Listen on: Apple | Spotify | YouTube
UPDATED: December 2025
If winter has you curled up with a blanket, sipping something warm, and absolutely not in the mood to hustle, I’m right there with you. When Elizabeth Henson and I recorded this podcast episode, she showed up in a sloth Snuggie, and I had on a cute Christmas headband. That pretty much sums up our winter vibe …
Cozy. Comfy. A little silly. Zero desire to “crank it out.”
By the way, this episode is up on YouTube. If you’d rather see us hanging out while we podcast, go ahead and hit play. 👇
But cozy season doesn’t have to be a quiet season.
There are so many simple ways to keep your branding photography business visible this winter without leaving the couch. These ideas work in December, January, or anytime your energy dips and you want to keep your marketing soft, simple, and still intentional.
Liz said something I loved.
“Sometimes the simplest tasks become massive in our heads. But when you’re cozy at home, you can get them done in minutes.”
So let’s jump into the 10 cozy marketing ideas for branding photographers I’m unpacking with Liz that you can also try this winter.
No makeup needed. No pressure. Promise, this is no hustle.
1. Plan Your Content for the Month (or Quarter)
Winter is the perfect time to plan the content that supports where you’re headed. Maybe you’re prepping for spring sessions or gearing up for a business shift. Go grab your laptop, put on some chill music, and map out the next 30 days of:
- Reels
- Blog posts
- Email newsletters
- Behind-the-scenes stories
- Client features
Use whatever tool feels fun. Think of whatever keeps you organized, whether it’s Notion, Asana, Trello, Google Calendar, or your favorite notebook.
Planning when you’re relaxed always leads to better ideas, stronger messaging, and way less stress later.
2. Organize Your Phone B-Roll (or Capture Fresh Cozy Clips)
If you’ve ever said, “I know I filmed that clip somewhere,” this one is for you.
Create simple folders in your phone, like:
- Talking head
- Walking clips
- Behind the scenes
- Cozy b-roll
- Journaling
- Laptop work
When you sit down to create Reels, everything is ready to go.
And don’t underestimate simple, faceless clips …
Journaling. Pouring coffee. Typing on your laptop. Cozy socks walking by the tree.
These are gold for winter content when you’re spending more time indoors.
3. Create a New Opt-In and Welcome Sequence
If bookings are slower right now, this season is an ideal time to grow your list.
Create a simple, helpful freebie like:
- A mini guide
- A checklist
- A private video
- A “What to Wear” guide
- A brand shoot planning list
Then create a quick nurture sequence of 3 to 6 emails that:
- Deliver the opt-in
- Share value
- Introduce who you are
- Connect them to other platforms
- Invite them into a service or offer
Liz said this on the podcast and it’s so true.
“You can literally do it in a day. Create the opt-in, write the emails, then let it run on autopilot.”
Your list grows while you rest. That’s the dream.
4. Save Inspiring Hooks, Reels, and Ideas for Later
You’re already scrolling. Make it productive.
When you see:
- A great hook
- A Reel format you love
- A strong call to action
- A clever storytelling style
Save it into category folders so future-you can create content without starting from zero.
5. Refresh Your Website (without Overhauling It)
You don’t need a complete redesign. Just a few thoughtful touch-ups that make a big difference.
Cozy couch updates you can make:
- Swap outdated photos
- Update your About page
- Add fresh testimonials
- Refresh services or pricing
- Add CTAs to blog posts
- Add your current freebie
A few intentional tweaks help more visitors turn into clients.
6. Reconnect with Your Network and Referral Partners
Winter is the perfect slow season to nurture your relationships.
Send a thoughtful “Hey, thought of you because…” message to:
- Past clients
- Other photographers
- Referral partners
- Creative peers
- Local businesses
It keeps you top of mind in a warm, authentic way.
7. Engage with Dream Clients on Social
Instead of scrolling aimlessly, spend a few intentional minutes:
- Responding to stories
- Commenting on posts
- Replying to emails
- Sharing encouragement
Make a list of 5 to 20 dream clients and nurture those relationships. This is one of the easiest, most underrated ways to build trust and visibility.
And yes, you can do it wrapped in a blanket.
8. Promote Affiliate Tools or Create an Affiliate Funnel
If you’re already talking about tools you love, share your affiliate links.
Cozy-friendly ideas:
- Create a resource page on your site
- Add affiliate links to your newsletter
- Share your favorite tools in Stories
- Add a small note at the bottom of every email
You might as well earn passive income from what you’re already using.
Be sure to check out Flodesk, my favorite email marketing platform for small businesses. It’s designed to help you grow, nurture, and monetize your email lists—beautifully! Use my code ANGIEMCPHERSON to get 25% off your first year!
9. Show Up in Facebook Groups (Strategically)
Facebook groups are still very alive, especially in local and creative communities.
Spend a few minutes answering questions and offering value in groups where your clients hang out.
Pro tip Liz shared:
Create a bookmarks folder with your go-to groups so you stay consistent without falling into the scroll vortex.
10. Send or Schedule SMS Marketing
SMS marketing is rising fast, and winter is a great time to experiment.
Why photographers love it:
- Higher open rates than email
- Great for reminders, small promos, or “thinking of you” notes
- Perfect for mini launches
- Helps nurture clients between seasons
You don’t have to text daily. Even a monthly “Hey, hope you’re having a great week” can build a connection.
Final Thoughts: Cozy Season Can Still Be a Growth Season
Winter is naturally slower for many photographers, but slow doesn’t mean stagnant. These cozy marketing ideas help you keep your momentum, even when you’re resting.
Choose one to three things from this list. No pressure to do everything. Small shifts still move you forward.
As I shared on the podcast, “Relax and make small changes that still bring people into your world.”
Cozy season can be restful and profitable. You deserve both.
If you try any of these, send me a DM on Instagram (@angiejanine). I’d love to hear what you’re working on this winter.
