If you had told me 7 years ago when I first created my Instagram account that it would one day consistently bring me thousands of dollars’ worth of income, I wouldn’t have believed you. It’s no secret that social media has completely changed how creatives and corporations alike do business. Did you know that people are more now likely to search for a brand or service on Instagram before they Google?! I used to book 50% (or more) of my clients via Google search… and now Instagram holds that title in my business for client referrals. It’s truly amazing, and therefore something I always try to make a priority in my marketing strategy!
Because of this, I always remind the photographers I mentor, speak in front of, or teach how important it is to have a powerful and effective Instagram presence. Instagram is an inherently visual platform, which actually makes it perfect for us photographers! We have the upper hand when it comes to marketing our creative business on such a visual platform. We create and capture new marketing material every time we work!
But how exactly does one go about finding and attracting potential clients on Instagram? This might surprise you, but it’s easier than it sounds! Let me share a few of my best kept Instagram marketing secrets with you. As long as you’re willing, a little intentionality goes a long way!
Use your Instagram profile as a portfolio.
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s really the number one rule. Share examples of your beautiful work often – and make sure to share photos that align with the type of work you want to be shooting more of! For example, if you want to focus on engagement sessions and weddings, share more of your engagement photos and wedding photography rather than family shoots or senior sessions.
Share more of your story, process and personality.
Beyond just seeing your skill with editing and photography, potential clients want to get a sense of who you are and how you work. People want to feel part of the process, especially with something as personal and intimate as their wedding day. Share behind the scenes photos, stories and information about yourself, your life and your family, and really let your personality shine (just be sure to keep it professional). Clients are hiring YOU, not just a faceless entity with a camera. Being personal also builds credibility and trust. Once someone sees you are a real person they are connecting with, they know they can trust you to take care of something as important as capturing their wedding day. Plus, it’s just fun to have conversation starting points based on what you’ve shared on Instagram!
For example, I can’t tell you how many of my clients talk about Bob, our family dog, based on all the funny stories I share about him. I now receive inquiries from brides sharing about their own bichons, and that’s a connection we’ve already established before I’ve even spoken with the client. This little piece of my life I’ve chosen to share has gone a long way! What could you share that others might love to see or connect to?
Be present, active and engaged.
It’s not enough to post a few beautiful photos and then check out for the week. You need to spend time engaging with your followers and potential clients on Instagram, as well as engaging with other creatives. Form authentic, genuine friendships and partnerships with people online and it may well translate to offline! No one wants to follow a ghost on social media, and potential clients are no different. Aim to spend 15-20 minutes a day in the app having conversations, responding to comments on your posts and answering any messages you may receive. That attentiveness will go a long way with your Instagram effectiveness and your overall enjoyment using the app! It is called “social” media, after all! You never know who you might connect with or what friendships you might form. Might as well make the most of how much time we all spend on these apps and form some real-life connection as often as we can!
Create a beautiful, cohesive feed.
Like I’ve said before… Instagram is a VISUAL platform. You need to create a cohesive and beautiful feed that people will love scrolling through. Using similar colors, styles and editing will help create a personal aesthetic that will draw in followers and potential clients. Pay attention to the dominant colors in your work: do you have a peachy look to your photos? Light and airy? Do you love black & whites and contrast? Pick a style for your Instagram posts and stick to it!
Not sure where to start with curating the photos on your feed and keeping your Instagram profile consistent and beautiful to attract more clients? The Clean & Classic Preset suite can help create stunning, cohesive images every time you edit. The best part is you can edit photos for your website, blog, and Instagram profile in a matter of seconds. See before & after examples and get your own Clean & Classic preset suite HERE. (Oh… and there’s a 15% off code because you deserve to edit beautiful images in record time! Find it on the homepage of the Clean & Classic preset site.)
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