For those of you whom are not aware, I deleted the Facebook app from my phone several weeks ago. I was really in a funk, struggling with my decision to pursue my passion full time – instead of going back to work a ‘real job’. Every time I clicked on, there was someone new wielding a camera and labeling themselves as a ‘professional’. Gah!!!!
*sigh* Real jobs have their perks! Steady income, heathcare, a regular schedule, yada yada. Alas, photography is my love. Being able to capture moments in time, cherished memories – it makes my heart swell. But talent doesn’t pay the bills, ya know?
This month, Facebook changed some of the algorithms that dictate which posts you actually see from the companies you have ‘liked’. At first I was a irritated. Egotistical Zuckerberg thinks he knows better what I want to read than I do? Psh. I was also slightly miffed that my ‘reach’ was down on my own Facebook Page. The same posts that were reaching 200+ people last month are now only reaching 20? What gives?
And then I realized..it’s the dawning of a new day!
Successful businesses have one thing in common (well, more than one thing, but one thing that is relevant to my ramblings today): A SOLID MARKETING PLAN. You wouldn’t open up a restaurant or clothing shop and depend solely upon social media and word of mouth to advertise, would you? Not that social media and referrals aren’t awesome marketing – they just shouldn’t be your only avenue of reaching potential clients.
Photography is no different. It is a BUSINESS. Real photographers have a sizeable marketing budget to attract ideal clients. What good is your fancy new camera and stylish (yet functional) camera bag when nobody knows you exist? EXACTLY!!!! Gone are the days of buying a camera, slapping up a Facebook page and instantly becoming a photographer!
Thank goodness. Can I get an ‘amen’ and a sigh of relief from those of us who depend upon their small-business income to feed our families, pay our mortgages, and survive this economy??? Stepping off of my soapbox now…over and out!
Nicole Locke Photography 