Special midweek podcast recorded in an attempt to finish the year on 100 episodes. Last week we published Business Ideas for Photographers #39 which I found hidden away on my hardrive. I realised that I didn’t get around to recording the final four episodes of that mini series so I’ve put them together on this podcast.

You can find the other 39 episodes in our archive at Business Ideas for Photographers

Listen to the podcast on iTunes – and while you’re there we’d love a review or rating!

Questions!
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This episode of the Business ideas for Photographers podcast. In today’s show we’re looking at Michael’s top ten ideas to help your photography business flourish.

1. Smile and be friendly at all times. You are your product and selling yourself is just as important as selling your work. Answer the phone correctly be polite and always remember to say thank you!
2. Per image pricing. I can’t promote this idea enough. it doesn’t matter what type of photography you are doing if you’re selling your work by the hour or in bulk then you’re ultimately missing out.
3. Show what you sell. It sounds like simple thing to say but you’re not going to sell many 60×40 wall art images if you’re showing your client 10×8 prints. It works the other way around too….. if you don’t want to keep on selling only 8×10 prints then stop showing them!
4. Embrace Social networks. Embracing social networks isn’t just having a twitter account and a Facebook page. You have to be part of it. Tweet everyday and share great information. Post your clients pictures on Facebook and encourage them to tag and comment. There’s no point in having thousands of fans or followers if they’re all for show…. you need to be part of it…… if you don’t think that being on Twitter everyday is your cup of tea then quite simply….don’t do it!
5. Elevator speech. If you can’t describe what you do in 30 seconds (or less) then how will anyone know what it is that your really do? The tag photographer is about as vague as you can get. Wouldn’t you rather be know as The Newborn Baby Photographer or The Wedding Photographer?
6. Have an awesome blog. This does take time and it might not be everyone’s favourite thing to do but spend time on your blog and make it an exciting and interesting place to visit.
7. There must be a reason for everything you do. Too many times I hear “I do this….. because I was told that I should do” Keep asking yourself why you’re doing something. For example using Facebook….. You’re a baby photographer and you have just found out that over 70% of toddlers have an online presence before they are 2 (mums like sharing baby pictures on Facebook…. not shocking news) That’s the reason you should have a Facebook page!
8. Perfect your workflow. It is tempting to keep changing the way we do thing but once you find out what works for you stick to it for a while. There’s always a quite time of the year to introduce new things into your workflow.
9. Know your value and don’t be afraid of your prices. I can’t sell the products you want for the profit you need the sell something else. Don’t be afraid to charge for what your time is worth…. more importantly work out what that is!
10. Share. Share your ideas and expertise. You don’t have all the answers….. in fact no-one does… the more people you talk to the more you’ll learn. They don’t have to all be photographers either!