Promo Idea.

[hofajoab]

I've started up a little photography business, only been at it for a few months. I've had some work, have some more booked, but not a whole lot - to be honest I haven't done much pro-active marketing so far.

I've got an idea to promote my business, i'm sure this stuff happens everyday but i guess i just need opinions, or advice on doing it - anything i need to look out for, legal issues, and of course.. is it worthwhile?

I live near Glasgow, Scotland. I was going to set up a little stall/booth in the city centre mid November. Basically I'd be offering free 5 minute portraits, giving people a free 6"x4" portrait.

The Stall/Set Up:

Little table covered with cloth with my logo and website on.
Sign above the stall - "FREE 5 minute Portrait" or something.
A printer, a laptop and a small generator
Location - centre of street.
Lighting - One strobe behind and slightly above camera, another strobe positioned by assistant - dim the ambient, a little too.
I've got shirts with my logo on so everyone will have one.
Was thinking possibly give it a slight christmas theme (why? see below)How it'll work:

Female assistant asking passers by if they're interested and hands them a business card before they say yes or no.
I'll take photos, the above assistant will assist with the 2nd strobe.
Person at stall will print the image and give them a 15% off next order coupon and ask if they can use whatever their comment is about the portrait as a testimonial.
Repeat above.Why i think it'll work and the benifits:

I'm not selling anything, absolutely FREE!
We'll keep it fun.
FREE demonstration to onlookers.
FREE product for customers.
Customers have a 15% off discount, it may draw them back.
Everyone asked gets a business card if they have their portrait done or not, so they may check out the site (people directed to site without the pressure to buy)
Passers by will see the logo and website, too, may visit later to see what was going on.
I'll update my website later with a dedicated page to the 'event' displaying the portraits.
I was thinking about offering christmas cards with a message of their choice inside with their portrait. Again, the work is done on their part.. and they can use the 15% discount.
I'll prompt people to leave a comment, therefore gaining their email for future marketing and offers.
It's also a great time of year, lots of folk doing christmas shopping etc.So that pretty much sums it up. I'll be offering a free fun service without even hinting of making a sale, or pressuring to buy in the future. If people leave comments i'll get back and thank them for their kind words and time etc. I've been reading a lot on guerrilla marketing and as far as i can see it should work (to some extent).

What it'll cost me on renting a small generator, ink, paper, free lunches for my assistants etc will be covered with one portrait session if i gain a client through it.. so i think it's worth doing.

Just wanted other folks thoughts on it? ideas, tips etc..

[gjl711]

Sounds like a great idea. You might consider having a few samples of your work displayed as well. Also, along with the business card a one page handout listing the services you provide.

[hofajoab]

yeah, that's one thing I forgot to mention.. perhaps having a few sample prints from the day being displayed, too. The handout is a great idea, I never thought about it as I didn't really want to push sales/selling etc, yeah, I'll look into a design for them.

[Robert16]

They have a set up a wee bit like this at Silverburn on the southside of Glasgow. You seem to have your thing well worked out but it can't hurt to go and see how someone else does it. Good luck. If I see your stall I might pop in and have my ugly mug snapped (for free of course;))

[hofajoab]

Thanks for the info their Robert.. I may be heading in that way later this week so I'll check it out if I get a chance.. might pick up a few ideas/tips. :)

I'll post on here the date which I'll be doing it (if all goes well that is).

[TeeJay]

Bear in mind you will also need a street traders license - no idea what they might cost (or how far in advance you may need to apply for it) I assume this will be under cover - so if it's inside a shopping centre you may only need their permission instead.

What type of printer are you planning on using? An ink-jet will be fairly slow. If you get as busy as you hope you might, I doubt you (i.e. the printer) be able to keep up. I've seen these sort of stands, operated by the local paper, offering "free" baby photo's (that is the photo is taken "free" - and they pay for prints) have pretty long queues - so be prepared.

Have some post-card sized flyers (or leaflets) that can also be dropped in the bag with their print. Its also a good idea (if you have time) to place a "copyright" sticke ron the back of the print.

Good luck, sounds a great idea, hope it works for you.

TJ