Social Media presence

[computerguru3190]

As a college student, I've already beeon Facebook, Myspace, and (yes) even Twiter. I'm starting to decide how to put these to work for me. I really want to use it to promote my personal work and project. So what I'm asking here is what Social Media presence do you have and how has it helped you?

[Karl Johnston]

I make few sales on the web. I was saying to music artist this afternoon that the web is a great place for entrepreneurs and artists to get their work out there, network and market themselves.

But to do business directly as in cash coming in and product being bought...I don't get a lot of that. I get found on the web, or tracked down by previous clients.

I recommend any type of exposure (keeping in mind the agreements of rights you have when advertising your work on that site...because thats all it is, is advertising at the root) for any artist or business is a good thing.

[The Stig]

In my experience it has raised some awareness of who I am and what I do - basically networking 101. I'm a relative noob so cash register results are still pending.

Frankly though, I've found it a great way to GET information by hooking your train to the right people.

[Karl Johnston]

A story for you

I was processing a portrait session, last night, and was up late till 3 am

I had someone add me on msn; random person. Apparently she`s seen me on facebook and seen my work on there..so she was wondering if she could schedule a headshot session that she would be willing to pay whatever I wanted for.

Facebook for the win! Market is there, just have to reach it.

[The Stig]

^ good work. It's all about being out there and visible. People will remember when it's go time.

[jgoodstein]

I offer a 10% discount if my clients have already become my fan on facebook. I also use twitter and a blog linked to the FB page to increase SEO activity and offer deals to customers. Picked up 2 baby shoots for this month (only a week after i rolled it out)

[Karl Johnston]

Thats a good idea, jgood

Im going to try that out

[gkline]

Thanks for the idea jgood, I may try that too.

[sapearl]

Hi Chris - don't overlook blogging. I regard it as the poor man's website since I can't code html and have to pay somebody to do it for me :lol:.

But I like blogging for the reason that I can quickly put up an article on the fly with photos with very little effort. Typically they'll feature a special event I've shot, a pictorial concept, an article on photography, or my most recent work. It also has links to my regular website as well as online galleries. - Stu