The Art of Blogging for Your Photography Business

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Words provide context and the backstory. They also hold the attention of the audience for a little longer and give the photograph more meaning. Image www.murphyphotography.com.au

Blogging and photography go hand-in-hand – after all it’s one of the best (free!) marketing tools for your business. That is, as long as it’s used to its full potential. But just how exactly do you make the most of your blog?

While showcasing your talent, sessions and images is important, your blog shouldn’t just be about photography. The secret to a successful, highly trafficked blog is writing; connecting with your audience. It’s an opportunity to “sell” yourself to potential clients, not just “sell” your work. Your blog allows you to differentiate yourself from the next photographer. Writing is the best way to showcase your personality, your experiences, your daily life, what makes you tick, what fills your heart with joy  – and to showcase your business-  while building a personal relationship with your blog readers. Give them a reason to connect (and follow your blog!) and, at the same time, you will keep your brand at the forefront of their minds.

But coming up with creative, new and regular topic ideas can be difficult. So to start I’ve listed some ideas to get you started –

 

Business-related blog post ideas:

  • Start a series. If you’re a wedding photographer invite brides-to-be to email you questions – you could start a regular Friday wedding-related Q+A blog post – allowing greater interaction with your audience.
  • Write about your favorite photo and explain why it’s important to you. There’s always a story behind an image. Fabulous Australian duo Matt and Katie Photographers have started a series of these.
  • Write a blog post on your studio and/or products. What better way to get potential clients familiar with your brand.
  • If you’re a wedding photographer, profile your favorite vendors. Become a resource for brides and get wedding vendors talking about your business.
  • Start a series of photography tips. Share links, technical information and Photoshop tips.
  • Review the classes/seminars you attend. This shows that you pride yourself on keeping your skills up-to-date.

Non-business related blog post ideas:

  • Showcase your hobbies. Yes photographers do have lives! Maybe you’ve been sky-diving; you might be a volunteer at an animal shelter; or you love reading  – write about this on your blog and watch your audience connect.
  • Post your holiday snapshots. Most photographers travel at least a few times a year – so whether you’re soaking up the sun somewhere exotic for a week of relaxation or as part of a business trip, people love to read about adventures. The photos can be snapshots taken on your iPhone or a point-and-shoot camera. Well-known photographer Jonas Peterson showcases the locations he visits beautifully.
  • Create a collage of your favorite Instagram images. This will give readers a quick insight into snippets of your life. I love how Tealily Photography does this regularly.
  • Tell a personal story or document an experience while educating your audience. One of the best examples of this is photographer Sheye Rosemeyer’s heartfelt and beautifully written blog. It’s as much about her photography as it is her journey through motherhood, the loss of a child, grief and growing.
  • Showcase your personality. You may have a sponsor child; be into organic cooking; or you could be on a weight loss challenge. Write about it!
  • Write about your children. If you’re comfortable having your kids on your blog, do it! If you don’t have children, write about your pet. Children and pets are something most people have in common – and is an easy way to connect with your audience. Many know US wedding photographer Jasmine Star loves her little dog Polo!

Other tips on making the most of your blog:

  • If you’re not good with words, just keep it simple. Add a quote, a caption or a song lyric to your images. If you’re a wedding photographer it can be very powerful if you use part of the song the bride walked down the aisle to in your blog post.
  • Update your blog regularly – twice a week is recommended.
  • Include an image with each blog post.
  • Choose your words carefully. Don’t be overly opinionated or you may disconnect potential clients.
  • Promote your blog posts on Facebook and Twitter and in your email newsletter.
  • The more quality content you have, the more likely you are to connect with a potential client.
  • A variety of topics is the key. Vary your posts between business and personal.
  • If you struggle for ideas, keep a blog planner where you can jot down ideas as they come to you. You can find free downloadable blog planners online here and here.
  • Allow feedback on your blog posts by having an “add a comment” button.

 

Melanie Murphy, of Murphy Photography, is a professional wedding photographer, freelance writer and sub-editor based in Tasmania, Australia, where she lives with her husband and fluffy Labrador just a stone’s throw from the ocean. Drop by her Facebook page here or visit her blog here.

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No Comments

  1. Krista on August 25, 2009 at 1:14 pm

    Fabulous tutorial! Thanks for sharing.

  2. Tracy on August 25, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    Sweet! Thanks Jodie!

  3. Kimla Holk on August 25, 2009 at 2:54 pm

    Love this! Such a fast, easy fix. So kind of you to share.

  4. Vanessa on August 25, 2009 at 3:05 pm

    Love it. Fabulous. Easy.

  5. Nicole Benitez on August 25, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    Fantastic!! Thank you for the quick tip!

  6. Nancy Evans on August 25, 2009 at 4:00 pm

    Thanks for the great, easy to follow, tutorial. I have some pictures I can’t wait to use it on. 🙂

  7. Haleigh on August 25, 2009 at 6:18 pm

    Wow! Thank you so much! I’ve looked through lots of your video tutorials over the past day and I’ve learned a lot of new ways to do things. Thanks again!Haleigh

  8. Amy Hoogstad on August 25, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    I have a zillion beach pics to edit from camping last week, so this comes at a perfect time for me. THANKS!!!!!

  9. Janie Pearson on August 25, 2009 at 10:17 pm

    You always have such great tips. Thanks so very much! Your blog is one that I never want to miss.

  10. Janete on August 26, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    great tutorial! 🙂 i’ve always wanted to know how to photograph fireworks…my past attempts have been horrible. *side note* i have twins too 🙂 🙂 boy/girl though 🙂

  11. Kristin on August 27, 2009 at 3:08 am

    Oops, I meant to add my personal blog here coz I take heaps of fun family stuff!!

  12. Bonnie Novotny on August 27, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Thanks so much for the great tip

  13. Wedding Photographers Sussex on August 5, 2011 at 6:56 am

    It was really a nice tutorial… Thanks for sharing….. I ‘d love to have more from your side……. Great work…..

  14. Angie Colona on April 25, 2013 at 10:18 pm

    Thank you for that great tutorial! Makes it so easy! 🙂

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