Photographers - How much interest is there in online marketing tools for independent photographers?

Question

I'm a independent Photographer and I couldn't find a very good way to market my photography online (other than as stock) But with stock you lose soooo much money. I'm now looking into designing some tools photographers can use to help market their work. Bringing customers to photographers, proofing tools online and etc. Just want to know how much interest there is and see if anyone has some ideas to help. It's all about Photographers helping photographers. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There are already multiple sites on the internet that help provide photographers with online tools.

collages.net and ourphotoevent.com are two of the biggest online sites in the photography business to help us out. They offer a wide variety of tools such as online proofing, online ordering, online CD creation, mailing lists, event tracking lists and much more.

So, if you are to create an online site, you are going to have an extremly tough time breaking into a business where the product has been pretty much perfected at a very reasonable price.

Answer 2

Are you up to making tools like "make-money-at-home" I am not sure how much it is gonna work, my experience said those tools are good only to give you some visits but hardly give you the "RIGHT" click, if you know what I am talking about. On those tools the only way to make money is CLICK-A-Banner.

Now it is obvious you will never going to tell what tools are you thinking to make but whatever they are, if they are for Photographers, I am not sure it will serve the purpose. Why? Common-sense said IF I am a photographer, and I am using your tool, I will not going to buy your picture.

Secondly, how you going to prove, your tool will market my photos? since you said you are failed to market your pictures? Will it work like you will collect some snaps of your friends put them with their fake earning amounts so the desprete photographers will pay you and then they sit and wait for the start of their career? Of course you will get the money but was it right?

Again I am raising these questions because I am not aware of what you will build, it is nothing personal.

If you are up to start an agency, then first ask yourself if you try to join any agency? If your answer is a "no" then why should I join your agency? why not I start my own agency? I know lot of advertising firms and production houses.

Now the only point is left is.. My photographs is not good enough to sold out into market I know. That is why I want to market others' photographs and earn on their behalf. It is one solid point you can earn through in long term. Other then that.. I am not sure it would last for long, perhaps it will give you some amount in start but in return it will take your reputation off from street leaving no future ahead you.

By the way, as I said thousands of time, here and there, the best market tool is "SHOW OFF". If you are good at it, success will slide under your feet trust me.

You are a good photographer but how come I cannot see your photos? And if you ask the same from me...! No I am not a good photographer :)

Wish you good luck

Answer 3

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 4

It's only a job, I'm sure the bosses would understand in the end. There are plenty more baby elephants to photograph around the world - so far.

Answer 5

Here you can find a good resource that teaches how to make money online with internet marketing:http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=548

I started using it with very good results.