On Instagram visual storytelling meets business growth. As a photographer, you know that Instagram is not just a social media platform but a powerful tool to showcase your talent, attract clients, and grow your business. With over 1 billion active users, Instagram is still, despite its many changes, a platform photographers can use to build their brand, reach a wider audience, and get booked. But how can you make the most of this platform to grow your photography business?
So, how do you stand out on Instagram? How can you use the platform to build clientele and boost your reputation in the community? Read on for our top tips to finding more clients on Instagram, and save (and share!) the infographic we created for you so you have a cheat sheet when you are posting. Let's get to it!
Since it’s for your business, you’ll want to create a “business account” so you can include contact buttons on your Instagram and see your business insights, including follower analysis.
Here is an example of a well-done business profile on Instagram.
Your name should say it all. The first action consumers take on Instagram is to type in the business name to find the page. If you use a handle name that’s not your business, you’re making it a lot harder for clients and potential clients to find you on there.
In the name field, enter a brief description of your photography business. For example, you might label your page “Jane Smith Wedding Photography” or “Joe Smith Family Photography.” Although it’s tempting to go for a cute or catchy name, simplicity is key. At a glance, people should be able to understand what services you offer.
In your bio, include a slightly longer but clear description of your business. Provide a link to your website and add your location. If you have several links you want to share you can use a service like Link in Profile or Linktr.ee.
You want potential clients to immediately understand who you are, what you do, where you’re located, and how to reach you. Your bio gives them all of this information in one place and quickly.
A successful photographer needs to know who their audience is and how to appeal to them.
Think about the people who are most likely to hire you and ask yourself the following questions -
You want them to know why YOU are the right photographer for them.
Once you have built your profile, you are ready for the next step in building your page, and that is your feed.
Think about your Instagram feed as a portfolio of your work.
While you want to post consistently, you still need to prioritize quality over quantity. Feature images that highlight your artistic skills and the value of your services.
Your Instagram should have a cohesive look and feel. Choose high-quality images with consistent themes that reflect your style. Consistency helps you establish a brand identity and personality. Your brand will set you apart and attract clients far more than just another collection of good photos.
It is important to note that although your feed should look like your portfolio, Instagram stories can be a bit more relaxed.
Instagram stories disappear within 24-hours, so they do not live on your feed forever. You can, and should, save them to your “highlights” section, but this does not affect your feed at all. Instagram stories are meant to be fun, interactive and do not need to be as thought out and planned as your feed posts. A story doesn’t even need a caption, but your feed posts definitely do!
Although Instagram’s focus is visuals, It is important to include a caption with that visual. This demonstrates your credibility, creativity and helps your followers connect to your vision. In addition, creating an engaging story around every image increases comments and improves engagement. If you don’t know what to write, think of what you would say to the client when you describe the image; when in doubt, use a quote (make sure to quote the source). It can be helpful to write several captions at once so you can have some handy when you have writer’s block!
When used effectively, hashtags make it easier for people to find your business. They make your posts visible in searches when people click on hashtags in other images. The most important rule of hashtags is: Be specific.
General hashtags like #photography, #art, or #beauty are unhelpful. You’ll be lost in a sea of other individuals and businesses using these generic hashtags.
Instead, keep your hashtags focused and specific. Make sure to include:
This encourages sharing, builds engagement, and helps locally based potential clients discover your work. Utilize local SEO practices on your instagram account, in a similar way you would use these keywords in blog posts to show up in Google searches.
Finally, create a hashtag specific to your business. This hashtag will be unique and branded - something other photographers do not use. View this as your “brand” hashtag... Include this hashtag every time you post an image. A “branded” hashtag makes your images searchable and shareable and contributes to your branding efforts.
Instagram Reels allows you to create and share 15-second videos as Instagram focuses more on video content; the more reels you post, the better. Right now, the Instagram algorithm favors accounts that are consistently posting reels.
When using Instagram Reels for your photography business, just be you. You want your clients to see the real you. Provide helpful, engaging content that encourages people to interact with you and your brand. Over time, you’ll build trust and credibility because your audience gets to know you, and ultimately you will get more clients.
Do you prefer being behind the camera?
Not to worry, here are some tips on how you can still create reels without being “on” camera:
If you are comfortable on camera, in addition to the above, here are some thought starters for creating reels:
Using Reels allows you to leave a lasting impression of your work in a short amount of time!
Connecting with prospective clients also means being active on the platform, and that doesn’t mean just sharing your images and reels.
It works both ways.
Ultimately, you’ll build and enhance relationships, leading to more business.
On Instagram and other platforms, it’s your personality, your originality, and your professionalism that will attract clients to your photography business. Use Instagram to communicate who you are so that your clients understand your style, methods, etc.
Being professional also means don’t head to your competitor’s account and follow all their followers. Often, you are simply following their friends and family!
Not only is it in poor taste, but it will also reduce your Instagram engagement rates (plus, it appears to your fellow photographer that you are trying to poach clients from them). Aim for at least a 3:1 ratio of 3 followers to every one person you are following. Don’t follow someone for the sake of following them - follow them because you want to know what they are posting about!
The right way to attract and retain your dream clients is through authentic connection, strategic hashtags, professional communication, and a cohesive brand identity Building your photography business to new heights.
Social media can seem challenging when you want immediate results! Remember that it takes time to grow your following, so be patient. It is a long-term goal. Just keep at it, and over time, your following will grow!
Also, try to monitor whom you follow. If you lose your confidence looking at other photographers’ work, you can unfollow or hide their feeds for a while. Focus on your work, not other people’s work and success. The only photographer you need to be better than is the one you were yesterday.
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