Relaxing photo of women floating in crystal clear ocean by commercial photographer Michael Condran

photo by: Kate Benson

We Asked ChatGPT To Be Our
Marketing Manager

Marketing isn’t a one-time endeavor; it’s a continuous journey that demands reflection and adaptation. As a commercial photographer, you understand that creating captivating visuals is just one facet of the intricate equation. While I felt confident in my marketing plan for the year, I couldn’t shake the urge to ensure I wasn’t overlooking any hidden gems. So, I turned to ChatGPT to play the role of my marketing manager, and here’s what it came up with. Let’s dive into this together.

Optimize Your Website

Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is well-curated, showcasing a diverse range of your best work.
User Experience: Make navigation easy and ensure quick loading times.
Contact Information: Clearly display your contact information for potential clients to reach out easily.

We couldn’t agree more, beyond your imagery the look, feel, design, and mistakes of your website speak volumes to your audience. That is why we now offer Website Audits where you look over your site with a fine-tooth comb to find and errors, suggest SEO optimization and double-check all your links.

Implement SEO Strategies

Keyword Research: Identify and target relevant keywords for your niche and services.
Local SEO: Optimize your website for local searches, especially if you serve specific regions.

But here’s the golden nugget: consider taking your SEO game to the next level. Dive deep into the intricacies of SEO with our upcoming comprehensive SEO guide crafted exclusively for commercial photographers. Uncover the secrets to enhance your online visibility, attract your dream clients, and dominate the digital landscape and stay ahead of the game. Drop your email below to be notified when this golden nugget drops.

    Leverage Social Media

    Visual Platforms: Utilize platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your visual content.
    LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your industry, share your work, and engage in relevant groups.

    We’d love to hear, are you currently sharing your work on LinkedIn or Pinterest?

    Content Marketing

    Blog: Start a blog on your website, sharing insights, behind-the-scenes looks, and case studies.
    Video Content: Incorporate videos about your work process, client testimonials, or industry insights.

    Email Marketing

    Newsletter: Send out regular newsletters featuring your latest work, promotions, or industry news.
    Client Segmentation: Segment your email list based on client types for more personalized communication.

    This one is huge, bi-monthly or quarterly newsletters are a great way to stay top of mind to your prospective clients. We even created a Photography Marketing Guide to help you stay on top of outreach like this. 

    Networking

    Industry Events: Attend relevant events, trade shows, and conferences to connect with potential clients.
    Online Communities: Engage in online forums and communities related to commercial photography.

    We know leaving the house can be difficult at times, but networking, even if it’s with your peers, can go a long way for your career. Consider joining your local APA or ASMP groups for some local networking events. 

    Professional Development

    Stay Updated: Keep abreast of industry trends, new techniques, and emerging technologies.
    Certifications: Consider acquiring relevant certifications to enhance your credibility.

    Diversify Your Services

    Expand Skills: Consider expanding your skill set, such as adding video production or drone photography.

    Wrapping up, ChatGPT presented a comprehensive plan, and while it was fantastic, I decided to tailor it a bit. I made some adjustments, excluding suggestions that didn’t quite align with the nuances of marketing as a commercial photographer — for instance, the idea of creating a referral program. Now, I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Did ChatGPT bring up anything that you hadn’t considered for your current marketing strategy? Let’s keep the conversation going.