Elopement photography is a unique niche within the photography industry, and mastering marketing strategies tailored to it can be a game-changer for your business. To shed light on effective marketing tactics for elopement photographers, I wanted to talk with Heather Anderson, an experienced elopement photographer and marketing coach.

Heather Anderson was a six-figure elopement photographer and guide, and now she’s guiding early photographers and aspiring elopement experts to do the same. Pivoting from high-stress weddings to heart-stirring destination elopements was the best decision she’s ever made and now that she has time back she’s ready to guide other photographers to do the same.

Getting Started with Marketing for Elopement Photographers

Heather emphasizes the importance of using Facebook and Instagram ads to reach your target audience. These platforms offer powerful tools to connect with potential clients. According to her, even if you’re new to paid advertising, Facebook’s AI can work wonders for your marketing campaigns.

Heather recommends using the Facebook pixel on your website, even when you’re not actively running ads. This allows Facebook’s AI to learn more about your ideal clients and serve your content to the right people effectively. She advises patience when it comes to AI learning, suggesting giving it at least two weeks before making any campaign adjustments.

In terms of budget, the landscape has changed in recent years. While you used to start with as little as $5 per day, Heather suggests experimenting with your budget. Typically, spending between $13 to $20 per day for two weeks tends to yield good results.

More about elopement photography here

Episode 32

The Power of Organic Marketing

Before diving into paid ads, Heather emphasizes the importance of organic marketing. Ensuring your website’s SEO is optimized is crucial, and she recommends using platforms like Pinterest to drive organic traffic. Consistency is key, whether it’s creating blog posts or sharing on social media.

Heather uses a combination of tools like Tailwind, Google Analytics, and Hotjar to track her organic marketing efforts. By analyzing the performance of her content, she identifies which pieces resonate with her audience and puts her paid advertising budget behind them.

Standing Out as an Elopement Photographer

One of the keys to success as an elopement photographer is knowing your ideal client. Heather recommends understanding your target audience thoroughly. By doing so, you can craft marketing strategies that resonate with them. Heather also shares the importance of showcasing your unique strengths and finding your marketing superpower, just as each photographer has their unique photographic style.

Navigating the Issue of Being Ghosted

Getting ghosted by potential clients can be disheartening, but Heather offers valuable insights into this common challenge. She suggests that ghosting often occurs when potential clients are price shopping and sending inquiries to multiple photographers.

To combat ghosting, Heather emphasizes the importance of a well-structured workflow. Promptly respond to inquiries through multiple channels like email and text. Follow up with helpful content, and always aim to get potential clients on a call as soon as possible. The personal connection and trust built during these calls can make a significant difference in converting inquiries into bookings.

Evolving Trends in Elopement Photography

Heather notes that elopement photography is on the rise. More couples are seeking unconventional and intimate wedding experiences. Compared to the past, where photographers had to educate potential clients about elopements, today’s couples often come already knowing what they want. This trend can make marketing your elopement photography services more accessible.

Use Instagram reels to build your business

Episode 68

Building a Sustainable Business

In closing, Heather underscores the importance of lifestyle design. Start by understanding your personal goals and the lifestyle you want to achieve. Your business should be built around sustaining that desired lifestyle rather than the other way around.

Heather encourages photographers to picture themselves in five years, envisioning where they want to be. By aligning your business goals with your life goals, you can build a sustainable photography business that brings you both professional success and personal fulfillment.

I hope you find these insights from Heather Anderson valuable in your journey as an elopement photographer. If you want to learn more from Heather, be sure to check out her Instagram and website for further guidance and resources on mastering marketing for elopement photography.

What Heather wants you to know

Destination elopement + wedding photographers can consistently book breathtaking destination weddings while making more money and working less hours when they have the right marketing tools.

Instagram

Free video training on how to book destination elopements

Website

Want more?

Ingvild Kolnes is the host of the Sustainable Photography Podcast, an educator for photographers, and is ready to help you with your photography business. 

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Sustainable Photography

96. Powerful marketing strategy for elopement photographers with Heather Anderson

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