Photofocus

Copyright Scott Bourne 2003 – All Rights Reserved

There are many ways and many things you should consider when launching your photography business. This post is just a little idea starter. I’m not including every single thing I can think of here on purpose. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Instead, I am concentrating on some things that are generally easy to do and that have worked for me. Give them a try.

1. Build a blog. I think that a blog is more important than just about anything when you’re starting a new company. Build a blog. You can get a free one at Blogger.com or at WordPress.com. Submit the blog to search engines. Make sure to use an RSS feed (feedburner.com.) Link to other photographers, photography-related blogs and any other site that would interest your audience.

2. Link like a maniac. After you build your blog, make sure you publish that link EVERYWHERE. Put it on all your stationery. Put it in your e-mail signature. Put it everywhere and anywhere you communicate.

3. Start an e-mail newsletter. While they aren’t tremendously successful for me personally, most people swear by them and it can’t hurt. Use a service like ConstantContact.com to send your e-mail.

4. Face-to-face network. Go to all your local business associations. Go to Rotary meetings, Chamber of Commerce meetings, etc. Volunteer to help make images for their newsletters. Get involved. Meet people.

5. Employ social media. Join Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Build out similar profiles for each application. Find out which ones resonate with your audience. Use them. Listen at first, then jump in when you think you can be helpful.

6. Issue a news release. Use PR Web or some other online news distribution service to spread the word that you have opened your new business.

7. Own your own zip code. Don’t worry about taking over the world. Just try to make a big splash in your own zip code. Put a brochure or business card under the door of every business in your area. Meet people. Give free slide shows and photo talks in your neighborhood. Be known as the neighborhood photographer before trying to be a big hit on the national circuit.

I hope that something on this list is helpful to you. As always, Skip and I are here to help.

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