Sooo, around here, I like to talk about all things marketing! In fact, this is my third post in a series of marketing tips for pet businesses. (You can learn more about marketing for doggie daycares and dog walking businesses too!)
Today, I want to focus on pet photography businesses. If you own one, you know that selling visuals is everything. But how do you share your visuals online? That’s what today’s post is all about!
They say that a consumer has to see a brand 7-10 times before they consider a purchase. If you’re sharing content on social media consistently or investing in a website or introducing yourself to new people at networking events - you’ll be gathering new customer leads in no time!
With that being said, here are my favorite ways to market your pet photography business online. These methods are tried and true - if they can help other pet photographers find their ideal customers, they can help you too!
1. Get a website - Duh. It works for EVERY type of business!
Creating a website may sound like a lot of work, but honestly, this is one of the best investments you can make for your business. When people stumble across your pet photography work online, they’re going to get curious. Especially when it stands out. They may even want to reach out to you! Imagine if you had a website that showcased your portfolio plus allowed your customers to easily book online. BOOM. It makes it a lot easier to boost your lead generation and snag new clients all through an online system!
P.S. This really does mean booking clients while you sleep!
If you’re interested in getting your website designed by Pet Marketing Unleashed, click here.
Already have a website, but not sure if you're doing it quite right?
2. Get software for your pet photography business that’ll automate some of the work for you.
You can use an app like Pocketsuite OR a CRM software, like my personal favorite, Dubsado. This allows you to schedule sessions, send proposals, contracts, and invoices online. Instead of wasting time going back and forth with yours and your clients’ calendars, you can send them your availability so they can select a mutual time for photo sessions!
Dubsado was specifically designed with creatives and photographers in mind. I gotta say, it’s amazing! It helps me send custom-designed proposals, contracts, canned emails, AND invoices that clients can read and sign anywhere! (Here's a code for 20% off your first month of Dubsado).
3. Start an email list!!
You may have heard the word on the street - email marketing has the highest ROI. When somebody signs up for your email list, it’s like an open invitation directly into their digital home.
They invited you to reach out to them directly - you should definitely take advantage of that! Especially since a lot of pet photographers will have seasonal specials, it's a great way to reach customers directly with what's going on in your business.
4. Post regularly and consistently on social media.
You knew this one was coming. Content marketing on social media is HUGE because 1.) a huge chunk of the world population is on social media frequently, and 2.) it’s relatively simple and FREE to market your business on these platforms.
Here are some ideas to get you started: Post behind the scenes, the editing process, why professional photos are better, examples of your work, client stories, and more!
5. Use Facebook advertising.
Facebook ads can boost your pet business in a lot of ways. Social media advertising works well for local businesses because you can make it work within your budget. Need help? Offer a free meet & greet, free consultation, or maybe a free add-on! When you wow them, they'll come back!
6. Blog like crazy!
Establish yourself as an expert in pet photography through valuable blog content. Not only on pet photography tips BUT client stories so people can see behind the scenes and see your professional process. Even sharing your photos photographing shelter dogs can help!
7. Get involved in the community.
Speaking of photographing shelter dogs. I HIGHLY recommend getting involved in your community if you haven’t done this already. For example, you can partner with a shelter or rescue and take photos of their available dogs for adoption. You can also share this on your social media which builds trust. THEY can also cross-promote and make you their official photographer, which can be listed on their website, too. Can you imagine the referral numbers you’d get!? You can do this for all sorts of businesses. Even hang your photography in vet offices for sale to promote your business!
You can also join a local chapter of The Rising Tide Society - a community for creative entrepreneurs. Local meet-ups occur on the second Tuesday of the month. You’ll likely find a chapter close to where you live so you can meet and network with other photographers as well as all types of creatives! Look for a local chapter here.
8. Claim your online listings!
Did you know that you can “claim” your business online? You can and you should! All of the major search engines - Google, Yelp, Bing, and Yahoo - allow you to plug in your contact info that relates to your pet business.
9. Don't underestimate the power of add-on products/services.
It can be intimidating to offer higher rates as a photographer. Some business owners hesitate to try to upsell their clients because they’re afraid that they’re already charging too much money! Well, if you’re offering an add-on that’s valuable and can complement a service that they’re already interested in investing in, it can help cushion that high investment until you’re ready to own it!
Get creative with what you’re willing to offer. Things like canvas prints, calendars, magnets, and monthly memberships are simple ways to boost your income and make a client even happier with their investment (and share your info. with others).
Bonus Points: Using a professional and branded investment guide can help you bring in more money without going back and forth trying to sell to clients directly via email! For more info, check out our Welcome Packet Template for Pet Photographers!
10. Donate gift certificates to events.
The events don't even have to be strictly pet-related, although that's obviously awesome. You can donate a gift certificate or a basket that includes a gift certificate along with treats and toys to promote your business.
Plenty of local businesses will host their own events, and a great way for them to market is through little giveaways, silent auctions, and fundraisers. Supplying a donation for them can be a great way to get your business name out in your local community!
And that’s a wrap! Those were the 10 best ways that I believe will help you market your pet photography business the right way. The best part is that you can get started TODAY!
Disclaimer - Yes, some of the links above are affiliate links. However, I would not recommend them if I didn't find them valuable for myself and/or my clients.
