The Photographer Facebook Ads Lie
The Photographer Facebook Ads Lie That Will Ruin Your Business (and What to Do Instead)
Thinking of getting more leads and growing your photography business with Facebook Ads? Stop right now and don’t do it. Facebook Ads might kill your photography business. Close the Facebook app, back away from your computer, and put down your phone. (Just kidding. You still have to read this post and/or watch the video!)
Anyway, I have a better method! Let’s talk about how you don’t need to pay big bucks to a social media platform for your photography business — and what you should do instead.
The “Million Dollar Facebook Ads” Strategy? No, thanks.
I’ve had some clients come to me lately after trying this so-called “Million Dollar Facebook Ads Strategy.” This strategy guarantees they hit 7-figures each year, but what they fail to mention is most photographers are shooting every day!
Basically, my clients had to spend about $3,000 to $4,000 per month on Facebook ads. And they had to pay a marketing agency anywhere from $7,000 to $18,000 to run the ads! Can you imagine? I just can’t.While spending this much money on advertising can help you book out your schedule, it’ll also keep you hustling too hard to manage your expenses. Your profit margins won’t look very pretty at the end of the year. Which means, in my opinion, it’s not worth it.
So, what should you do instead of this Facebook ad strategy for photographers? Three things that don’t involve investing thousands of bucks on social media. Keep reading!
First, do the math.
Let’s say you’re using the photographer Facebook ads strategy. Your goal is to pay yourself $8,000.
With the Million Dollar Facebook Ads Strategy, your expenses will be about 65% to 70% of your total revenue. After that, you’ll pay yourself around 30% to 35% of your total revenue. We divide 8000 by 35%…and it turns out, you need to bring home $23,000 to pay yourself that $8,000. And with a $2,000 sales average, you’ll need to book 12 clients.
If you’re not using the Facebook ads strategy and you still want to earn $8,000, your expenses will be around 35% to 40% instead. You’ll pay yourself around 60% to 65% of your total revenue.
And that means 8000 divided by 60% equals $13,500 that you need to bring home to pay yourself. That’s about 7 clients with a $2,000 sales average.
See how you can work less and make more? But in order to calculate the math for your business specifically, you need to know your numbers. Your sales average, your clients, your workload. This video will tell you how to find those numbers.
Next, know who you want to book.
As a business owner, you’re probably sick of hearing the term “ideal client.” I get it! We hear about it a lot — but only because it is so important for your photography business. You have to know who you’re looking to book so you can avoid wasting your marketing efforts.
The Facebook ads strategy can get you a lot of leads, but that doesn’t make them quality leads that will lead to booking. Instead, you want to find leads that are more likely to convert. I have a podcast episode that can help you do this!
Think about your favorite clients. What makes them so great to work with? Think about details like:
- How much they typically spend
- Where they shop
- What their personality is like
- Their age, career, education, background, etc.
- Where they hang out online
- Any other details that set them apart from other clients
Once you’ve figured out who your ideal client is, you’ll have a better understanding of how to market to that person.
Then, drive traffic to your website.
Does your website have everything potential clients need and want to know before they even ask you questions? Or…is it more like a digital version of a business card?
This is the final part of a strategy that will convert leads into clients much easier than Facebook ads, and it involves a high-converting website. A high-converting website takes a lead and turns them into a client by providing all the info they need to know.
Info like:
- An overview of your business. Where are you located, what do you offer, and who are you?
- An about page. What can you offer your clients that’s different from your competitors?
- An investment page. What can clients expect from a session and how much do they cost?
- A gallery page: What’s your style? What does your past work look like, so new clients can envision themselves in your studio?
- A contact page: How can someone book you and get started?
A comprehensive website will save you time on consult calls, where you’re answering the same questions over and over. Again, give your leads the information they’re looking for before they even ask you!
Want to see how I’ve build my website to convert? Tour my website along with me and learn more tips to book out your schedule!
Bye bye, Facebook ads! Hello, smart photography marketing.
Ditch the Facebook ads (or avoid them entirely, if you can). Instead, work on three different parts of your marketing strategy to find quality leads and book out your schedule:
- Know how much you want to pay yourself, how much you need to make, and how many clients you can serve to hit your goals.
- Market to your ideal client so you’re not wasting your time or anyone else’s.
- Convert leads to clients more quickly and easily with a strong website.
Simple, right? And it doesn’t require you to spend thousands per month on social media!
Looking for more tips on growing your boudoir photography business, paying yourself, pricing your services, and more? I share new videos on scaling your photography business every week on my YouTube channel. Subscribe so you don’t miss out!
Tracy Lynn is a boudoir photogapher for brides-to-be in the St. Louis area, and a mentor + coach for photographers looking to level up their businesses with better systems and processes.
