| Author | Thread |
|
|
12/19/2007 10:24:35 AM · #26 |
Good Luck!!! You got the talent and mind set to make it work!
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 10:26:19 AM · #27 |
Good luck! Making a living solely from photography is something more than a few of us here would love to do one day I am sure.
A few constructive criticisms of your website, since you asked so nicely :) :
- Your menu is perhaps a little confusing. It seems a little bit jumbled. Maybe group all the photo galleries together, and all the info together and so on, so its easier to find what you want. The size difference of some of the options makes them seem more important than others, which I don't know is true.
- "The Tool Box" page could maybe do with a title, and the headers of each of the sections could be clearer. It took me a while to work out what it was all about.
- I'm not so sure about the blurb at the bottom of your pages: "Our primary goal... * Fine Art *". It seems to dominate every page. I guess that might be what you are after but personally I would have it as a part of your homepage, and if you want it on the rest perhaps make it a little more subtle.
- On a pickier note about that you have: "Our primary goal at Penrod Studios... I enjoy photographing...". Changing it to "My..." and "I..." or "Our..." and "We...", might make it read a little better.
Thats my 2C for now. Hope they don't sound too petty, but figured I might as well point out things I have noticed.
Phil |
|
|
|
12/19/2007 11:13:53 AM · #28 |
Again, thanks so much for the warm wishes, guys. You've really helped to bolster my confidence :)
I agree that the website is looking a bit busy. I'm working on ways to simplify it. Please remember I am NOT a web designer and I'm in the contstraints of smugmug space -- that said though, I have learned a lot in the last couple of weeks about editing my own site. I'll continue to work on it. I made the one gallery name in the toolbar larger because several people who had visited my site said they never saw or didn't notice that link and honestly, I think its the most important place for prospective clients to look.
As for sports shooting -- well, its just not my bag. My children are 15 & 18, so don't go to little league games, etc. I really have no contact with children's sports teams at this point and not sure I want to start. I may rethink that, though in time.
PS, I implemented a few other suggestions already. This helps so much, guys - I really needed other eyes on the site besides my own.
Message edited by author 2007-12-19 11:19:10.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 11:44:20 AM · #29 |
do you find giving a large print free (or cheap) discourages a sale of a large print?
anyone ask for a larger print in place of the 11x14, using the 'value' of the 11x14 as a credit toward the larger print?
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 11:45:06 AM · #30 |
I've had several comments about the image for the January mailer. So I'm curious, who would prefer one of these alternates instead?
original:
[thumb]623706[/thumb]
Alternates:
[thumb]623973[/thumb] [thumb]623974[/thumb]
Also a few have commented that they're not fond of the colors. I'm afraid those have to stay for now because I am trying to be very consistent with branding & my website, business cards, etc... all match this scheme.
Message edited by author 2007-12-19 11:46:01.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 12:17:46 PM · #31 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
do you find giving a large print free (or cheap) discourages a sale of a large print?
anyone ask for a larger print in place of the 11x14, using the 'value' of the 11x14 as a credit toward the larger print? |
I haven't had anyone ask for credit for a larger print, yet. If they do, that's fine.
Like I said earlier, I think giving them a larger print gets them in the mindset of owning portraits larger than 8X10 (which most people think is big). My studio and office displays are almost exclusively 16X20s and larger. I want people to think of 8X10 as an album or "gift" print.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 01:02:36 PM · #32 |
Of the 3 promo pieces ... I care for the first one the least. The two new pieces I think target different niches. I prefer the last one (the family one) but could see the one of the kid being very successful too (though I don't like the cyan letters on white background).
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 01:03:34 PM · #33 |
| Cindi, just wanted to chime in and repeat what has been the consensus... you're going to do great. With the additional time you'll have available to market and work on developing the business, I think that a 60% increase should be an easy target, especially given your level of talent and professionalism. Go get 'em! |
|
|
|
12/19/2007 02:16:46 PM · #34 |
Originally posted by idnic:
I've had several comments about the image for the January mailer. So I'm curious, who would prefer one of these alternates instead?
original:
[thumb]623706[/thumb]
Alternates:
[thumb]623973[/thumb] [thumb]623974[/thumb]
|
I much prefer either of your alternates over your first choice.
I think the images selected fit the "precious" tag line much better.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 02:34:46 PM · #35 |
Hi Cindi. I wish you luck on your new endeavor, although you don't need luck--you have a natural talent that shows in all your work.
I just wanted to throw something out there and get feedback from others. How does everyone feel about naming your business after your own name? Would potential clients rather go with a more established-sounding company name such as "Sunshine State Photography" or "The Photo Group"? Or would they prefer a company name such as "John Doe's Photography" or "Smith Studios"?
I had my own business in the software engineering field some years back and my anecdotal research leaned toward a more "corporate" feel, not a garage outfit. Granted my clients were large enterprises, so I'm thinking the larger the client, the less they wanted to deal with a "mom-and-pop" shop.
Photography business is definitely much different than the technology field. I guess it all depends on what clientèle one is after.
Whar are everyone's thoughts? Opinions?
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 03:49:13 PM · #36 |
Cinci, you'll kick ass!!!
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 04:38:58 PM · #37 |
I want to wish you the best of luck Cindi, although I doubt that any luck will be required. In a way I'm a little jealous. I'm sure losing the security blank is scary, but you now have a chance to make a business out of what you love to do. I had put myself on the two year plan to move out from under the security blanket, but the blanket always gets the higher priority and nothing moves a fast as I would like. I would love to hear more about this as you progress.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 04:54:28 PM · #38 |
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
I just wanted to throw something out there and get feedback from others. How does everyone feel about naming your business after your own name?
...
What are everyone's thoughts? Opinions? |
Like everything in life, there are compromises. In PA if you use your own name there is no paperwork to fill out. Sunshine Photo (or whatever) means filing a DBA with the state, running legal notices in the paper, etc. Takes time and costs money. So I cheaped out to a degree, but am considering a 'name' for a studio when I open a 'main street' studio type place.
As to the benefits of one over the other...
Name it after yourself: People assume what? Small business, one person business? More personalized service perhaps, more integrity. They expect you to take all the pictures. Only the owner can handle a customer (so many assume)
More corporate name: assumed to be a larger business, more professional/organized, less personal, anyone may be taking the pictures (great if you want to expand!). Anyone can handle the customer just fine.
Many 'corporate' entities are named after the person that started them - Ford, Dodge, Tiffany's, Sears, McDonalds and just as many not.
I would think that the big photo or artist names do some work, but are as much figureheads as workerbees. Reality is one thing, perception another I suppose.
A male or female name on the masthead may make a difference...Sports by Judy or Babies by Bob are probably harder sells than a corporate name might be.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 05:14:47 PM · #39 |
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Cinci, you'll kick ass!!! |
yeah, what he says!!!
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 06:45:01 PM · #40 |
Originally posted by biteme:
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Cinci, you'll kick ass!!! |
yeah, what he says!!! |
Even with the name change, I appreciate the confidence! ;)
This is one of my musings from today -- not sure what I'll do with it though....
[thumb]624047[/thumb]
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 07:33:06 PM · #41 |
bout damn time ;-)
just a couple comments...
1) the images used in mailers, postcards, email, and other mass-marketing efforts would be model released.
2) even though you've put a ton of effort and had a lot of help getting your smugmug site the way you like it, now, more than ever, you need a real, truly professional online host, both from cost and appearance perspectives. sorry for stepping on toes, but i just call them as i see them. when your customer orders through smugmug, smugmug believes and behaves like they are really smugmug's customers--they don't give you full contact information, and every thing that gets shipped to your customers says smugmug all over it. they also charge almost twice as much as what you should be paying...really, wouldn't you want to make $90 on a $100 sale as opposed to making maybe $80? how would that feel if you were doing $20,000 a year in online sales... there are a lot of nice things about smugmug, but when you list out all the pros and cons, from a purely professional standpoint, it's almost a no-brainer ;-)
have a blast! |
|
|
|
12/19/2007 07:41:15 PM · #42 |
About the colour of the marketing material - I think you could safely make the leading text white (the single word on brown banner), making it pop more, and leave the rest as-is. That might be a good move.
About mass e-mail: I'm sure you know this, but make sure you send your e-mail ads only to those customers expecting to receive something from you. You can potentially irreparably damage your business by sending unsolicited mail to those people with whom you don't already have a relationship. |
|
|
|
12/19/2007 09:23:57 PM · #43 |
Originally posted by Skip:
bout damn time ;-) |
Ya think?!?!?! I expect you to pop down & help out when you have all that fee time! ;)
I'm on budget lockdown right now until I can see a bit farther into the future so major website changes are a bit down the road. But I totally get what you're saying. Right now I can only do what I can do with effort, blood, sweat, tears, all that jazz. lol
Louis, I have portrait clients sign a standard release when I shoot them so they know they could end up in advertisement or on my website. I haven't had anyone say no yet. I do have one mommy who has come back 3 years in a row now who won't allow me to put her kid's last name anywhere in the universe, but doesn't mind if he's all over the website. :)
I do like your idea of changing that text to white - its the only color I wouldn't object to in that space. Will give it a try. As for my mass-email list; I'm referring to the collection of emails I've grown for the last 4 years. People who have either been here, requested info but didn't book, left comments on the website, etc.. its a pretty big list. If I do a mailing (postal) it will be from purchased adresses; I'm still pricing that one - remember budget lockdown.
Today I sent a quote to the director of another Fire Department (not the one I'm volunteering with) who wants publicity & documentary shots for his district. Its an odd lead, but heh, its a lead. Besides, I've really been having fun shooting FD stuff and have made lots of new contacts.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 09:41:21 PM · #44 |
Cindi,
I just noticed this, I haven't been following this thread. I'm sure you're going to do great, even if times are a little tight in the beginning. You have the go-getter attitude that's required for success.
Here's an offer for ya: fly me down to Florida and I'll help out for a while, plus do all the cooking :-)
On a more practical note, I seem to be the only one but I really, really dislike the choice of the turd-brown color scheme for your promotional materials. There's nothing at all uplifting or exciting about it. But if you DO use it, for heaven's sake don't couple it with that aqua type color. It makes me think of the scene, you know the one, with the candy bar in the swimming pool and everyone leaping screaming out of the water... :-)
R.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 10:35:37 PM · #45 |
Oh, Robert! I have extra room AND a clean kitchen! My dogs would love Karma! Maybe I can find ya a redeye tomorrow! :D lol
K, here's the reasoning behind the Tiffany's blue & chocolate color scheme....I want the site to be fresh & modern so I started watching the trends. Walk into any major retail stores & look at the colors in swimwear, dishes and stationary (and patterns, etc.). Look at the home shows and home stores, what colors are on the drapes, artwork, wall paint. Anyway... that & some online searches brought me to that scheme. Its everywhere in the retail world right now. Target, for example has that combination in almost every department in the store. can't say its my favorite combo either, if I had my way the world would be dark red & white lol.
Anyway, its locked in for the time being as I just ordered a ton of cards 'n stuff right after I themed the website with those colors.
|
|
|
|
12/19/2007 11:59:27 PM · #46 |
Originally posted by idnic:
Oh, Robert! I have extra room AND a clean kitchen! My dogs would love Karma! Maybe I can find ya a redeye tomorrow! :D lol
K, here's the reasoning behind the Tiffany's blue & chocolate color scheme....I want the site to be fresh & modern so I started watching the trends. Walk into any major retail stores & look at the colors in swimwear, dishes and stationary (and patterns, etc.). Look at the home shows and home stores, what colors are on the drapes, artwork, wall paint. Anyway... that & some online searches brought me to that scheme. Its everywhere in the retail world right now. Target, for example has that combination in almost every department in the store. can't say its my favorite combo either, if I had my way the world would be dark red & white lol. |
Well, I guess that makes sense; it's not personal preference but marketing research. How can I argue with that?
As for the redeye, let's discuss it after New Year's. I'm actually semi-serious, it's cold up here right now :-) Have knives, will travel. How's your pots 'n pans situation?
R.
|
|
|
|
12/20/2007 12:36:54 AM · #47 |
Cindi
I'm thrilled for you and this wonderful opportunity (even if it was not by choice.) You'll do well.
On your flyer, you'll want to change "recieve" to "receive". It will make a difference to some. ;-) |
|
|
|
12/20/2007 01:03:14 AM · #48 |
Wow! What a scary, wonderful, life changing, thrilling opportunity!
You will do great cause you have the talent, creativity and a strong business sense. Good luck Cindi! |
|
|
|
12/20/2007 10:58:05 AM · #49 |
I see where you are going with the color scheme and love it! Brown is the new black and aqua goes right along with it..well and pink to but I just love pink. Men just don't understand style. ;-) @bear
Originally posted by idnic:
Oh, Robert! I have extra room AND a clean kitchen! My dogs would love Karma! Maybe I can find ya a redeye tomorrow! :D lol
K, here's the reasoning behind the Tiffany's blue & chocolate color scheme....I want the site to be fresh & modern so I started watching the trends. Walk into any major retail stores & look at the colors in swimwear, dishes and stationary (and patterns, etc.). Look at the home shows and home stores, what colors are on the drapes, artwork, wall paint. Anyway... that & some online searches brought me to that scheme. Its everywhere in the retail world right now. Target, for example has that combination in almost every department in the store. can't say its my favorite combo either, if I had my way the world would be dark red & white lol.
Anyway, its locked in for the time being as I just ordered a ton of cards 'n stuff right after I themed the website with those colors. |
|
|
|
|
12/22/2007 10:01:22 AM · #50 |
Anyone really good at writing business plans? I've been banging my head against this for days (mostly 'cause I don't like to do it, but I understand the necessity).
|
|
