How To Sell Prints As A Photographer

As a photographer, selling prints of your work can be a great way to monetize your passion and showcase your talent. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years, learning how to effectively sell prints as a photographer can help you reach a wider audience and increase your income.

In this article, I will help guide you through the process of selling prints as a photographer, covering everything from selecting the right images for your collection to providing excellent customer service.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to cull and select the right images for your print collection. This means choosing photographs that are not only visually stunning but also resonate with potential buyers. Consider what makes each image unique and why someone would want to hang it on their wall. By curating a collection that tells a story or evokes emotion, you’ll be able to attract customers who appreciate the artistry behind your work. Additionally, make sure to choose high-resolution images that will reproduce well in print form, as quality is key when it comes to selling prints.

Once you have selected your images, it’s important to consider the printing method, paper type, and size options that will best showcase your work. Research different printing companies or labs that offer high-quality prints and compare their prices and services. Experiment with different paper types such as matte or glossy finishes to see which enhances the aesthetics of each photograph. It’s also worth offering various size options to cater to different preferences and budgets. By providing a range of choices, you’ll be able to meet the diverse needs of potential buyers while maintaining control over the presentation of your artistry.

In conclusion, selling prints as a photographer requires careful consideration at every step – from selecting captivating images for your collection to delivering exceptional customer service. By following these guidelines and continuously honing your skills as both an artist and entrepreneur, you can successfully market and sell prints that reflect both innovation and creativity in photography.

 

 

Key Takeaways About How to Sell Prints As a Photographer

• Choose quality product suppliers that reflect well on your brand and help back-up the price point you’re selling at.
• Showcase artwork across your website and social media.
• Delivery options and customer service are crucial in selling prints as a photographer.
• Prompt and personalized customer service exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
• Clear communication channels like email or phone should be available for easy customer contact.
• Offering flexible delivery options and prioritizing customer satisfaction increase the likelihood of repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

 

 

 

Selecting the Right Images & Artwork for Your Print Collection

Choosing the perfect images for your print collection isn’t just about selecting the most visually appealing photos, but rather about curating a cohesive and emotionally captivating experience for your audience. And as I commonly say to photographers, when it comes to making more money with a strategic portfolio – emotion equals money.

When it comes to selecting the right images for your print collection, it’s essential to consider the preferences of your target market. Understanding what resonates with them will help you create a collection that speaks directly to their desires and emotions.

Conduct research, analyze trends in the photography industry, and study the work of successful photographers in your niche to identify which types of images are popular among your target audience. By doing so, you can ensure that your print collection aligns with their tastes and preferences.

In addition to understanding your target market’s preferences, it’s important to choose images that showcase your unique style and vision as a photographer. Your print collection should be a reflection of who you are as an artist and what sets you apart from others in the industry. Consider selecting images that highlight your distinct perspective, whether it’s through composition, subject matter, or use of light and color. This will not only make your collection stand out but also attract those who resonate with your artistic voice.

With careful consideration of both market preferences and personal style, you can curate a compelling print collection that captures attention and leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

Moving forward into choosing the right printing method, paper type, and size options allows you to bring these carefully selected images to life in a way that enhances their impact on viewers without overwhelming them with technical details.

 

 

Showcasing Print Photographic Artwork On Your Website & Social Media

As the saying goes, you will sell more of what you show more of. So, across your website and your social media, showcase artwork. Talk about artwork. Do some social media stories or reels that discuss the process of it. After all, your ideal client doesn’t know a thing about all the complexities of everything or the quality of what you have to offer unless you educate them. So, do exactly that.

On your niche pages, show artwork examples. They could be real sample examples with beautiful flat-lays or they could be digital mockup rooms that you can find on CreativeMarket, Artrooms, Canva, or a variety of other sources online. The bottom line, show them what the end result is. And if you are trying to sell prints as a photographer, then you need to show and educate more about photographic artwork.

As one example to this, most photographers have reviews on their website from former clients. And next to that review, ideally there is a photograph of that client right there. But what if instead of a digital photograph – it’s now artwork of that client up on that wall of theirs (or at least in a digital room mockup).

That way, people feel the end result from the review – and not just the digital delivery of a gallery.

Additionally, educate your website visitor about your process and how the final step is a gallery reveal and ordering appointment. That way, you are educating your prospect well before they even inquire. And that right there is part of the process about how to get a more targeted, qualified inquiry compared to just a generic one that only wants digitals (for this example).

 

 

Choosing the Right Printing Method, Paper Type, and Size Options

When it comes to offering your artwork, it’s essential to explore various printing methods, paper types, and size options. These choices can greatly impact the overall print quality and customer satisfaction.

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which printing method to use. There are several options available, including digital printing, giclee printing, and traditional photographic printing. Each method has its own unique characteristics and advantages, so it’s important to consider factors such as color accuracy, detail reproduction, and longevity when making your selection.

In addition to choosing the right printing method, you’ll also need to carefully consider the paper type for your prints. The paper you choose can significantly affect the final appearance of your artwork. Matte papers tend to have a more subdued look with minimal glare, making them ideal for displaying in well-lit areas or spaces with large windows. On the other hand, glossy papers offer vibrant colors and sharp details but may be prone to reflections in certain lighting conditions. Finally, there are also specialty papers available that can add texture or enhance specific qualities in your prints.

Does your ideal client want deckled edge prints? Do they want acrylic blocks? Do they want di-bond-backed acrylic wall art? Edge-wrapped canvasses? Do they want a certain color of frame or does your brand want to control the color of the frame? Do they want loose prints or only prints that are ready to hang? Do they want albums? If so, do they want linen covers or leather, or does your brand want to control that option too?

These are all things you need to take into consideration as you develop your print selling strategy before actually marketing and selling the physical artwork.

Now that we’ve discussed print quality and paper types, let’s move on to exploring various size options for your prints and how they can impact print fulfillment and customer satisfaction without compromising on quality or pricing considerations.

 

 

Setting Competitive Prices for Your Prints

To ensure your artwork stands out in a crowded market, it’s crucial to set prices that reflect the value and quality of your prints. Pricing strategies for photographers play a significant role in determining the perceived worth of your work, as well as attracting potential buyers.

One common approach is to consider factors such as material costs, time invested, and overhead expenses when setting prices. However, it’s essential to also take into account pricing psychology as well as market economics and the perception of your brand.

Research shows that customers often associate higher prices with superior quality and exclusivity. Therefore, strategically pricing your prints slightly higher than your competitors can give the impression of offering premium products. And equally, offering a lower price point for your artwork can imply that they are lower quality. So, don’t do the latter unless you are planning some form of high-volume strategy with a special niche that you are photographing.

Another effective pricing strategy is to offer different price points for various print sizes or limited editions. By providing options at different price ranges, you cater to a wider range of customers and increase the chances of making sales.

Additionally, consider implementing occasional discounts or limited-time promotions to create a sense of urgency among potential buyers. As an example to this, you might consider something like discounts around Black Friday or the holiday season to former clients who have already ordered artwork. Most clients typically don’t order more printed artwork months later, so it’s something to consider. And you can position the holiday discount as a client appreciation compared to just a random discount. It’s all about getting strategic with your copywriting/messaging.

In developing a marketing strategy for your print sales, it’s important to leverage these pricing strategies effectively while considering other aspects such as target audience analysis and promotional channels.

 

 

IPS (In-Person Sales) vs Non-IPS Considerations

IPS will help you make more money when trying to sell more printed artwork, period. Yes, you can sell with things like virtual IPS and even non-IPS, but in-person sales captures not only the attention of the customer, but it can also be a place where real scarcity is built into the sales workflow (reveal & ordering appointments).

Part of the IPS model is because it’s more “hand-held” with the customer experience and can feel more like a “boutique” model of doing business. It can feel more personalized and high-touch.

As an example in the car industry, you might be able to buy cars online these days, but you wouldn’t be able to buy a Ferrari without heading into the dealership and going through the sales process. And you can be dang sure that the Ferrari sales team is going to make sure you feel well taken care of.

Personally speaking, I don’t do IPS, and I know 100% that I am leaving money on the table. But personally, I don’t really care. Why? Because I diversify my revenue through things like real estate investing, education, website templates, and a coffee shop that I co-own with my father-in-law and wife. In-person sales just isn’t a passion of mine, so leaving some money on the table is okay with me since I replace that time with diversification of revenue with other things that bring me more joy than sales appointments.

Don’t get me wrong though – I still want my ideal clients to have gorgeous artwork on the wall. That’s why I still offer it to them and they still buy it – but simply through an online gallery software.

 

 

Developing a Marketing Strategy for Your Print Sales

Crafting a strategic marketing plan for your print sales involves leveraging effective pricing strategies, analyzing your target audience, and selecting the right promotional channels to create a visual feast of opportunities. Understanding your target audience is crucial in determining the most effective marketing tactics for reaching them.

Conduct market research to identify their preferences, interests, and purchasing behaviors. This information will help you tailor your marketing messages and promotional efforts to resonate with them on a deeper level. Additionally, both SEO and social media marketing can be a powerful tool in reaching and engaging with your target audience.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest provide an ideal space for showcasing your prints and connecting with potential customers who have a genuine interest in photography. And starting in the early 2020’s, TikTok has expanded reach to a younger generation. By sharing high-quality images of your work, utilizing relevant keywords and hashtags, and engaging with followers through comments and direct messages, you can build brand awareness and cultivate a loyal customer base.

For a luxury audience, it’s (usually) primarily about referrals. So, lean into those relationships with those your audience trusts. And by large, those particular people will be heavily dependent on your niche(s) that you photograph. (Consider joining my photography business mastermind so we can dive into this together and formulate a strategy that is dialed in for your unique brand & ideal client avatar).

Transitioning into the subsequent section about providing excellent customer service and delivery options is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction throughout the entire sales process. By offering prompt responses to inquiries or concerns through email or social media channels, you can establish trust with potential buyers even before they make a purchase.

Moreover, ensuring that each print arrives in perfect condition by using appropriate packaging materials demonstrates your commitment to quality customer service. Providing multiple shipping options allows customers to choose the method that best suits their needs while also offering expedited delivery for those who desire it.

By consistently exceeding expectations in terms of customer service and delivery options, you’ll not only increase repeat business but also generate positive word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers – which is priceless! And again, the higher budget audience very much values referrals – so, treat those client relationships like the  gold that they are.

 

 

Providing Excellent Customer Service and Delivery Options

Ensure your customers have an exceptional experience by offering various delivery options and prompt customer service that goes above and beyond their expectations. Customer satisfaction is key when it comes to selling prints as a photographer and providing excellent customer service is essential in achieving this.

To start, you can offer different shipping options to cater to the diverse needs of your customers. This could include standard shipping for those who are willing to wait a bit longer for their prints, as well as expedited shipping for those who need their prints delivered quickly.

In addition to offering various shipping options, it’s crucial to provide prompt customer service that exceeds expectations. Responding to inquiries or concerns in a timely manner shows your dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction. Going the extra mile by providing personalized assistance and addressing any issues promptly will leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Make sure you have clear communication channels such as email or phone available so that customers can easily reach out with any questions or concerns they may have. By prioritizing exceptional customer service and offering flexible delivery options, you’ll not only enhance the overall experience for your customers but also increase the likelihood of repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I effectively package and ship my prints to ensure they arrive in perfect condition?

To ensure that my prints arrive in perfect condition, I follow a set of packaging tips and shipping techniques.

First, I carefully select high-quality packaging materials such as acid-free tissue paper and archival sleeves to protect the prints from any damage during transit.

Next, I use sturdy cardboard mailers or tubes to prevent bending or crushing for loose prints. To further secure the prints, I place them between two pieces of foam board and wrap them tightly with bubble wrap.

Additionally, I always include a clear plastic sleeve or waterproof envelope for extra protection against moisture.

The above is if I self-fulfill.

But 95% of my client artwork orders are drop shipped directly by the chosen print/artwork supplier, and that order is processed automatically by the online gallery software that I use. (At the moment of this article, that is Pictime).

When it comes to shipping, I prefer using reputable courier services that offer tracking numbers so both myself and the buyer can track the package’s journey.

By following these packaging tips and shipping techniques, I can assure my customers that their prints will arrive in pristine condition every time.

 

What are some effective ways to promote and sell my prints online?

To effectively promote and sell my prints online, I utilize various online marketing strategies (some mentioned above), with a strong focus on search engine optimization (SEO) and backed by some social media advertising. By leveraging platforms like Instagram and Facebook, I can showcase my work to a wide audience and engage with potential customers in a meaningful way. Further than that, relationships for me have been key over the years. They did take a while to build, but keeping up with those relationships has proven very fruitful.

I also recommend creating visually stunning posts that highlight the unique qualities of each print, using captivating captions to generate interest and drive sales. Additionally, you can take advantage of targeted advertising options offered by various social media platforms to reach specific demographics who’re most likely to be interested in purchasing your prints. (You can run ad-based offers to the audience who has only visited the thank-you page of your website, as an example of an incredibly warm audience).

Through careful analysis of analytics and customer feedback, I continuously refine my marketing approach to maximize visibility and conversions. Ultimately, by employing these online marketing techniques, I’m able to effectively promote and sell my prints to customers worldwide while tapping into their desire for innovative artwork.

 

How can I protect my prints from being copied or reproduced without my permission?

Print protection techniques and watermarking prints are essential tools for photographers looking to protect their work from unauthorized reproduction. There are several effective methods to safeguard prints, such as using digital watermarks or embedding invisible copyright information into the image file.

Additionally, utilizing a unique signature style or logo can help establish brand recognition and deter potential infringers. It’s also crucial to educate oneself on copyright laws and register your work with the appropriate authorities to further strengthen legal protection.

That all said, I do not recommend watermarks on social media images or photographs on your website. If people screenshot there, so be it. We don’t want a watermark to distract your prospects when they make a buying decision – and we equally don’t want them to think we deliver photographs with watermarks on them for the final finished product.

By implementing these print protection techniques, photographers can ensure that their creations remain safe from unauthorized copying or reproduction, allowing them to focus on selling their prints and building a successful business.

 

Are there any legal considerations or licenses I need to be aware of when selling prints?

When selling prints as a photographer, it’s important to be aware of the legal considerations and licenses associated with your work.

Copyright infringement is a serious issue, and if someone reproduces or sells your prints without permission, you have the right to take legal action.

To protect your prints from such infringement, consider registering them with the Copyright Office and adding watermarks or digital signatures.

Additionally, offering different types of licenses for your prints can provide you with more control over their usage. For example, you could offer a limited license that restricts the number of reproductions or a commercial license that allows for commercial use.

It’s crucial to clearly communicate the terms and conditions of these licenses to buyers so they are aware of their rights and limitations.

By understanding the implications of licensing options and taking appropriate legal measures, you can safeguard your prints while still offering innovative and engaging artwork to your audience.

 

How can I build a loyal customer base and encourage repeat purchases of my prints?

To build a loyal customer base and encourage repeat purchases of my prints, I’ve implemented various strategies.

Firstly, I’ve introduced a loyalty program that rewards customers for their continued support. This program offers exclusive discounts, early access to new releases, and personalized recommendations based on previous purchases.

Secondly, I actively seek customer reviews and testimonials to showcase the quality and satisfaction of my prints. Positive reviews not only attract new customers but also reinforce trust and loyalty among existing ones.

Additionally, I aim to provide exceptional customer service by promptly addressing any concerns or inquiries. By prioritizing the needs and preferences of my customers, I can foster a sense of connection and ensure they remain engaged with my work.

Overall, these efforts contribute to the growth of a devoted customer base that consistently supports my photography business.

 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, selling prints as a photographer can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. By carefully selecting the right images for your print collection and choosing the appropriate printing method, paper type, and size options, you can ensure that your prints stand out in the market.

Setting competitive prices for your prints is essential to attract customers while still making a profit.

Additionally, developing a solid marketing strategy is crucial for reaching your target audience and increasing sales. Utilize social media platforms, create a visually appealing website or online store, and consider participating in art fairs or exhibitions to promote your work.

Lastly, providing excellent customer service and delivery options will help build trust with your buyers and encourage repeat business.

Remember, selling prints requires continuous effort and adaptation to stay relevant in an ever-changing market. Stay informed about current trends in photography and constantly seek feedback from customers to improve your offerings. With persistence and dedication, you can successfully sell prints as a photographer while showcasing your talent to the world.

 

Since you are here learning about how to sell prints as a photographer, you might be interested in learning more about photography business through the below resources:

• Custom Website Design For Photographers | Is It Worth It?
• 10 Expert Tips | How To Grow A Facebook Group
• A Photography Business Plan | Do You Need One
• Expert SEO For Photographers | Fluff-Free Tips & Real-World Strategies
• Photography Pricing | Top 5 Things To Consider