Why is no one coming to my business?

[akire44]

I am a photographer and opened my own home studio business about a month ago. My prices are very cheap (I only charge $120 for 10 images) and my work is good. I have a facebook business page and people always like my photos and comment on how much they like them. But since I've opened I've only had 2 customers! (Neither of whom I charged full price). What can I do to get more? I've tried having 50% off specials etc and still no inquires. Please help!

[Kaitlynn]

To start, ask those two customers (and future customer) to spread the word about your business. The more you get your business name out in the public via newspapers, craigslist, Linkedin, local events, flyers in public areas, fundraisers, popular location the more customers will notice you, the more likely you are to get more business. Try direct mail marketing that is very effective. Also, consider joining your local chamber of commerce and making connections through them.

Good Luck.

[Janey]

Hey there. First of all photography's awesome, so go you. I'm sorry to hear you're in a pickle right now but you're being pro-active, so go you again.

A big factor would be the location of your home studio & how to work with it. What kind of town/city are you in? If there is a downtown, I highly recommend handing out your business card or multiple cards to local businesses. Also, get the business cards of others...you scratch my back I'll scratch yours.

Establishing a warm and generous rapport with fellow businessmen/women near you will only bring you good things. Maybe this is too generous...BUT, I love the thought of you taking a beautiful picture of someone's store for them & framing it. That's some humble small town stuff right there.

Anyway, while you're downtown, find out what local events are going on; you can take photos & send them in to the paper, online, local schools or somewhere else where your work & name will be nice & visible to lots of people.

Advertising is also crucial. Do you have a website? I know my sister decided on her wedding photographer after doing lots of research online, looking through the work of many artists before hand.

Do you have other artistic friends that practice for their profession as well? It's good to be around like-minded people that have similar interests- obvs- two minds are better than one. If there are any local groups or network events, do attend. Make sure you research these thoroughly because these gems are valuable and hidden most of the time.

For my personal crafting, I use Etsy.com; it's an awesome site where people sell their crafts which are usually handmade. If you come up with creative ideas for clients that makes YOU different and accommodating...you will do better business. Maybe you could collaborate with someone who makes picture frames? Just ideas I'm throwing out here. There are tons of possibilities.

It really boils down to where you are and who you want to work with. If this isn't going as planned & you're feeling strapped financially, call up event groups that work big parties- bar/bat mitzvas, concerts, weddings. There are packages people buy that come with all the party necessities including photographers.

Lastly, for wherever you may be located, I'm sure there is a local gym nearby (YMCA). These places usually have bulletin boards. Make a flyer that has tabs hanging on the bottom with your name, company, and phone number. Put yourself out there.



<3 Janie

[kate]

Ads..not only on face book local newspapers. you could even volunteer to do school pictures or something in your town to get people attention

[John In Japan]

Hi
You could try taking your business out onto the street where the people are.
I don't which country you are in but if you could have a table or something
with your work on display. Talk to people face to face - make some contacts.