Sometimes the most effective marketing tools are the simplest to initiate. Today we want to focus on the importance of creating a sense of urgency when selling your images. A common trap that photographers tend to fall into is the belief that the longer you leave your photos online, the more chances you have to make sales. In reality, most sales happen within 48 hours of notification, and after a month, sales drop to a point of insignificance.

Next time you post an online album, test out this selling technique by announcing the release of an album that is available online for the next four weeks only. Send your first email telling customers where they can find the event. Follow up 2 weeks later with a reminder and a promo code for a free 4×6 print. Then send one more email a week after that saying that the images will be removed from the site in a week.

Stick to your guns – if you say you are taking them down, take them down. The worst case scenario is that an enthusiastic buyer contacts you later and you post them again for a 3 day window so they can buy. If your customers ask “What’s the rush?” tell them that storage is a premium and you are juggling a lot of different events. You will be surprised at how effective this strategy can be.

By: Lifepics

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The Lifepics Pro Solution houses many different types of photographers, and whenever possible, we try to pass along helpful marketing tips. Today we are going to talk about those of you who photograph events and sports. Whether you are photographing youth sports, non-profit events, performances, or local school events, you will always benefit by joining forces with your host. By donating a percentage of your profits back to the organization, you become a valued member of your community. You also encourage sales by promoting the fact that by purchasing photos, your customers are supporting the organization. You can then refer to the event as a fundraiser, which becomes a win-win situation for both you and the organization sponsoring the event.

We spoke with a photographer recently that photographed kids playing Little League baseball. He donated back a small percentage of his sales to the league, and at the end of the year, he was able to happily hand over a check for $1,000.00. That is real money for these types of organizations, and they in turn embraced the photographer as a sponsor and helped him to advertise whenever possible. This goodwill gesture also put him in a great light with community members; instead of being seen as the guy who was profiting from the kids, he was seen as a sponsor of youth sports, and extra work rolled in quickly and easily in the form of family portraits, senior photos, and additional events. Think about it and get involved with your events’ sponsoring organizations.

By: Lifepics

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Successful photographers understand the importance of on-site signage. Let’s go over a few reminders that you might find helpful. On-site signage is key for all online sales. The average customer is barraged with advertisements on a daily basis, so it is very important to use repetition and/or expertly timed promotions to remind them that your images are available for purchase.

For example, wedding or event photographers find lots of success by distributing Event Cards during the event. These can be 3×5 cards that you hand out on-site that states your web address and event code (if applicable). Many times they are placed on dining tables or near the Guestbook. Some wedding photographers will use a nice photo of the bride and groom from the engagement shoot, and possibly include a promo code that encourages people to view the photos and receive a discount or a free print when they place an order. Be creative and think about what would make YOU go to a website.

If you are working in a larger venue like a sporting event, you should consider sponsoring a team or buying space at the venue to post your web address. Remember, there is a lot of information flying around out there. Repetition and unique marketing are essential for success. Consider hiring people to help distribute flyers. A brief mention buried deep on a website is not very effective, but a clever promo can increase sales exponentially. Be smart, be original, and put yourself in your customers’ shoes. It works every time.

By: Lifepics

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