Entrepreneurs have to wear a lot of hats, and for photographers, your job isn’t just shooting client sessions. You’re also an editor, accountant, customer service rep, AND social media manager, whether you like it or not! As much as we all got into photography for the creative passion side, we also have to be able to promote our photography business effectively on social media!

Which brings me to a question that many of my students ask…

“Is social media REALLY necessary for my photography business?”

The answer is, YES – but, it doesn’t have to be as daunting as you think it might be! Let’s walk through the benefits of social media for your photography business, as well as the best ways to show up online as a photographer.

Benefits of social media for photographers:

First, you have to know that your ideal clients are all hanging out online, on social media. That means, if you’re NOT posting, you’re missing out on speaking to and attracting your dream clientele. You don’t have to post every single day, but you should be showing up a few times a week and speaking directly to your ideal client.

Also, the algorithm is your friend on social media. That’s right, I said friend! A lot of times we think the algorithm is out to get us, but when you show up consistently on social media, that algorithm will begin serving your content to people who want to see it. That means more eyes on your stuff, and more leads in your inbox! 

All in all, social media is a powerful way to connect with new clients (and keep in touch with existing ones, too). So let’s talk about the best ways to utilize it.

#1. Pick one platform to start.

If social media isn’t really your thing, it can be daunting to look at all the platforms out there and feel like you need a robust strategy to showing up on all of them. Instead, I recommend just picking ONE app to start (a visual one, like TikTok or Instagram) and showing up there. If you find a great pace and consistency on that app, you can always branch out to others, but I’d rather you commit to one and do it well than try to post on many and get burnt out.

#2. Figure out what “consistency” means to you.

No longer are the days when you need to post every single day in order to win at the algorithm. But, you DO want to be consistent. Whether that means posting every other day, 3 times a week, or once a week – you want to figure out what you can commit to and stick with that. Not only will the algorithm come to anticipate your posting habits, but so will your followers, which is an easy way to build trust with them!

#3. Post more of what you want to do in your business on social media.

What I mean by this is, post the sessions that you absolutely LOVED doing. Post content from past clients that align with your ideal clientele. Post content that reflects what you want to do more of in your business. You don’t need a crazy strategy for social media. It’s actually really simple… post more of what you want to do!

#4. Be REAL.

One thing that sets apart the best social media creators is when they’re actually, truly authentic. While you want to share work that reflects your business, you also want to show YOU: your personality, humor, family, hobbies, etc. When you show the real you, people will feel connected to you. And as a photographer, that is EVERYTHING.

#5. Engage with others!

The beauty of social media is that it actually CAN be a way to “socialize.” So don’t just post and ghost… make sure you are engaging with other people’s posts, stories, and videos! You will not only meet and connect with more people this way, but it’s also a sign to the algorithm that you’re active, which in turn boosts your own posts’ engagement!

I know social media can be a big undertaking, but I hope these quick tips simplify your approach. We talk even more about social media and creating a sustainable strategy that’s true to you in my coaching program, Art & Heart! Learn all about it here if you’re ready to take your photography business to the next level!