Everyone seems to be talking about how busy they are with their photography business—but what if you’re not? It can feel isolating, especially when all you want is to fill your calendar with photoshoots. You might be questioning how to market your photography business. Don’t worry, I’ve been there too. Actually, most of us have.
In those early days of my photography career, I remember the frustration of seeing others fully booked while I had nothing. It felt lonely and discouraging, but I didn’t stay in that space for long. Instead of giving up, I found strategies that helped me build momentum and turn things around—and I’m here to share those with you today.
So, if you’re not as busy as you’d like to be, here are three key things to consider on how to market your photography business effectively.
1. Evaluate Your Portfolio and Practice, Practice, Practice
Before you dive into how to market your photography business, take a close look at your portfolio. Does it truly represent the type of work you want to be hired for? If not, or if you feel like you need more practice, now is the time to get behind your camera—a lot.
Even if you don’t have paid shoots lined up, there are still plenty of ways to gain experience:
- Photograph your own family to build a portfolio that reflects your style.
- Offer free or discounted model calls to attract people who fit your ideal client.
- Reach out to friends who might let you photograph their family or kids.
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Plus, you’ll have fresh, high-quality content to showcase in your portfolio and across your marketing platforms.
2. Build a Marketing Plan (Beyond Social Media Posts)
Ask yourself: do you have a solid marketing plan, or are you just posting on social media when you remember? If the term “marketing plan” makes you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Most new photographers struggle with this, but it’s essential for growing your business.
Here are some easy steps to create a simple marketing plan:
- Define your ideal client: Who do you want to serve? Families, couples, newborns? Be specific.
- Set up a website or portfolio: You need an online home where potential clients can view your work.
- Blog regularly: Blogging can improve your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and help you rank higher on Google. Write about the sessions you’ve done, photography tips, or even personal stories behind the photos.
- Email marketing: Build a mailing list and keep in touch with potential clients through regular newsletters.
- Network locally: Partner with local businesses or offer mini-sessions to get your name out there.
If your calendar is empty, it’s not always a portfolio problem—it’s likely a marketing issue. A clear marketing plan will help you reach more potential clients and turn interest into bookings.
3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others and Focus on You
It’s easy to feel discouraged when you see other photographers posting about how busy they are and you are wondering how to market your photography business. But here’s the thing—you don’t know what “busy” looks like for them. Their version of busy could mean something entirely different than yours.
Take a break from social media comparisons. For the next few weeks, focus entirely on your own progress. It’s amazing how much can change when you stop looking at what everyone else is doing and start putting energy into your own growth.
Ready to Jumpstart Your Marketing? Join My Free 3-Day Marketing Challenge!
If you’re ready to take control of your marketing, I’ve got just the thing for you! I’m offering a free 3-day marketing challenge that will help you kickstart your marketing plan and set you on the path to success. You’ll learn:
- What a solid marketing plan looks like
- How to create one for your business
- The exact steps to start bringing in more clients
We’ve All Been Where You Are
If you’re feeling stuck, just remember—every successful photographer has been exactly where you are right now. You’re not alone, and you can push through this phase. With a little effort, some practice, and a solid marketing plan, you’ll start seeing results.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get your business busy!
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