003. Five Ways to Book Photography Clients Without Using Facebook Ads

There are so many avenues to free organic leads and many photographers don’t pay attention to them.  It’s understandable because when you think of photography advertising, you probably think well you need to pay to play. This might mean you think Facebook ads are necessary.

I want you to know that you do not have to pay for clients!  You can absolutely get these free organic leads by really investing time and a MAYBE little bit of money into things that will work for the long term.

Let’s go over five ways to book clients without using Facebook ads, but first, let’s talk about my philosophy about photography business.

My philosophy:  

I’m a big believer in NOT relying on facebook ads to book out my schedule. In fact, I don’t teach Facebook ads, or paid ads in general, to my photographers in order to keep their schedule booked.

Instead, I teach (and use this strategy myself) a well rounded marketing plan that keeps your schedule full of clients who want to spend what YOU want to make and who are actually FUN to work with.  I call this strategy the TLC Sustainable Freedom Formula.

I want to let you in on a little secret.

You could be the least creative, worst photographer ever to walk this planet, but if you have really good business skills, you can still be successful.

I’ve seen some incredible photographers not make it in this industry, and I’ve seen mediocre photographers kill it.  

Your PHOTOGRAPHY skill has nothing to do with your success.  Your success has everything to do with your BUSINESS skill. 

Five ways to book out your schedule without using Facebook Ads

Now to the good stuff…

1.Business Relationships

Build relationships with other businesses who already serve your ideal client. Because clients already trust the other business, they will trust the referral to your business. Make a list of businesses where your ideal client frequents, and begin building a relationship with the business owner.

2.Client Referral Marketing Program

Create a client referral program to bring in more clients you love. Client referrals are the best and cheapest form of marketing. Your clients already know, like, and trust you, so they will be happy to refer their friends. 

Remember to actually ASK for the referral and reward them with some sort of referral program.

3.High Converting Website

Invest in a high converting website(designer or template).

 Your website is so much more than a business card. Make sure your website reflects this. When a potential client lands on your site, they should be taken on a journey to go from browser to buyer as quickly as possible.

4.Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Implement Search Engine Optimization for your website. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is how google finds you. Without traffic, it doesn’t matter how high converting your website is, you still won’t be able to book photography clients. Optimize your SEO ASAP!

5.Email List

Start an email list. It’s never too late. Email marketing is underutilized in the photography industry. With an average ROI of $38 to $1 spent, it’s surpasses the average Facebook ad ROI of $4 to $1 spent. It takes a bit of work up front but the results are WORTH it!

Free organic leads are the best way to build your clientele.

These strategies are just an overview of how you can find and book the right clients without Facebook ads… 

… but I want you to know that these strategies work because I’ve used them for the past sevemn years and still use them to this day in my own boudoir photography studio. My current photography  coaching clients are using them in their own businesses, as well. 

Downloadable Guide to Marketing without Facebook Ads

Get this guide to marketing without Facebook Ads strategy in a one page downloadable form so you can refer back to it at any time.