To be successful and happy as a photographer, you need an artistic eye, technical skills and passion for your work. But realistically, you might have all that, but you need to be able to tell others about yourself. Success is the ability to market yourself and this is the part that trips most would be entrepreneurs. Self promotion has been the most difficult thing for me to overcome and it may be for others. So, here is some (free) advice and a little self promotion from a photographer who has built a successful business with no business background, just a passion for photography, a commitment to customer service and striving to provide the best virtual tours and photography I can. To gain a potential clients attention and eventually their business try following these tips.

1. Instead of talking sales, engage in a conversation.

Find out what they need first, don’t force your sales pitch. Instead, when calling to follow up on an e-mail, open the conversation by asking a question. Seek their opinion rather than their immediate interest in your offer. For instance, inquire about what sort of marketing have they been using and what types of marketing could help them. Know your business and understand theirs so you can offer good advice. Many realtors have asked me how they could improve their photos, so I offer some of the basics such exposure tips, framing a shot or balancing objects in a photo. Establish yourself as a valuable resource. Many clients I have are not even the first person I spoke with, but who were told about me from someone who valued my advice.

2. The Importance of Good Customer Service.

Good customer service matters because keeping existing customers is easier than finding new ones and satisfied customers will do a lot of our advertising for us. Most people consider doing business with a certain company because of recommendation by a friend or acquaintance. Dissatisfied customers spread the bad news, which is never good. Also, the feeling I get from a job well done is very satisfying and good for my self esteem. It is satisfying hear from a client who was blown way by the virtual tour or photos. It is always nicer going home at night feeling that I’ve done my best and was able help someone. Working closely with your clients to understand their needs, will build loyalty and inspires referrals.

3. Be Quick to Respond.

Whether it is a new client or a current client, remember that a quick response to an email or phone call can often mean the difference between having your company do the work or the client calling someone else. Always return messages, even if you don’t have the answers or the news the client wants to hear. Besides behaving in a professional manner, you’re establishing integrity and building your relationship with your client. Responding quickly to clients' needs increases satisfaction and builds loyalty.

There is a lot more that could be said, but these tips can make a difference if applied. They are often forgotten or neglected in the hustle and bustle of the day. So, stop just for a moment each day think about helping someone through what you do, take a little extra time to apply these tips and watch your business grow.

About OnView

OnView 360 has full-time professional photographers who specialize in architectural and virtual photography. We have been in business since 2004 and work with a variety of clients both in real estate and small businesses to photograph and create virtual tours of their homes and businesses.

Partnering with Real Tour Vision has allowed OnView 360 to swiftly create high quality images and tours for our clients. See samples of our tours at www.onview360.com. We also create 360 x 360 tours, slideshows and flyers.

OnView 360 is one of the fastest growing virtual tour companies in the Phoenix Metro area. We have photographed Engineering Labs to Penthouses and everything in between. For more information call 602-885-5974 email info@onview360.com or visit our website at www.onview360.com.

Contact: OnView 360

Rudy Gutierrez

Tour Builder

Phone: 602-885-5974

Email: info@onview360.com