Finding New Photography Business Clients – The Pitch

| by JP Danko | blurMEDIA Photography | Toronto Commercial Photographer |

Finding new photography business clients is an ongoing challenge for all commercial photographers.

In a previous article, we explored how to identify and target profitable photography business clients.

Then, we laid the groundwork for an effective internet marketing strategy for photographers along with three key internet marketing tips for a photography business.

Now that we have some specific photography clients in mind and the foundation for an effective internet marketing strategy in place – the next step is the pitch.

There is a certain art form to a successful pitch.  But it can be broken down into three basic steps.

The Pitch – Step 1 – Get Past the Gatekeeper

The gatekeeper is someone or something that blocks you from having direct communication with your target client.

You can bypass the gatekeeper all together by finding out the direct personal email and/or phone number of the person you want to contact.

The Pitch – Step 2 – Give Your Mark A Reason To Talk To You

The people you are sending your pitch to don’t care about you.  They don’t care about what you do and they definantly don’t have the time or the will to do anything for you just because you send them an unsolicoted email.

To get your foot in the door, you have to do something for them.

If you come across as an honest real person, with a genuine, informed interest in your potential client’s business, you’ll get a response.

And don’t forget that a little flattery never hurt anyone.

The Pitch – Step 3 – Follow Up

If all goes well, you’re now on a first name basis with the person in charge of hiring photographers for the types of gigs that you want.

Hopefully you have also gotten a positive response to your work, but really, it’s your personality that is more important at this stage.

Now is the time to gently hint about doing work for them.

Find Out More

This is an abridged version of this article first published at DIYphotography.net.  To read the entire article, click here.

About the Author

JP Danko is a commercial photographer based in Toronto, Canada.

JP can change a lens mid-rappel, swap a memory card while treading water, or use a camel as a light stand.

To see more of his work please visit his studio website blurMEDIAphotography, or follow him on Twitter, 500px, Google Plus or YouTube.

JP’s photography is available for licensing at Stocksy United.