Email Marketing for Photographers

Email marketing isn’t dead! And, email marketing for photographers is one of the best ways to generate a high return on ROI. That’s just fancy talk for, email marketing is going to give you even better results than Social Media, Blogging, and even SEO!

First, let me establish what I mean by an “email list.” An email list is a community of potential clients and current clients. By joining your list these people have indicated that they are interested in hearing from you, learning more about the topics you discuss, and your perspective on things.

Email Marketing Stats

• There are 3.8 billion email users worldwide, so if you’re looking for a way to reach your customers, email is the perfect place to find them. Not everyone has social media, or even checks it that often, but pretty much everyone has an email address.
• Two thirds of customers have made a purchase as a direct result of an email marketing message.
• 73% of millennials prefer communications from businesses to come via email.
• 59% of respondents say marketing emails influence their purchase decisions.
• 80% of business professionals believe that email marketing increases customer retention. (Emarsys, 2018)
• The most opened emails relate to hobbies, with an open rate of 27.35 percent. (MailChimp, 2018)
• 59% of marketers say email is their biggest source of ROI. (Emma, 2018)

Isn’t that crazy! Especially the stat regarding Millennials! Think about it, that is primarily who we are marketing to. As of 2021, Millennials are between 25-40 years old. Making them the prime market for not just weddings but also family photos as well!

But there are 2 reason email marketing is particularly beneficial for photographers.

Already Interested

A lot of people who immediately inquire after finding you on Google through SEO or sometimes even on social media if they are new followers is that they are often price shopping. They don’t know you enough to trust you. Loyalty hasn’t been established and the risks are still too high.

Whether it was a fear of cost, not liking the product, or worry that you won’t be good with their kids, etc. For whatever reason, those people are the ones who didn’t feel as though the benefits were worth the risk.

But either way, these people have already shown you that they are extremely interested in what you have to offer. They like your photos. They just need a little extra convincing.

Relational Equity

But, the real reason email marketing for photographers is so effective is because it’s relational. In my More than Marketing Course, I teach my photography students that marketing is relationship. And relationships are a two-way street.

In order for that relationship to grow and be the best it can be, not only must there be regular interaction. But an equal amount of give and take. An “I scratch your back and you scratch mine” kind of thing.

This kind of relationship is built on mutual understanding and trust with one another. It’s these two qualities that build healthy and loyal relationships not just in our personal lives but in our businesses too.

An email list helps you and your clients remain invested in one another. It kind of like a regularly scheduled date night. But, just like relationships, it’s not all about you. In fact, in email marketing you want to make it all about your customer. So even if you are telling personal stories, you always want to think about how that story connects to them!

Wanna’ know more?

Want to learn more about email marketing for photographers? Great! I’ve created a 24 page guide that will tell you everything you want to know! Why its necessary, how to start it, who to use, my #1 strategy for turning emails into loyal clients, and so much more!