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Social media can be our best friend and our worst enemy. As senior photographers we not only have to be good at taking photos and everything that goes with camera settings, lighting, posing, etc. We also have to be good at marketing! One of the best ways to market to high school seniors and parents is through social media! Everyone is on social so whether you love it or hate it, it is a great tool to get in front of potential clients, and learning how to use it to your advantage will help you book more clients! In this post, we’re diving into a topic that’s essential for every modern senior photographer – how to use social media trends to your advantage. 

How to Use Social Media Trends to Your Advantage

Trend #1: Instagram Reels

First up, let’s talk about one of the most obvious trends in the social media world…IG reels! This feature has taken the platform by storm, allowing you to create short, engaging video content. You can also share these videos on Facebook now that Instagram and Facebook are all under Meta. And you can even repurpose these videos as TikToks…so really it’s a win, win-win. If the thought of creating IG reels from scratch has you feeling uncomfortable, you are not alone. We ALL struggle with getting in front of the camera and putting ourselves out there. But the beauty of IG reels is there are so many different approaches to creating them! 

Here are a few ways you can use Reels to showcase your senior photography business:

1. Behind the Scenes – Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your photo sessions. Reveal your creative process, and give your audience a taste of what it’s like to work with you.
2. Highlight Reels – Create a reel showcasing your best senior portrait work. Use popular music and showcase your best work to catch the eye of potential clients.
3. Have a little fun and get on camera!! – Your potential clients want to see you, they want to connect to you before hiring you and they can’t do that if all they ever see are the photos of your seniors and never see you!  You can show off your personality in a fun way!  Dancing reels or trending reels are a great way to have a little fun and get on camera.  Create a reel that really showcases your unique personality!  

Trend #2: TikTok for Business

TikTok isn’t just for dancing and lip-syncing; it’s a valuable platform for promoting your senior photography business! TikTok has been all the rage for a few years now, and honestly, we know why! Let’s break down how you can use TikTok for your business: 

1. Educational Content – Use TikTok to create short, informative videos about senior photo sessions. Offer tips on outfits, locations, and posing to engage your audience and build trust. Being real on social media is one of the best ways to connect with your audience, and it allows you to set yourself up as a professional in your field! 
2. Duets and Collaborations – Collaborate with seniors or influencers for duet videos. It’s a great way to reach new audiences and showcase your photography style.
3. Trend Riding – Keep an eye on TikTok trends and participate when relevant. Whether it’s a popular song you add to a video or competing in a challenge, incorporating trends into your content can boost your visibility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and let your personality shine! 

Trend #3: Pinterest Story Pins

Alrighty, moving on to tip #3: Pinterest! We all love Pinterest. From home decor, recipes, clothing, party planning, photography inspo, and more, Pinterest has it all. Pinterest’s Story Pins have gained popularity for visual storytelling. If you haven’t considered incorporating Pinterest into your social media strategy, this might just be the perfect next step for you! 

Here’s how you can use Pinterest story pins to your advantage:

1. Inspirational Mood Boards – Create story pins with mood boards showcasing your senior photography work. Use them to inspire seniors and their families as they plan their sessions.
2. Step-by-Step Guides – Offer step-by-step guides on how to prepare for a senior photoshoot. Share tips on wardrobe choices, makeup, and location selection.
3. Client Testimonials – Share stories from your satisfied senior clients through Story Pins. Highlight their experiences and the emotions captured in their photos. When it comes to creating graphics and designs for your pins, don’t forget about my favorite graphic design platform, Canva! It’s easy to use, has tons of amazing templates, and even offers a free plan option! 

Trend #4: Live Streaming

Okay, tip #4 is all about going live! Live streaming is a fantastic way to engage with your audience in real time. I know it might seem nerve-wracking at first, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel! Going live really is a great way for your audience and potential clients to see who you really are and get to know you! This can make such a difference in a client when they are contemplating whether or not to book. 

Here’s how you can incorporate going live into your senior photography business:

1. Q&A Sessions – Host live Q&A sessions where you answer questions about senior photo sessions, photography techniques, and pricing. 
2. Live Photoshoots – Give your audience a sneak peek into your photoshoots by live-streaming parts of the process. Share your creative decisions and engage with viewers’ comments! 
3. Contest and Giveaways – Boost engagement by hosting live contests and giveaways. Encourage viewers to participate and spread the word about your business.

Trend #5: Influencer Marketing

Last but absolutely not least, our last trend of the day is Influencer marketing! Influencer marketing is a powerful tool for growing your senior photography business. I would argue the best way to utilize influencer marketing is through having a spokesmodel team! If the idea of having a spokesmodel team is new to you, be sure to check out my podcast series on spokesmodel teams! We dive deep into how to create a team, find the right people, and manage your team throughout the year. 

If you aren’t sure you are ready for a full team, consider starting with these tips:

1. Identify Local Influencers – Research local influencers (parents of high schoolers, or seniors themselves) whose followers match your target audience. Reach out to them for collaboration on senior photoshoots in exchange for promotion.
2. Mini-Sessions – Offer mini-session packages to these influencers for a reduced fee in exchange for promotion on their social media channels.
3. User-Generated Content – Encourage your clients to create content around your work! Ask them to showcase their final photos on social media, and tag you! Share these posts to showcase your satisfied clients.

How to Use Social Media Trends to Your Advantage

Whether it’s Instagram Reels, TikTok for Business, Pinterest Story Pins, live streaming, or influencer marketing, these trends are your opportunity to shine in the digital world. Remember, staying current with social media trends and being creative in your approach can set you apart from the competition. Tailor your content to your unique style, and don’t be afraid to experiment.