How do I market myself to stand out from all of the other competition?

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Question from Andrea and Rebecca: “I’m trying to start up a photography business.So my question is how do I market myself and stand out from all of the other competition?”

Tina:  Good question, following

Jennifer: Word of mouth- your biggest competition is yourself from one session to the next.

Ashley: Idk but i am starting with using fb and asking friends and stuff if they want to go out and do some photography and its working for me just look for poses and bring what u need and go

Renae: Practise practise practise. Make your pics do the talking

Dana: I agree with all of the above…and dont compare yourself to anyone..just to the pictures you took yesterday

Tracey:  I standout for the angles that I take of images…rarely do I do a shoot with the client directly in front of me…for my bike images I use a star lens which captures all the chrome, people rarely use this…for nature/architecture I take everything in a fisheye/wide angle lens. Get business cards, I have a hoodie with my name on it that I wear all the time so people always stop and ask me. Remember you never know who someone is or knows who might just need you…you are your biggest marketing tool!

Denise: Tracey, great advice

Felicia: i A few months ago I decided I wanted to try to build a business out of my photography and I’ve been constantly working at it since. At first I did a few free shoots with friends and family to build up a little portfolio. I made some business cards through vista print, and made a Facebook page for my business. I started out charging a very low fee (which a lot of pro photographers complain about) because I didn’t feel right charging hundreds of dollars while I was still getting my name out there. Every month or so I’ve gradually raised the price, as I have gotten more practice and feel like my work is improving. Your best bet is word of mouth. I send hand written thank you’s with a few cards included to anyone who has booked a session with me or anyone who has referred someone. It feels a little weird at first but you have to sell yourself! Talk to people, get it out there that you are open for business an ready for clients. And don’t stop talking about your business or sharing your work.

Christina: you are never done building a photography business. the industry is continuing to grow and change on a daily basis its almost like have a cell phone one minute there’s a new one then 2 secs later a bigger and better one. But word of mouth is the best way! devolpe a unique style with your images from editing, branding and customer service and watch it will take off! Word of mouth is the best way to gain fans and business!

Andrea:  thanks for the answers guys!

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