It's not the steak you sell, it's the SIZZLE!

I though it would be nice for those who do currently run small photography businesses to help out the newbs (me being one) and share some of the little thing you do to sell your photos. Or for that matter anything you do to help your business be costumer friendly and attract sales.

-Produce high quality images your clients cant get on their own

-Get the support of the organization (sport/event/performan​ce)

-Fast turnaround with great customer support

Network! The difference b/t a pro and some fella with a camera is that the pro is consistency. Joe Nobody can get away with one or two great shots out of some inspired moment. For a working photog, it must count every time.

Rule #1 MARKETING!!!!!!!!!!!!!​!!

You can be pretty bad at what you do (it does not matter what). But if you can create a buzz about you or your business. You can do better than people with better quality. Now if you combine high quality and a good buzz you are all but unstopable. I know you did not become a photographer to work in marketing. But it can not be denied that marketing is the key. I cant help you with the how. Every community is different. But find a way to get the town talking about you.

Also dont skimp on your handouts. Your cards, price sheets, postcards, letterhead. It ALL will reflect on you and the PRECIEVED quality/value you bring to the table. How many business cards have you been handed?.... how many do you remember? You remember the good ones. Not the look-a-likes. The handouts will cost you more. But remember they goout 1 by 1, and to potential customers. A friend has cards that cost over a dollar EACH! and he orders no less than 1000 each order. Every thing with your name represents you. And believe it or not The letter head may be what makes up thier mind. NO, they will not go "cool letter head, I'll hire him". But the precieved quality and thought you put in a Thank You note may be the deciding factor. Its all basically Phycology 101.

I always find go the extra for your customers... things we've done:

- Customer Service is #1.. always be available for Q&A at an event, answer all emails and phone calls FAST.. people like that
- Get a toll free number... simple, cheap.
- Make sure you have nice full colour flyers and business cards
- Act professional at all times while at a shoot, and only hire professionals to freelance or work with/for you
- Finally, offer a great product which is value for you client, but still makes you a good living. You don't have to give anything away, if your product is worth what you charge, it will sell

Customer Service. Always be super friendly and admit it IMMEDIATELY when you screw up. People love it when you tell them, I am so sorry...that is 100% my fault.

Be fun. Make your clients laugh. The biggest compliment I get from almost every shoot is, that was so much fun....or when the guys say, that wasn't so bad!

Find out what you are really good at and take it to a whole nother level.