Yes. I KNOW it's been a while since I've written about learning to be Social Media Savvy, but
that doesn't mean I haven't been as busy as a bee trying to figure it all out.
To catch you up, I've been studying my insites on Facebook, joining the ranks of Klout (more
about that one in a few minutes) and trying to be smarter on Twitter by targeting my audience and
fellow photographers.
On my last post, I received a reply comment from Rosh Sillars. T H E ROSH SILLARS. (One of
my HEROES) He gave me great advice; this is what he said:
"Don't give up.
There is a lot of information out there. Don't become overwhelmed. Social media is not direct marketing (email, Google ads and direct mail). It's not rocket science either.
Here are three basic thoughts to remember.
1. The more quality information you share in the social media the more benefit you will receive. Both quality and quantity are important.
2. If you focus on championing other people the more engagement you will earn.
3. Social media is a marathon not a sprint." (Bolding is mine)
Social media IS a marathon. It's a continuation of efforts and the persistence in the art of fine-tuning and targeting your audience.
Product and customer service after the sale have always been 'JOB ONE' for me. Lately, I've re-contacted some of my original customers and asked them to answer a few questions: (Yes, I realize this is like Marketing 101)
1. Why did you choose me for your photography needs?
2. HOW did you find me?
3. Rate your experience with me from 1-5, 5 being the best.
4. Did you tell your friends about your experience with Ginger Z Photography?
5. What can I do to improve?
6. What type of incentives would you like to see offered by my company?
7. Will you be back?
During this experiment, I only received 1 complaint, which was that my pricing had changed
too dramatically for them and they felt they could no longer afford my services.
This customer was one of my very first customers. They allowed me to use their photos for
my portfolio in return for a small studio fee, rather than regular prices. So, to this customer I
made an offer to do another session - again for a smaller fee, but proposed a different subject for the shoot. They loved the idea! They get more pictures, I get an expanded portfolio and they tell their friends. Happy Customer.
My definition of Social Media:
To get the word out there, I've taken out Facebook ads, to put the brand out into the world. I've also networked with (in particular) my shared groups within LinkedIn, and by agreeing to support each other, we are sharing technology, industry news, how-to's - you name it, in addition to supporting each other's FB pages, Twitter, etc... I like that. We're not competing with each other - - we're helping each other.
I have begun to share articles, pictures, industry news - anything that can help us as an
'industry' to survive, I'm sharing. We have become a community in of ourselves, and I have to tell you, it's a good feeling.
My klout score has increased, although there is a growing controversy on whether or not Klout
score even matters, being that it's so fickle, but I'm watching mine grow - and it feels good, even if it may be for a short while. It makes me think I'm on the right path, you know?
I know more people are talking about my Facebook Fan page. I include not only my pictures, but those of my comrades. I give Kudos to photographers I think really have the gift, and I share articles from those who have the gift of the written word. I feel better having this network of photographers. I'm not alone in my quest - seems we're all trying to figure this Social media thing out. At least I don't feel so alone in my quest to understand Social Media within my particular industry, and not only have I increased my network, I've increased my circle of friends.
Quite frankly, I think that's pretty damn cool, don't you? Yep....I believe I get it now.
that doesn't mean I haven't been as busy as a bee trying to figure it all out.
To catch you up, I've been studying my insites on Facebook, joining the ranks of Klout (more
about that one in a few minutes) and trying to be smarter on Twitter by targeting my audience and
fellow photographers.
On my last post, I received a reply comment from Rosh Sillars. T H E ROSH SILLARS. (One of
my HEROES) He gave me great advice; this is what he said:
"Don't give up.
There is a lot of information out there. Don't become overwhelmed. Social media is not direct marketing (email, Google ads and direct mail). It's not rocket science either.
Here are three basic thoughts to remember.
1. The more quality information you share in the social media the more benefit you will receive. Both quality and quantity are important.
2. If you focus on championing other people the more engagement you will earn.
3. Social media is a marathon not a sprint." (Bolding is mine)
Social media IS a marathon. It's a continuation of efforts and the persistence in the art of fine-tuning and targeting your audience.
Product and customer service after the sale have always been 'JOB ONE' for me. Lately, I've re-contacted some of my original customers and asked them to answer a few questions: (Yes, I realize this is like Marketing 101)
1. Why did you choose me for your photography needs?
2. HOW did you find me?
3. Rate your experience with me from 1-5, 5 being the best.
4. Did you tell your friends about your experience with Ginger Z Photography?
5. What can I do to improve?
6. What type of incentives would you like to see offered by my company?
7. Will you be back?
During this experiment, I only received 1 complaint, which was that my pricing had changed
too dramatically for them and they felt they could no longer afford my services.
This customer was one of my very first customers. They allowed me to use their photos for
my portfolio in return for a small studio fee, rather than regular prices. So, to this customer I
made an offer to do another session - again for a smaller fee, but proposed a different subject for the shoot. They loved the idea! They get more pictures, I get an expanded portfolio and they tell their friends. Happy Customer.
My definition of Social Media:
Social media is social interaction by means of technology-based communication venues between communities, organizations and individuals, turning one-way communications into interactive dialogues.
This means TALKING to your customer(s), and making sure the dialogue between your customer's network and yours is positive, interactive, and resolute. To get the word out there, I've taken out Facebook ads, to put the brand out into the world. I've also networked with (in particular) my shared groups within LinkedIn, and by agreeing to support each other, we are sharing technology, industry news, how-to's - you name it, in addition to supporting each other's FB pages, Twitter, etc... I like that. We're not competing with each other - - we're helping each other.
I have begun to share articles, pictures, industry news - anything that can help us as an
'industry' to survive, I'm sharing. We have become a community in of ourselves, and I have to tell you, it's a good feeling.
My klout score has increased, although there is a growing controversy on whether or not Klout
score even matters, being that it's so fickle, but I'm watching mine grow - and it feels good, even if it may be for a short while. It makes me think I'm on the right path, you know?
I know more people are talking about my Facebook Fan page. I include not only my pictures, but those of my comrades. I give Kudos to photographers I think really have the gift, and I share articles from those who have the gift of the written word. I feel better having this network of photographers. I'm not alone in my quest - seems we're all trying to figure this Social media thing out. At least I don't feel so alone in my quest to understand Social Media within my particular industry, and not only have I increased my network, I've increased my circle of friends.
Quite frankly, I think that's pretty damn cool, don't you? Yep....I believe I get it now.
