Too often, these days, photographers planning to start a photography business ‘jump’ into the ‘mix’ with all of the ‘new’ (as in technologically advanced and innovative, etc.) bells and whistles of photography marketing. Of course, in order to start a photography business successfully and on solid ground it is critical to use ‘modern tools.’ But, many photographers, too often forget (or never knew) that the ‘modern marketing tools’ are improved ‘old-school’ marketing tools.

Of course, too many ‘old-school’ photographers use ‘old-school’ small business marketing activities and ‘refuse’ to adapt to the conveniences of ‘modern marketing tools.’ As an example: there was a time when people were ‘confused and mesmerized’ with cell phones! Many couldn’t conceive how the telephones worked without wires! Many refused to get a cell phone – figuring that they were a ‘fad’ and they could ‘get by’ with what they’ve been ‘getting by’ with for all of this time! Is this familiar to you?

‘Old School’ Tip #1′Old-School’ Has A Place In ‘Modern’ Times

Your photography marketing activities should include the ‘old-school’ basics – with ‘modern’ adjustments for efficiency and professionalism. To start a photography business without using modern tools is like trying to successfully run a business without a telephone – wireless or ‘old-school/wired-to-the-wall’ type!

‘Old School’ Tip #2 – For The Foreseeable Future – ‘Technology’ Won’t Replace People

As advanced as technology is and is getting, and as convenient as technology is making everyday life for people, and as time-saving as technology has become – people ‘still’ prefer, and gravitate towards, ‘other people’ – the human touch. Photographers that can remember and build their photography marketing strategy on ‘people-still-needing-people’ strategies and activities are the consistently successful photographers – no matter what their photography niche.

‘Old School’ Tip #3 – Cyber-Space Has It’s Pluses – But, The Masses Still Prefer Literature

Yes, that’s right. Most of the world ‘aren’t’ online all of the time! Oh sure, the numbers (of people online a good deal of the time) are growing, but, an all-time ‘old-school’ photography marketing favorite is still a favorite of the masses – literature. After all, that’s how most photos are seen. Modern technology has made these tools even more effective in marketing for photographers. For example, with the quality of ink-jet printers, I can make business cards on an ‘as needed’ basis. Also, I can change my business card whenever I need or want to. As a photographer, not only should I leave them everywhere, I should do so regularly. Likewise with other ‘old-school’ photography business marketing staples such as brochures, fliers and circulars, for example. Ink-jet technology allows photographers to produce ‘customer-specific’ calendars and greeting cards – that’s ‘old-school’ photo marketing at the next level.

‘Old School’ Tip #4 – Tie-ins With Other Businesses

This strategy is especially effective these days. I think it’s because so many ‘old-school’ photographers are leaving the photography business and taking successful marketing techniques with them. Tie-ins work with many type ‘people’ businesses such as hair salons, spas, local restaurants, etc. One strategy that works for me and some of the other photographers that I work with is approaching small business owners, introducing myself as a photographer, and offer them my services. My opening question to them is something like, “Do you have a need for photos of your merchandise in your advertising, in your business literature or for your catalog?” Most of them have had such a need for some type of photos in the past six months, or so. I specifically word my question to “plant the seeds” of any photo ideas that they may have been thinking of, but just didn’t know what to do next. Often, their answer is no, they do not have a need – at that time. I leave my contact information with them. With business owners, I leave a business card and a post card sized brochure (displaying work that I’ve done for other businesses and “planting more seeds”). Sometimes, if I’m carrying a camera, I take a few snapshots of their business and send them to the businesses as a follow up, with my contact info on the photos. This strategy doesn’t provide fast money, but, it does produce good, long-term revenue. Slowly, more and more businesses are recognizing the need to have photos in their businesses. This strategy works extremely well for part-time photography business, also.

‘Old School’ Tip #5 – Show What You Got!

And then, there’s the ‘granddaddy’ of all ‘old-school’ strategies; the ‘never-fail,’ ‘fool-proof,’ ‘never-let-you-down’ best of the best – “show them that you’re the best!” In other words, display your work. Online isn’t the only place to display your work.

Your display can be as simple as a few small portraits at a store. You can create large contemporary displays in malls or events or arts & crafts shows or trade shows. What’s important is that you only display your best work. I want to offer this lesson learned from me displaying my work without giving consideration to who the audience I wanted to appeal to. I had enlarged some beautiful and finely detailed flowers and had them on display. Many people would stop by, look at the display, and ask for more information. Photo session follow ups were so-so. Then, one day, I stopped displaying the ‘finely-detailed’ photos and replaced them with great portraits of ‘regular’ people – business literally exploded. Lesson learned: my target audiences (women) don’t want ‘finely-detailed’ photos – no matter how beautiful the flowers are. They wanted ‘softer-focused’ photos of very regular people. And they didn’t ‘tell’ me this until after I changed the displays! Changing my ‘old-school’ displays and practicing ‘old-school’ human interaction taught me valuable lessons and increased my photography business.

Modern marketing is not all about the Internet, emails, social media, and other high-end marketing techniques. Despite the popularity of web based marketing methods, many business owners still prefer the cost effective, easy to produce, paper based marketing tools that are not too wrapped up in today’s high tech fad. If you are among these business owners, then the old fashioned postcards are a great option for you. Though simple and small, these cards pull a powerful marketing ad that can bring many startup and small business to success.

But how does postcard printing differ from other marketing tools? There are quite a few answers to that:

First of all, postcards are easy to read. Because they do not need an envelope, people can easily read them at a glance. Despite being buried under numerous bills and letters, an attractive post card will easy catch attention. No need to open it up to read it. Just flip the card and people understand your message instantly.

Compared to emails and other forms of sales letters, postcards are not pushy. People can read postcards anytime they want. They can leave it on a table top or attached on the fridge for later reading.

Postcards have less competition. With many businesses going for modern marketing, a postcard will distinguish you from the rest of your competition. Just create an exceptionally creative postcard and you can effectively stand out in the crowd.

Postcards can be created in any design, size, color, or image. You basically every chance to design your postcard in any way you want it to be. Your imagination is your limit. You can bring out your creative juices in any way you can.

Postcards are timely. If you have an upcoming sale or event, you can let your customers know about it through postcards. You simply print a postcard, send it, and they will likely receive it on time. You can consider placing a discount coupon at the back to encourage your customers to take part in your upcoming event.

Postcards are two sided. Unlike emails, post cards can be printed on two sides. You can one side to print your message and contact details and the other side to place your products or services. As mentioned earlier, you can also consider printing a discount coupon on one side of your postcard. This way you are giving your customers an irresistible offer.

Postcards are multifaceted. A postcard printing can serve a lot of purpose. Aside from being used as a marketing material, it can also serve as a gift certificate, event ticket, or coupon. People can present your postcard upon visit to your store to claim an offer or avail of a discount. This will allow you to measure the effectiveness of your postcard campaign with every person who comes to your store with your card in hand.