JAMES HODGINS PHOTOGRAPHY

I thought I would post this on my blog because I think it is a good topic to talk about and one where my points can be used in any business (not just photography).  I have learned most of what I know about marketing  from my business associate Rob Provencher.  We are all guilty of doing what I am about to type, myself included, especially when I first got into photography.  We design our own business card, flier, postcard or mailer not knowing exactly what info should be put in it.  What I see now-a-days, especially in the photography industry  is a pretty picture, the business name, phone number and website and sometimes a useless catch phrase like “Memories for a lifetime”.  What kind of first impression is this?  What are you really telling your clients?  If you are going to pay to create an ad, pay for the  “size” that you want (the bigger the more expensive), then why not fill it with as much info as you can?  Answer some questions, tell your prospective clients a little about you?  I think the phrase “A picture means a thousand words” does not apply here.  Try this the next time you are creating an advertising piece.  It might not look esthetically pleasing as some high falootin marketing/designer/promotional pieces that you pay a second mortgage for, but I do guarantee you will get results.

George here wanted a flier he could hand out around town.  He told me what he wanted and I asked him if he would mind if I created one for him.   I did this because I am a member, and because I wanted to help, plus I already had the image of George  because I just finished photographing him.  I kept it B&W to keep the cost down and not to have any distracting colors.  You get a lot of information from this ad and I especially like adding a “top 5 or 10 reasons”.  TELL your clients WHY they should come to you!  Testimonials go a long way.  Whenever I can, I add a testimonial to any of my advertising pieces.  These are powerful.  People like to know what other people think of your services.  Put all the necessary information to contact you and make sure it is visible and not cluttered.

Utilize the entire space of your canvas as empty space is useless space.  For you photogs, look back at your older advertising pieces and see if any of the above will  enhance your business appearance.

The simple shmimple

Impact & informative

Respect Is Burning has to be one of the hottest restaurants in Sudbury.  Today I had lunch with Rob Gregorini (owner) to talk business and marketing.   Even though we are in two seperate fields, marketing is marketing right?  And Rob knows how to market his business.  It’s no wonder this  July was even more busier than last July.  Recession?  What Recession?  I was always intrigued by his lengthy newsletters, his radio blasts, and the snailmail I would receive in my mail (no, not internet mail, but the good o’l fashion walk to the mailbox mail), it’s something that some business just are not doing anymore myself included, and I keep kicking myself in the arse because of it.

Stay tuned for Rob’s new Supper Club Format including new menus, members only events, off site branded parties (for members only) freebies galore and blah blah blah I can’t divulge too much as it’s not my club, but I’m sure Rob will fill us all in.

If you have not been in Respect lately I suggest you check it out, they have now added a new lower dining room for groups in the high season.  It’s gorgeous (maybe I will snag some images to show you in the future).

Coincidentaly, Matt & Jennifers wedding that we just document this past Sat, Respect did all the catering for them, and it looked delicous if I might add.  Small world.

Rob will have a new site, new logo, and yes of course a BLOG!!!
Be sure to checkout his facebook group to be notified of all these new events.
I LOVE RESPECT IS BURNING SUPPER CLUB