What do you do if you're a self-employed photographer struggling to attract clients?

Once you've assembled your top images, take a step back and examine them with a critical eye. Check every detail, from how the shot is framed to how the light falls. Ask yourself: What story does each photo tell? How do they fit together to represent my style and vision? Could you make sure there's a clear thread connecting them all? Feel free to swap out older pieces for newer, stronger ones as you grow as a photographer. And remember, feedback is invaluable—share your work with trusted peers or mentors for fresh perspectives that can help you refine your portfolio even further.

Portfolios on your website are very important, yes, but don't forget they're not the only places to display your work. Blog posts are particularly good as you can pepper your images throughout, showing clients more of what you do in an organic way.

Your portfolio at any point is your CV. This is a tool of identity and helps put you ahead of others in the field. Ensure that your portfolio showcases your best and most recent work. Include a variety of images that highlight your skills, style, and versatility. Tailor your portfolio to your target market and showcase examples that resonate with potential clients.

Network, network, network. Having a user friendly website is extremely important, and I believe in including prices so people know what to expect (if I'm searching for something and prices aren't easily found on a website, I continue my search elsewhere). I've found regular social media posts create buzz and name recognition. But, joining an active Chamber of Commerce and being involved in it and other networking avenues puts a face and personality to your name.

I believe your network is your networthy. Always network with other professionals in related industries, such as wedding planners, event organizers, or small business owners, who may refer clients to you. Collaborate with local businesses or organizations on joint promotions or projects to expand your reach and tap into new client pools. Attend industry events, trade shows, expos, and networking mixers where potential clients may be present. Bring along your portfolio and business cards to share with attendees and make connections with potential clients or collaborators.

Social media holds enormous potential if you use it right. Create a professional website that showcases your portfolio, services, pricing, and contact information. Optimize your website for search engines (SEO) to improve its visibility in search results. Utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share your work, engage with followers, and reach potential clients.

To attract clients as a self-employed photographer, refine your portfolio to showcase your unique skills. Network actively, both in-person and online, to increase visibility. Offer promotions to entice new clients. Leverage social media to display your work and connect with potential clients. Implement SEO strategies to improve your website's search ranking. Diversify your services to meet a wider range of needs. Additionally, collaborate with local businesses for referrals, collect testimonials from satisfied clients to build credibility, and consistently evaluate and adjust your marketing strategies based on performance. Persistence and adaptability are key to growing your client base.

Solicit feedback from past clients or industry peers to identify areas for improvement in your services, pricing, or marketing approach. Be open to constructive criticism and use feedback to adapt and refine your strategies for attracting clients. Building a successful photography business takes time, effort, and persistence. Stay consistent with your marketing efforts, continue to refine your skills, and persevere through challenges. Keep pushing forward, and eventually, you will attract the clients you desire.