What's the best form of advertising for the money?

I'm brand new at this business and I really need to generate some business. What form of advertising -- other than word of mouth I'm working on that -- is the best for a photo studio? I don't have a lot of money but I think if I can get a few families in I can start generating the word of mouth from there. It's just getting them in here that's got me stumped.

http://www.amazon.com …g&sourceid=Mozi​lla-search

Not sure what kind of photography you are in to, but what has worked great for me is going to sporting events...shooting kids in action, then posting them online for parents to download free (4x6's). Hand out cards at events and when people start seeing your work, they will call you for other stuff.

Now keep in mind, I shoot sports for my own enjoyment and fun. The kids love seeing their shots on my site and download them all the time for their myspace, personal use, etc. Have a general portfolio on your site and when people start coming to see, if they like, they will call. If sports is not your thing, then go to plan B. Not sure what that is yet, but I know what has worked wonders for me.

Town Criers are allways effective!

What is your specialty? Shooting softball games does not help much if you do weddings. Give us a bit more info so we can help you better.

Agree - Guerrilla Marketing. Read the original what must be at least 25 years ago. The knowledge has been helpful all these years.

Mark1 wrote in post #7994832
Town Criers are allways effective!

What is your specialty? Shooting softball games does not help much if you do weddings. Give us a bit more info so we can help you better.

I do appreciate having a specialty, and realize that fishing for wedding business at a softball game may not be that conventional.

But speaking from experience as someone who didn't start back into photography to 'make money' - I am staying quite busy shooting all kinds of events.

As stated, I like shooting sports. I teach in the local school district and my site is very popular with the locals because they know they can see some top quality action shots. The frequent visits and word of mouth talk of the site brings quite a variety of people to see their kids, grandkids, etc...and then once they see my work and that I do senior portraits, weddings, engagement shoots, etc, the calls start coming.

Like I said, it has worked well for me.

Cheers

Get one of those "billboard trucks" that drive around town.....

I'm trying to get into portrait photography. If you check out my site you'll see I have sections for glamour, children, families, maternity, fantasy, bridals, engagements, pets and even boudoir.

www.lisaonlocation.com

I haven't found anything better than word of mouth for me yet...100% of my bookings come from previous clients (friends/co-workers)...They in turn recommend me to their friends...I have posted ads online but got nothing from there so I stopped doing that for now.

Since I don't do this full time, I have not felt compelled to go this route, but depending on the area you are in, I would think a billboard by a high traffic road could be effective. Select a captivating photo along with your website info and people who pass by that everyday, just might be intrigued to investigate your site.

Guess you have to decide what your budget is and how much you are willing to spend monthly.

I have recently been turned on to Vista Print for our various sites.
I ordered some "free" business cards for my not for profit cloth diaper lending venture.
A few days later, I got an email for "free" premium business cards, along with other offers. So now, we're advertising three different sites, with lots of different items, and spent less than $20.
I've got more inquires from the vista print cards than the $40 ones from staples.

I use Vistaprint too! I have about 100 postcards that I printed up for just the cost of shipping. I've given some to my pregnant friend and she's been passing them out to her pregnant friends (they have some of my maternity and nursing photos on them) but so far nobody has called from that.

CatchingUp wrote in post #7994344
Not sure what kind of photography you are in to, but what has worked great for me is going to sporting events...shooting kids in action, then posting them online for parents to download free (4x6's). Hand out cards at events and when people start seeing your work, they will call you for other stuff.

Now keep in mind, I shoot sports for my own enjoyment and fun. The kids love seeing their shots on my site and download them all the time for their myspace, personal use, etc. Have a general portfolio on your site and when people start coming to see, if they like, they will call. If sports is not your thing, then go to plan B. Not sure what that is yet, but I know what has worked wonders for me.

I tried this and it seems to have helped a little. I've been shooting at my daughter's swim meets and letting everyone know where to go to download them. My site has had hundreds of hits from the parents and everything I've heard has been really positive. No actual customers yet from this group, but the word of mouth mill has started. I have had some interest shown in future family portraits! Yeah!

lblaschke wrote in post #8139640
I tried this and it seems to have helped a little. I've been shooting at my daughter's swim meets and letting everyone know where to go to download them. My site has had hundreds of hits from the parents and everything I've heard has been really positive. No actual customers yet from this group, but the word of mouth mill has started. I have had some interest shown in future family portraits! Yeah!

You'd make more money by actually charging people for the photos instead of giving them away...

Business cards are probably the best idea. Give them to everyone and anyone. When you eat out in a restraunt, leave one with the check when you pay...get permission from local businesses to leave a stack on the check out counter...put some up on the community board at your local grocery store...just get them out there!

And hey...I use Vista Print too!