Why are you simply can’t do just photography in 2020 if you want a sustainable business
If there’s anything I’ve learned from this whole COVID-19 2020 mess- it’s that nonessential businesses are going to close left and right and leave people unemployed.
Unessential businesses include photographers unfortunately.
I’m hearing story after story of photographers that are having to close their doors and their studios.
Weddings are being postponed until a year or two later.
The entire photography industry is spiraling right now.
Businesses that are popping up and growing during this time are all online- Online classes are booming, online tutoring is growing, online software is being advertised everywhere.
Photographers need to know now more than ever before how to use social media to grow their business even if they never step foot in a studio again.
I figured this out pretty quickly when I had my third child 4 years and I wanted to transition out of doing events and weddings on the weekends.
I started to discover that being a marketing consultant, social media manager and graphic designer were three essential businesses that could always be in demand.
I continued to do head shots and branding sessions that went hand-in-hand with marketing and website design and less on weddings and families.
Therefore during all of this pandemic my business is actually doubled in demand with people calling me for marketing consultations and out-of-the-box ideas during this crazy time.
I’ve had to create 2 to 3 different social media posts per day for 10 to 14 different clients all over the United States that are original, funny and helping people through this crazy time -all from the comfort of my own home and in my pajamas!
And while most photographers are getting no money in these months I am pulling in auto bill payments from all of my clients every month!
What’s wonderful about being a social media manager, graphic designer and website designer- is that I don’t have to no coding or any special programs.
Are use Canva (www.canva.com) and the over app for any social media posts. I specialize in Wix (www.wix.com) and square space websites (www.squarespace.com that take no coding to make.
I use mail champ (www.mailchimp.com and wix (www.wix.com) CRM management which again is drag-and-drop and easy to manage.
I think one of my most common questions from photographers is how to build their brand during this time of unknowns.
And I would say to them to start teaching classes online through zoom, sell presents through Etsy, sign up for UDEMY and start teaching classes to people, create e-books, blog posts and re-design their branding and website during this time.
But most importantly, start of branding and marketing facet to your business- teach people how to run a business, do online mentoring, start setting up consultation fees or people to call you, start putting marketing packaging together especially for small businesses.
Start creating a mailing list and send out helpful blog posts and content to help your customers.
Do something good for the community like donating gift cards to seniors who have lost their prom, organize dances in the summertime for people who have not been able to meet at their school and graduate.
People will always need marketing no matter what is going on in the economy.
Graphic design,even on a simple phone app, and website management are skill sets that anyone can pick up with a phone or a simple desktop computer.
have any creative ways to grow your business now? .
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Christal Marshall is the owner of Virginia Photos and Films, www.virginiaphotosandfilms.com www.instagram.com/virginiaphotosandfilms
Virginia Marketing and Media www.ineedmybusinesstogrow.com www.virginiamarketingandmedia.com
Virginia Beach Photobooth Company www.virginiabeachphotoboothcompany.com
She lives, breathes and does media and marketing pretty much 24-7 for over 14 local business through social media management, website design, photo, video or media coverage or graphic design.
She is a homeschool mom of three, cat lover, sushi eater and poke fan! She started her business in 2011 with nothing but a $400 camera from Amazon, now she is has been published in over 60 different blogs and websites for her media work and rank top Wedding Photographers in Virginia