The advent of digital and the lowering of the threshold on entry into our industry has raised the bar. No longer does being a good photographer make it…you have to know how to market yourself in the digital age.
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Technorati, YouTube, flickr, MySpace, Friendfeed, Stumbleupon, DEL.ICIO.US, DIGG, Mybloglog, Photography Voter, PictureSocial, Zoomr, Photrade, AllTop, Ning, and contributing to various forums are all considered to be part of what we are now to do. How do you decide which of these is right for you and your business? Does your brand play well with these technologies? Are you sure you want to be a wedding photographer? The new shape of the industry will allow only the most relevant and strong to survive. It is like Darwin’s theory only for Web 2.0.
5 Things that will help you build a brand that will stand the test of time and help you stand out from the crowd!
1) Brand Your Business :: Actually hire a professional to help you do this! Your brand should reflect your own insights and personality, not just what you think your customers want to see.
2) Develop Your Brand :: Be consistent with your message. Each contact with your clients or potential clients should reinforce your brand’s message.
3) Showcase Your Brand :: Website, Blog, Newsletter, Email Template, Business Cards, Studio, Mailers, and Products should all shine with your developed brand image.
4) Market Your Brand :: Create viral touch points. Here is where the new shape of the industry comes into play.
5) Grow Your Brand :: Allow your clients to help promote you! Update your images on your site and blog often. Remind your ambassadors what you are up to, ie newsletters. Do what you do best…shoot!
Those are all really valid points, I think you also need to categorize yourself as a wedding photographer and specialize in a certain area. Like saying “I specialize in outdoor weddings” or I specialize in historic wedding site photography.” something along those lines.
As cameras get better and cheaper, it’s an industry that will become flooded with photographers, it’s important to stand out.
J’s Reply: Good Points!
Great points, J! I totally agree, and think it’s SOOO important to really have a professional do this for you. Making sure your communication (visual, verbal, everything!) is consistent is really huge in helping you tell whatever story or message it is that your company is about.
Thanks for sharing!
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