Are you a Product Photographer on Instagram who wants to take your business to the next level?
With over one billion active users, it’s a platform you can’t afford to ignore. But how can you turn your Instagram presence into a lead-generating machine?
Follow these simple steps to attract new clients and get more bookings.
Everyone is on Instagram and you need to know how to take advantage of this fact.
To establish yourself as an expert and showcase your best work, optimizing your Instagram profile is crucial as a product photographer.
Little things go a long way.
On Instagram, you don’t have to directly mention or post about looking for projects as a Product Photographer.
Because it can come off as pushy or too much like an ad for yourself.
All you have to do is make some changes to your profile and your posting habits on Instagram that indirectly tell people that you’re great at what you do.
Trust me, good work gets leads on its own.
In this post, we will delve into the strategies and tactics you can employ to harness the power of Instagram to grow your clientele and boost your product photography business.
Table Of Contents
Why does a Product Photographer on Instagram need a polished profile?
Instagram is an ideal playground for photographers.
The platform’s visual nature allows you to showcase your work, attract an engaged audience, and ultimately convert these followers into leads and paying clients.
Even if you’re a Photographer who does photos more often than videos, you can still use Instagram reels to your benefit.
What is Instagram’s algorithm?
Nobody knows what the algorithm is exactly.
But we do know what it usually supports and what kind of profiles it pushes more.
Instagram uses a combination of factors to determine which content appears in users’ feeds. These factors include:
- Relevance: Instagram prioritizes content it deems relevant to the user’s interests.
- Engagement: High engagement rates, including likes, comments, and shares, can boost the visibility of your posts.
- Consistency: Regular posting and stories keep your audience engaged.
Now, let’s explore strategies that will help you make the most of these factors and attract leads as a product photographer on Instagram.
Also Read: Tips on editing viral Instagram reels
Start with optimizing your Instagram profile
Your Instagram profile serves as your digital storefront.
Make sure it’s polished and professional to leave a lasting impression on potential clients.
1. Profile Picture & Bio
- Profile Picture: Use a high-quality headshot or a logo as your profile picture.
- Bio: Craft a compelling Instagram bio that clearly states your profession, location, and what you offer. For instance, “Product Photographer based in [Your Location], specializing in [Your Niche].”
- Contact: Add an email ID through which people can contact you.
2. Use Highlights Effectively
Use the ‘Highlights’ feature to categorize and showcase your best work.
Create separate highlights for different product photography genres you work in.
You can even make a highlight for Behind-the-scenes content, client feedback, and your work published on a brand’s page.
Showcasing Your Work Effectively
Your Instagram feed is your visual portfolio. Use it to engage your audience and demonstrate your skills as a product photographer.
Post good-quality work because your feed is the first thing a potential client will see.
1. Post only your best work
- Quality is King: Post only your best work. Each image should be a testament to your skills.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent aesthetic in your photos to make your feed visually appealing.
- Behind the scenes: Post BTS content to build a sense of trust and show how dedicated you are to your projects.
2. Don’t forget to capture behind-the-scenes on a shoot
- Show how you build the setup step-by-step
- Create a reel where you show BTS vs. the resulting shot
- Edit a montage from all of the BTS content from one shoot and post it as a teaser for the final pictures coming up
- Brag your styling skills by shooting clips of you styling backdrops, props & products
- Share some tips & hacks to help fellow product photographers and get more shares, save on your content
- Highlight the gear you’re using such as your camera, lenses and lights
- Always mention and give credit to everyone who was present on the set and lent a helping hand
*BTS content doesn’t need to be shot on a camera, phone-shot BTS works just fine.
3. Use only relevant hashtags
- Research: Identify relevant and popular hashtags in your niche.
- Variety: Mix popular and niche-specific hashtags to increase your reach.
- Custom Hashtags: Create a unique branded hashtag to group your work, and use keywords specific to your location to reach local clients.
4. Engage with your audience & other photographers
Respond to comments, direct messages, and engage with your followers.
Build a community around your photography.
Don’t leave the comments as is. Reply to them and check out the profiles of people who left comments on your posts, leave a few comments on their posts too.
Also Read: 6 Useful Product Photography Tips From A Product Photographer
Reach out to brands directly
Don’t shy away from sending some cold emails.
The best way to approach brands is via email. Avoid DMs as they don’t look that professional.
Add a link to your portfolio and Instagram profile in the mail.
If you’re just starting out, mail smaller brands who are starting out too.
Don’t wait for leads to come to you; actively seek them.
Leverage Client Testimonials
Satisfied clients can be your best advocates.
Request Testimonials
- After a successful project, kindly ask clients for testimonials and encourage them to post on your Instagram.
- Positive feedback builds trust and attracts more clients.
Also Read: Create The Typewriter Effect In DaVinci Resolve In Just 2 Minutes
Are you looking for better pictures for your brand? Email me and let’s chat.
Consistent Posting and Analytics
Regular posting and monitoring your performance are essential for success on Instagram.
Content Calendar
Plan your posts and stories in advance. A well-structured content calendar ensures you maintain an active presence.
Analytics
Regularly review Instagram insights to track post performance and determine the best times to engage with your audience. Adjust your strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
As a product photographer on Instagram, your journey to attracting leads begins with a captivating profile, high-quality content, engagement with your audience, and active networking.
Remember, success on Instagram takes time and dedication, so stay patient, persistent, and passionate about your craft.
By following these expert strategies, you’ll be well on your way to growing your product photography business through Instagram and making a lasting impact in the world of visual storytelling.
