Magazine Update
But first...
Let's start with on update on our end of the year Photographers to Follow contest.
With a couple other year end contests winding down, I've decided to push back the start of our contest to December with a late January deadline to submit. That should give you plenty of time to find out the results from those other contests before submitting to ours.
A few changes to this year's contest:
- I'm increasing the number of photographer's chosen from 75 to 100.
- I'm eliminating categories to simplify things.
- I'm going to be putting out a magazine in the Spring with work from the 100 photographers chosen.
- Your overall portfolio of images submitted is going to play a bigger role in this year's contest.
- I'm creating a new Top 20 category for photographers with the best overall portfolio. Top 20 photographers will get a two page spread in the magazine, with everyone else getting a single page.
That's it for now . Be watching our Facebook group for more details as I announce them!
Marketing and Branding
Marketing vs. Advertising - do you know the difference?
When photographers say they 'market' to seniors on social media they usually mean, I post cool photos on Instagram.
That is not marketing, that is advertising.
It's important to know the distinction and if you're not following me here, you should definitely start by checking out this article from Inc. Magazine which lays it out nicely.
The biggest takeaway for me?
It's not enough to just post great photos and write clever captions on social media. You need a plan that will draw people from your Instagram page and into your sales funnel.
Personally I'm a big believer in using Instagram to lead people to landing pages so I can get them on my email (and text) list. Most email marketing services out there will let you do this, but I love Convertkit for its simplicity. If you're not already using an email marketing service, check out their free plan to see what it can do.
Finally, once you get your potential client into your funnel and the ball is in your court, it's up to you to persuade them they NEED your services! Here's a fantastic article that summarizes everything you need to know about the Art of emotional persuasion.
Your Website
I can do what with Google?
If you're not sure what Google My Business is, you need to be!
Google My Business is a tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. It also helps your SEO, increases engagement and it's free!
Check out this handy guide from HubSpot to set up your account.
There are a lot of benefits to setting up your Google My Business page, but my personal favorite is the ability to easily add 'posts' so that when someone finds you on Google they can quickly see what you've been up to. You can even add calls to action to your posts so you can guide potential clients to get them on your follow up list.
And did I mention, it's all free!
Definitely put setting this up on your short list of things to do if you have any slow time coming up!
Meet the Photographer
Dishin' with Lisa McNiel
If you follow senior photography, you know Texas photographer, Lisa McNiel.
Lisa was nice enough to drop by SeniorInspire headquarters and answer a few questions for us.
SeniorInspire: I know you were born in Kansas but now live in Texas. What's the matter with Kansas?
Lisa McNiel: Kansas is just awful! Fresh air, friendly people, incredible sunsets, my extended family… I had to get out. 🤣 Actually, I shed many a tear having to leave my home when my husband’s job took us to Cincinnati, and while there I learned that I’m solar-powered, and there wasn’t enough sunshine to keep me going. I was thrilled when we were transferred to Dallas 24 years ago as it was closer to family, warmer, and so full of wonderful people!
SI: Have you ever ridden the mechanical bull at Gilley's?
LM: Although we have gone dancing at Gilley's and six friends all piled on the bull for a picture, I never attempted a ride. However, growing up in Kansas, we did have about 15 head of cattle and I was locked in the barn with the bull once. It was uneventful. He ate, and I waited for someone to notice I was missing.
SI: Describe your granddaughter in three words.
LM: Describe my grandbaby in only three words??? 25 lbs of charm. That's as close to three words as I can get but whenever I laugh my granddaughter says, "I funny ting." That's three words!
SI: What's something photography related that you'd like to buy, but don't want to spend the money?
LM: Hmmm, it’s not the money as much as the trouble. I used to have a 200mm 2.0 and it was amazing, but I didn’t use it on shoots as much because I work really fast and it wasn’t very flexible. I think about the trouble of getting to know my Sony mirrorless that’s been sitting there for over a year, or turning my bonus room into a dark studio!
SI: Who are your photography heroes?
LM: I have SO many photography heroes! Thomas Nguyen, Craig Stidham, Susan Gietka, Selessa Holmberg, and then I feel like all of my many photography buddies will regularly astound me with their artistry.
SI: What does your perfect vacation look like?
LM: A perfect vacation is the moment I’m laughing with all of my family over a wonderful meal with great weather. Usually, that happens on a beach, but I remember having pizza with our kids by the River Thames in view of the London Bridge and that mental picture floats up regularly and creates a smile.
And Finally
Want to brighten a photographer's life?
Let's be honest, as far as years go, 2020 was a pretty crappy one and 2021 is not looking like it's going to be more than marginally better.
Want to add a little brightness to a fellow photographer's holiday?
Become a SeniorInspire Secret Santa and spread joy (up to $20) throughout the land!
Follow this link for details and to get yourself signed up. Red Santa suit optional...