So it’s the new year, the big 2011; a time start anew and make resolutions. And while I have a personal list of resolutions (pet a llama at least once a week, learn how to speak Klingon fluently – you know, the usual), I thought it might be beneficial to make a list of resolutions to improve our photography business as well. So in no particular order, the list:
1. Keyword Day – Designate one day a month to improving keywords and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) within our sites, our PhotoShelter archive, and the other microstock sites that host our work. Simply sitting down once a month and adding 3-5 pertinent keywords per image/page/blog post should go a long way towards helping improve our overall SEO within Google and help editors find our relevant images.
2. Further Hone Social Media Skills – Continue to market and connect to both peers and clients through Twitter and Facebook, while embracing new social media sites such as Flattr to accept social micropayments and expand our business’ online reach and global conversations.
3. In-Person Networking – Even though more of business management is through the computer today more than ever before, we still cannot forget about in-person networking and management. By physically going out into the community and actively promoting our business to both our photography peers and potential clients alike, we will bring a human face to our online presence. Attend professional workshops and community events alike.
4. Keep Content Fresh – Blog and/or shoot at least once a week to keep our content fresh/exciting and to flex our visual journalism and writing muscles. By stepping out into the world to photograph and tell stories visually, we will be constantly reminded why we’re running our own business in the first place.
5. Give Back to the Community – Mentor a student who’s passionate about photojournalism. Guide a student to pursue his or her dream and help him or her find their unique style. Provide honest, constructive critiques on his or her work. Volunteer within the community. Volunteer with organizations such as Help-Portrait to give back to those less fortunate.
Photographers and other creatives – what is on your New Year’s resolution list that will go towards improving your business? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear!
~ Chris Mackler
chris@macklermedia.com
Keyword day sounds a good idea! I do a lot of in person networking, it can be great but always good to manage your time.
Very useful tips, thank you!