Hello everyone,

I realize that there is a whole seperate forum for marketing but I wanted to get some feedback from photographers within our own unique specialty.

I am relatively young in the business and I just relocated to a new city. I have a client that flies me around the country photographing for their publications and I have received some repeat business from a client that I did a job for a while back. But I am trying to get my foot in the door within this new market. Currently my efforts involve direct mail and email contact. I am working very hard to get together a finished portfolio that I am happy with so I can make some calls to show my work. But, so far I am not getting much of a response.

I am interested in hearing what other architectural photographers have done to market their services. What did you do when you were first starting out? What types of clients did you go after? How did you set yourself apart from the already established, more experienced photographers out there? And once established, how did you go about expanding your client base to reach prospective clients on a more national scale?

Thanks in advance for your feedback and responses.

FIrst of all, do you have a website? While it's still possible to pick up local business by showing a physical portfolio, most photography buyers look to the web when they need to hire a photographer--even locally.

As for national business, a great website is the answer to that question as well. Some photographers use multiple domains and tailor their websites to specific markets.

If you're just starting out it may be difficult to set yourself apart from the crowd. Avoid using price as a factor--it will come back to haunt you. Talent and style are always much stronger selling points than price.

You might consider shooting images for your portfolio that show your strongest personal style--take a look at your best work and see if there is a common thread to your images.

Once your website is in place, use your email to point potential clients to your online portfolio. This is a painless way for people to review your work and consider hiring you without the pressure of a face-to-face meeting.

Also, having an easy contact link on your webpage is essential. My philosophy has always been to make it as easy as possible for people to spend money with me!

Good luck,
Alan

Yes, I do have a website. I have received some great comments on it. However, I am in the process of redesigning it. The address is www.jeremyyoung.us. Let me know what you think of the current one if you have some time. That can help me shape the new one.

What is the best way to direct potential clients to my site? Mass email? I have been including a plug for my site on my direct mail post cards. But, I haven't received much of a response. Can you purchase email lists just like mailing lists? What is the best way to send out mass emails on the Mac platform?

What about cold calling? Is that an effective way to get business?

Thanks,
Jeremy

I recommend that you use your web address wherever and whenever you can--i.e., email, company literature, letterhead, bus. cards, invoices, etc.

You're off to a good start with your website, however you may want to enlist the services of a designer to give you some style. You'll also want to optimize your website for the search engines--I recommend taking a class or hiring someone for this.

I'm a firm believer that a well-ranked and well-designed website is your best tool to bring in new business. Post cards can be effective, but they require repetition to bring in business. I've purchased email lists in the past--they're a great resource if you've got the budget. However, any email list is only as good as your mail piece.

I'd also recommend that you search the web for any free directory where you can submit your site. These links will help your ranking with the search engines.

I think that cold calling is a lost art. When I first started out I spent the first few weeks doing nothing but cold calling. Oddly enough, I found that it was a percentages game. For any given number of calls there were a certain number of jobs. I would recommend that you don't arrive expecting to get an immediate audience with a potential client. Instead, find out who makes the decision to hire photography and leave a nicely produced promotional piece with them. Then, if you don't hear from them in a weeks time you'll have a reason to telephone them for an appointment.

Best,
Alan