I guess I need to start with a disclaimer: I do not have a photography business. However, I am obsessed with reading about owning a photography business. I wanted to compile some random tips I have come across though all my reading.

Set photography business goals

This is important for anything you want to do. Not only do you need to set the goals but you need to write them down. Yes, write them down! Stop moaning! This is important! There is something about writing it down that makes it real.

What would you like to make a month?
How many sessions do you want to do a month?
Who is your ideal client?
Where do you see your business in 6 months to a year?
What is your 5 year plan?
How do you want people to describe your work?
What do you want other people to tell their friends about your business?

By taking the time to answer all these questions, it will help you see what your goals are and in which direction you need to go in.

Create a website

In today’s world you need to create some sort of internet presence. You do not need to have a typical website that a lot of photographers have. Is it easier for you to keep up with a blog? You can have just a blog with different pages to answer questions.

A few things to keep in mind:
– Please have your name on your about page. This is extremely important if your name is not in your photography name. It drives me crazy when I want to contact a photographer and I don’t even know their name.
– Have an interesting About page. It doesn’t need to be your life story. But tell people a little about yourself. Don’t forget to let them know what you can do for them.
– Update it often. Don’t go weeks or months without updating your page. What if you don’t have a ton of sessions? That is okay, show photos from your own life. Work on projects. The goal is to show your work.
– Research SEO. You want to know how to get your blog/website on the first page of Google when someone searches your area for a photographer.
– Posting sneak peeks – I have read mixed reviews on this. Some love it, some don’t. I like the idea one photographer had. She only posts images on Facebook and blogs images that the client purchases. This means no sneak peeks. I wish I remember who said it, basically, she found that if the image was online, the client was less likely to purchase it because they had access to it already. So why spend the money?
– Use clever wording. Instead of saying, I do about 4 sessions a month. Say “I only take on 4 clients a month.” This will make you seem like you are in high demand and people will call to ask if you have any spots left.

Referral program:

A lot of photographers have had great success with a referral program. This is basically free advertising for you. Think about it. Are you more likely to listen to your friends who recommend a product or a commercial? Your friends! If you make the experience so top notch, your clients can’t help but spread the word about you. You want them to be singing your praises each time someone tells them how wonderful their wall photo is.

What kind of reward will you have for your referring client?
Will you have a discount for the new client?
How will you keep track of this?
What type of cards will you use to give to your client for referrals? Did you see that Melissa has them on her business card? Clever!
Will this cut into your profits?

Continue to learn

If you are in business, you not only need to continue your education with photography but business as well. I subscribe to the Professional Photographer Magazine and LOVE it! There is so much information in there and tons of ideas for improving your business, plus beautiful images!

There are a lot of blogs out there on being in business. One of my favorite to read is Go {4} Pro by Leah. She has so many fantastic ideas!!

Do you have any other random tips for being in business?? Share them in the comment section!