There is no denying that Henry Stratford knows how to attract attention on twitter. Once I noticed him on me feed, he seemed to be everywhere and not only twitter… Facebook and Google Plus too. It turns out that Henry is making an income by taking on the persona of his clients and “being them” on social media. In this episode, we concentrate on using Twitter for photographers.
With a love of photography and living in Japan, where it was and is tough to break into the wedding photography market, Henry has taken a different routs and while still loving and practicing photography, he has focussed on the photography niche and providing a service to people who lack the time to manage their own social media accounts.
Here's some more of what we cover:
Following this interview, you should be ready and able to tackle your twitter account, find new followers and strike up meaningful conversations that can lead to real relationships. Although some of Henry's strategies won't be for everyone, you'll at least have a good understanding of how some of the account owners work and the best way to get started if you want to give it a try.
What's on Offer for Premium Members
If you're a premium member, something different this week – you'll have received an email and access to a promo code to save you 50% off any video transcribing you need for the next month. We've talked a lot about the SEO benefits of transcribed video (and audio) on your website and blog… Now you have no excuse to give it a try.
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I'd love to know what your biggest takeaway is – what is the one thing that you'd like to implement or learnt from what was shared? Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you'd like to ask or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
If you'd like an easy way to show Henry your thanks, and support for the show at the same time, click the link to create a tweet and automatically let him know you're listening: https://photobizx.com/henry
The Resources Page
Remember the ever expanding resources page that has a listing of products, programs, hardware, books and directories mentioned in each episode of the show. If you’re looking for something that a guest has mentioned on a previous episode but just can’t remember who or what it was – you’ll find it listed in order on the resources page.
iTunes ratings, reviews and Shout-Outs
Each week before recording the podcast I check iTunes for any reviews and each week I'm excited to see what you've had to say about the podcast. This week I was blown away to see five fantastic reviews! Thanks you so much to:
Beaten Suitcase from Australia who I have since learned is Nicholas from http://www.iconicphotography.net in Canberra. Thanks mate, for leaving your rating and review, it's very much appreciated!
And Carabiner also from Australia and who I have since learnt is Josh from the Riding Focus Blog after meeting him at a local cycling race last weekend. If you check out this blog post, you can see me in action and some of Josh's terrific photography.
Sincerely, thanks so much for your ratings and reviews, I appreciate the time you've taken and it's a big help for the show. It's these iTunes reviews that make a big difference to the podcast being ranked well and found in the iTunes store. If you have the time and are happy to leave an honest rating and review, head over to iTunes.
Don't feel your comments have to be long, involved or gushy, an honest opinion is all I ask. Don't be shy about leaving your business name in the review either – that way I can add a link in the show-notes and show my appreciation with a proper thanks and a Google loving back-link to your website.
Get in Touch or Leave a Voicemail Message
If you'd like to get in touch, ask a question or make a suggestion for the show, you can email me [email protected], find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/andrewhellmich or on Facebook at https://photobizx.com/facebook – I'd love to hear from you!
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Website: http://henrystradford.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HenryStradfordPhotography
Twitter: https://twitter.com/henry_stradford
Google: https://plus.google.com/+HenryStradford/
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera
Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro Lens
Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 ED Lens
Talkwalker – get alerts when you, your business or targeted keywords are mentioned online
Tweetdeck – Twitter tool for real-time tracking, organising, and engagement
Twilert – monitor what’s being said about you and your brand on Twitter
That's it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
If you've been enjoying the podcast, I'd love for you to tell another photographer about it – it could be in a Facebook Group you're a part of, a photography forum, with a photographer friend or on twitter.
If you do have a twitter account, simply click here: https://photobizx.com/tweet or use the share buttons below.
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Big takeaway : talkwalker.
Thank you!
Awesome, thanks Anais.
Just replying to all my RT’s on Twitter and checking out Google Alerts! Thanks guys.
Cool, that’s something I haven’t been doing enough of either Rahim.
Started off thinking who is this w*nker and Andrew why are you interviewing this guy, that this he the reason why social media and twitter in particular get a bad rap, fake accounts, multiple accounts and setting up automation to tweet rss feeds. It may just be where I am in the business building process but listening to Henry I felt that he was an amateur faking it until he could make it.
That said, it did get better and my takeaways were;
1. The secret to success is to help people and
2. Everybody is a brand, you are your own brand and why you need to build on that brand if you want to be successful in your business.
(yes I just cut and pasted from your list, but you put it a little more eloquently than me)
3. Be organised and have a plan for your social media and web presence, posting frequently.
I made a point of visiting Henry’s site and twitter feeds, not surprisingly his stats are impressive
TWEETS 254K
PHOTOS/VIDEOS 30K
FOLLOWING 31.9K
FOLLOWERS 58.9K
Looking at his twitter feed though I could find no original content, all of it seeming to be automatically generated.
His website, again a HUGE amount of content, but lacking in original material, apparently all of it being reposting of articles, quoting people, cut and past reviews, guest posts, links to youtube videos, and on and on. The only original content, his “portfolio”, is all “street photography” and sorry Henry but I felt is was all pretty ordinary. I came away with the saying “he brought a camera and is now a photographer” ringing in my ears.
With all this content there is no insight into Henry, nothing personal here, but I suppose it does serve a purpose.
After listening to Henry I have to wonder how many of his “followers” are real and how many are just from multiple accounts set up to boost peoples numbers. Yes he may have a silly number of followers, but does that make him successful?
I can see how some people would love this style of personal brand promotion, but sorry Andrew, this podcast just did not do it for me.
And Henry, sorry, but this is how your “brand” and “package” came across to me.
Tony
That said, I wish my website/blog/twitter activity was as organised as yours, just with personal content.
Hey Tony – really appreciate your detailed comments.
I’ve pulled this episode from iTunes and realise my mistakes in publishing this interview which is no fault of Henry’s.
I missed the mark here and have learnt a good lesson.
From a photography point of view, this podcast didn’t really have much soul nor substance. I’m sure it was good for Henry’s exposure but it did feel more like a (very subtle) plug for his services. Aside from Tweetdeck & Twilert, there was very little mention of other social media management tools eg. Zoot Suite, or more detailed advice on how to use these tools for effective social media marketing. To balance, he did focus mostly on Twitter and mention Google alerts, tweet replies, retweets etc etc. There were a few opportunities in this interview for more detailed questions and as most people think that Google+ is a dying cause, why not ask Henry what’s the next big thing in social media? I also agree with Tony Gay above and cant help but question how many of his ‘followers’ are real. No offence Andrew, but IMHFO, this interview was kinda lame and lacklustre.
Hi Jay – thanks for adding your comments, it’s a shame that it took a disappointing episode to hear your views.
I agree with you, I totally missed the mark with this interview which is no fault of Henry’s.
I’ve pulled it from iTunes and have learnt a valuable lesson.
Namaste. Have a good life. Thanks for the comments 😀
終わり。。。
Hi Henry,
You know I haven’t actually listened yet, but I did hear that this episode got pulled, so me being the nosy person I am decided to head over and give it a listen. The reason I did not listen before is I just don’t have much to say on Twitter and I dont know how to find my clients on there. I can connect with you know like other photogs and such but no reason to spend my time in a place that could be better spent with talking to potential clients. Im sure you will cover this in the interview and Im about to listen, and after reading the comments I am very intrigued actually. I will not come back and leave you a bad ‘review’ however because I don’t believe in judging people, if its your ‘thing’ to create accounts and fake linkbacks to your own stuff, then so be it man. To each their own right! 🙂 I just wanted to offer you a word of encouragement and tell you that the only person you need to compare yourself to IS you. So if you feel you are 100% real and that is your brand then rock it on Henry! Be Blessed and Be inspired!
Andrew,
I applaud you tremendously on you owning the mistake the way you did. I was shocked to listen how you admitted being a bit ‘hesitant’ and put it out there anyways and how deeply regretful you are due to the lack of sufficient information for the audience. I admire ANYONE that can own up to their mistakes, say ‘I did it, and I am sorry and it won’t happen again” that is awesome and shows true character and loyalty to only producing the best possible show.
P.s. I heard your ‘hint’ about my long comment lol Sorry, I will email you next time if I have a list and maybe you can email to the photog for me. You can delete it if you wish. Didnt mean to upset you.
You also be blessed and I look forward to next week!
Thank you Tara! Apparently there were comments that I wasn’t able to see? Since I left my last comment, I haven’t been back.
There were so many questions left out that should have been asked, it made me look like a crook :)) No fault of Andrews. He only had a certain amount of time for the interview. Only my customers know exactly what we do as partners.
Anyway, thank you for reaching out.
Cheers!
Henry
P.S I got quite a few potential clients from the interview. We will work together to take as much business from other photographers as possible :))
Hey Henry, good to read your comments here. None of the comments have been removed or edited, I’ve left everything as is.
The last thing I intended to do was make you look like a crook! I don’t think anyone got that perception, not that I know of anyway.
I actually had a call from a listener that has hired you which was great to hear. I can see that your services would be a good fit for some businesses but not for the majority of listeners that are small business operators who want to control every aspect of their social media.
Thanks again for doing the interview.
Andrew
P.S How lovely is Tara for adding her comments.
I just listened and I don’t think you seemed like a crook at all! I think its just another way and another outlet to market! I actually got some good info about Google +, twitter as well. If I had money to do it I would actually hire you to help me with my social media, but I am having a big drought in my business right now and just waiting on the Lord to bless it and bring me out of it. Anyways, I just sent you a twitter DM “i learned that term see!” tweet and am following you! I think your interview was fine, just maybe ‘unorganized’ a bit and that is OKAY because there is such thing as failure as far as Im concerned there are only experiences that are stepping stones to greater oppurtunities. For instance, you said you got new clients, thats awesome, I also am interested in learning more about what you might be able to do for me! my email is [email protected] on fb I am on facebook.com/taraevelandphotos and my website is actually linked below with the comment luv thing to my latest blog post!
Be Blessed & Be Inspired and keep doing what you know and love! BUT
p.s. take a day off and get your wife some flowers, leave the phone at home, no technology, get out of ‘the room’ and remind her that she comes first 🙂 okee dokee 🙂 God bless and thank you for coming on the show!
Thanks for your comments Tara… Much appreciated.
As for your long comment/questions… I loved them! I think you may have scared Dean though 🙂
Awww, I’m sorry, I honestly just LOVED him and his voice I could listen to all day him telling his story. I really really want him to come back on, or would you possibly email him for me and ask him if its all right if possibly I myself get into contact with him? Maybe a phone chat? You said you might be able to get him back on the show, I just think that a new interview with more in depth of the how, what, ect. would be awesome! i realize you only have so much time (although I would seriously listen and love more time in most of the interviews! so maybe you can consider not putting a time limit on ones you know are going to be particularly interesting, as long as the photographer or whoever is okay with it as well)
Also I have another suggestion Im going to send you via the contact form 🙂 please let me know what you think of it, i think its brilliant but its your show! 🙂
Absolutely you can contact Henry – I’m sure he’d be delighted to hear from you Tara.
Time is a tough thing in regard to the interviews. When setting up the recordings I need to be conscious of the guests time and if they give me an hour, I absolutely do my best to stick to the hour. Where possible, I’m happy to keep going… I love to chat.
Loved your email Tara and have replied. Looking forward to hearing back.
Although I don’t post to Twitter often, I found this episode to be insightful and helpful. I may start to push clients toward following me on Twitter. Thanks!