Welcoming in Potential Clients

Intro by Skip Cohen

Every week there's new content being added on the Marathon Press blog and it's all designed to help with the marketing side of your business. The post below was just put up a couple of weeks ago, and I love the concept, but wanted to add a little to expand the ideas.

• Own your Zipcode!  It couldn't be more old-fashioned, but along with a "Be My Guest" campaign, get yourself known more in the community. Just start knocking on the doors of every business. Introduce yourself and remind them of your expertise in photography. Even a wedding photographer has the ability to say, "Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself. Although my primary business is wedding photography, I'm here to help with any photographic needs you might have." That's it, leave your card and simply be pleasant.
• Community Involvement: Be active in your community and volunteer your help with a non-profit or two. They don't have to be a formal non-profit. For example, helping the school with the yearbook or school paper ties back into your skill set, but also, helping in the boosters booth with hot dogs at a Friday night football game will help the community get to know you. You don't always need to have a camera in your hand.
• Use your blog! Use your blog to talk about community events; how to take better pictures and fun places to photography around town. Remember, your site is about what you sell, but your blog is about what's in your heart. Let the community get to know who you are.

The Marathon blog needs to be on your radar. There's always great content to help you build a stronger business and the contributors are from Marathon's knowledgeable staff along with many of us from the industry.

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Bringing in potential clients and expanding your photography business can be a tough job. There are so many other photographers gunning for the same clients and nowadays everyone thinks they are a photographer with just a click of their smartphones. Don’t get discouraged! Get Creative!

One creative marketing technique is the “Be My Guest” card and session. Offering a “Be My Guest” card is an excellent way to break the ice and establish your credibility while offering a free session to someone you’ve just met. The size of a business card, a “Be My Guest” card is easy to carry with you wherever you go. Because they are inexpensive, consider creating several different card versions that are illustrated with each of your major product lines such as children, families, or high school seniors.

Don’t expect everyone you photograph from a “Be My Guest” session to purchase from you, and don’t make the mistake of pressuring anyone to do so. Remember that the purpose of an invitational session is to make connections with potential clients. You never know what doors will open, even if all that comes from the session is merely an image posted on your website or blog.

Creative ideas for marketing are all around you. Never be afraid of trying new things to find potential clients.

For more marketing tips contact our marketing representatives at Marathon Press today!

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