The Last Minutes of Seasonality in Photography

A.I. Images from Adobe Stock

Nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute!
Anon

by Skip Cohen

It's Marketing Monday, but being so close to the finish line in the 2024 "race for business," we're pretty much down to the wire. However, if you've followed me for even the shortest amount of time, then you know I'm like a dog with a bone - I just don't give up!

Here's a checklist of ideas bouncing around in my head right now:

• Saying Thanks: As the poem goes on, Santa even checks his list twice to see who's been naughty and nice. So, how's your nice list looking? Are there vendors and associates who you want to make sure you do something a little extra for this year? From delivery drivers who came through for you to florists, wedding planners, vendors, and even other photographers - remember to let them know you appreciate their support.
• Time to mail your holiday cards! There's still time to put your holiday cards together and on their way. And remember - no photographer should ever use a store-bought card - USE YOUR OWN IMAGES!
• "Idea Seeds" - use your social media presence, whether through your own blog or via Facebook and Instagram pages, to plant a few ideas for holiday gifts using photography. It's a little late to squeeze in a portrait session, but it can still be done. Plus, for clients you already photographed this year, now's the time to plant the idea seeds for printed work as gifts for people they're closest to. 
• Holiday Events in the Community: I know it's a busy time of year, but do your best to work in attending some of the non-profit events going on around you. This is the perfect time to be a photojournalist and capture the stories taking place in your community and then share them on social media, especially with the event coordinators themselves.
• Email Blasts: There's still time to plant a few more seeds, but unless you jump on it right now, the clock is going to run out. However, there's no such thing as too much exposure, and even if you don't see any impact on business, you're reminding people who you are and the services you provide.
• Involvement in Your Community: From Meals on Wheels to Toys for Tots to food banks and hundreds of local charitable events, every organization needs help! Volunteer your services—with or without a camera in your hands—remind your community you're not just another retailer.
• Need New Gear: I'm still a big fan of post-holiday sales, but a lot is happening right now as vendors fight for the last 2024 dollar. If you need some specific gear, now's the time to take a quick look and decide if the last-minute deals being offered best suit your needs.
• Tax Deductions: You have 29 days left on tax-deductible expenses for your business. Are there investments you need to make before the end of the year?

It's December 2, Cyber Monday—making this week critical for last-minute ideas to impact your business and brand awareness. The finish line for the year is just four weeks away, leaving you with just enough time to still have an impact.

You snooze, you lose...so don't snooze!

---