Promoting with Video Slide Shows

Intro by Skip Cohen

I've worked with the Photodex team for close to ten years. One constant has always been their focus on education and helping photographers raise the bar. This post about slide shows is from their archives, posted by "Amanda" almost a year ago.

I wanted to share it here, because e-hybrid solutions are changing the way photographers market themselves along with the products and services they offer. In fact, if you haven't seen it yet, check out the winner of our first "Ultimate Story Contest".  It's an outstanding example of great story telling combining video and still images. A new contest is about to be announced next week and like this first one the winner will receive a Panasonic LUMIX GH3, a $500 gift certificate for any Profoto products, X-Rite's Colormunki Photo and a year subscription to Pro Show Web Premium. Plus, the winning video for each contest will be published on the Resource Magazine website.

In the mean time, video is opening new doors for you as an artist and Photodex is in the lead helping you make the most of this expansion of your skill set!

Video slideshows are an excellent way to promote your photography, share your work, get referrals and make more money. See the top 5 ways photographers use ProShow video slideshows to grow their business.

1. Use a Video Slideshow as an Upgrade Incentive

Include a video slideshow in one of your higher-end packages to entice clients to purchase a larger order. Try delivering your slideshow in a custom folio or personalized USB drive to really amp-up the value. Polished packaging is key!

2. Proofing With Slideshows

Photo by Mark Teskey

 Whether you invite clients into your studio to watch a slideshow of their images for the first time, or you send a digital proof for clients to watch in the comfort of their home, one thing remains the same – clients are usually so emotionally moved when they view their images in a moving video slideshow set the the right music, they are often brought to tears…in a good way! Tap into that emotion and lead a proofing and sales session with a slideshow viewing.

3. New Client Referrals with Social Media

Post your video slideshows to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Pinterest with relevant keywords and always link back to your site. Tag your clients in your video slideshows on Facebook so their friends and family see the posts too. The more you post, tag and promote, the more potential clients will see your work. Videos are shared 12X more than links and text posts on Facebook alone.

4. Blogging With Slideshows

Video slideshows add an interactive element to your blog posts. Try embedding a client’s video directly in your next blog post. It’s likely to be shared, liked and viewed more than just still images alone. In fact, online retailers have found that customers are 85% more likely to purchase a product after seeing it featured in a video. Think about what this can do for your sales!

5. Sell Video Slideshows Directly to Clients

Designed by Print for Love of Wood.

Add to your bottom line and sell the slideshows you make in ProShow directly to your clients, in the form of a DVD, Blu-ray disc, HD digital download or deliver a video on a custom USB drive. Once you make a slideshow with ProShow Gold, Producer or ProShow Web, it’s yours to share, distribute or sell however you see fit. ProShow Web users, simply make sure you’re signed up for a Premium account and you’re good to resell too! Wedding and portrait clients are great candidates to sell video slideshows to and often seek video slideshow services as part of a photography package.