Profitable Business Models
laughinggypsy
Registered Users Posts: 9 Big grins
Hi all!
I am continually impressed by the conversations that go on here on dgrin, and by the work you all have on your sites. Artistic ability and business savvy are here in abundance!
In ever-expanding my business, I am interested in what profit models have worked for people, and what role your website plays. I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who make significant sales through search engine optimization.
Is this a niche you've found to be profitable as a stand-alone model or does the backbone of your business consist of other markets (event photography, gallery shows, shooting for publication, etc.)
I'm interested in hearing about real-world results, both pros and cons, of various things people have tried, and ways you have leveraged your efforts.
Warmly,
Kirsten
I am continually impressed by the conversations that go on here on dgrin, and by the work you all have on your sites. Artistic ability and business savvy are here in abundance!
In ever-expanding my business, I am interested in what profit models have worked for people, and what role your website plays. I'm particularly interested in hearing from people who make significant sales through search engine optimization.
Is this a niche you've found to be profitable as a stand-alone model or does the backbone of your business consist of other markets (event photography, gallery shows, shooting for publication, etc.)
I'm interested in hearing about real-world results, both pros and cons, of various things people have tried, and ways you have leveraged your efforts.
Warmly,
Kirsten
0
Comments
When I started getting serious about photography as a business, I photographed events to get my foot in the door with local boutiques and designers (I'm most interested in fashion photography). I sold photos from the events (mostly small fashion shows) and used the opportunity to offer custom shoots.
It took a while, but these days, most of my photography profit comes from booking custom photoshoots. In fact, most of what I've been shooting lately is in private, password protected galleries for clients who like my photos-- many of them regular folks who want a fashion inspired shoot.
I'm also starting to get some requests from bands for photoshoots, even though I really don't market myself as a band photographer at all. Same thing with seniors.
And... I'm extremely fortunate because my day job has started commissioning work from me too. They've even budgeted for pro gear in the next year!
Granted, my path as a photographer is a bit unusual in that I'm able to mix my freelance work with my day job work, but I've also always made sure they know I'm willing to shoot for them if needed. It's been a LONG process though-- finally got them to buy a full blown copy of PSCS3 after seven years of using Elements (that's what was in the budget).
And I'm finding the search engines are driving folks to my SM site too. I made a very concentrated effort to market myself as a fashion photographer-- yeah, most of my work is local for local designers-- but that's fine with me!
Portland, Oregon Photographer Pete Springer
website blog instagram facebook g+
I have ads on Yahoo and Google.
I was recently contacted out of the blue and worked out a job for over $2k.
It was internal work for a pharmacutical company and the public will never see 90% the images.
Keywords baby
If I was not online I'm sure they never would have found me.
I won't sell out even if the whole world think's I'm crazy.