So lately, I’ve been getting a lot of DMs and emails from photographers asking the same questions over and over …
- “How do I book more branding clients?”
- “How do I find the right clients in my city?”
- “How do I get people to actually fly me out for shoots?”
If you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’re definitely not alone.
And honestly, those are all part of the bigger question so many photographers ask me: how to market your branding photography business in a way that actually books branding clients.
Being a branding photographer can feel like you’re always on. You’re juggling back-to-back shoots, creating content for your clients, keeping up with your own marketing… and still trying to stay visible enough to book the next one.
I’ve been right there too. 🙋🏽♀️
That’s why I want to simplify things for you today.
I actually talked about this in the YouTube video below. So if you’d rather watch, hit play! But if you’re more of a reader, keep scrolling because I’m breaking it all down for you here too.
There are just two strategies you really need — the same ones that have worked for me, my Growth Lab students, my peers, and my clients:
1️⃣ A strategy to go out and find and connect with clients, and
2️⃣ A strategy to help clients find and connect with you.
That’s it. Two clear lanes. When you go all in on both, you’ll start to see that steady, consistent flow of clients who are excited to work with you.
Strategy #1: Go Out and Connect With Your Dream Clients
Let’s start with the first part of your marketing strategy: you going out and finding clients.
This is the part where you roll up your sleeves and do the work. You don’t need to try every strategy or be on every platform. What matters most is finding what feels natural for you and going all in on that.
I find this strategy really effective because it keeps you visible, consistent, and connected to the right people.
When you show up—online or in person—you’re not just promoting your work, you’re letting people see the heart behind your business.
Using Social Media & Groups to Find Clients
Let’s start online.
If you’re not already active in Facebook groups, now is the time. I’m talking about the groups where your potential clients actually hang out.
Maybe it’s a local community for small business owners or an industry group where people talk about entrepreneurship and marketing.
I’ve personally booked so many branding clients just by showing up in the right Facebook groups.
I’m not talking about dropping links or pitching yourself left and right. I mean genuinely engaging.
Answering questions, offering encouragement, and being visible.
People notice that energy.
One of my favorite success stories came from this exact strategy.
Some photographers in my community joined a Facebook group after one of my lives, followed this advice, and messaged me later saying they booked shoots from it.
It works when you stay consistent.
And then there’s Instagram. I love Instagram because it allows me to connect in such a personal way.
You don’t need a perfectly curated feed. What draws people in is the real stuff.
Share the behind-the-scenes moments. Show what a session looks like, how you direct your clients, and what your editing process feels like.
I love showing the unfiltered parts of my work—me on set, laughing with clients, or talking through ideas—because that’s what builds connection and trust.
When people see you showing up as yourself, they’ll start thinking, “She’s the one I want to work with.”
Creative In-Person Client Outreach
Now let’s move offline for a bit.
I always encourage photographers to find ways to connect with potential clients in person. You’d be surprised how many opportunities you’ll find just by getting out in your community.
For me, one of my favorite things to do is visit our local farmers’ market every Saturday. My family comes with me, and while my kids are grabbing cookies and shaved ice, I’m chatting with small business owners at their booths.
Sometimes I’ll notice a vendor with amazing products but no recent social media updates or low-quality photos. So I’ll take out my camera and ask if I can snap a few quick photos. I’ll send them the images afterward. No strings attached.
That simple gesture often turns into a full branding shoot later.
That’s why I tell photographers to bring their camera everywhere. Whether it’s a coworking space, a local event, or your favorite café. You never know when a small conversation will turn into your next big client.
It doesn’t have to feel like marketing.
It’s about being open, curious, and intentional with your presence. When people see your passion and generosity in action, they remember you.
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Strategy #2: Attract Clients Straight to Your Inbox
Now let’s move on to the second half of your marketing strategy: creating ways for clients to find you.
This is the part where you stop chasing and start attracting.
Showing up got me booked. Prioritizing my marketing took me to the next level.
Once I made marketing part of my plan (not an afterthought), everything changed. I started creating content intentionally and consistently.
It became part of my weekly rhythm, right up there with client shoots and editing sessions. And that shift made all the difference.
Here’s how you can make it work in your own business.
Blogging and Content Marketing
Let’s start with blogging.
Blogging is one of the best ways to get found on Google.
If you’ve ever wondered how clients stumble upon your website out of nowhere, chances are, it’s through a blog post.
That’s exactly how a national company found me for a headshot session. They typed in my city and “headshot photographer,” landed on a blog post I wrote years ago, and booked me right away.
That’s the power of consistent blogging.
Here’s what you can do:
✨ Turn your recent shoots into blog posts that showcase your work, highlight your clients’ stories, and include your location keywords.
✨ From there, use opt-ins or lead magnets to collect emails and stay connected with those visitors. It could be something as simple as a free guide like “Top 5 Branding Photoshoot Locations in [Your City].” When people download it, they join your email list, and now you have a way to keep nurturing them directly — no algorithm needed.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just talk about the shoot, the transformation, and what made it special.
I treat this whole process like client work. It gets a dedicated spot on my calendar. Because when you treat your marketing seriously, it starts bringing serious results.
Leveraging Platforms and Content Distribution
Let’s talk about visibility — getting your work in front of more people through content that truly represents you.
One of the best things I ever started doing was booking my own branding photoshoots. Yes, I practice what I preach.
View this post on Instagram
When I first did it, it wasn’t just about getting cute photos. It was about showing up for my brand the same way I encourage my clients to show up for theirs.
That post did so well because it showed the human side of what I do.
It reminded my audience that I’m not just a photographer; I’m also a business owner investing in her brand.
And those photos? I use them everywhere.
On my website, in my blogs, on Pinterest. Literally all over.
Having that consistent, professional imagery makes my entire online presence feel cohesive and instantly recognizable.
Now, let’s talk about how you can do the same with your content.
Pinterest is one of my secret weapons.
I pin every branding session and make sure to use vertical photos with my city and niche in the captions. Over time, that visibility builds serious traffic.
People searching for “branding photographer in [your city]” can still find you months after you’ve published the post.
Instagram is another favorite of mine because it’s where I get to really connect and share behind-the-scenes moments.
I love posting Reels, Stories, and little snippets from client shoots.
These give people a peek into what it’s like to work with you and help build trust and personality before they even inquire.
And here’s the best part: it doesn’t have to be complicated.
You can repurpose the same content across all your platforms. One good shoot can give you enough visuals for your website, Pinterest pins, Reels, and blog graphics for months.
So keep showing up, create content that reflects you, and use every platform where your ideal clients are already hanging out.
Other Effective Platforms
Finally, don’t sleep on platforms like LinkedIn.
It’s an incredible space for professional networking and promoting your offers, especially branding mini sessions or corporate shoots. I’ve had people find me there, click through to my site, and book a branding shoot.
And here’s the best part — you don’t have to be everywhere.
Choose the platforms you genuinely enjoy and where your audience is already active. When you love how you’re showing up, it’s so much easier to stay consistent.
That’s really the key: consistency.
Because when you show up regularly and keep your marketing system simple and strategic, clients will start finding you.
Start Showing Up Like the Brand You’re Building
If you’ve been caught in that cycle of “get booked, disappear, repeat” (or maybe not getting booked at all), it’s time to shift things up a bit. Try this:
- ✨ Join a few Facebook groups where your dream clients are already hanging out. Show up, share helpful tips, answer questions, and let people naturally see your expertise and personality shine.
- ✨ Bring your camera everywhere. Whether it’s a farmers market, a local event, or just exploring your city. You never know when a candid moment might turn into a future client connection.
- ✨ Block off 1–2 hours this week to create a few short-form videos or grab some b-roll at your next shoot. Consistent visibility builds trust faster than you think.
- ✨ Write down your top 3 client FAQs and turn them into simple, valuable posts. (If they’re asking, others are too!)
- ✨ Treat marketing like client work. Add it to your calendar as protected, non-negotiable time — blogging, email marketing, engaging on social, or building connections. It all moves the needle.
You don’t have to overhaul your business overnight. You just have to start showing up like the brand you’re building.
And if you’re wondering how to market your branding photography business in a way that actually gets results.
This is where it starts: small, consistent action. 🔥
I’m cheering you on every step of the way! 🫶🏽
