Finding little ways to stand out { be savvy }

If you are trying to make your mark in this industry as a business owner, I think you and I would agree that it can be so hard to be original and unique. Any time I can find more ways to solidify my brand, make my website into a more authentic ambassador to who I am or give my clients a different experience then what they may have experienced with any other photographer can be a more daunting task than it sounds as we see photographer left and right, some with great business tactics. Idea after idea been done and watercolor logos done in every color under the sun.

 

So the question you can ask yourself is this “How can I be the BEST version of me and how can I translate that into tangible assets of my business? ”  For me I have recently found a few things that speak out to who I am and I think have helped me make a bigger mark in the real world and a stronger online presence.

 

1. Keeping it square.

If you are a photographer without an Instagram you need to go make one! Instagram has really started to take off for my business which makes me thankful for the extra effort I have started to pour into it as Facebook is starting to fade off. My biggest tip is to keep it consistent, interesting and giving my followers a look into my real life and adventures. I have recently had some of my shoots featured on several accounts that have brought in a new wave of followers, which leads to more interaction, more followers, more bookings, those shoots get feautured and the cycle goes on. As for followers keeping them around is only done by what I just mentioned. Consistent, interesting and personal! A while back I was a part of a huge give away and lost quite a few followers in the month after, I remember at the time I was still figuring out what exactly I wanted my grid to be like, sticking to one idea and type of content has helped me gain the followers that I want to stick around that could potentially turn into bookings

2. Share what you want.

Recently I gave up on blogging, I couldn’t keep up because I was told SO many do’s and don’ts or I couldn’t decide what was appropriate on my “business” blogsite, were personal, life update-type posts okay? I was so unsure that I wound up not really sharing much of anything for weeks on end when really having a blog for your business can be one of your biggest voices! I recently decided anything that I couldn’t passionately back up would be unauthentic in my brand. Now I’ve accepted that maybe I will never be a daily blogger but when I do blog I will only write truth. Whether that will be something I just need to share from my heart or the things and events that truly represent what I desire my brand to be. Online presence is so much more than you might think. Setting realistic blogging goals makes me a much less stressed girl too. :)

 

3. Tangibly unique.

I’ve always wanted my business cards to stand out, there are many ways you can achieve this when you break outside of the vistaprint templates. Whether you choose the square option via moo.com like me or hire a designer to help you make your decision I think its so important to have business cards that you can confidently and proudly pass out.  I love it when I force myself out of my comfort zone to pass out a card to a stranger but knowing that I can do so with confidence because I am leaving them with a piece of my business that Ive put a lot of attention into. Having people compliment my card on its uniqueness and professionalism means so much and makes such a great first impression. A little effort goes a long way.

 

 

Have a way you have found to stand out? Share with me in the comments below!

 

xo, Elizabeth Lauren