Marketing is based on experimentation. We’re constantly trying to figure out what tactics will build our business and which ones are better left alone. And while one marketing tactic can work well for one person, it may not work well for you.
So, as you figure out what marketing tricks and tips to implement in your photography business, keep in mind that trial and error may play an important role. Whether you decide to use a third-party to expand your online presence or try boosting your website with basic SEO tools, we’ve compiled five real estate photography marketing ideas to consider! You’d be surprised to learn how useful real estate photography insurance can be as well, so let’s get started!
Tip #1: Sign Up For Stilio
Stilio is an online platform that connects real estate photographers with real estate agents. If you’re looking to network and connect with more people who are looking for real estate photographers, Stilio might be for you. Here’s how to get started with them:
Fill out their online application: Once your submission is approved, you’ll have access to your online portfolio where you can add images, service areas, travel fees, and more!
Connect with realtors: When a real estate agent is ready to book your services, they can simply place a photo shoot order—this order will include the listing locations, types of services needed, times, and dates—and you will receive a notification through Stilio’s messaging center.
Book or request a different time: If an order comes through with scheduling out of your availability, you can request a different time for the photo shoot. This makes it easy for you to plan your day as you see fit. Plus, you can also sync Stilio’s calendar with your Google calendar!
Learn more about Stilio here.
Tip #2: Search for Real Estate Listings
While some real estate agents are proactive and hire a photographer, there are many who simply take images on their phones and add them to their listings.
In a realtor’s world, time is of the essence and the sooner a listing goes online, the sooner they can find a potential buyer for the home. Unfortunately, this common realtor tactic can make any real estate photographer cringe—we know you’re well aware that photos can make or break a listing.
Check out real estate sites, such as Realtor.com, Zillow, or Trulia and find listings with low-quality images. This tactic can give you an opportunity to pitch yourself to potential clients by phone or email and offer a post-processing service.
Tip #3: Lock Down Your Niche and Boost Your SEO Efforts
Whether you love taking pictures of commercial properties, single-family homes, or high-rise apartments, it’s important your website reflects your specialties. Once you lock down your real estate niche, you can lock down your target market and increase your SEO efforts.
Through your efforts, keep in mind that these common SEO tactics won’t automatically boost your site to number one on Google search but they may help increase your online visibility.
When doing SEO you should consider the following:
Include your location: When you include a specific location on your site, it may help you appear in a local Google search and help you gain more clients. Try to include your location in your website header for starters!
Check out search volume: You can run a basic keyword search using tools like SEMRush or Wordtracker, where you can find search volume and related keywords you may want to include in your online marketing efforts.
Tip #4: Offer Drone Photography
With the popularity of drones on the rise, offering drone photography is a great way to keep a leg up on the competition. Many real estate listings feature drone photography because it gives potential buyers a better understanding of the property from a bird’s eye view and will show where the property line falls. Drone photography is also useful for large, unique properties that need to be captured from a higher angle.
Don’t forget to insure your drone gear!
Tip #5: Get Covered Before Your Next Photo Shoot
One easy tip you can implement into your business today is purchasing real estate photography insurance! Our policies are designed to meet the specific needs of your real estate photography business. When you sign up for a policy, you have exclusive access to our online badge which you can feature on your site. This badge can signal customers that you are invested in your business and will, therefore, be invested in them.
We hope these real estate marketing ideas are helpful and we wish you the best of luck as you take your business to new heights!