The world of social media is ever-changing, and because of that, it can be ever-overwhelming. But, as photographers, it’s our responsibility to keep up with current social media best practices if we want to build a name for ourselves and continue reaching our dream clients. It’s a lot to manage on top of, ya know, building and running a business. But I want to make it a whole lot easier for you, so you can rock the social world the same way you rock your business. That’s why it’s important to run your photography business with social media strategies that make sense.

Truth is, social media has become an indispensable tool for photographers, especially those in the early stages of growing their businesses. Let’s talk about what to prioritize online, including the best social platforms for photographers, how to attract new clients, and the most effective best practices to help you shine on the digital stage. 

The best social platforms for growing photographers

Let’s be real, we don’t have the time to waste trying to be on every social media platform out there. Focus your energy on the ones that can make a real impact. Here are the three social platforms best for photographers:

Instagram: This photo and video app is the perfect spot to showcase your work like a digital portfolio. You can easily use beautiful imagery, captivating captions, and relevant hashtags to reach your target audience. And if Reels still freak you out, try putting together a slideshow of one of your photo sessions with some music and words. You don’t need to be a video pro to stand out in that corner of the platform.

Pinterest: This visual search engine is a treasure trove for photography inspiration and discovery. Create eye-catching boards to organize your work and lead potential clients to your website. You can also share “guides” for your ideal clients—things like what to wear for your engagement session, or how to pick the best location for a family photo shoot. These informative pins will get people clicking on your site and contacting you!

Facebook: Nope, Facebook isn’t dead. As one of the most popular social platforms (yes, still), Facebook allows you to create a business page to engage with your followers, share your portfolio, and even run targeted ads to reach potential clients. Try joining local creatives or mom groups to advertise your photo services.

How to utilize social media to attract new clients

Now that you know which platforms to focus on, let’s dive into the strategies that will help you attract new clients like a magnet:

• Consistency: Post regularly and maintain a cohesive brand image across all your social media profiles. This is the toughest thing because life often gets in the way of consistency, but if you post on a regular basis, it builds trust and makes your photography business more memorable.
• Storytelling: People connect with stories. Share the journey of your photography business, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal anecdotes that resonate with your audience. We buy from people and amazing stories! So keep telling yours.
• Engagement: Respond to comments and messages quickly. Engage with your followers by asking questions, running polls, and encouraging them to share their photography experiences. When people interact with your content, the algorithms prioritize it on your audience’s feeds.
• Collaboration: Partner with influencers or other photographers in your niche to reach a wider audience and gain exposure. This is a great way to introduce yourself to new people in your area who might not have heard of your business yet! Also, encourage your past clients to tag you in any posts that include photos you’ve taken.

RELATED: Growth Mindset: The One Thing Your Business is Missing

Best practices for photographers to grow their business on social media

Finally, let’s explore some actionable best practices to help you shine on social media:

01. Make sure your content is high-quality.

Always share your best work, and make sure your images are high quality and visually appealing. Strive for a consistent style (with both visual and written content) to establish your unique brand identity.

02. Optimize your profile.

Your bio should clearly state what you do, your location, and include a link to your website or portfolio. Use keywords relevant to your photography niche to boost your discoverability.

03. Leverage hashtags.

Yep, these guys are still as important as ever. Research and use relevant hashtags to extend your reach to a larger, targeted audience. Bonus: Create a branded hashtag for your photography business and encourage clients to use it when sharing their images.

04. Share tips and advice. 

Demonstrate your expertise by sharing photography tips and advice for clients. Providing value to your audience will keep them engaged and coming back for more.

05. Run giveaways.

Encourage engagement by running photo contests and giveaways. It could be as simple as giving away a 20-minute mini-session or a few free prints. This boosts engagement and helps spread the word about your business.

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By being consistent, and authentic, and providing value to your followers, you’ll create a community of potential clients and enthusiastic cheerleaders who will eagerly support your photography journey. It’s a big undertaking, but one that’s worth the time and effort as your business continues to thrive and grow!