In addition to the importance of good findability and an excellent presentation on the internet, promoting your photography offline is also a very effective strategy to attract potential clients and establish your name as a professional photographer. Here are some tips to get you started with offline marketing.
1. Networking
Attend local events, photography clubs and trade shows to meet potential clients and other photographers. Building relationships with people in the industry can lead to referrals and collaborations.
If one of your friends runs a business, consider offering some pro bono photography. It can distinguish that business from competitors that rely on stock images. If your friend sells a product, create several strong product photos and let the business use them. If the company succeeds, your friend will remember your help and may be happy to recommend you.
Don't limit yourself to just business images. Even if an acquaintance of yours is just trying to sell something on eBay, a nice photo can make all the difference. It only takes a few seconds.
2. Business cards
Design and print high-quality business cards with your best work and contact information. Hand them out at events or when you meet potential customers.
When you're near a place of interest and you see a family or couple who could use your help, don't wait for them to ask you. Walk up to them and ask if they want you to take their photo. It's a very simple gesture that means a lot. After all, if it were your family, you would want everyone in the photo. Then give them the opportunity to accept a business card from you.
3. Portfolio
Create a professionally printed portfolio to showcase your best work. Take it with you to appointments or events and consider leaving a copy at local businesses or galleries.
Choose the photos that represent your best work, showcase your style and skills, and show diversity in your photography. Make sure you present a consistent and coherent whole.
Consider a landscape format for landscapes or a portrait format for portraits. Ensure a balanced layout, with sufficient white space and a clear visual hierarchy.
Choose thick, durable paper and high-quality printing. This creates a professional impression and brings out the details and colors in your photographs. A professional printing service can advise you on suitable paper stocks, printing techniques, and finishes.
Organize your photos in a logical and attractive way, for example by theme, style, chronology or color. Make sure you have a strong start and an impressive ending. At the end of your portfolio, also include a brief resume and artist statement in which you introduce yourself as a photographer, explain your artistic vision and highlight your professional experience.
Have your portfolio professionally bound, for example with a hardcover, spiral binding or linen cover. This ensures a beautiful presentation and protects your work.
4. Local exhibitions
Organize or participate in local photo exhibitions to showcase your work and connect with potential clients. Even though we live in a digital age, there are still local galleries that can exhibit your work. It is therefore worthwhile to contact owners of small eateries and owners of small galleries to inquire if they would like to exhibit your photos.
Sometimes you still see remarkably empty walls in a shop or station hall, so you can take the initiative yourself and approach them to fill the walls with your photography.
5. Collaborate with local companies
Work with local businesses by offering your photography services for their marketing or displaying your work at their premises.
Just call some local businesses. Cold calling can scare the living daylights out of most of us, but take a deep breath. It'll be fine. Almost all companies are respectful, and the worst thing anyone will ever say is "I'm just not interested right now."
Who should you call? Think about your specialty and go from there. Are you a food photographer? Then call restaurants. Even if you don't have a specialty yet, you can just browse your local page on the web and visit websites. Ask yourself if the images look professional. Is there a clear need for better photography? If so, please call. Your services will make the difference.
Specializing can strengthen your positioning, but it is not necessary for every photographer. Read more about choosing between specializing and working as an all-round photographer.
6. Offer workshops
Teach photography classes or workshops in your community to establish yourself as an expert in the field and attract potential clients.
Find a popular meeting place (your community center, library, or local coffee shop) and post a few messages on the message board. It can be really fun to get everyone involved. Additionally, as you start building your own photography business, you may find new hires within your group. You never know with this kind of thing. An act of kindness and friendship can open many doors.
7. Print advertisements
Advertise in local newspapers, magazines or community newsletters. Consider offering special promotions or discounts to attract new customers.
It's always wise to explore traditional means of visibility - you can still contact a local newspaper or print magazine and ask about the guidelines and options for submitting work. This can be a smart approach to both generating revenue and brand awareness to build.
It can be more difficult to get into larger magazines. But if you try, inquire about any guidelines for submitting work. Then approach the magazines that match your own style of photography.
8. Flyers and posters
Design eye-catching flyers and posters, then distribute them in busy locations such as community centers, cafés, local noticeboards, or venues where you are photographing a wedding. When attracting clients through print, also consider brochures, business cards, and stickers for the backs of your photographs.
9. Direct mail
Direct Mail is a direct marketing method that aims to build personal relationships with potential customers, current clients and other connections.
Create a targeted direct mail campaign to reach potential customers in your area. These can be postcards or brochures with your work and with this you can offer your services. Distribute the printed matter via letterboxes in your area or hire a specialized company for this.
10. Community involvement
Get involved in your local community by volunteering your photography services for events or non-profit organizations. This can build goodwill and generate word of mouth.
If you have a friend who is just getting into photography, take some time to teach him or her the finer points of the art. This often means having a few casual conversations about camera settings while discussing some work together. It's even more fun when you organize photo walks at sunrise and sunset. They will benefit from your knowledge and you will gain a new photo buddy.
Do you have a friend who is pregnant? Ask. Do you have another friend who is getting married? This is your chance. You'll never find out unless you ask.
The next time you are with your family , do them a favor and take photographs they can use. You do not need to do it every time, but they will appreciate it. You can also surprise them with photographs made at an earlier event—keep it a gift rather than an expectation.
Give away free art photos: It's just like any business or brand, you need to build brand awareness before you start selling. Giving away a few free photos establishes your credibility within the community you belong to.
It goes without saying that it is easier to approach your friends and family first. Do that and if you can't find your first client right away, try some of the other tips.
Finally
To assess the success of each of these offline marketing efforts, you need to determine which methods are most effective for your specific photography business. Adjust your strategy accordingly to maximize your return on investment.
