As a beginner, seeing yourself as a professional, highly sought-after photographer may seem a little far off. But, as with any craft turned business, there’s ways to achieve that goal.
Growing your photography business takes more than a good eye, gear and awesome editing skills. It takes an audience and a cohesive plan to show that audience your work and capabilities.
We’ll go through these 5 great ways to market your photography, looking at ways to get your portfolio online and how to get it in front of the right eyes. Let’s get into it.
1 – Set up your website
Key to any business, this is a crucial step in increasing your visibility. When people search for goods or services, they look online. A simple, easy to navigate website is a great way to showcase your work and services.
We have a full guide on how you can get your portfolio website up and running in less than an hour using some of the best website builders available. Read through to get your portfolio online.
Other than a selection of your best work, you’ll want to have a short biography, packages and pricing as well as a contact page or have contact information easily available for your visitors. With one link, potential customers will be able to see your work, learn more about you and have a way to reach you.
If you have some work that you’re particularly proud of, you could also set up an online store to sell prints, postcards or calendars. With site builders like Wix or Squarespace, you have the option to set up a store quickly and easily along with production and logistics solutions to help you get selling.
2 – Start a Blog
Blogs are a great way to gain credibility in your field. Your perspective on a particular topic is unique to you, so you may have a new and interesting perspective for readers. At the same time, your perspective is similar to many people, so they’ll find that they identify closely with your writing. Sharing your knowledge and experience through blog can garner followers and customers.
Try starting with a list of topics you’re confident talking about, and writing an article for each. Alternatively, you could use your blog posts to showcase your latest work or your creative process. Write up tutorials, share your experience or discuss a technique or upcoming trends in your field. Be sure to do sufficient research on each topic.
A consistent feed of articles and content delivered to your potential customers and existing clients will cement your position in their minds as a reliable, knowledgeable source of information in your field of photography or in photography in general.
3 – Do Pro-bono work
Doing work pro-bono may not be attractive, but it’s an essential part of your journey to becoming a highly sought-after photographer. Not only are you gaining experience and getting to try different genres of photography, you’re also making connections and networking with organisations and individuals. Word of mouth is powerful, so do a good job and referrals will come.
Outside of your family, look for opportunities with local non-profits or schools. These community-based organisations will help you get exposure and network with more people.
4 – Get active on social media
Post snippets of your latest work to a professional Instagram or Facebook page. Using these tools will increase your reach and the likelihood of your work and services being found. If you have your website already up and running, be sure to post links to your latest blog posts and projects, as well as your portfolio.
5 – Don’t be scared of paid advertising
A little can go a long way with paid advertising, especially if you’re doing it on a platform like Facebook. Define your target market within your area, or globally for those prints you’re selling.
Although it’s important that your website and social media gain traction organically, paid advertising will allow you to reach clients and customers that are looking for your work. If you’re not sure, check out the online marketing courses available on Skillshare.
These are just a few of the easiest ways to get your services and work out there. What’s important is that you take the time to plan and be consistent. If you keep at it, keep looking for ways to improve and get better, it’ll show. The work will come to you.
