Today we’re excited to introduce you to Jacquelynn Buck. Jacquelynn is a wedding and boudoir photographer who has a unique perspective on photography marketing and business because she has had to relocate her business every three years. Starting from zero isn’t easy but when failure isn’t an option and you’re willing to do some hard work, success is possible and it doesn’t have to take years to get there.
Tip #1: Start Marketing Before You’re In Business
If you’re relocating don’t wait to start your marketing efforts when you get to your new location and if you’re just starting out, don’t wait until you’ve quit your regular job to begin marketing. Jacquelynn recommends that you begin marketing three months before you plan to open your doors. For her, that means doing Google ads in her new location and changing the wording on her photography website as well as her location tags and hashtags before she moves.
Tip #2: Don’t Be Afraid To Stick Your Neck Out
Before you move or launch, reach out to people who you would like to partner with. For Jacquelynn this means calling wedding planners and venues to introduce herself and asking to set up coffee dates. Nobody likes rejection and it’s more than a little bit likely that some people will tell you no, but as Jacquelynn points out, that’s the worst thing that will happen. Keep your chin up and move on to the next call. It just takes one “Yes” to get things going in the right direction.
Tip #3: Create An Experience
“The clients that remember you are the clients that are willing to spend money with you. 20% of my clients are 80% of my photography business….I take care of those clients.”
Jacquelynn makes a point of thanking clients with a gift for milestone moments (for example, when they book their wedding) and keeps in touch with her best clients throughout the year by offering them special promotions, exclusive offers and even a Christmas gift.
Tip #4: Network Outside Of The Industry
One of the keys to Jacquelynn’s success has been to join a local BNI Group. This approach takes patience and commitment but is more than worth the effort. According to Jacquelynn the return often goes beyond simply booking more clients. By building relationships within the group, she’s able to talk to people who are successful in the area and get feedback on the photography marketing that she’s doing or thinking of doing.
To hear all the details on Jacquelynn’s photography marketing strategy, watch or listen to the interview.
About Jacquelynn
Jacquelynn Buck is an award-winning national portrait and wedding photographer who loves her home-based boutique studio in Tucson, Arizona. At home or on location, Jacquelynn’s vibrant images are often characterized by a mix of strong technical composition and candid story-telling, exquisitely lit against fabulous scenery. Jacquelynn has traveled extensively, lived in six different States, and relocates her business every few years while maintaining strong client bases all over the country. When not photographing, Jacquelynn is out looking for fresh roasted coffee, new restaurants, fabulous wine, and opportunities to travel to far off places.
