As with all other types of businesses, your photography business won’t become successful overnight, no matter how much you want it to. There’s so much to consider when starting it up: marketing costs, an online presence, physical store space, overhead and, of course, consummate skill in shooting and editing your pictures. There is only so much of the marketplace available to you, and this is particularly true if you’re a small business, so you have to fight for every corner of the market.
1. Understand Your Market as Well as ChannelEvery photographer has to define his target market and how to penetrate it. Many photographers—especially younger ones—fail to understand this concept and are too general in focus. In reality, defining your target market should be where 90% of your effort and time should be spent in the first few years of your business.
Setting your prices just right can mean the difference between making and breaking your fledgling photography business. Contrary to popular belief among photographers, you shouldn’t overcharge for your work based on the belief that charging too little will make you look like an amateur. After all, if you only work part-time as a freelancer, how can you expect to charge and get what full-time professionals charge?
Getting caught up in a strategy for your business can make you run around in circles. Having a top 10 list of ideas gives you a great start. Networking and starting a website may be the common sense part of the whole list but being aware of time stealers or never underestimate business cards.