A Success Series for Modern Day Photographers

Last week we talked about surviving this tough market, specifically through sound business practices such as good marketing and superior customer service.  This week we are going to ask a very important question that might make all the difference between success and failure.  What are you doing that your competitors are too scared to attempt?

Try doing something that makes the competitors think, “That’s way too much work.”  As you know by now, some of your clients, and definitely your competition, have just as new and likely as expensive cameras as you do. Your nice camera does not separate you.  Your portable lighting system and other advanced gear might, but anyone can emulate that.  The following ideas can set you apart from your competition and give your potential customers a great reason to choose you over them…

Portrait Photographers: Use Animoto or ProShow to create a stunning slideshow for use during presentation, then sell it. We recommend showing off what you consider to be the best video you’ve ever done on your website. Only show your clients’ “their video” one time – and make sure it’s in-person. If your client is allowed to watch the video numerous times, it actually becomes less appealing for them to make a purchase.

Sports Photographers: Are you setting up a card table to sell images?  How about rolling up in a custom trailer that can fold out to accommodate 6 or 10 computer stations that people can use to view and order their images ON THE SPOT? That’s impressive, and That’s intimidation.

Wedding Photographers: Brides are looking for something unique.  What do you do that is unique?  How about a Photo Booth add-on?  Mobile Photo Wall takes the photo booth experience and adds a twist.  They have had so much success at events; they expect to sell “kits” for other photographers to add to their offerings as a value-added service.  Because photographers already have most of the equipment needed, it is an easy way to offer more than your competition, and stay on the cutting edge of new hip technology.

Video/Fusion: Most digital cameras these days have some fantastic video capabilities.  Get to know these features along with a simple editing solution (iMovie, Pinnacle, Vegas, etc).  The possibilities are endless.  Your competition is too scared or lazy to do it – are you?

When you are structuring your services, don’t forget about the intimidation factor – you are in a cut throat industry!  The rookies are coming in and stealing the show with cheaper pricing.  Get out there and get tough!  Try new things!  Give us a call to talk to us about more ideas or to share what you are doing that really sets you apart.

Zack Wessels, Director of Sales and Marketing, MorePhotos