Month 1: Planning and Setup
Market Research:
- Determine target market (e.g., weddings, business events, portraits, etc).
- Analyse competitors to better grasp their pricing, services, and marketing methods.
- Determine a unique selling preposition (USP) to set me out in the market.
Business Plan:
- Create a complete business plan that includes goals, a target market, a pricing strategy, a marketing plan, and financial projections.
- Determine the legal framework of the business.
- Register the business and receive any required licenses or permissions.
Equipment and Software:
- Purchase the essential photography and videography equipment (camera, lenses, lights, tripods, etc.).
- Invest in video editing tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Final Cut Pro.
Design a professional website to showcase my portfolio, services, and contact information.
Website and Branding:
- Develop a professional website highlighting my portfolio, services, and contact information.
- Create a memorable brand identity, which includes a logo, color scheme, and brand voice.
Networking:
- Attend industry events, workshops, and networking activities to connect with future clients and collaborate.
- Join online photography and videography communities to network with others and acquire insights.
Month 2: Marketing and Promotion.
Online Presence:
- Optimize a website for search engines (SEO) to increase visibility.
- Create profiles on social networking networks (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) and routinely share my work.
- Create a blog or YouTube channel to demonstrate my competence and attract prospective clients.
Networking Continued:
- Contact area businesses, event planners, and wedding vendors to market my services and form connections.
- Provide discounts or special promotions for referrals from other businesses.
Content Creation:
- To establish a portfolio, I will give discounted or pro gratis services to friends, relatives, or local organizations.
- Then, using these initiatives, I’ll develop compelling content for my website and social media channels.
Advertising:
- Target ideal clients using online advertising (e.g., Google Ads and Facebook Ads).
Advertise in local publications or fund events to raise brand exposure.
Month 3: Client Acquisition and Service Delivery.
Booking & Contracts:
- Create a streamlined booking process and standard contracts that detail services, pricing, and terms.
- Secure bookings for upcoming events or photo/video shoots.
Service Delivery:
- Obtain all essential permits and approvals for shooting in various locations.
- Provide great service to clients by exceeding their expectations to earn favorable word-of-mouth recommendations.
Feedback and Improvements:
- Solicit comments from clients to find areas for development and to collect testimonials for my website.
- Continuously improve procedures based on feedback and industry best practices.
Month 4: Growth and Expansion
Diversification of Services:
- Expand services such as drone photography, photo booth rentals, and video editing.
- Investigate market needs and make necessary investments in training or equipment.
Scaling Operations:
- Evaluate workflow and explore ways to optimize procedures or outsource activities for more efficiency.
- Hire more employees or freelancers to handle the task during high demand.
Community Engagement:
- Participating in community activities or sponsoring local initiatives to increase brand visibility and benefit the community.
- Offer workshops or instructional sessions to share my knowledge and connect with new clients.
Financial Management:
- Effective financial management involves closely monitoring income and expenses to ensure profitability.
- Pricing or service offers might be adjusted as needed based on financial success and market demand.