| 1. Have a 30 second elevator speech - think of it as | | | | all out". You won't know what will or won't work for |
| your 30-second commercial for example what do you | | | | your particular business until you commit to doing |
| tell someone who asks what do in 30 seconds or | | | | something. Starting today make a commitment to |
| less? Example of a good elevator speech could be, | | | | consistently market your work and services as much |
| "I'm a wedding photographer who specializes in | | | | a habit as learning about lighting and camera |
| destination weddings" -or- "I'm a travel photographer | | | | equipment and you can't help but notice an increase |
| who specializes in island paradises and exotic | | | | in your income. |
| locations". The key here is never to just say, "I'm a | | | | 5. Bill board yourself - I don't mean leasing out |
| photographer". Tell curious inquires what kind of | | | | roadside billboard space but I'm not ruling it out either. |
| photography you do or your specialty and most | | | | No, I mean not being shy about placing signage on |
| importantly your ideal client or who you cater too. | | | | your car; you can do this on the side doors and on |
| 2. Under promise and over deliver - never promise | | | | the window in the back. Bumpers are generally too |
| anything that you aren't absolutely certain you can | | | | low. Your signage should be in places that are easily |
| make good on. But think of ways you can make | | | | seen by other drivers. |
| your clients experience extraordinary, something that | | | | Think about it, your car is often times more seen |
| they could really use but wouldn't typically expect to | | | | than you. Placing signage on it can be great and |
| receive. This is a great way to out shine your | | | | inexpensive tool to promote your photography |
| competitors. | | | | services 24-hours a day, whether parked at a |
| 3. Use photo competitions as a marketing tool - | | | | shopping mall, on the freeway, or just tooling about |
| Anything that you can do to do your name out in | | | | town. Consider hiring a graphic designer to create a |
| front of people you should jump on. Photo | | | | nice logo for you and be sure to use your 30-second |
| competitions are not the sole domain of fine art | | | | elevator speech from the first tip in this article as |
| photographers, commercial photographers can profit | | | | your slogan and you're good to go. |
| greatly from participation in competitions. | | | | Check with your local printer to find out the best |
| Competitions can expose your work to new potential | | | | places to get your signage created and applied. In |
| clients whether your win or not. | | | | addition you could possibly write off part of your |
| 4. Make marketing a habit - Marketing in whatever | | | | automobiles expenses off your taxes because it is a |
| form you take will only improve more you commit to | | | | marketing vehicle "literally", but check with your |
| it. The key here is not to wait until you've "figured it | | | | accountant to be certain. |