514: Katie Phillips – Photography exhibitions as a marketing strategy and much more

Premium Members, click here to access this interview in the premium area.

Katie Phillips of www.katiephillipsphotography.com.au is a country girl based in rural Australia who focuses on ​families, couples and babies in her photography business.

It was the following message that had me request this interview. She wrote…

Hi Andrew,

 

I know it's very late notice, but I wanted to invite you to my exhibition opening.

 

It started as a marketing strategy to get clients in the door, but now it's morphed into something much bigger.

 

The project has been an incredible experience and one that's been a fantastic source of income.

 

The first time I did this in 2021, I was able to book my entire year from one Facebook ad and generate almost $75000 income.

 

This year was a bit different as I had to pull it together in about two months, but it's bigger and better — in a proper gallery (last time, it was in a recently vacated retail space!), and I'm so looking forward to the opening on Saturday!

In this interview, Katie shares everything you need to generate bookings, make sales and exhibit your photography to get known in your community, grow your business and generate a high income with your photography.

Here's some more of what we covered in the interview:

• What is the goal of creating a photography exhibition
• Why photographers should be utilising exhibitions in their businesses
• Do you earn income through photography exhibitions
• How was Katie's photography business doing before her big break
• What Katie did to broadcast her business and tap into her target audience
• How the ‘Wanted Facebook Ads' changed the course of her business
• Katie's reasons that prompted her to launch her first Facebook Ad
• How to plan a photographic exhibition
• How long does it take to plan an exhibition
• Ideal print sizes to use for your first photographic exhibitions
• How to host and run a cost-friendly exhibition
• What happens to framed exhibition prints
• Katie's FB Ad inquiry process
• How to qualify customers that will be included in the photographic exhibition
• Are single mums a good fit when qualifying leads for profitable portrait sessions
• How to structure payment plans for clients
• Costs of running Facebook Ads to fill your exhibition
• Katie's photo and sales session process
• What to bring when doing client sessions at the client's home
• How Katie selects photos for her exhibition
• How to handle negative comments about your photography
• How much can you expect to earn from your first exhibitions
• How to promote the opening of your exhibition
• Katie's advice for those who want to exhibit their photography
• Why it is best to book sessions over the phone and not via online links
• How Katie sees her work now after having held two photography exhibitions

What’s on Offer for Premium Members

If you’re a premium member, you should have received an email with links to your version of this interview – the full-length and more revealing version where you hear the absolute best tips and advice from every guest.

If you’re on the fence about becoming a premium member, join with the $1 trial today and get access to the FULL interviews each week, get access to a fantastic back catalogue of interviews, and have ALL future interviews delivered automatically to your phone or tablet.

Plus, special member-only interviews.

That exhibition call was really my first big, I want to say break…the kind of the first big opportunity to really sort of get my name out there and to feel like an established business. – Katie Phillips

You'll also receive access to the members-only Secret Facebook Group, where you can connect with other Premium Members and interview guests to help, support and motivate you to take ideas you hear in each episode and put them into action. The group also has FB live video tutorials, role-play, and special live interviews. You will not find more friendly, motivated, caring and sharing photographers online.

Seriously, that's not all.

In addition to everything above, you'll get access and instructions on forming or joining a MasterMind Group with other premium members. These groups are super motivating, make you accountable and build friendships with other pro photographers with similar motives to you – to build a more successful photography business.

What is your big takeaway?

Following this interview, I’d love to know if you're taking anything from what Katie shared. Is there something you heard that excited or motivated you to the point where you thought, yeah, I'm going to do that! If so, leave your thoughts in the comments below; let me know your takeaways and what you plan to implement in your business due to what you heard in today's episode.

Being able to get out there and show people what I'm doing through this Facebook ad was really the pivotal moment to unlocking that audience. – Katie Phillips

If you have any questions I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Katie or if you want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them in the comments area below.

iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs

I check for any new iTunes or Google reviews each week, and it's always a buzz to receive these… for several reasons.

Firstly, it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!

Secondly, iTunes and Google are the biggest search engine for podcasts, and your reviews and ratings help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners mean more interviews and, ultimately, a better show.

If you have left a review in the past, thank you! If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes or https://photobizx.com/google, and you can leave some honest feedback and a rating which will help both me and the show, and I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog if you let me know the URL of your website and your name.

Alternatively, if you've left a review for PhotoBizX and are looking for more backlinks to help your SEO, leave a review for the new Photography Xperiment Podcast and email me your keywords or keyword phrase and where you'd like me to link to.

Another great way to get a backlink to your site is to send a video testimonial. It doesn't need to be fancy, and your phone will be perfect. Click record and tell me how PhotoBizX has impacted you and your photography business.​

Here are the latest reviews…

★★★★★ My business would not be where it is today!

Via Google Reviews by Adelaide Family Photographer Deb Elton, in Australia on May 3rd, 2023.

I just love all the excellent information and interviews Andrew provides each week to help grow my photography business.

There is always something new to learn.

Thank you Andrew, my business would not be where it is today without Photo Biz Exposed podcast. ?

★★★★★ Asks the questions the listener wants to ask!

Via Google Reviews by New Hampshire's Dog Photographer, Kimberly Sarah, in the USA on May 7th, 2023.

Andrew nails every interview and asks the questions the listener wants to ask!

My business mind has grown since listening to Photobizx, and I encourage every type of photographer to listen and go for the Premium Membership, it is so worth it!

Keep going Andrew!

On a side note, this American loves his Aussie accent!

Get ready to learn how to improve and make more and larger sales in your business.

You'll find all the details of the training here: https://photobizx.com/salescourse

Here are the main points…

• Take the course and get better at sales or get your money back. When I say get better, I mean make more and larger sales in your photography business.
• The cost is USD$97 and doubles after the live training session on Zoom.
• The live training is happening on May 11th, 2023, AEST. Your local time can be found: here
• Mark Rossetto is presenting and has personal PLUS coaching experience on sales — he knows what he's talking about and how to improve your sales.
• Once you register, you have lifetime access to the standalone course to be hosted on this website.
• Register before the live training and get FREE access to the Online Photography Sales Masterclass.
• If you want to get better at sales in your photography business, don't miss this one.

Registration and more details here: https://photobizx.com/salescourse