Freebie ideas for photographers to grow a solid email list

Now (quarantine or not) is the best time to get working on that email list. And here is why: more of your potential clients are online, browsing, and snooping around on different photographers’ websites. They are also taking more time to open (and read) emails. Now you get the chance to serve and connect with your subscribers, setting a strong audience to target and work with post-Covid or anytime in the future. 

Why you need an email list in the first place

You see, unless someone comes to your website with the sole intention of booking you, they will probably take a minute to weigh their options, before they make a final decision. They might be looking at other photographers, but if YOU show up, follow up and connect - chances are, they will book YOU. How do you show up? By serving them, by giving them valuable resources, and by staying in touch. And what better tool to stay in touch than via email? 

Where to start with your email list

The first step in generating leads is to get visitors on your site. Luckily, freebies are a great way to bring traffic to your website, through social media channels like Pinterest or Instagram. Once the person is here, you want to have them opt in to your email list, so you can keep them in the loop. “Subscribe to my newsletter” doesn’t sound convincing enough anymore. “Here is a free awesome resource that will make your life better. Sign up to download it” sounds way better. Check out this article where we show how to integrate Flodesk with Squarespace and create a stunning pop-up newsletter form on your site.

Once the person opts-in and receives the freebie they came here for, you can follow up with a sequence of relevant emails. Help them get to know you and grow fond of you. A sequence of 5-6 emails with valuable information, sent in a span of 2 weeks, will have them relate to you even more. If they unsubscribe from your list, no need to worry, they were never your clients, to begin with. It’s always better to have a small but loyal list of clientele.

The great thing about email automation is that you set it up once, and it does the job for you forever. In this matter, we recommend Flodesk or Mailchimp.

Freebie ideas to build your client email list

Now the question is: what type of freebies can you share with your audience? Offer them what you know best (but don’t give it all away *wink wink*). Use your wisdom and expertise when creating guides, checklists, or other free resources. One way of approaching the brainstorming phase is to think of what your clients are interested in and what they’d actually google. 

The resource itself can be compact or more elaborate, but you have to deliver your promise (aka the title). Keep it specific, clear and to the point. Don’t put all your wisdom into one resource. If you have 10 different ideas, it’s best to create 10 different short freebies rather than a large one.

Here are some ideas from us, feel free to use any of them:

• 10 tips to prepare for a boudoir photoshoot

• The ultimate “Stress-free wedding” checklist

• 10 location ideas for your senior photoshoot

• My 7 secrets of taking stunning pictures with an iPhone

• 10 beach photoshoot must-have props

• 20 posing ideas with your bridesmaids/groomsmen

• In-home family photoshoot checklist

• 5 tricks to feel more confident before a portrait photoshoot

• 5 outfit ideas for your pregnancy summer photoshoot

• 8 location ideas for your pregnancy photoshoot

• 10 gorgeous wedding venues in *your location*

• 10 brilliant floral artists you can hire in *your location*

• 5 activities/games to play during a fun kids photoshoot

• 20 epic elopement locations in *your location*

• 10 city walk photoshoot posing ideas 

• 5 ways to feel more relaxed during a couples photoshoot

• 10 photoshoot worthy cafes and restaurants in *your location*

Need some inspiration on how to structure and design your freebie? Check out our Hot or Not website checklist for a short and sweet example, and our SEO for Squarespace eBook for a more elaborate one.

Catering to other photographers and creatives in the industry

On the other side of your audience spectrum are your potential partners and collaborators. Consider building another email list with the purpose to connect with and cater to the creative community. Long term, this will help you build meaningful collaborations that will serve you greatly in the future.

The approach itself is similar to the one described above. You start by offering a free resource and take it from there. Reach out, serve, give more than you ask for. It might seem like a long shot in the beginning, but it will help you in the long run. If education is something that you want to grow towards, start by offering guides and resources to present your expertise in a certain area. It can be gear and equipment, website building, editing, marketing, sales, or anything you know how to do best. 

Good luck with growing your list. It takes a while,  but we promise - it’s so worth it.

Creatively yours,

Squaremuse Team