Do you get overwhelmed by new social media trends that keep popping up? I hear you! It’s confusing and, let’s face it, downright exhausting! Trying to juggle all the platforms out there can feel like an endless battle. So, my advice is simple! If you’ve found a platform that brings you joy and the kind of social media engagement you want, stick with it. And for those who just don’t like social media, I’m here to share tips on how to make social media work for you and your business. Get ready to discover a nifty social media strategy that’s not only effective but also takes the stress out of your life. Yes, you heard it right – social media for people who hate it!
How To Make Social Media Work For You And Your Business
I’ve been navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media and trying to figure out what works best for photography businesses. And over time, I’ve learned some valuable insights that could transform your social media presence into a powerful tool for growth and success. Here are 5 tips on how to use social media effectively:
1. Stop Talking About Yourself
Here’s the deal: Your social media marketing strategy shouldn’t just be a showreel of your accomplishments or how many awards you’ve won. Sure, those are nice! But honestly, your clients won’t care as much as you think! They want a connection, a story that speaks to them, and that’s where you come in as the storytelling maestro.
Flip the script and put the spotlight on your amazing clients! When you’re creating content, try to make them the heroes. Whether it’s photographing their wedding day or those cool and edgy senior portrait sessions, show them living their best life. You are the guide on their adventure, helping them achieve what matters most to them. Plus, showcasing the journey you take with your clients is an excellent way to leverage social media.
When you shift focus from self-promotion to client celebration while marketing a business, your clients begin to engage. They connect, and they become part of the journey. And before you know it, they’re sharing your stories and creating a buzz around your brand. So, here’s the golden rule: For every post about you or your studio, make sure you’ve got at least three stories about your clients. When you talk about your clients and how awesome it was to work with them, they start talking about what a phenomenal experience it was working with you, and that’s when word-of-mouth marketing starts working its magic for your business.
Also Read: Teri Fode: Creating Clients For Life
2. Encourage Clients To Post About You
Want to know the ultimate hack on how to make social media work for you? Get your clients to talk about you on their socials! Yes, it’s 100 times more valuable than anything you post on your social media platforms, and it saves you a bucketload of time.
When your clients share those stunning shots you captured and gush about the fantastic time they had during the shoot, it’s basically like free marketing! When they post about you in their private social media groups, their friends, family, and colleagues get a glimpse of the services and experience you offer. And trust me, that’s pure gold! They’ll see your talent, your charisma, and how great you are at building relationships. And the best part? When they tag you in their posts, your reach and brand awareness multiplies!
Focus on creating exceptional experiences, delivering breathtaking photos, and being the photographer your clients can’t help but rave about. Encourage them to share their stories and memories, and watch as your social media presence takes off like a rocket – without you putting in any extra effort! It’s not just about using social media; it’s about harnessing the power of your clients’ love for your craft to do the marketing for you.
3. Don’t Strive For Perfection
You know what’s truly powerful? Client stories that capture real, raw moments without any fancy editing or polished perfection. It’s all about preserving the unfiltered excitement, the candid laughter, and the authentic connection that happens during your shoots. While you’re busy working your magic, make sure someone else has your client’s phone and that they’re documenting the session too. Those candid shots of you in action become social proof. Doing it this way is also easier than trying to send them something or waiting for them to post later. We’re talking real-time, authentic content that packs a punch!
So next time when you’re out there shooting, have someone on the sidelines documenting the entire experience. Post those snippets with a caption on your social media channels, and boom! Your community management game gets a serious boost! Your followers will feel more connected, and potential clients will be lining up to work with you, drawn by the authenticity of your storytelling.
Also Read: The Most Valuable Service You Should Give Away
4. Share Behind-The-Scenes Glimpses
Photo By: Sarah Chacos
Let’s take a look at another strategy on how to make social media work for you. Have you ever considered capturing the absolute blast you and your clients have together behind the scenes? If not, this content idea is one of the trendiest social media recommendations for a business, and I have to give a huge shout-out to the incredible Sarah Chacos – a professional senior portrait photographer who takes this to a whole new level.
Seriously, her content is unlike anything I’ve seen before! Her behind-the-scenes videos are an absolute delight, especially the ones where she records her clients’ reactions during the album reveal. It’s so heartwarming!
So, let the good times roll and record yourself and your clients having fun! Your clients will adore you, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. Those videos and stills will be the heart and soul of your social media, drawing in new followers and showcasing the genuine connection you share with your clients.
5. Focus On Storytelling
Forget about chasing perfection and focus on telling your clients’ FULL story! Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end, and that’s exactly how you should be sharing it on your social media channels. Start by telling your client’s story right from the first consultation. Pack a tripod or have your assistant record both of you catching up for coffee (or lunch) and discussing the session’s details.
Next, show the world behind-the-scenes glimpses of the actual photo shoot. For example, if you’re a wedding photographer, you could document the getting ready moments as your bride and groom prepare for their big day. It’s all about building up that anticipation and making your audience root for the big reveal!
And lastly, the moment of truth when your clients see their images for the first time! Record their genuine reactions as they view their photos. Whether it’s tears of happiness or gasps of surprise, those reactions are priceless – for you and your social media! It’s not just about the photos; it’s about the complete experience. Let your potential clients witness the magic, the joy, and the authentic connections you create through your work.
Leveraging Social Media For People Who Hate Social Media
So, there you have it – a survival guide on how to make social media work for you and your business. Break free from the social media maze and focus on what truly matters – telling engaging stories that resonate with your audience. Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about connecting with your clients and showcasing the incredible experiences you can create together. Shine that spotlight on your clients and make them the stars of the show. Encourage them to share their stories, and watch as your clients spread the word about the magic you bring into their lives. Let’s make social media work for you, and let the storytelling magic begin!
Also Read: 5 Ways To Create A Photography Website That Grabs Attention
At Sticky, we offer simple tactics and tools for photographers to help them turn website visitors into booked clients. To learn more about how Sticky can help your business grow and thrive, check out our website and pricing page today. Try Sticky and see the difference it can make!
