recently needed a business portrait, and posted a "Wanted" ad on CraigsList.com. Within one day, she had several contacts offering photography services. She chose one and had a professional portrait created near her office. She was very happy with the results.

This is a very simple system, yet the potential is amazing. CraigsList.com is the 7th most popular site online. With all of that traffic, shouldn't you be giving it a try?

Helping your photography business, how to start a digital wedding photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.

Create A Photography Business Checklist To Help Start Your Dream Photography Business

Create A Photography Business Checklist To Help Start Your Dream Photography Business If you’ve been thinking of starting your own business for some time now, the easiest way to get started is to begin with a photography business checklist. This list will provide you with the details of what it takes to get started, and give you a something that makes the tasks seem more doable.

So, if you’re ready to move forward in photography, where do you start? What are the most important steps to consider when starting a photography business?

1. Start by defining the type of photography you choose to offer your clients. Everyone has a different reason for becoming involved in photography. Some love working with babies and children. Some prefer working on location with families and pets. Some love commercial work, and making products come alive. Some find passion in creating wedding photography.

While many photographers choose multiple specialties, keep in mind that any one of these can make a lucrative career. The more passion you have in your chosen line of photography, the easier it is to promote your work, and get known within your specialty.

2. Establish your business identity. Once you decide on your specialty, use that specialty to identify your name and your brand. While some photography studios are named after the business owner, others use a more generic name. A name is a personal choice. But above all, make sure your name speaks to your desired clientele.

3. Decide what resources you need for your business. Do you need a commercial location for a studio? Will you work out of your home? What type of camera equipment will you need? While a start-up business shouldn’t invest in extravagant equipment, you should purchase enough equipment to sufficiently do your job, and to have backup equipment available at all sessions.

4. Decide what vendors you will be using for your business. A photography studio needs a variety of services, including a professional photography lab, album companies, framing companies, office supplies, and production supplies.

An easy way to find many of these vendors is to attend a photography expo. There are many local, regional, national and international expos available to the professional photographer, including Professional Photographers of America, and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International. And sign up for newsletters at places like VirtualPhotographyStudio.com to stay on top of some of the newest and most exciting trends.

5. Join professional organizations to network with like-minded individuals. There are a variety of professional photographer organizations. It’s also important to join organizations in your community, such as entrepreneur groups, networking groups, and chamber of commerce’s. All can provide you with invaluable resources.

6. Market your business to prospective clients. Every business needs customers to survive. Top priority for any new business is to bring in new clients not only to establish yourself as a business, but also to begin making a profit for your business.

7. Add your own goals to your photography business checklist. Provide specific goals that will help you realize your dream. Add things like ‘quit full time job in October’ to help motivate you to take action on your ideas.

Helping your photography business, how to start a photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.

Photography Business - Tweak Your Way To Success

It's not always about making massive change to your photography business. Sometimes it's about tweaking the little things that can have a profound impact. Have you ever looked at someone else's business, and wondered how they gained so much success? Did they find one key to unlock the magic door?

Chances are they learned the art of tweaking. Tweaking is the ability to look at what you have, and fine-tune it. It doesn't involve colossal changes. It just takes the good in your business, and makes it better. If you've been failing in your marketing, or just can't pull in the business like you use to, chances are its because you haven't mastered the art of tweaking.

A person with a website carrying the same look and message for two years in a row is a great example. This business owner put up a site simply to have information out online, without realizing it could be pulling in business for him every day of the week.

Find out what's working, and making slight changes to make it better. It's like a chef who keeps adding one new ingredient to perfect the recipe. Or the scientist who mixes different ratios of chemicals to produce a new reaction. They don't start over from scratch. They change one tiny portion, and try it again. And again.

Marketing your photography business can be a lot more fun once you master the art of tweaking.

Where does your business stand today? Are you brand new, starting with your first client? Or maybe you've been at it a year, but still can't make it your full time venture. Or maybe you make a comfortable living with your photography, but you want to see how far you can go.
All of these are perfect examples of businesses that can master tweaking, and go to the next level with their businesses.

Tweaking involves taking what you are already doing, and making minor adjustments to make it even better. If you suddenly make massive change, you won't be able to determine what the impact is. Instead, change one portion of your business planning, and see what happens.

• If you send out 1,000 postcards a month, what would happen if you increased it to 2,000?
• What would happen if you changed your offer on those 1,000 postcards?
• What would happen if you targeted different people with those 1,000 postcards?
• What would happen if you changed the wording of those 1,000 postcards?

The list could go on and on. But the point is you make a small change, and see how it impacts your business. If business goes away, you know you made a bad change. If you increase your sales, you change was good.

Helping your photography business, how to start a digital wedding photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.

5 Steps Your Photography Business Needs To Make

What's the difference between an average photography business and a highly successful one? It's the way the photography business owner approaches their daily business tasks.

An average business owner will approach the day, and let things happen. She'll react to email and phone messages, and let the day unfold before her.

A highly successful photography business owner will take charge of her day, and spend her time doing the right things for her business. Here's five ways you can begin making a change in your business life, and create more success.

1. Create a plan. Every photography business needs to know the direction its heading. Create several types of plans to keep you on track: a lifetime plan to understand where your photography business is ultimately heading; a yearly plan to determine your action steps for the year; and a monthly plan to make sure you are reaching your goals.

2. Evaluate. Just because you have a plan doesn't mean you can't change. Evaluate continually what you're doing, and how it will ultimately impact your long term goals. If you need to make changes, do it.

3. Create a plan. A yearly plan will keep you on track, but daily goals will ensure your success. Always ask yourself if you are doing the best possible thing to help you reach your goals.

4. Take action. Planning is important. But planning isn't enough. You have to take action on your plans, and put them into place.

5. Follow through. Make sure your business is always in motion. Do you have the proper goals? Are you reaching them? Are you getting in new clients? Are you profitable?

Find your weaknesses, and put more action into place. You'll soon discover that you've your goals quickly, and are ready to take on new challenges!

Why are awards programs so important to a photographers resume?

Why are awards programs so important to a photographers resume?

Does winning an award make you
a better photographer? Maybe.

Does having a stack of awards make you look better to your prospects and clients?
Maybe.

So why should you concentrate of getting awards?

Because awards make you feel better about yourself, and ultimately impact
the way you do business.

First, lets look at how an award can make you a better photographer.

Image judging contests can occur in one of two ways: either at a seminar/expo,
where you can sit in on the judging, or at the business without contact with
the image takers.

The best is where you can sit in on the judging, and learn what the top photographers
are looking for in a photograph. There you can learn a wealth of information
on how the elite photographers look at images, and how they judge. While judging
is always subjective (it depends on what the judges like), they also look for
certain qualities over and over again. That’s the information you can
use to change your photography.

Judges will show you how they judge, what they are looking for, and how to
make a photograph better. They teach things like composition, lighting, and
structure. They help you understand why a photograph is award winning quality,
and how to improve an image in the future.

One of the things I discovered early on is judges often like photographs that
your clients will never buy. It’s just a difference of opinion. Make
sure you photograph for both perspectives if you feel you have an award winning
location and subject.

Second, does being an award winning photographer help you get more clients?

An award is a starting point. It adds to the checklist in a clients mind,
and can possibly be a deciding factor for certain clients. But usually it isn’t
a sole reason for someone choosing a photographer.

People like choosing photographers for a variety of reasons. They usually
fall in love with one of your images, and want a duplicate image for their
wall. They like the way you display your artwork, and are looking for something
similar.

Being an award winning photography simply adds another reason for choosing
you. Also understand that winning multiple awards over time will also look
better for you then winning one or two.

If they see you are constantly entering contests, and winning various prizes,
they will know you are working at becoming an expert in the field of photography.
Which looks better to you?

• Winner of the 2002 Photographer of the Year Award
• Winner of the 1999 Photographer of the Year Award
• Winner of the 2001 Best Album Award
• Winner of the 2002 Photography Studio of the Year Award
• Winner of the 2003 Best Family Portrait Award
• Winner of the 2004 Best Children’s Photographer Award
• Winner of the 2005 Best Photography Website Award

Obviously the second. It shows consistency. It shows this photographer is
concentrating on his passion, and wants to show his ability. He’s developing
his own expertise within the industry, and sharing his love of photography
with the world.

Which is what your ultimate goal is with winning awards. Your goal is to WOW
your customer, and showcase your talents in many ways. When a prospect enters
your website, or receives an information kit in the mail from you, being able
to WOW them will set you apart from your competition.

As an example, I know of one speaker who has spoken at hundreds of seminars
and expos over the years. When someone asks for information on his speaking,
he doesn’t mail a brochure. Instead, he mails them a box of thank you
letters – the kind of box 500 sheets of paper comes in. You can imagine
the impact on an event producer when they start reading 500 thank you testimonials!
Needless to say, he usually gets the speaking gig.

You can do the same with your photography. Imagine the impact of mailing a
customer an information kit filled with testimonies, press releases, articles
about you from leading magazines, and award sheets. Wouldn’t this set
you apart from your competition?

Who do you think they will choose as their photographer

Print the article - 25 Ways To Generate Leads For Your Photography Business Today

25 Ways To Generate Leads For Your Photography Business Today

1. Submit your stock images to one of the many online stock agencies such as IStockPhoto. Stock companies allow you to build a bio page, and list links to other sites and information. Use this to selectively promote yourself to people that enjoy your work.

2. Send a press release to your local paper submitting a story idea. Newspapers, television, and radio shows are always on the lookout for a good storyline. Provide them with a story that's relevant to the season, and makes for good news.

3. Visit a local networking group and offer to photograph the group for the website. Many of today's networking groups have a website to promote their services. Adding photographs provide a personal touch, and will allow you to capture attention as a photographer.

4. Send out letters to your past clients with a new promotion. Your best client is a past client. Make them an offer they can't refuse.

5. Visit a local chamber of commerce and sign up for the next networking group. Your chamber of commerce offers a variety of groups for you to network with. Choose a few groups and visit them to make a handful of new connections.

6. Find a complementary business willing to hang samples in their offices. Provide them several framed images at no cost. Because these images will potentially hand in the office for many months, make sure you use your best work, and provide top quality in both mounting and framing.

7. Post a comment on an online message board. Make sure you provide a link back to your website, yet don't blatantly sell your services. Provide good quality content, and show you know your industry well.

8. Call three prospects and promote your business. Think back over the past couple of weeks to the connections you've made. Choose the three that have the best possibility of becoming a client, and connect with them over the phone.

9. Create flyers and hand them out at a networking event. Make your flyer short and to the point. The purpose should be to make them connect with you, either by brining in a coupon, or visiting your website for more information.

10. Write an article for one of your association newsletters. Most trade publications have a shortage of quality material. Offer an article to use, and use it to educate your association members.

11. Add more content to your website. Websites are meant to change and grow. Make adding content to your website a weekly task.

12. Run a contest. Whether you set up a cutest baby contest, or offer a toys for tots promotion, get your customers involved in your business.

13. Take out a classified ad in a trade publication. The least expensive method of advertising in a print publication is in the classifieds. Try out a new promotion, or use it to gain leads.

14. Join a social networking website. Social networking groups exist both online and locally. Try one online, and expand your business beyond your local area.

15. Participate in an online forum or chatroom. Thousands of forums exist on any subject you can imagine. Find a place where potential clients visit regularly, and chat away.

16. Make a magnetic sign for your car. From a simple magnetic door sign, to an entire car wrap, make your vehicle a moving advertisement.

17. Call in to a radio talk show. Dozens of radio stations exist both locally and online that reach your potential customer base. Create a message, and start talking.
 
18. Have a photo party, and get several clients together in one location to try something new. Instead of having one portrait sitting per day, this would guarantee you several. And getting friends together would help your sales increase because of the excitement.

19. Create shirts and caps with your logo and website information. Instead of wearing a big companies logo, create your own. Make sure your family and employees all have a few too.

20. Set up a booth at a local fair or expo. There are expos for every target audience. Find one that matches your demographics, and find some new clients.

21. Volunteer for a community project or non-profit fundraiser. It's always fun to get involved. This puts you in contact with other business owners that may be able to promote you – and allows you to give back at the same time.

22. Offer to teach a photography class at a local school or recreation center. Many people have the desire to take better photographs. Create a class that shows the basics in a fun way.

23. Teach a class at your local library. Whether alone or with a complementary business, your local library can provide you with a room, resources to advertise the class, and a whole new potential customer base.

24. Create a portrait special at a local toy store. Kids love toys. What better place to capture quality portraits with a natural expression.

25. Set up a special, limited edition weekend. Use a local landmark as your background: snow days in the park, sand castles on the beach, and holiday magic in the city are just a few examples. Be creative.

Helping your photography business, how to start a digital wedding photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.

Bringing In Sales Even During The Slow Times

Every business has it. It's called the cyclical slow time. It may last for a month or even several months. But as a business owner, turning this time period into as short of a period as possible will help you become a stronger business.

As a business owner, you can either bring in new prospects and turn them into new clients, or you can sell to your existing client base and bring in repeat business. During your slow times, concentrate on getting repeat business from your existing client base.

Some times of the year are just easier to sell to a new client. Lets take senior portraiture for a moment. The following years' seniors start thinking about their final year of school and begin planning in May. Their schools hold fairs and begin giving them direction on everything there is to do. It's natural to plan your own photography mailings around this time frame.

If you're a studio specializing in portraits, particularly the senior market, you're busy time is predictably May through December. Come January, things start slowing down, and by the springtime, you may be wondering how to pay the bills.

Instead of spending the early months of the year planning for the new senior market, concentrate on the seniors that are about to graduate, and on your other existing clients. Your current clients know you, have worked with you, and understand your business. Create special promotions just for them. Things like:

• Selling additional wallets for friends, family and graduation announcements
• Additional portrait packages
• Cap and gown images
• Family portrait before the senior goes off to college
• Family portraiture of past clients (if you've been doing seniors for a number of years, some of your clients may be getting married, or even having babies)
• Instead of trying to bring in new clients during your slow time, concentrate on building options for your existing client base. They know you and have worked with you before.
• They are a much easier sell – so sell to those that love what you do!

Helping your photography business, how to start a digital wedding photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.

Photography Website color selection tools

Creating a website for you photography business is very important and producing proper colors within the design should be well thought out. We found a great resource for selecting color. Color wheels have been used for a long time but they are much easier to use today.

Check out this resource: http://visibone.com/colorlab/ , which lets you choose from the 216 color browser-safe palette. This has limits but is a great place to start.

We also found a 4096 color wheel located at: http://www.ficml.org/jemimap/style/color/wheel.html and has a cool hovering tool that allows you select colors and then shades. For quicker results, we also found an online color scheme program that helps select complementary colors. You can find this very handy in you wedding photography website designs or when you need to create a portrait photography business website.

Check out this tool at: http://stylephreak.frogrun.com/cm.php and let us know which one you like best.

Helping your photography business, how to start a digital wedding photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.

Photographers Directory for your Photography Studio

Directories are the connecting point between sellers and buyers. If you ever want points of contact for a particular product or service, finding a specialized directory should be your first stop. Think about when you go to the mall and are looking for a particular store. You head for the nearest directory because it can provide you with quick information.

Another major directory that people use almost daily is the phone book. Whether you are trying to find an old friend, or a plumber to fix a broken pipe, it's the first place many people turn to.

Online, a directory provides an additional benefit. By being in a directory, you have the opportunity to get your information in front of more buyers simply by being on the list. But if your website is also linked and connected to it, you have an immediate advertisement (often for free) that directs people back into your site.

Our goal with our VirtualPhotographyStudio site is to help you become better at the business side of photography. And part of that is to help you find new clients so you can grow your business! Which is why we created our Photographers Directory when we first started out on this journey.

Are you in our directory? The easiest way to find out is to click over and take a look at your State. If you're not there, it's an easy process to add your business into the directory.

Do you know of any other photographer that would benefit from having a listing? Forward them this message and invite them to add their own information.

Helping your photography business, how to start a digital wedding photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.

Website Templates allow a Photography Studio To Develop Quickly

Websites allow a photography studio an effortless solution to display sections of their work and present information to potential customers 24/7.

One item that we all face in our photography business is the need for an online presence. Having a website is very important for your clients to locate information pertaining to your services and viewing a portfolio of quality images. Too often, we find websites that are constructed by novice designers using a boxed website solution with very unpleasant results. Imagine if you viewed a website of poor quality, would you want your wedding photographed by the same studio? I know that I would not. Budgets are tight on most businesses just starting up and locating a great product and an affordable price can become unpleasantly difficult. For websites, a template solution could avail your situation and allow your studio to create a professional online presence without elimination of your entire bank account balance. Quality photography website templates are created as great starting solution and can help relay the proper message to entice larger events and increase your sales.

Don’t fall victim to accepting sub par website displays in relation to your photography studio, make it look pleasing and professional. Take a quick look at the many hundreds of photography business website template solutions.

Helping your photography business, how to start a digital wedding photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.

Market you Photography Business in 2007

How much time do you spend on getting new clients?

How much time do you spend keeping your existing clients happy?

Most small businesses spend a great deal of their marketing efforts getting new clients. But that is the one area that takes the most effort. To get someone brand new to accept your company, and decide to purchase from you takes a huge amount of effort, both financially and physically.

But creating a referral source out of someone whom already has a relationship with you is a far easier way of using your marketing dollars.

They love you. They're happy with your service. They know how you work and what type of service you provide. And they have friends.

Spend you marketing dollars wisely, and have your existing customers work for you.

Send newsletters.

Send customer appreciation promotions.

Ask for a referral.

Provide thank you gifts.

Network with them.

Helping your photography business, how to start a digital wedding photography business and wedding photography business visit virtualphotographystudio.com and keep up-to-date with all of the photography happenings via our free newsletter.