These days, it seems everyone is a photographer or videographer.

With the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram, people will take pictures or film videos on their own, sometimes asking for a friend or family member's help in getting the perfect shot instead of hiring a professional. 

Since more people are taking the do-it-yourself approach to photography and videography, the competition has become even more fierce, and only the professionals with outstanding portfolios and web presences will be chosen for their services.

That's why it's crucial that you're the first business found in your area when a local consumer needs a professional. Here are three digital marketing tips to use for your photography or videography business to book more shoots and stay ahead of the competition:

1. Update your social media and website presence regularly

When it comes to a great marketing plan, consistency and preparation play a significant role in helping a business achieve its goals. And the same goes for publishing new photos and videos for your photography business. 

Updating your social media pages and your website on a regular basis is an excellent way to attract new followers, keep your current followers subscribed and showcase your recent work to prospects. 

You can start by creating a content calendar of the dates you'll update your social media accounts and website with new photos or videos. For example, when sharing content on Instagram, we recommend that you start posting once per day.

But, regardless of how often you choose to share new photos or videos to your accounts, always remember that consistency is more important than frequency. Digital marketer, Neil Patel, backs this up by saying the following:

If you make a habit of posting several times a day and then transition to only a few times a week, you will start to lose followers and generate less engagement per post. Source

2. Keep your online information accurate across all accounts

If you want to book more appointments for your business, you need more than just a strong following on social media; you must also be found on Google when customers are searching for photography services in their area.

Local search marketing services can help boost your business's search ranking to be found online by more customers. However, you can take steps now to increase your business's SEO (search engine optimization) value by keeping your online information up-to-date.

Make sure your business's name, address, phone number and website URL are all the same on every social media account for your business, as well as your main website.

This helps Google and other search engines know that you're the right business when people search for you. And, if any of your information is inaccurate, Google can penalize your business, which will negatively impact your search ranking. 

3. Respond to all of your comments and reviews

This next tip is simple, but it often goes ignored by business owners. 

Reviews are huge for consumers, and 97 percent of people will read an online review to help them make a purchase decision. And, when judging local businesses, 30 percent say it's important that a business responds to their reviews. 

When you respond to your reviews or comments on Google, Facebook or Instagram, it shows your business's human element and that you appreciate your clients' feedback, whether it's positive or negative.

More importantly, responding to your reviews gives you an opportunity to fix any client concerns to keep your customers happy and loyal to your business. If you don't answer your feedback, you'll also risk scaring away new clients who research your business. 

Final Thoughts

I understand that it has become difficult to book appointments as a photographer and videographer, but it's certainly not impossible. By staying engaged with your followers and keeping your online presence updated, you're able to show them why they need your services.

Stick with these three tips and you'll be on your way to a better photography marketing plan! And, if you need any additional help, we have a digital marketing plan that can work for you!