Hey! I'm new here...
So I'm not so new to photography, but I am new to the business end of it. I lost my teaching job a few years ago and the recession has not really helped me find a job. A couple of months ago, I decided to put my talent to good use in bringing in an income. I risked what little money I had left and started my business. It has been a good start. I can offer a unique twist to the usual photography found in my area. However, I need to get past the friends and family stage of advertising and really get out there!Problem: no money. And when I say no money... well, I'm crossing my fingers they don't turn off the electricity. Are there any ideas on how to get free publicity? I have a few that I'm trying out, but I really need to bring in some clients and soon. I can't depend on family and friends forever.
You may feel like you can't depend on friends and family forever, but let your clients become your (professional) friends and they will market for you. Do you have a Facebook fan page set up? Let your work do the talking by posting and tagging your images online.
If you can, see if you can convince CreativeLIVE to run a free replay of Day 3 from Tamara Lackey's course. They had a bunch of good business ideas.
One that I'm considering is having a raffle for charity. The prize could be a session with you. Not only do you get a new client, but you also get contact details for other folks to market to afterwards.
You can get involved with the Chamber of Commerce in your city. It is a great way to network with business owners. Also you can offer them to update their business portraits for their website. They will like the idea.
Hey Sheena!
First thing - thank you for posting and THANK YOU for being transparent about where you are with things and what you NEED. It's so much easier to help when we can cut to the issue at hand. Welcome to lbobi!
So here is an idea:
When we first started ARP I went to a local athletic club, spoke with the marketing director about coming in and offering frees sessions to the members. She thought it was a great idea!
I placed a sign in the lobby with a sign up sheet and an opening every 20 minutes. This was for their children since they were bringing them in when they were working out anyway.
I did this for 2 days - at 2 different locations.
You could have info ready for them about how to view their images and you COULD do online sales (although if you know me you KNOW I'm big on not doing online sales - but the point right now is $$$ and we need to get that for you quickly) Your average WILL be lower with online sales vs inperson ordering.
If you want to do inperson ordering you could as the club to set you up in a room for them to view and order. If that feels like too much pressure then let them have online for 48 hours before the ordering appt. Then turn the galleries OFF!!!!
This is just a quick idea to offer your time for free and get orders in return!!!!
Let me know what you think :)
Allison
Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. Some of which are already in play and others I will be doing this week. Allison, I have already taken your suggestion and have gone to a few places. The outlook is positive. I also read your suggestion on going to cupcake shops (via interview moms with cameras) and offering a contest. I have also done this and hopefully, I will hear back some good news this week. Again, thank you. I'm taking a big risk, but I love photography and what's more is I'm actually good at it. (Can't say that about too many things. :) )I can definitely use all the help I can get.
Sheena