In the dynamic world of photography, where creativity meets commerce, building a successful business requires strategic approach and focus.
I’ve been in this business for a while and I’ve made a lot of mistakes that were costly and I suffered for them. It is therefore my passion that my upcoming colleagues don’t make these same mistakes because I believe that if we all get it right as an industry, the industry becomes stronger. In this write up, I will be sharing the 3 major areas to consider for the growth of your photography business whether you’re a budding photographer or a seasoned pro looking to expand,
1. Product:
The first thing is your product. This is where it all start from. If we don’t start looking at ourselves as entrepreneurs, as CEO in the same way a bank CEO, or healthcare CEO or Fintech CEO sees himself, we will not grow. A lot of us don’t see what we do as product, we just see as hustle where we just take peoples birthday or weeding photographs. Photograph is a product. The kind of product we create are memories. Your product is what you serve or offer your to clients, which is the photograph. How fantastic are your photographs? You have to be intentional about developing your craft because that is what will improve the quality of your product; and the better the product, the better the demand. If your product is good, you will begin to attract customers. A lot of us photographers think we have to go and chase people to book us. You don’t have to go and look for customers, they will come to you when you create products that are valuable enough to attract them to you.
2. Personality:
Personality is another word brand. Your branding is very key. You can either have a personal brand or a business brand. It’s important for you to understand from onset the type of brand you want to have. Do you want to have a photography business where you have a lot of photographers and you have an affordable price that can bring in the crowd and your team handles the job or you want to have a business where it only revolves around you; where you handle all the jobs and you charge premium for it because you’re the only one that executes. You have to be sure of the kind of brand you want to build then that is what you put out. If you want to have a personal brand that revolves around, work on yourself and always show yourself online by creating contents for yourself. Tell people your story, make people connect with personally. In the digital age, a robust online presence is non-negotiable for any growing business. Leverage social media platforms to share your portfolio, engage with your audience, and build a community around your brand. Regularly update your blog or share behind-the-scenes content to humanize your brand and establish a connection with your audience.
And if it’s a business brand, let people know that it is a team brand. You don’t need to tell any personal story, just try to make people understand that this is a company that is made up of photographers and it is usually advisable that you make your pricing relative and reasonable to the market because they don’t have any personal connection with anybody; they are just hiring a company.
3. System:
A successful photography business requires more than just technical skills. System is the machinery of your business. Efficient system is crucial for sustainable growth. Your system are the different departments that make up your business. System comprises of marketing, sales, operations, customer service, finance, legal.
Even if you’re still the only one running your business, you have to create a system. Implementing a streamlined workflow, effective time management, and clear communication with clients are paramount. Invest in a reliable accounting system to manage finances, keep track of expenses, and ensure profitability. As your business expands, consider outsourcing tasks that aren’t your core strengths, allowing you to focus on what you do best—capturing captivating moments through your lens.
Remember, the journey of growing a photography business is as unique as each captured image. By improving the quality of your product, establishing a strong brand, and building a sustainable business system, you’re laying the foundation for a flourishing photography venture that stands out in a competitive market. Embrace the creative and entrepreneurial aspects of your profession, and watch your business develop into a captivating success story.
Awesome page with genuinely good material for readers wanting to gain some useful insights on that topic! Keep up the great work!
An interesting topic and I’m glad to come across your page where I found some helpful insights.