Making Social Media Work for Photographers and Designers
If you run a photography or design business, you already know your work is visual. But sometimes, that makes social media feel tricky. How do you talk about what you do without just posting pretty pictures all day? Here’s how to use a simple three-part approach to connect with clients and grow your business.
Show What You Can Do (Offers)
People hire photographers and designers because they need something specific—a family portrait, a logo, a wedding album. Your social media should make it easy for them to see how you can help. Try these ideas:
- Before-and-after shots: Show a plain room and then your interior design work, or a raw photo next to the edited version.
- Package breakdowns: Post a photo with text overlay explaining what’s included in your “family session” or “brand identity” package.
- Sneak peeks: Share small clips of you editing a photo or sketching a design, then reveal the final product.
These posts help potential clients picture themselves working with you.
Let People See the Person Behind the Work (Behind-the-Scenes)
Your creative process is interesting—share it! This builds trust and makes you more than just another portfolio. Try:
- Your workspace: A quick video panning across your desk with design tools or camera gear.
- Work-in-progress: Snap a photo of your hand sketching or your computer screen mid-edit.
- Your why: Write a short caption about what you love about your work, paired with a casual selfie.
These don’t need to be polished. Phone videos and quick snaps work perfectly.
Share Your Knowledge (Authority)
You’re an expert in your field. Help people see that by sharing tips only a pro would know:
- Quick tips: “Three things to check before hiring a wedding photographer” or “How to prepare for a branding photoshoot.”
- Common mistakes: “Why your logo might not be working” with examples.
- Answer questions: Respond to client FAQs in short video clips.
This shows you know your stuff without sounding salesy.
Putting It All Together
Here’s what a balanced week might look like:
- Monday: Before-and-after of a recent project (Offer)
- Wednesday: Time-lapse of you editing a photo (Behind-the-Scenes)
- Friday: Tip about choosing the right colors for a logo (Authority)
You don’t need to post every day. Start with what feels manageable.
Making It Easy
Keep a folder on your phone with:
- Finished work to share as Offers
- Casual snaps from your workday for Behind-the-Scenes
- Notes about common client questions for Authority posts
When it’s time to post, you’ll have material ready.
Your visual business has a natural advantage on social media. By mixing what you sell, how you work, and what you know, you’ll attract clients who appreciate both your skill and your approach. Start small—your next post could be the beginning of a great connection.
