Photographers are modern artists who strive to have as many regular and satisfied clients as possible who will appreciate their work. Photographers are constantly seeking inspiration, creative ideas and ideal locations that will make their photos different from others. Many photographers are guided by an artistic vision and try to commercialize it, that is, to cash it in and show their clients how valuable it is to have professional photographs, which become eternal memories in albums.
It is true that many photographers currently have trouble finding new clients. Why this is so and how to improve the business, find new customers and find your place in the market, we discover in the following lines.
Did social media influence photographers?
In this modern era where social networks are more active than ever has contributed to photographers having less work to do. It is easier for people to take a picture of themselves with their phone and immediately post it on Instagram, Facebook or some other network that is adapted for posting photos. Technology has advanced, and the cameras on the phones are much better than before. The standard has been raised and fantastic cameras have made more and more users actively take photos and even try themselves in the role of a photographer. What did that bring to the photographers? Many of them were educated to later open their own businesses or get jobs as photographers. Some studied for years, invested money in expensive equipment, and constantly improved. Today, many contemporary artists are under stress due to lack of work and increasing costs. How to adapt to modern clients? There are a couple of tactics that give great results.
Keep up with the times
The younger generations bring new trends, and you have to understand what they want in order to be able to gain new customers. If social media is in focus and there is a new standardization of photos, posing and location, why not adapt to new trends? Maybe you have been working for years and have your own style, or maybe you are not ready to change. But think about it. Clients who are 15-25 years old will become dominant clients in the next decade, and your business will depend only on them. Former clients, for example their parents, are no longer so interested in photography, because all their important celebrations have passed. We are talking about weddings, baptisms, birthdays, colleges. The younger generations expect something more from photography. They expect the photo to be ideal for social media, and another benefit is that it will stay in their album.
Find the ideal clients
Who are the ideal clients? You need to understand your ideal clients are changing, growing up and possessing different habits. Now it is important to think about your target group. You should always be guided by staying unique and consistent with your style. If you have been photographing exclusive weddings, portraits or doing other types of photography for years, you can continue with that, but it is necessary to update your style and show it in the right way. Marketing in the photographic sphere performs a critical role. No matter how popular you are in your city, you need to have a website, an edited site with previous work, active social networks and promotions that will attract new customers.
Customer needs come first
When determining the target group of clients, you need to think about what their needs are and what they desire. After that, develop a marketing plan that will appeal to existing customers and that will engage new ones. You can always hire an agency to do it for you, and can also research marketing tricks yourself that will improve your business. Today it is very important what your site looks like, it represents you and serves as a portfolio. Don’t forget to add a contact and save special offers for new customers. Employees of Photoboothme say it is very important to follow trends and innovations and constantly adapt to clients, in order to survive in the market and be different from other photographers.
Let customers hear about you
Harness the power of advertising! We are certain you have many excellent photos. Clients can’t wait to see them and that’s why it’s important to present them in the best way possible. For a few months, focus only on posting as many photos as possible on social media and answering customer questions regularly.
The recommendation is important
Photographers can still utilize the old recommendation-based marketing method. When you already have clients who recommend you to friends and family, then it is good to make a special discount for them. You can also create loyalty cards for a number of customers who will receive a discount every time they request your services.
Collaborate with celebrities
Celebrities can help make your business work better. Offer cooperation to local celebrities or find young and willing influencers to promote you in exchange for free photos. That way you will expand your business domain and more and more new people will hear about you and look at your profile and photos.
Apply these tips and stay in line with trends. One thing, which is the most important, is to provide your clients with an unforgettable experience. Convince them of the importance of photography and show them by example that photography is a contemporary art that will always be current. When you give them the best experience, they will always come back and recommend your services.
Author bio:
My name is Grace Wilson. I’m a 27-year-old biotechnologist and kind of a bookish girl. Surfing the Internet is my favourite, that’s why I’ve turned into blogging. Following a healthy mindset and lifestyle is what I consider my life principle. If interested, follow my Twitter.