Let’s face it, nobody could’ve predicted the outbreak of COVID-19 in a thousand years. (Well, except for that crazy article that basically did, have ya’ll seen that!?) Anyways, point is, this has been nothing short of terrifying for us as photographers. Considering our work isn’t classified as “essential,” we’ve all had to shut the doors of our businesses on any upcoming shoots– and have no idea when we’ll be able to grab our bags and head out the door for sessions again.
But, I don’t want you to fear, because there are SO many things you can be doing in the meantime to continue to grow your photography businesses, (and some of them might surprise you!) This info isn’t going to be “basic,” in the slightest. So pull out a pen and paper and start taking notes, friend… because we’re diving deep into some goal setting + biz strategizing stat.
5 ALTERNATE REVENUE STREAMS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS:
1. AFFILIATE INCOME:
This one is HUGE, and has truly brought in so much revenue for me while traveling and just in general during the slower months in my photography business. Because I believe in transparency, we’re talking like upwards of $10,000. (And this is completely separate from my photography business!) Plus, it’s usually pretty passive. I made that amount just blogging about one of the software I use and love! ?
One of my favorite affiliate programs I’m a part of is the Honeybook Referral Program. Once you become a premium referral partner with Honeybook, they literally direct deposit $200 into your bank account for every single person you refer that signs up! I wouldn’t preach about Honeybook if I didn’t literally love the mess out of it, but this just makes it that much better; they really care about us! ?
If you don’t have Honeybook or a CRM for your photography business yet, here’s a blog about how and why I use it, and if you already do – get to referring people! Use your insta, blog, facebook, whatever you’ve got! I highly recommend starting a blog and using that for it; that’s how I made the amount below! ?
* names & emails are blocked out for safety reasons!
2. AUTOMATED MARKETING + PRINT SALES:
If you’re using a gallery delivery service like Pic-time, they have some AMAZING automated marketing options inside! Check out this page, it shows all of the different ways you can upsell clients and make additional money, without having to put in hardly any effort! #winning
* If you don’t have Pic-time, you can use the code “C52JAM” to get a free month after your free trial!
3. BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY (for other businesses)
Okay, I guess this is technically still a photography revenue stream, but – probably not in the way you’re thinking.
Sometimes we forget that not everyone knows how to take a great photo. We, as photographers truly do have an eye for this, and we could help out other businesses by taking photos of their products and styling flat-lays, etc. to help them sell their products!
Try reaching out to local boutiques/businesses that you know could benefit from your content creation, and get them on a monthly retainer! ??
4. SELL YOUR LANDSCAPE + TRAVEL PHOTOS (that were previously “just for fun.”)
If you have Pic-time, (and I’m sure other gallery delivery services do it too,) you can open up a store and put your travel + landscape photos in it, where people can buy them right then and there!
Right now is such a perfect time too, because we’re all unable to travel, so you can allow people to “escape” through your work! (I’m preaching to the choir here, I really need to do this!) ?
5. CONSIDER TEACHING OTHERS HOW TO USE THEIR CAMERA:
If you’re really experienced in photography, think about teaching moms who don’t know how to use their camera to dust it off, and get to clicking! You can even do this virtually over Skype/Zoom. This would essentially be adding on an “education” facet to your business, and could really take you far depending on the way you spin it!
For example, about three years ago I decided to open up an education/mentoring program in addition to my photography business that specialized in teaching photographers how to start + grow thriving photography businesses. As time has gone on, it’s grown to the development of a signature 1-1 service that is now transitioning to a group coaching program, and will later be offered as an online course! The possibilities really are endless!
Alternate revenue streams truly are so important for the health of your business and help you continue to breathe and grow your bank account even in seasons of uncertainty. The best time to implement these 5 alternate revenue streams was yesterday, but the next best time is today!
Not sure where to even start when it comes to implementing alternate revenue streams in your photography business, (and actually seeing success with them?) I gotchu! Schedule a free discovery call with me to see if we’d be a good fit for a mentorship, where I cover this, and sooo much more! ?
Disclaimer: some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, which means I earn a commission if you sign up with them! They help keep the lights on over here, so I greatly appreciate it! 🙂
Looking at your business from a fresh perspective with all the free time you have on your hands? Looking to improve your skills or uplevel your strategy in general?
I feel you. Did you know you can chat with me for FREE, (no strings attached,) and have me walk you through the process? Then, if you decide you want to have me come alongside you and put in place what we chatted about– we can get you on my books for 1-1 mentoring ASAP!
Click the link below, and I’ll start making the coffee now for our chat! Can’t WAIT!
This money-makin’ business tip is on me! Click to download your free guide now.
Looking for more helpful photography tips? Feel free to binge on these blog posts, or pin ’em on Pinterest for later! ??
If you’re short on time, follow me on Pinterest – and you’ll get these kinda tips delivered straight to your feed! You know… when you’re scrollin’ through Pinterest with coffee in hand, ready to take on the day… or, procrastinate.
Whatevs. Pinterest biz sesh, anybody!? ??
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