Photographers who know how to use social media increase their chances of finding clients, growing a following, and building a strong reputation.
There are different ways you can approach social media. No matter how busy you are or what platforms you use, you can create an online presence that stands out and attracts people to your photography.
These tips will help you get started.
Let's begin!
#1 Four Tips for Using Instagram as a Photographer
Instagram is a powerful platform that you can use to market your business, meet new people, and find inspiration. However, it can be a major waste of time if you don't use it wisely.
Here are a few ways you can make the most of Instagram:
Use hashtags wisely. Hashtags don't have the best reputation because they often go hand-in-hand with spam posts. That doesn't always have to be the case. As long as you use relevant hashtags, you can grow your following and get featured by popular photography accounts.
Many photographers include hashtags in their captions, which can be quite distracting. To avoid spamming your followers and making it seem as though you only care about exposure, create a comment under your photograph with all the hashtags you want to use. This will make your posts look neater.
Include the camera brand(s) you use in your bio. Your favorite companies might feature your account if they see that you enjoy using their products.
Make sure to include your email and a link to your website in your bio, too. Not everyone likes to use the direct messaging system on Instagram. If your e-mail is hidden somewhere, you'll make it difficult for potential connections to reach out to you.
#2 Study the Platforms That You Use
Of course, Instagram isn't the only platform you can use to share your work. ViewBug, Reddit, YouTube, Tumblr, etc., have their own unique features that can help you get exposure. Whichever platform you use, make sure to study it and find hidden tools that could make it easier for you to connect with other people.
For example, on ViewBug, you can join contests, browse photo galleries, learn about photography by reading articles, and much more.
There are many other things you can do to make the most of this platform. Collectively, these features can help you grow as a photographer and meet lots of new people. It would be okay if you used it to participate in contests only, but you'd be missing out on so many opportunities that could help you take your social media presence to the next level!
#3 Tell a Compelling Story About Your Photographs
On their own, photos are very meaningful and can tell many different stories. However, on social media, it's easy to just look at them without taking the time to understand what they mean. While there's nothing wrong with that, knowing and understanding a photographer can help someone connect with them on a deeper level.
If you enjoy writing or sharing your experiences with others, it might be a good idea to accompany your photographs with some text. This text can be an explanation, a motivational story, or something fictional. This
could help you develop a strong relationship with your followers and give your profile the personality boost it deserves.
#4 Create a Stress-Free Routine and Stick To It
Don't feel pressured to post something new every day. Come up with a posting schedule that works for you. Whether that's posting once every two days or once a month, create a routine and stick to it. Whatever you decide, make sure it's realistic and doesn't add stress to your life.
A routine will give you clarity and provide your followers with stability. When they know what to expect, they'll trust you more.
#5 Build a Community and Connect With Others
Social media gives us the opportunity to build our own communities. A community of supportive people will help you market yourself by engaging with your posts and providing you with helpful ideas.
To build a community, you shouldn't just focus on creating content and getting exposure. Invest some time in interacting with other users. Focus on accounts that you personally admire. Ideally, they should be related to photography in some way.
Interaction can come in the form of likes, comments, reposts, and personal messages. If you have time, you can collaborate with other artists. You can also feature your favorite photographers’ work by mentioning them in a post or reposting their Instagram stories. There are many ways you can connect with others online, so get creative and find a method that works for you!
#6 Take Initiative Regularly
The initiative is important in every part of life. In photography, you can take initiative by reaching out to companies, hosting giveaways, asking for advice, and offering free resources.
The key is to go beyond posting content all the time. Be unpredictable in a positive way. Show people that you care about their opinions and take the time to surprise them with something valuable.
Some photographers create free content for their followers. They provide them with perks like free Lightroom presets or private Q&A sessions. You can use these tools to encourage your followers to buy premium products on your website. Alternatively, you can just give them gifts in return for their kindness and support. Remember, it's all up to you and your availability. You get to make the rules here!
#7 Always Look for New Platforms to Join
When you find a few platforms that work for you, don't settle. Look for new websites and apps to join. Find more ways to express yourself creatively.
There are apps for online public speaking, where you can talk about your work and answer other people's questions live. There are online forums where you can ask for, and receive constructive criticism. Even if you use those platforms just a few times, they'll help you meet new people and provide you with valuable skills.
Make sure to leave your comfort zone from time to time. If public speaking terrifies you, consider trying it once or twice. I used to be terrified of speaking in front of people, but now it comes naturally to me. I've met many great people and received all kinds of interesting offers as a result! This happened because I encouraged myself to leave my comfort zone and try something new. One small decision can lead to hundreds of great opportunities.
Conclusion
A powerful tool like social media can help you market your business, meet new people, and overcome creative blocks. Regardless of your lifestyle, you can use it to your advantage.
Post regularly, interact with people you admire, and let your followers know a little about you. Once you get into a routine, encourage yourself to try something new. Don’t stop learning about different platforms and business tools. These habits will bring you closer to being successful on social media and beyond.
