Look around and you’ll realize that photopgraphers’ websites are notoriously bad at capturing traffic and turning traffic into leads (most likely yours is too).

Good marketers will take advantage of every bit of traffic (whether it be online or offline) to collect leads.  On your website, you should be using webforms to capture the contact information of your visitors so you can follow up with them as leads, nurture those leads, and turn them into customers.  Whenever I teach this concept to photographers, the first question I get is, “What can I offer in exchange for the lead information?”.  So, I’ve listed a few ideas below.

Here are 10 easy ways to offer something on your website in exchange for contact information (in exchange for the lead).

1. Wallpaper/Screensaver – Offer a free download of some of your best work as desktop wallpaper or a screensaver.  This is an excellent way to get your work (with a logo or website) to be continually in front of your prospect.
2. Free Report – Offer a free report that is of interest to your prospects.  “10 Things to Know Before You Hire A Wedding Photographer” or “5 Ways to Get The Best When You Buy Photographic Art” are the types of free reports that might grab interest.
3. Newsletter – Allow visitors to stay up to date with your latest work by opting in to your weekly or monthly newsletter.
4. Members Only Area – Offer a members only area that people have to register for.  You’ll need to offer something valuable inside that members are interested in and that content or value will depend on the type of photography business you have.
5. Video Tutorials – Online video has become a simple and easy way to disseminate information.  Offer video tutorials to your prospects to set yourself up as the expert in your field.
6. Free Quote – You may only need to put up a form that allows the prospect to fill in the details of a job they need done.  You get the job requirements, figure out what you’ll charge, and send in a bid or a quote.  Even if you don’t get that particular job, you now have a lead you can follow up with for future work.
7. Coupons/Discounts - In some cases you may want to offer coupons or discounts for special occasions.  Go and head and offer a downloadable/printable coupon or discount from your website, but make sure you capture the lead in exchange for the coupon.
8. Special Portfolio Section – You can make a section of your portfolio be restricted only to those that register for it.  It could be your “Personal Work” or “Unseen Portfolio Items” or “Secret Portfolio”, but whatever you call it, make sure you collect at least a name and email or phone number so you now have leads.  People are interested in knowing what’s behind the “restricted” doors in life – they’ll fill out your form to get to your “restricted” work.
9. Email RSS Feed – If you have a blog, allow your visitors to get blog updates by email.  Put up a form for them to register and get automatic updates through Feedburner or a similar service.
10. Webinars/Teleseminars – Virtual live events have become a popular way to communicate with prospects and customers.  Offer a webinar or teleseminar where you educate, inform, talk about a new service you have available, give a special offer, anything of value to your prospects. Of course, have them register before hand.

There are countless ways to turn your website into a lead generating machine.  As you do so, you’ll suddenly realize how easy it can be to have a steady stream of income from your photography business.

Comment below and share what you’re currently doing to capture leads.

For more marketing tips, check this out!