Marketing Monday - Wrapping Up the Year!

by Skip Cohen

It's my last Marketing Monday post for 2024. There's not very much you can do to impact the year's sales. However, there are a few loose ends to wrap up and things you can do to secure a stronger business going into the new year.

• Most importantly, are there significant equipment purchases you need to make? You have just two days left to sneak in tax-deductible purchases before the new year. And while bigger sales typically show up as new gear is introduced by the manufacturers next year, there are some pretty good holiday closeouts going on right now.
• Partnerships in 2025: Whether it's cross-promoting with another vendor (a florist and a wedding photographer, for example), joint email and snail mail blasts, or joint sponsorship of a community event, there's never a bad time to plant the seed of an idea. Working together with other companies extends your reach and reduces your costs.
• Saying "THANKS:" Are there companies and people who helped you during the past year that you've missed connecting with as the year comes to a close?
• Pricing in 2025: I often hear photographers concerned about their pricing and the fear of raising prices. Obviously, you need to pay attention to being competitive in your community, but you don't need to be the cheapest to build your brand. As you consider raising prices, think about your complete brand. How are you perceived in the community in terms of the quality of your work, integrity, on-time deliveries, and fun to work with? Don't underestimate the value of "fun." It's one of those words so often lost in business today, but one of the things consumers talk about most.

I'm excited to bring this past year to a close. It was a tough year, and I'll do my best not to look back on it. From dealing with Mother Nature to family and friend health issues to just the world in general, 2024 will not make the Hall of Fame! However, believing that most clouds have a silver lining, the part of 2024 that always felt good was all thanks to you, my readers.

Blogging is a labor of love, and thanks to your feedback and support, posting regularly has become so uplifting. Thank you!

As the year comes to a close, I want to wish everyone a Happy and healthy new year. Stay safe, dry, and warm. I hope you can celebrate your wave good-bye to '24 with the people most important in your life.

Happy New Year!