Fiona explores why photographers often chase trends when bookings slow down and explains how this can damage your brand identity and long-term business goals. She reveals the reality behind "successful" photographers whose business models often rely on model calls and photographer education rather than client work.

• Trend-chasing happens most during financial insecurity when photographers aren't meeting income goals
• Many photographers on pedestals are using model families to create content that sells education to other photographers
• Marketing requires approximately 77 touchpoints before someone makes a purchase decision
• Pivoting constantly restarts the long runway needed for new offerings to gain traction
• Changing your style based on trends confuses potential clients and breaks trust with your brand
• Successful businesses often feel boring—separate creative projects from income-generating work
• Focus on consistent marketing fundamentals: client experience, local connections, testimonials, and data analysis
• If drawn to a trend, start it as a personal project before slowly integrating into your brand over 6-8 months
• Turn your focus to your local market rather than trying to impress the broader photography community

Join my new Family Photographer Marketing Membership launching April 21st for just $35/month. You'll get the marketing plan course, weekly planning sessions, and focus groups on topics like homepage design and blog post structure.

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Free: CANVA Planning Template

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Pinterest for Family Photographers

3 Week Group Mentoring

2 Week Planner CANVA Freebie

Overview: 

Learn how to create a full month of social media content in just one day with a systematic approach that will keep you consistently visible to potential clients.

• Choose three content pillars such as behind-the-scenes, client stories, and sales/promotions
• Aim for 3-4 posts per week (12-16 monthly) to stay top of mind with potential clients
• Set time limits when brainstorming content to avoid perfectionism
• Focus on reels and carousels instead of static posts for better visibility and repurposing options
• Organize content in seasonal folders for easy access
• Schedule content in advance but remember to engage and repurpose across platforms
• Consistency is the key to marketing success – not better presets or client closets

The Pinterest class starts April 8th for $100, which includes two weeks of personal support and a live Q&A session on April 16th. Also available: small group mentoring in April and May for $375, which includes three weeks of marketing fundamentals.

Marketing channels for family photographers have substantially changed in the past couple of years, requiring new strategies to maximize visibility and bookings. Today I'm breaking down platform-specific updates and sharing practical ways to optimize your marketing efforts without getting overwhelmed.

• Pinterest now favors engagement-based content alongside inspiration and education
• Use keyword-rich descriptions and short-form video on Pinterest for better results
• Google prioritizes experience-based content showing expertise and personal stories
• Create Q&A sections in blog posts to rank better with Google's AI
• Instagram algorithm heavily favors reels and carousels over single images
• Content that educates, entertains, or inspires performs best on Instagram
• TikTok offers untapped potential for family photographers with its niche-friendly algorithm
• Email marketing requires proper opt-in procedures but can build strong client relationships
• Modern networking tools make collaborations easier than ever before
• Repurpose content across platforms with tools like repurpose.io to maximize efficiency
• Strategies for working with me are changing to group intensives and one-off courses

Feel free to DM me any questions you have about marketing. My wish for you is to be curious, not furious about marketing changes, and to be brave enough to put yourself out there.

Marketing Help Moving Forward

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Helpful Links:

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Pinterest Course - $25 off with code APRIL through March 24th. 

Overview:

• Even experienced photographers with large followings are finding it difficult to book clients in the current climate
• There's no shame in supplementing your photography income with other work if needed
• The fastest way to gain local visibility is through authentic storytelling content
• Reconnecting with the joy of photography can fuel the motivation to continue marketing efforts
• Sharing your passion rather than just selling services creates more meaningful community connections
• Creating a content series helps maintain consistency and builds audience engagement
• Local visibility can be enhanced by ensuring everyone in your network knows what you're currently booking
• Pinterest has been a consistent client source for five years with minimal maintenance required
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I'm launching a Pinterest course in April with a $25 discount for podcast listeners and email subscribers. If you're interested in creating a content series but aren't sure where to start, send me a DM and I'll help you develop ideas.

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Pinterest Course - $25 off with code APRIL through March 24th. 

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Marketing Mentoring (FB Ads Included)

Fb Ads Mini Course

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Episode Recap:

This episode dives deep into whether family photographers should run paid ads, highlighting the critical importance of a consistent portfolio and a well-defined marketing strategy. 

• Discusses the importance of running ads with a solid foundation 
• Explains the necessity of a consistent portfolio for building trust 
• Addresses common barriers such as overwhelm and fear 
• Emphasizes the need for both ads and a strong social media presence 
• Highlights the current challenging market landscape for family photographers 
• Encourages proactive and well-rounded marketing strategies 

If you've been considering signing up for marketing mentoring, now is a perfect time because you will get to get into the ads class as well and then you can have even more one-on-one with me to work on all of the other stuff at the same time.

Every photographer faces moments of feeling stuck, especially in marketing. This episode identifies "functional freeze," discusses its impact, and emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps to overcome inertia.

• Introduction to functional freeze as a marketing challenge 
• Connection between functional freeze and lack of motivation 
• Importance of organizing marketing materials 
• Creating a clear artistic process to streamline work 
• Developing a content series for engagement 
• Networking and connecting with others for support 
• Reaching out to past clients for valuable reviews 
• Importance of participation in networking events 
• Scheduling model calls to spark creativity 
• The value of printing client photos and gifting them 
• Emailing or writing cards to reconnect with past clients 
• Utilizing ads as part of a broader marketing strategy 

Per request, FB ads training coming soon! 

TWO spots left for marketing mentoring starting this month- come join!

Marketing Mentoring - 8 weeks of one-on-one help!

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This episode explores creative marketing strategies for photographers aiming to pivot their businesses, especially during uncertain economic times. We tackle the power of local giveaways, the importance of maintaining clarity across multiple photography genres, and ways to effectively engage with communities to cultivate lasting client relationships. 

• Navigating the transition between different photography genres 
• Benefits of hyperlocal giveaways and partnership strategies 
• Importance of capturing leads from giveaway entrants 
• Creating clarity in a mixed-genre photography business 
• Emphasizing consistency through blogging for SEO 
• Engaging with the community through physical events 
• Testing waters with trial reels for audience growth 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review!

Marketing Mentoring- Now Offering Payment Plans!

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This episode highlights essential marketing predictions for photographers in 2025. We emphasize the importance of a solid website, diversified marketing approaches, and the power of storytelling while encouraging listeners to take bold + diversifed action.

• Building a trust-building website as a foundational step
• Diversification is key to surviving platform shifts
• Leveraging SEO and email marketing for better visibility
• The importance of storytelling in connecting with clients
• Taking action to translate ideas into measurable results
• Adapting to new marketing channels and strategies
• Encouragement to embrace a mindset of early adoption

Mentioned in this Episode:

Come work with me on Marketing Mentoring
Check out the Website Course
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Grab the freebie- 90 Page Marketing Planner

This episode explores essential marketing strategies for photographers, focusing on website optimization and effective client engagement techniques to boost bookings. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding client needs and educating them about unique session offerings, such as bedtime photography, to foster trust and increase visibility.

• Review of Bloom Light Photography and suggested website improvements
• Importance of an engaging About Me page emphasizing the artistic process
• Benefits of having a detailed FAQ section for potential clients
• Encouraging the use of online booking systems to streamline the client experience
• Discussion on enhancing Instagram with effective pin posts and reels
• Review of Claire Mayo Photography with a focus on in-home sessions
• Need for client education regarding unique offerings like bedtime sessions
• Strategies to position oneself as an expert in niche photography markets

Want more help? Grab a spot to work one on one with me for marketing mentoring- 8 weeks of help!

Marketing Mentoring

Local to the Seattle Area? Come to a class!
Local Classes

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Family photographers often feel pressure to achieve six-figure incomes, but many fall short of these ambitious benchmarks. This episode examines income realities, the importance of mindset, and practical strategies for building a successful family photography business. Also, learn how looking at the actual data can help you refine your 2025 goals.

• Discussing common misconceptions about six-figure incomes
• The impact of mindset and comparison on income goals
• Strategies for effective seasonal marketing
• Analyzing income contributions from various session types
• Importance of boosting print sales
• Practical tips for increasing income sustainably

Want more help? Grab a spot to work one on one with me for marketing mentoring- 8 weeks of help!

Marketing Mentoring

Local to the Seattle Area? Come to a class!
Local Classes

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